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.
The Ventura Police Department is asking the public for photos or video of a fight reported in downtown Ventura last month.
The altercation broke out around 12:48 a.m. Dec. 5 in the 400 block of East Main Street.
Sgt. Bill Dolan of the department’s major crimes unit said the fight involved two victims, a 29-year-old man and a 30-year-old man, and a group of five to seven male suspects who were believed to be in their early 20s. One victim suffered a non-fatal stab wound to the leg, while the other had a finger nearly severed off and a laceration to the arm.
Dolan said investigators have learned photo and video of the fight exists but have yet to view them. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or recorded parts of the attack is asked to contact Detective Gil Pusen at 805-339-4467 or email [email protected]. Information and media can be submitted anonymously.
Fatal Traffic Collision
On January 8, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call regarding a single vehicle collision into a building in the 4200 block of Market St. Upon arrival, two occupants, the driver and a passenger, were found deceased inside of the vehicle. Antony Moctezuma (21 yrs), Ventura Resident and Agustin De Paz (19 yrs), Ventura Resident
An additional passenger had serious, but not life threatening injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.
Preliminary investigation and evidence at the scene indicate that the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed prior to colliding with the building. The investigation into this collision is still ongoing and any witnesses are encouraged to contact Traffic Collision Investigator Chris Wilson at 805-339-4366.
Residential Burglary, Felony Vandalism, and Prowling Arrest
On December 28, 2022, at approximately 3:45 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a juvenile home alone, hiding in a closet, reporting that a subject had broken into their home and was still inside.
Officers arrived on scene in two minutes and safely detained a male subject, later identified as 35-year-old vagrant Johnathan Cervantes, as he walked out of the house. While inside the home, Cervantes broke into bedroom doors and vandalized the house, causing over $500 in damage.
During the investigation, it was discovered Cervantes had gone up to at least one additional residence on the street, knocked on the door, and claimed he was from the Ventura County Water Department when the homeowner answered.
Based on Cervantes’s actions, he was arrested for Prowling, Felony Vandalism, and Residential Burglary. Cervantes was booked at the Ventura County Jail.
DUI Collision into a Residential Home
On December 31, 2022, at approximately 1:15 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a single vehicle collision into a residential house in the 10000 block of Jamestown Street. An off-duty Ventura Police Officer heard the collision and witnessed 55-year-old Ventura resident Michael Souter leaving the area on foot.
The off-duty Ventura Police Officer coordinated responding officers to Souter’s location and after a brief foot pursuit, Souter was taken into custody. During the arrest, Souter tried to punch the arresting officer.
The residents of the home were not injured. Souter was booked at the Ventura County Jail for
misdemeanor hit and run, misdemeanor driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and assault on a police officer.
Residential Burglary Arrest
On January 6, 2023, at approximately 7:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from an alert witness reporting a suspicious male subject had entered a neighbor’s residence. The reporting party felt this to be suspicious, due to the fact the residents were away on vacation.
Officers arrived on scene and detained a male subject, later identified as 43-year-old vagrant Michael Nathan, inside of the residence.
During the investigation, it was determined Waites made entry via a broken window and had been squatting inside the residence for several days. He was also found to be in possession of stolen items from the residence.
Waites was arrested for Residential Burglary and booked at the Ventura County Jail.
