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.
Vehicle Burglary Arrest
On March 25, at approximately 3:15am, Ventura Police patrol officers responded to a call regarding the suspect breaking into vehicles in the Santa Clara Parking Structure. When officers arrived, they found the suspect, 35 year old Bratton Smith, and attempted to stop him. He fled from them and the officers chased after him. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was caught and arrested. He was found to be in possession of stolen property from the burglary and the items were returned to the owners. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was arrested for vehicle burglary (felony) and resisting arrest (misdemeanor). No one was injured during this incident.
A review of the Ventura County Superior Court public records reveals Smith has prior arrests over the last two years which include theft, possession of narcotics and trespassing.
Community Crime Alert – Theft of Mail
On March 29, 2020, between the hours of 1200 and 1700 hours, the Ventura Police Department received several reports from residents in the neighborhoods in the area of Northbank Dr. and Petit Ave. and Telegraph Rd. and Kimball Rd., reporting the theft of mail. This was of out-going mail placed in community mailboxes. At this time, the number of victims is not known, but residents are encouraged to check to assure they are not a victim.
The Ventura Police Department would like to remind citizens that nobody is immune to crime, but there are steps you can take to help make a difference:
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First and foremost, we urge everyone to be vigilant and responsible neighbors and community members. Please immediately report any and all suspicious activity to us at 805-650-8010 (24 hr. non-emergency number) or 911 in the event of an emergency.
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It is recommended that residents avoid putting any out-going mail in their mailboxes, and place mail directly into an official postal service mailbox or give it directly to the mail carrier.
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Install a secure or interior mailbox.
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Schedule mail or packages to be picked up at the nearest delivery location.
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Connect and keep up with our department as we issue crime alerts, press releases, crime maps, and other valuable crime and safety information by following us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/venturapd, or visit our website at: www.venturapd.org.
The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. Anyone with information related to these crimes or may possibly have video surveillance of the suspect(s) is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4389, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Lewd Acts with a Child
On March 4 at 3pm, the Ventura Police Department received a call from the victim’s mother reporting her 13-year-old daughter was the victim of lewd acts and child annoyance. An officer responded and took the initial report from the victim and her parents.
The victim told the officer that she was riding a Gold Coast public transit bus from Mills Rd. and Telegraph Rd to Johnson Dr and Telephone Rd. During the transport suspect, 39 year old Anthony Ultreras, was also on the bus and sat next to the victim. Ultreras engaged the victim in a conversation and tried to lure the victim to Oxnard. The victim got off the bus at her regular stop and began walking home when the suspect followed her and began to grab her hands. After several minutes of Ultreras holding the victim’s hands, the victim was able to pull away and run home.
This case was assigned to the Special Victims Unit, where an investigation revealed Ultreras was the suspect and was positively identified. Gold Coast Transit assisted SVU by providing video and audio from the bus that Ultreras and the victim were riding. Ultreras is currently on Parole for Lewd acts on a child with electronic monitoring and is a sex registrant.
On March 31, SVU and Ultreras’ Parole Officer responded to his place of residence in the City of Oxnard and took Ultreras into custody. Ultreras was later booked at VCJ for Lewd Acts with a Child and a Parole Violation.
Follow up into this case is still ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 805-339-4472.
