by Cindy Summers
Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura Police Department and are not the opinions of the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Assault with a deadly weapon/Carrying a concealed fixed blade knife
The victim was inside his business when he heard something being thrown against his outside wall. The victim confronted 28-year-old Ventura resident Sariah Cundif outside and Cundif pulled a fixed blade kitchen knife. Cundif aggressed the victim and slashed at him several times with the knife. Cundif fled the area and patrol officers located her at a nearby shopping center where she was identified by the victim. Officers located the knife used in the assault concealed in Cundif’s clothing. The victim was not injured in the assault.
Cundif was booked at the Ventura County Jail on the above charges.
Shooting with Arrest
On August 3, at approximately 1:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a shooting that just occurred near the intersection of Seaward Av and San Marcos St. Responding officers arrived within two minutes of the initial call.
The officers learned that the victim was stopped at a red light at the intersection when the suspect drove up next to him and stopped. The victim recognized the occupant as a former acquaintance when the suspect fired several rounds at him nearly striking him. The suspect fled from the scene. The victim had minor injuries due to glass breaking in his face.
The ensuing complex investigation by detectives culminated with the arrest of the suspect, 46-year-old Ventura resident Cleveland Casey, on August 31.
Cleveland Casey was located by detectives at a gas station at Citrus Dr and Wells Rd. During the arrest of Cleveland, he was in possession of a loaded firearm and illegal narcotics.
A subsequent search warrant was served at Cleveland’s residence where an additional firearm and ammunition was located as well as over a pound of suspected fentanyl, over a pound of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and a large sum of money.
Cleveland was booked into Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm), felon in possession of a firearm, possession for sale of controlled substances, and other drug related charges.
