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.

Carjacking / Hit and Run Arrest

On June 30, at approximately 4:30 pm, Ventura Police Patrol officers responded to a report of a carjacking which just occurred in the 5700 block of Telephone Rd. The victim was sitting in her vehicle when the suspect approached her and pulled her out of the vehicle. The suspect threw the victim to the ground and took the keys to her vehicle. The suspect then fled the area in the victim’s vehicle, running over the victim’s foot in the process. The victim suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision.

At approximately 11:45 pm, the California Highway Patrol stopped the victim’s stolen vehicle in the city of Oxnard after a traffic pursuit that began in Los Angeles County. The driver of the stolen vehicle, 20 year old Gerd Pineda, was safely taken into custody by California Highway Patrol officers. Pineda was also identified as the carjacking suspect. Pineda was arrested by the California Highway Patrol for charges related to the traffic pursuit and he was arrested by Ventura Police for the Carjacking and Hit and Run incident. The recovered stolen vehicle was returned to the victim. Neither the suspect nor officers were injured as a result of this incident.

Attempted Robbery with arrest

On June 30, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the Victim, who was reporting a robbery just occurred in front of the business.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspects saw the victim walking in the area. Collin Potter, 24 year old Ventura resident, and 18 year old Ventura resident Christo Benitez drove by the victim and parked nearby. Potter and Benitez approached the Victim on foot and pointed a handgun at the victim demanding money and his wallet. The victim refused to give over his wallet as an unrelated vehicle entered the parking lot. Potter and Benitez saw the unrelated vehicle and fled the area in their vehicle.

Officers were quickly able to identify Potter as the suspect with the firearm. Detectives with the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit were able to locate Potter and conduct surveillance on him in the area of Saticoy in Ventura. During the surveillance Potter was seen with Benitez, who was identified as the second suspect in the attempted robbery. Potter, Benitez and a third subject were seen entering a vehicle and driving away.

VPD Gang unit detectives along with patrol officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and both Potter and Benitez were taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was detained for a short time and released from the scene.

Potter is currently out on bail for Assault with a deadly weapon (Firearm), Robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, and Hit and Run. He is a documented Gang member and is on active Probation with Post Release Offender Status and gang terms.

Benitez is a documented gang member.

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.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On June 12, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call for a residential burglary report. Officers arrived at the residence and took a detailed report with a list of all the stolen property.

At approximately 5:50 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call for throwing trash near a dumpster at Buena High School. Officers arrived and contacted 38 year old Ventura resident Joseph Romero, who was going through the garbage. Officers started an investigation, and property from the earlier burglary was found in the back of Romero’s pickup truck. This lead to a probation search at Romero’s home where the remaining property from the burglary was recovered. Crime Scene Investigators came out and processed the burglary, and further evidence was obtained linking Romero to the crime.

Romero was arrested for Felony Residential Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, and Misdemeanor Vehicle Vandalism. A search of the Ventura County Superior Court records shows that Romero has been convicted of theft and multiple drug-related crimes.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

On June 14, at approximately 4:15 pm, the Ventura Unified School District was holding senior graduation ceremonies at the City Hall, and the Ventura Police Department School Resource Officers were assisting with event security and traffic control. The event was a modified graduation “experience” in which the participating students and family members were driving up to the front steps of the City Hall to receive their diplomas.

At approximately 1618 hours, one of the officers was at the intersection of Poli St. and Chestnut St., monitoring participating vehicles that were entering the event, when he noticed a vehicle approaching his location westbound on Poli St. The vehicle, a white Jeep Gladiator, was travelling at a high rate of speed and did not appear to be slowing down as it got closer to the intersection. As the officer stood in the street trying to get the driver’s attention, the driver later identified as 29 year old Ojai resident Cameron Ransom, accelerated towards the officer. The officer was able to move out of the path of the vehicle, which continued driving on Poli St. towards the area of the main event, where students, families and school staff were congregated.

Ransom continued to drive at a high rate of speed, before suddenly turning up into the rear parking lot of the City Hall. Before turning, another officer pulled two volunteers, a parent and student, out of the roadway fearing they might get hit by Ransom’s vehicle.

At the time, the rear parking lot was crowded with vehicles, which were occupied by parents and students staged for the event, so all three School Resource Officers quickly responded on foot and in vehicles in an attempt to stop Ransom. Ransom continued to drive recklessly and at a high rate of speed as he started driving back towards the main event. Officers used a patrol vehicle to block his path and attempted to remove Ransom from his vehicle. Ransom resisted, but when additional officers arrived on scene, he was safely detained.

It was determined Ransom was driving under the influence. He became combative during the field sobriety examination and after a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

After a medical clearance for minor injuries he sustained during the struggle, Ransom was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon of a police officer, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of alcohol.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Residential Burglary, Child Endangerment Arrest

On June 23, at approximately 9:45 pm, Patrol officers responded to a 911 call of a burglary in progress where the suspect had broken into the victim’s home by breaking out a window. After he gained access to the house, the residents confronted him, and a physical fight ensued.

When officers arrived, the residents were still fighting with the suspect, 32 year old Ventura resident Luis Alvarez Vargas, inside of the house. Officers immediately assisted and were able to detain him in handcuffs. The suspect was bleeding profusely from a laceration to his arm he received when he broke the window to gain access to the house. Fire and AMR responded and transported the suspect for his injuries.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was arrested for vandalism, residential burglary, battery, and child endangerment. One of the adult residents had minor injuries as a result of the fight. He was treated at the scene.

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 Pursuit and Arrest

On June 6, at approximately 10:30 pm, a Ventura police officer was patrolling the area of Blackburn Rd. and Kimball Rd., when he observed a moving violation and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 33 year old Ventura resident Juan Delarosa-Padilla, failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. Delarosa-Padilla entered onto the westbound Highway 126 from Kimball Rd., and reached speeds of approx. 90 mph.

Delarosa-Padilla exited Victoria Ave., and proceeded to run several stop signs and a red light, before stopping his vehicle in the 700 block of Webster St. He exited his vehicle and initially appeared to want to give up, but then fled on foot into a nearby condominium complex. A short time later, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call that Delarosa-Padilla was on the porch of a condo in the 700 block of Shaw Way. The condo belonged to an acquaintance of his, but she was unaware he was coming over. Officers responded to the condo and took him into custody without incident after he had forced his way inside.

Delarosa-Padilla was arrested for felony evading, resisting arrest, driving under the influence of alcohol and driving on a suspended license.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Delarosa-Padilla has prior convictions of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Commercial Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Resisting Arrest, and Battery on a Peace Officer Arrest

On June 7, at approximately 11:15 pm, patrol officers responded to an alarm call at Power Storage (1661 S. Victoria Avenue). When officers arrived, they found the business closed, but the front glass door had been smashed. As officers began to check the interior of the business, another officer observed a subject, later identified as 31 year old vagrant Vigil Dimas Rodriguez, on a bicycle path near the business. Rodriguez was holding a tool commonly used to commit burglaries. Rodriguez ignored an officer’s commands and physically resisted officers as they detained him. Rodriguez was taken into custody and found to be in possession of property stolen from Power Storage. A Ventura Police K-9 officer assisted officers with a search of the premises and no additional suspects were located.

Rodriguez was arrested for Commercial Burglary, Possession of Burglary Tools, Resisting Arrest, and Battery on a Peace Officer.

Unlawful Sex with Minors

On February 20, a minor filed a complaint with the Ventura Police Department that she was a victim of unlawful sex with a minor with 23 year old Abrahan J. Almaguer. The victim told Detectives that she knew Almaguer as “Joey Pryer” on Instagram, and he had sold her several controlled substances over several months. In exchange for the controlled substances, the victim had sexual intercourse with Almaguer. During this time frame, the victim was 16 years old. Detectives were able to author several search warrants to identify Almaguer. After reviewing the search warrants, Detectives located several other minors that were potential victims of drug sales and unlawful sexual intercourse.

While the Ventura Police Department was investigating the sexual Assaults and drug sales, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit received a complaint that Almaguer was involved in the sales of controlled substances to minors. Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Detectives learned through an investigation that there was evidence to prove Almaguer was involved in Illicit drug sales activity.

On April 30, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served a two-location search warrant at Almaguer’s two residences in Oxnard. As a result of the search warrants, detectives seized 29 Adderall pills, approximately 314 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, approximately 27 pounds of marijuana, approximately 8 ounces of suspected liquid THC, and numerous other marijuana products. Based on what was found during the search warrant, Almaguer was arrested for violation of Health and Safety Code 11378, HS 11379(a), and HS 11353. Almaguer was released on zero bail.

On May 11, Ventura Police Detectives contacted another minor who was seen communicating with Almaguer on Instagram. This victim told Detectives that on May 24, she went over to Almaguer’s residence, where he supplied her with controlled substances, had unlawful sexual intercourse and oral copulation with her. During this incident, the victim was 14 years old.

As a result of the Ventura Police Departments’ investigation, an arrest warrant was filed for the arrest of Almaguer for the violations of Penal Code 261 .5(c), PC 261 .5(d), and PC 287(b)(2) PC. On May 28, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit arrested Almaguer at his West Cedar Street residence without indecent. Almaguer’s Bail was increased and set at $1,000,000.

These investigations are ongoing, and if you have any information reference these crimes, please contact Sergeant Kenny Welch Ventura Police Department Special Victims Unit at 805-339-4472, Sergeant Hector Macias Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 805-384-4730 or Detective Corey Stump Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at 805-384-4749.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On June 12, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call for a residential burglary report. Officers arrived at the residence and took a detailed report with a list of all the stolen property.

At approximately 5:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call for throwing trash near a dumpster at Buena High School. Officers arrived and contacted 38 year old Ventura resident Joseph Romero, who was going through the garbage. Officers started an investigation, and property from the earlier burglary was found in the back of Romero’s pickup truck. This lead to a probation search at Romero’s home where the remaining property from the burglary was recovered. Crime Scene Investigators came out and processed the burglary, and further evidence was obtained linking Romero to the crime.

Romero was arrested for Felony Residential Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, and Misdemeanor Vehicle Vandalism.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court records shows that Romero has been convicted of theft and multiple drug-related crimes.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

On June 14, the Ventura Unified School District was holding senior graduation ceremonies at the City Hall, and the Ventura Police Department School Resource Officers were assisting with event security and traffic control. The event was a modified graduation “experience” in which the participating students and family members were driving up to the front steps of the City Hall to receive their diplomas.

At approximately 4:15 pm, one of the officers was at the intersection of Poli St. and Chestnut St., monitoring participating vehicles that were entering the event, when he noticed a vehicle approaching his location westbound on Poli St. The vehicle, a white Jeep Gladiator, was travelling at a high rate of speed and did not appear to be slowing down as it got closer to the intersection. As the officer stood in the street trying to get the driver’s attention, the driver later identified as 29 year old Ojai resident Cameron Ransom, accelerated towards the officer. The officer was able to move out of the path of the vehicle, which continued driving on Poli St. towards the area of the main event, where students, families and school staff were congregated.

Ransom continued to drive at a high rate of speed, before suddenly turning up into the rear parking lot of the City Hall. Before turning, another officer pulled two volunteers, a parent and student, out of the roadway fearing they might get hit by Ransom’s vehicle.

At the time, the rear parking lot was crowded with vehicles, which were occupied by parents and students staged for the event, so all three School Resource Officers quickly responded on foot and in vehicles in an attempt to stop Ransom. Ransom continued to drive recklessly and at a high rate of speed as he started driving back towards the main event. Officers used a patrol vehicle to block his path and attempted to remove Ransom from his vehicle. Ransom resisted, but when additional officers arrived on scene, he was safely detained.

It was determined Ransom was driving under the influence. He became combative during the field sobriety examination and after a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

After a medical clearance for minor injuries he sustained during the struggle, Ransom was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon of a police officer, resisting arrest and driving under the influence of alcohol.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

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.

Narcotics Drug Lab Arrest

On May 20, at approximately 11:30 pm, a concerned citizen called 911 to report suspicious circumstances in the 700 block of E. Santa Clara St.

The reporting party smelled a chemical odor coming from a nearby apartment. She looked through an open window and saw what she believed to be a drug lab. Ventura Police Department Patrol officers responded to the area, contacted and detained the suspect identified as 20 year old Ventura resident Joshua Headly.

Street Crimes Unit Narcotics Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.

Detectives using investigative tools were able to determine this was an illegal drug lab making dimethyltryptamine (DMT). DMT is a hallucinogenic tryptamine drug, and this drug produces effects similar to those of psychedelics, like LSD and magic mushrooms.

Narcotics Detectives served a search warrant at the apartment with assistance of Department of Justice LA Impact clandestine labratory response team.

During the execution of the search warrant detectives were able to recover evidence from the dismantled lab including manufactured DMT.

Headly was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for 11379.6(a) H&S- Manufacturing a Controlled Substance and 11366 H&S- Operating a Drug House.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Joshua Headly has no prior arrest.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On May 22, at approximately 8:00 am, residents of a house in the 1100 block of Poli Street left their house. As they left, they saw the suspect, 41 year old vagrant Seth Dees, loitering near their house. A few minutes later, the suspect was out of sight and the residents suspected he may have gone onto their property. As they walked back to their house, they found the suspect inside of their residence. They confronted him as he was leaving with some of their property and called 911. The suspect left but responding officers found and detained him. At the conclusion of the investigation, officers determined the suspect had entered the house through an unlocked door, took property and left. Dees was arrested for residential burglary (felony).

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed Dees has been arrested seventeen times since 2015. His arrest charges include possession of narcotics, trespassing, vehicle tampering, resisting arrest, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and possession of an illegal weapon.

Sexual Assault Investigation/Homicide Investigation

Update: Jose Mendez had remained in the hospital since the sexual assault investigation. On May 25, Mendez succumbed to those injuries sustained from the incident. This investigation is on- going and is now, also being investigated as a homicide.

Ventura Police Detectives continue to work with State Parks Police in this investigation.

On May 5, at approximately 6:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a possible sexual assault that occurred in California State Parks property north of the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Patrol officers responded and located the victim and suspect on the bike path adjacent to the fairgrounds. The suspect was unconscious in a pull wagon. Due to the seriousness of the crime and complexities involved the Ventura Police Department handled the investigation with the assistance of the California State Parks Police.

During the course of the investigation it was learned that the victim was walking on the bike path with her dog when she decided to walk on the beach heading towards Emma Wood State Beach. As she began her walk on the beach, she noticed the suspect following her at a distance.

The victim let her dog off leash while she was on the beach and her dog fled into the brush area. As she went into the brush area to find her dog the suspect went with her and sexually assaulted her. The victim began to scream, and the suspect ran away.

Several individuals in the river bottom heard the commotion and learned that the victim may have been sexually assaulted. The group chased after the suspect and began to assault him. The suspect was knocked unconscious and was put into a pull wagon and taken to the bike path where he was left. The victim returned to the bike path, identified the suspect, and stood by awaiting police arrival.

The suspect was transported by AMR ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was remains in the hospital due to his injuries.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Sergeant Dolan at 805-339-4444.

Narcotics Sales and Weapons Violations arrests

On May 9, at approximately 1:00 am, Ventura Police Department Patrol responded to the area of Saticoy Avenue and Daisy Drive for a report of several gunshots heard. No one was injured from the gunshots. However, officers searched the area and located evidence of a discharged firearm.

SCU Narcotics Detectives directed an investigation using investigative tools and neighborhood surveillance cameras. Detectives were able to identify the vehicle associated with the shooting, and its driver, 19 year old Ventura resident Osmar Zarate.

On May 26, during the subsequent investigation, narcotics detectives, VPD K-9, and patrol officers conducted a traffic stop on Osmar Zarate and his passenger, 19 year old Ventura resident Sebastian Martinez. On the detention officers discovered a large quantity of narcotics, which included cocaine, psilocybin, alprazolam, cannabis, and concentrated cannabis inside Zarate’s vehicle. They also located a loaded handgun inside the car matching the caliber of the firearm discharged on May 9.

As a result of the investigation, Osmar Zarate was arrested for possession of narcotics and allowing someone to shoot a firearm from your vehicle.

Sebastian Martinez was arrested for negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of narcotics for sales, possession of alprazolam for sales, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, and illegal transfer of a firearm.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that both arrestees have no prior arrests.

Identity Theft and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On April 27, at approximately 6:00 am, a vehicle was stolen from the 2000 block of El Jardin in Ventura. The car was left unlocked with the keys in it. Also, inside the vehicle was the victim’s wallet with credit cards. During the investigation, the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit, along with the Ventura Police Criminal Investigative Technician, identified 24 year old vagrant Eric Wimberley from security footage using the victim’s credit cards to make several purchases at different locations in Oxnard. Wimberley was also using the credit cards to purchase items online.

On May 23, Ventura Police Street Crimes Detectives began investigating a stolen vehicle that had been stolen in the 2500 block of Poli St in the city of Ventura. This car was locked; however, a spare key was left inside the vehicle. Based on this investigation, detectives determined that Wimberley was driving the stolen vehicle and later abandoned it near the Pacific View Mall.

On May 26, while on a separate investigation, Street Crimes Detectives saw Wimberley on foot in the area of Empire Ave and Preble Ave. While they followed him in an undercover capacity, they saw Wimberley walking around residential apartment complex parking lots and looking into cars. Ventura Police Patrol assisted the SCU Detectives in detaining and arresting Wimberley.

Wimberley was booked at the Ventura County Jail for four counts of identity theft and possession of a stolen vehicle. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Wimberley has prior convictions for grand theft, petty theft, possession of stolen property, identity theft, and possession of narcotics.

Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit would like to remind everyone to keep their vehicles locked and do not leave valuables inside their cars, especially the keys to the cars.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On May 27, at approximately 10:30pm, Ventura Police Patrol officers responded to a residential burglary that had just occurred. The victim observed the suspect outside of the victim’s apartment patio. The victim confronted the suspect, who was holding the victim’s bicycle. The suspect then dropped the bicycle and fled the area. The victim then called 911. The suspect, 35 year old vagrant Jon Clift, was detained in a nearby apartment complex. At the conclusion of the investigation, officers determined Clift had reached into the victim’s enclosed apartment patio and stolen the victim’s bicycle. Clift was arrested for 1st Degree Residential Burglary.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court and Ventura County Sheriff Inmate public records wesbites revealed Clift was arrested on May 26 for commercial burglary and was released later that evening. Clift has been arrested an additional nine time since 2015 for charges including possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, under the influence of a controlled substance, petty theft, possession of an illegal weapon, and receiving stolen property.

Grand Theft and Embezzlement Arrest

During the week of May 18, the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit began investigating an ongoing embezzlement/theft of city property from the Ventura City Maintenance Yard by employee 57 year old Francisco Ceniceros.

Due to the investigation, Ceniceros was placed on administrative leave. On May 27, detectives served a search warrant at Ceniceros’ residence. There, detectives located stolen property that had been identified as belonging to the City of Ventura.

Based on the investigation and the property located, Ceniceros was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for Grand Theft (theft over $950.00) and Embezzlement. The investigation is continuing.

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.

Robbery with arrest

On May 8, at approximately 3am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the clerk at Circle K, who was reporting a robbery just occurred at the business.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspect entered Circle K and began demanding cigarettes. The suspect then brandished a knife and came behind the register. He also instructed the clerk to open the cash register. The suspect took several packs of cigarettes and cash from the register.

The clerk provided a description of the suspect. Officers canvassed the area and located a suspect matching the description in a nearby gas station parking lot. Officers detained the suspect, identified as 18 year old Juan Jimenez, and the clerk identified Jimenez as the robber. Jimenez was also found in possession of several boxes of cigarettes and cash.

Jimenez was booked in Ventura County Jail for Robbery. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Shooting

On May 9, at approximately 1am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls of gunshots heard in the area of S. Saticoy Ave at Daisy Dr. While officers were investigating, physical evidence was found at the scene that indicated a shooting did occur. Officers conducted a canvas of the area, but no victim(s) were located.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805)339-4444.

Vehicle vs. Pedestrian TC

On May 8, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from the driver of a vehicle that had just struck a pedestrian on eastbound Telegraph Rd. East of Wake Forrest Ave. As officers arrived on the scene they found the 56-year-old female victim lying in the roadway being attended to by Ventura City Fire personnel. Within minutes AMR arrived on scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital. The status of the victim is unknown at this time.

As officers began their investigation, they learned that the victim had just exited a bus on the north side of the street. After leaving the bus, she started walking across the street mid-block. While crossing the eastbound lanes of traffic, one vehicle almost struck her; however, at the last moment, the driver of the was able to slow down. The victim continued across the street when she hit by the reporting party’s car.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene after calling 911 and was cooperating with officers. Officers evaluated the driver, and drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision. The Ventura Police Traffic Unit will be continuing this investigation.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On May 11, Ventura Police Department Patrol responded to a residential burglary that occurred the night before. The victim had left their garage door open and went for a walk around the neighborhood. During that time, from about 8 pm to 8:30 pm, an unknown subject later identified as 33 year old vagrant Raymond Gonzalez entered the garage, rummaged through the cars and stole the victim’s mountain bike. While Gonzalez was in the garage, the victim’s family was at home in the house.

When the victim realized his bike had been stolen, he checked his Ring Camera video and saw that the suspect had been inside his garage. He posted the video onto the Ring Camera Neighborhood App, warning others in the area.

Many community members had seen the video of the suspect and had been in contact with the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit (SCU). SCU and PROS (Post Release Offender Supervision) Detectives along with VPD Patrol officers began looking for the suspect.

On May 12, an alert citizen saw a suspicious suspect that matched Gonzalez’s description and called 911. SCU and PROS Detectives were already in the area and located Gonzalez and took him into custody without incident. It was also discovered that Gonzalez had returned to the same garage later during the night of May 11 and committed another burglary.

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.

Contacting Minors for Sexual Purposes, Possession of Child Pornography

On March 28 at 12pm, Ventura Police Detectives received a tip from Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and a tip from National Center for Missing and exploited Children (NCMEC) that a 14-year-old Male had requested help as he was being pressured into sending photos to a subject on Instagram.

On March 30, a detective from SVU contacted the Juvenile and learned that a subject with a female profile contacted the Juvenile and sent him nude photos of a female. The subject with the female profile was later identified to be 22 year old Travis Whitfield. Under the fraudulent female profile, Whitfield asked for nude photos from the Juvenile. The Juvenile sent a nude photo to Whitfield. Whitfield asked for more pictures, and if the Juvenile did not send photos, Whitfield would send the first photo out on the internet. The Juvenile tried to get out from sending more photos to Whitfield but feared his photo was going to be sent out to friends and family. Prior to sending Whitfield more photos the Juvenile asked for help from Instagram, ICAC, and NCMEC.

During the investigation, detectives learned through search warrants that several Juveniles were contacted by Whitfield starting in 2018. Detectives also learned Whitfield was conspiring with another subject who also lived in Oxnard. Both subjects were exchanging juvenile photos and sharing ideas on how to get juveniles to share nude photos of themselves. Oxnard Police Department was contacted and took over the investigation on the second suspect, who was later arrested on April 8.

On April 6, SVU, FBI, VCDA Investigators, and a VPD K-9 unit served a search warrant at Whitfield’s residence and recovered several pieces of evidence. Whitfield was arrested during the search warrant service and later booked at Contacting minors for a sexual purpose, Conspiracy, Dissuading a victim, Possession of child pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography with intent to distribute. Whitfield’s bail was set at one million.

Follow up into this case is still ongoing as we know there are many victims that we have not contacted. If Whitfield has contacted, you or your child under the Instagram name “Devon Bay” or the Instagram

Attempt Homicide

On April 9, at approximately 7am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the Manager at the Loops Motor Lodge as he had found a female subject bleeding from the head in a room.

Patrol officers arrived and learned that the victim was staying at the Lodge with her boyfriend, 31 year old Jonathan Aguirre. Both became involved in a domestic dispute and began to argue. During the argument, Aguirre strangled the victim, causing her to lose consciousness. Aguirre exited the room and picked up a rock from the planter and began to hit the victim over the head.

Aguirre fled prior to Police arrival and was later found by officers walking in a nearby neighborhood. Aguirre was taken into custody and later booked at VCJ for Attempt Homicide and a Parole Violation.

The victim has moderate to severe injuries, a laceration to the skull, fractured left hand, and visible signs of being strangled.

Aguirre is currently on parole for threats of violence, battery, and is on probation out of LA County for robbery.

Domestic Violence with SWAT Activation

On April 11, at approximately 2:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a physical domestic inside an apartment at the Peppertree Condos in the 1300 block of Saratoga Ave. The male suspect, later identified as 34 year old Ventura resident Gilbert Rivera, forced his way into his ex- girlfriend’s condo by breaking a sliding glass door and physically assaulted her once inside. The victim and three of her young children were able to leave the condo, and were met by responding officers. It was reported Rivera armed himself with a knife as the victim fled from the condo and then barricaded himself inside.

The victim received minor injuries to her arms and legs from broken glass. She was treated at the scene. None of the children were injured.

Officers attempted to negotiate with Rivera, but he refused to come out of the condo. While speaking with officers, he repeatedly threatened to assault and kill officers. Rivera also threw glass bottles, metal objects and various items at officers who were outside of the condo. He also intentionally lit two fires inside the condo, which caused minor damage.

For the safety of other residents in the building, all the occupants inside the neighboring condos were evacuated.

The Ventura SWAT team was activated and responded to the scene. Crisis negotiators also responded and after approximately 8.5 hours of negotiations, Rivera surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

Commercial Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Felon with Ammo, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Controlled Substance, Wanted Felon Arrest

On March 31 at 4am, Ventura Police Department Patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary at Gracie’s Deals, located in the 90 block of W. Main St. At about 0400 hours, an unknown suspect broke into the store and stole several thousand dollars worth of t-shirts and sweatshirts. Street Crimes Detectives began an investigation and identified 39 year old Ventura resident Cano Sanchez as the burglar through security video footage.

On April 16 at 8am, Street Crimes Detectives, with the assistance of Ventura Police Patrol Officers, K9 and Ventura Police PROS Unit served a search warrant on a residence in the 40 block of Vince St. During the service of the search warrant, Sanchez fled from officers and began jumping fences in an attempt to escape. Sanchez was taken safely into custody in the 150 block of Vince St. Also, inside the residence was a wanted felon, 30 year old Ventura resident Anthony Maxwell, who was taken into custody without incident. During the search of the home, most of the stolen property from Gracie’s Deals was located, along with an illegal AR-style rifle, ammunition, and methamphetamines.

Maxwell was arrested and booked at VCJ for his warrant and possession of stolen property related to the burglary. Sanchez was arrested and booked for commercial burglary, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and felon in possession of ammo. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Sanchez has prior convictions of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of illegal weapons, possession of drugs, resisting arrest, and a recent arrest for felony battery.

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:

• 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.

• 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.

• Install a secure or interior mailbox.

• Schedule mail or packages to be picked up at the nearest delivery location.

• 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.

Prowling Arrest

On March 15, at 8:16am, , the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 of a prowler in the backyard of a residence in the 800 block of Murdoch Ln. The subject, later identified as Edgar Suarez (Ventura resident born 5-12-1997), was being physically detained by the homeowner. When officers arrived and attempted to take custody of Suarez, he resisted officers. After a brief struggled, he was taken into custody and later arrested for prowling and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

At approximately 2000 hrs, officers responded to a call of a prowler seen in the backyard of a residence in the 1000 block of Partridge Dr., which is within a block of the call on Murdoch Ln.

Officers conducted further investigation and determined Suarez was the same suspect and arrested for an additional charge of aggravated trespassing for attempting to enter the residence on Partridge Dr.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Commercial Burglary and Conspiracy Arrest

On Monday, March 2^, employees of Ventura High School discovered that the school had been burglarized and over $9,000 of computer equipment had been stolen including 37 laptop computers. Ventura Police Department Patrol, CSI, and Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.

Detectives, with help from Ventura High staff, identified one of the suspects, Yovanna Vaca Yovanna (DOB 8/30/2000) , from surveillance video that was captured during the commission of the crime. Detectives began investigating the suspect and were able to identify the additional suspect as the boyfriend of Vaca. On 3/11/20 Street Crimes Detectives served a search warrant in the 300 block of Cedar St at the home of the male suspect, Brayan De La Paz. ( 2-7-2000 Ventura Resident)

During the execution of the search warrant detectives were able to recover all 37 laptop computers at the residence. Both suspects were arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary. The computers were returned to Ventura High School for their intended educational purposes.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On March 21, ay 6;04pm , the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance in stopping a vehicle that was being driven by a wanted subject, later identified as Anthony Mosqueda (DOB: 03/19/89, Ventura Resident). Mosqueda had a felony warrant for evading arrest in a vehicle. A Ventura police officer saw the vehicle near Seaward Ave. and Harbor Blvd., and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Mosqueda failed to pullover and a brief vehicle pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued traveling on Harbor Blvd., but was discontinued by the officer when he lost sight of the vehicle. Additional officers responded and located the vehicle abandoned in 1000 block of Cove St. After a search of the area, Mosqueda was found walking with a child and two females on Harbor Blvd. He was taken into custody without incident.

Mosqueda was arrested for felony evading arrest, felony child endangerment for having his child in the vehicle, false information to a police officer and the felony warrant. The two female passengers were released from the scene. A second male passenger had fled from the vehicle and was not located after a search of the area. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Mosqueda has prior convictions for felony evading arrest, resisting arrest, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

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.

Brandishing of a Replica Firearm, Battery on a Police Dog, Resisting Arrest and Trespassing

On February 25 at 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a subject armed and brandishing a handgun near the intersection of Thompson Blvd. and Garden St. Officers arrived and contacted the victim, who reported last seeing the subject climbing a fence and go underneath the Highway 101 overpass at Garden St. The subject, 37-year-old vagrant Jeffrey Wheelock, is known by officers to frequent the area and located him hiding in a crawl space under the overpass.

Officers gave Wheelock several commands to come out, but he refused and would not show them his hands. With reports that Wheelock was possibly armed with a handgun, a Ventura Police K-9, Miles, was deployed. Wheelock began hitting the K-9 in the head, and was able to further wedge himself into the crawl space. Officers trained in crisis negotiations responded and negotiated with Wheelock for approximately 30 minutes but were unsuccessful. Officers also deployed water using a fire hose in an attempt to flush Wheelock out, but he still did not come out. The K-9 was deployed a second time, at which time several officers approached the crawl space and were able to physically take Wheelock into custody.

During a search of his property, two replica firearms were located.

Wheelock was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries as a result of the dog bite, and later booked for brandishing of a replica firearm, battery on a police dog, resisting arrest and trespassing.

Warrant Arrest

On February 26, at approximately 1pm, officers attempted to conduct a probation search on a Post Release Offender (PROS) in the 200 block of Delaware Dr. As the officers knocked on the front door, 39-year-old Steven Bohannan ran out of the rear of the house and started to jump over fences running from one yard to another. Bohannan does not live at the address and was not the subject of the search; however, the officers recognized him as being a wanted subject.

Officers quickly set up a perimeter and asked for additional resources to assist in searching for Bohannan. A short time later, a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter arrived as well as Ventura Police K9 officer and his partner Miles. After an extensive search, officers were able to narrow Bohannan’s location to an address in the 2900 block of Omaha Av. During the search of the residence, K9 Miles detected Bohannan hiding in a refrigerator in the garage and alerted officers. Bohannan was removed from the refrigerator and arrested for his warrants, delaying a peace officer, trespass, and possession of a controlled substance.

No one was injured during the incident. A review of Ventura County Superior Court records shows that Bohannan has been arrested in the past for burglary, possession of a concealed firearm and DUI.

Train vs. Pedestrian

On February 29, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Command Center was notified by Amtrak dispatch regarding a pedestrian being struck by an Amtrak train on the railroad tracks west of Anacapa St., in Ventura. Officers and Ventura City Fire Personnel arrived on scene and found the victim adjacent to the railroad tracks. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the train conductor the northbound train was traveling at approximately 50-55 mph, when he saw the victim intentionally lay down on the tracks. All emergency attempts were made to stop the train, but the train did not stop in time and struck the victim.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner responded to the scene. The name of the victim was not immediately determined. Once the victim’s identity has been confirmed, the coroner’s office will notify the next of kin.

The train was delayed at the scene with approximately 100 passengers on board for about two hours while the investigation was being completed. No one else was injured as a result of this incident.

Vehicle Pursuit with Arrest

On March 3, at approximately 9pm, a patrol officer saw a vehicle driving in the area of San Nicholas Street and Coronado Street that matched the description of a suspect who has committed a vehicle burglary earlier in the evening. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver failed to yield, and the officer went in pursuit of the suspect. The pursuit continued through the Midtown area of Ventura until the suspect collided with a planter in the area of Ash Street and Front Street. After the collision, the suspect fled on foot but was caught by officers near the pier.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect, 37 year old Ventura resident Steven Cossel, was arrested for possession of stolen property (felony), failing to yield to officers (felony), hit and run (misdemeanor), possession of drugs (misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor).

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed that Cossel had numerous prior arrests over the past five years. The arrests include possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of stolen property, evading police officers, obstructing police officers, under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Prowling arrests

Location #1: 6450 Auto Center Dr. (Ocean Honda) Location #2: 5455 Walker St. (Cal Coast Motor Sports)

02/16/20 @ 0160 Hours
02/16/20 @ 0359 Hours
Suspect #1: Keith Dalzell, DOB: 01/30/84 Vagrant
Suspect #2: Arturo Panchi, DOB: 06/14/95

On the above dates and time, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a video alarm being activated at Ocean Honda in the 6400 block of Auto Center Dr. It was also reported there was a subject on the property and checking the door handles of vehicles.

Officers responded to the call and after an extensive search of the dealership found the suspect, later identified as Keith Dalzell, hiding on the property. He was taken into custody without incident and arrested for prowling.

On the same date, at approximately 0359 hours, the Command Center received a call from an employee of Cal Coast Motor Sports in the 5400 block of Walker St. reporting a subject seen on video inside a fenced area of the business.

When officers arrived on scene, a subject later identified as Arturo Panchi, was seen running from the business. After a brief foot pursuit with officers, Panchi was caught and taken into custody. The investigation showed that Panchi was attempting to steal gas from the business. He was arrested for prowling, resisting arrest, petty theft and a warrant.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Dalzell has prior convictions for prowling, unlawful tampering of a vehicle, resisting arrest, under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of paraphernalia. It also showed that Panchi has convictions for petty theft, possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia, destroying evidence, and evading arrest.

Shooting

On February 22, at 2:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center Received several 911 calls of gunshots heard in the area of the 100 block of East Center Street in Ventura. While officers were investigating, physical evidence was found at the scene that indicated a shooting did in fact occur. Officers conducted a canvas of the area, but no victim(s) were located.

Shooting again

On February 22, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls of a shooting in the 100 block of Forbes Ln. Patrol officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded and found a victim suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg. He was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel, and immediately transported to a local hospital. The suspect was last seen by witnesses fleeing the scene in a dark colored vehicle.

The motive for this shooting is not known.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4416.