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.

Hit and Run, Wanted Person Arrest

On January 28. at approximately 7:30am, a Ventura Police Patrol Officer saw the suspect commit a traffic violation in the area of Montgomery and Newtown. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect failed to yield and fled. Due to the heavy traffic conditions, the officer did not pursue after the suspect and the suspect was last seen entering a nearby neighborhood.

Additional officers arrived in the area to assist. As they searched the area, the found the suspect’s vehicle had collided with a parked car, and the suspect fled on foot into the neighborhood. A police K9 and the VCSO Air Unit were used to assist with the search. After approximately an hour, the suspect, 35 year old Ventura resident Brandon Bartek, was found and arrested for misdemeanor hit and run and misdemeanor failure to yield to officers.

A records check revealed he also had an outstanding felony warrant from Los Angeles County. No one was injured during this incident.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On February 4, at 2:00am, officers responded to an alarm activation at the business. Officers arrived on scene within four minutes of receiving the call and discovered the suspect, 32 year old Carlos Flores, was still inside actively burglarizing the business.

After several minutes, the suspect tried to escape but officers caught him. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was arrested for the felony charge of Commercial Burglary. No one was injured during this incident.

Narcotics Arrests

On February 6, at 5:00am, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at the above address as a result of a month-long investigation into narcotics sales. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as Natasha Suarez.

During the execution of the search warrant, SCU detectives found and detained 40 year old Ventura resident Natasha Suarez, 55 year old Ventura resident William Kemp, and 38 year old Ventura resident Stephen Williams inside the apartment. During the subsequent investigation, it was discovered that Kemp and Williams had active felony warrants for which they were arrested. A large quantity of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia was also found inside the apartment.

As a result of the investigation, Natasha Suarez was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales. William Kemp was arrested for an outstanding warrant for possession of narcotics.

Stephen Williams was arrested for a PROs warrant.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Natasha Suarez and William Kemp have prior arrests for narcotics-related crimes including sales of narcotics. Stephen Williams has numerous prior arrests and convictions for drug-related crimes. All subjects have prior arrests for property crimes.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On February 7, at approximately 10:30pm, officers were patrolling the area of the 100 block of N. Olive St., when they heard a female calling for help. The officers located the 50 year old female who reported that her boyfriend, later identified as the suspect 56 year old vagrant James Willet, was disturbing and armed with a knife. Officers located Willet nearby and detained him. The officers also contacted two other individuals, including a 42 year old male victim.

During the investigation, officers learned that Willet and the female were staying in a parked motorhome and got into verbal argument. The female left the motorhome and contacted the male victim who was just a passerby, and asked him for help. Willet exited the motorhome and threatened to harm the male. He then went back into the motorhome and armed himself with a knife. Willet exited from the motorhome and began swinging the knife at the male. The female began yelling, and got the attention of the officers. Willet discarded the knife when he saw the officers approaching.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Willet was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. No 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.

Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm Arrest

On January 14, at 9:45pm, Ventura Police patrol officers received information that 23-year-old Reymon Young, who was a guest at the hotel, was in possession of a gun. The suspect is prohibited from possessing any firearms. He also had active felony warrants out for his arrest. After several hours, patrol officers were able to make contact with the suspect in the parking lot area of the hotel and arrested him for the outstanding warrants. After the arrest, officers were able to search his room where they found and recovered the firearm. The additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm was added to his arrest.

Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, and Felon in Possession of Ammo Arrest

On November 30, at approximately 3am, an unknown suspect broke into multiple locked garages and stole a large amount of military-issued property and construction equipment. Ventura Police Patrol identified three separate victims of the burglary.

During the investigation, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives identified a suspect, 33 year old Santa Paula resident Vicente Flores, as a person involved in the crime. On January 15, SCU served a search warrant at Flores’ residence in Santa Paula and located property stolen from the burglaries. Detectives also found ammunition and narcotics during the search. Flores is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Flores has been convicted of narcotics offenses, theft, forgery, burglary, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, and felony resisting arrest.

Narcotics Arrests

On January 17 at 2pm, Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit was conducting proactive enforcement in the downtown area of Ventura.

Detectives were monitoring the area using various surveillance tools. Investigators identified behavior consistent with potential narcotic sales, recognizing a habitual narcotic offender Whitney Byrd. Investigators contacted Ventura Police patrol units patrolling in the area who conducted an enforcement stop on two subjects. The two subjects were detained and arrested for narcotics-related offenses.

Robert Farrell, 41-year-old Ventura resident, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics for sales and an outstanding warrant for narcotic sales.

Whitney Byrd, 30-year-old Ventura resident, was arrested for an outstanding warrant for possession of narcotics and booked into Ventura County Jail.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Whitney Byrd and Robert Farrell both have numerous prior arrests and convictions for drug-related crimes, including narcotics sales.

Residential Burglary, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle

Sometime between the dates of January 15-19, when the owner of the residence was not at home, an unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s house and stole property and car keys and then took the victim’s car. Ventura Police Patrol responded and placed the vehicle in the stolen vehicle system, and the Lojack system was activated.

On January 20, a Ventura Police Street Crimes Detective found the stolen vehicle utilizing the Lojack system. This detective is also a member of VenCATT. Detectives observed the suspect, 23 year old Jared Russell, enter the car and drive away. A Ventura Police Department K-9 unit assisted SCU and VenCATT in stopping the stolen vehicle and taking Russell into custody. While taking Russell into custody, the detectives located stolen property from the residential burglary as well as illegal narcotics.

Russell was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail, where he was booked for burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, possession of methamphetamines, and a felony warrant.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Russell has been convicted of narcotics offenses and domestic violence offenses. Russell also has multiple out of state felony warrants.

Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition,

On January 19 at 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a suspicious subject loitering near a parked vehicle in the 1200 block of Conway Ave. Officers responded to the call and contacted the subject, later identified as 25-year-old Ventura resident Erik Lopez.

During the investigation, officers learned that Lopez was on probation and conducted a search of his vehicle. As a result of the search, officers found a loaded handgun concealed near the driver’s seat, ammunition, body armor and property which belonged to a state law enforcement agency that was possibly stolen. Officers also found a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Lopez was arrested for multiple charges including carrying a loaded firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, felon in possession of body armor, possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Lopez has prior convictions for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, false imprisonment, possession of a controlled substance, and disobeying a court order.

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 Operation and Arrests

On January 2, from 9:00am – 2:00pm, Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics and PTF units conducted an operation in the downtown area of Ventura. The operation’s primary objective was to combat narcotics sales in the downtown area parks.

Detectives and PTF Officers monitored the parks for several hours, using various surveillance tools. As a result, three subjects were arrested for narcotics-related offenses.

Karl Muniz, 56 year old Ventura resident, was arrested and cited and released for possession of narcotics.

Jack Crosby, 36 year old Ventura resident, was arrested and cited and released for possession of narcotics.

Lydia Corona, 51 year old Ventura resident, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for possession of Methamphetamine for sale.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Karl Muniz and Lydia Corona all have numerous prior arrests and convictions for drug-related crimes. Karl Muniz has numerous arrests for property related crimes.

Commercial Burglary and Vandalism Arrest

On December 25 at 2am, the owner of Gracies’ Deals discovered the store had been broken into, items had been stolen and the store had been vandalized. The owner contacted the Ventura Police Department.

Ventura Police Street Crimes Detectives began investigating and using surveillance video were able to tentatively identify 25 year old Moroni Peters as the subject who had entered the store. Peters was in custody at the Ventura County Jail on an unrelated auto theft case out of Oxnard. On January 6, Detectives spoke to Peters, who admitted to entering the store, stealing merchandise, starting a warming fire, and spray-painting the walls. Detectives arrested Peters for commercial burglary and vandalism.

According to Peters, he came here from Orange County and is currently homeless. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Peters has prior convictions for prowling, petty theft, possession of a concealed knife, possession of drug paraphernalia, and previous arrests for possession of a stolen vehicle and narcotics-related offenses.

Vehicle Pursuit with Arrest

On January 7, detectives with the Ventura County PROS unit were patrolling the area of the 2100 Block of East Thompson Blvd looking for wanted PROS offenders. The PROS unit is responsible for monitoring known offenders on county probation. The detectives observed a vehicle in the parking lot of a motel, and a check of the license plate revealed the car was recently reported stolen. The driver of the vehicle, 27 year old Christopher Mejia, then drove out of the motel parking lot.

Detectives followed and attempted to stop the vehicle; however, Mejia fled and began driving erratically. Detectives followed and initiated a pursuit. Mejia drove at high rates of speed and attempted to lose the detectives by driving through alleyways. While trying to escape, Mejia pulled into a parking lot and was trapped. Additional patrol units, Street Crimes Detectives, and a K-9 Unit assisted in taking Mejia into custody without any further danger to the public.

Mejia was arrested for Felony Evading, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Addict Driving a Vehicle. No one was injured during the pursuit.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Mejia has prior convictions for providing false information to a police officer and a narcotics-related offense.

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.

Grand Theft Arrest

On July 15, the owner of Hat’s Unlimited contacted the Ventura Police Department reference their bookkeeper, 40 year old Ventura residen Andrea Galindo, who had been fraudulently cashing company checks for the past year. Her primary duties for the company was to manage the company’s finances and bills. During a company audit, they noticed significant discrepancies in their billing process and realized that Galindo was cashing checks without their permission.

The Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit began a financial investigation, and it was discovered that Galindo had embezzled over $50,000 from Hat’s Unlimited and had also fraudulently paid herself for vacation time.

On December 16, Galindo was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for grand theft.

Residential Burglary and Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On November 4, at approximately 11am, the victim reported a residential burglary and a theft of two of their vehicles, a pickup truck and a motorcycle. Ventura Police Patrol officers located the stolen motorcycle and contacted the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit VenCATT liaison to begin an investigation. On November 5, KernCATT found the stolen pickup truck outside the city of Bakersfield.

During the investigation, detectives identified the suspect, 47 year old Bakersfield resident Aaron McIntosh, as the person who entered the residence and stole the vehicles. On December 17, detectives from SCU, VenCATT and KernCATT located McIntosh in Bakersfield. They requested the assistance of a CHP K9 unit to help take McIntosh into custody.

McIntosh was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for residential burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that McIntosh has been convicted of possession of a stolen vehicle and participation in a criminal street gang.

Robbery Arrest

On December 5 at 9:45pm, VPD Patrol units responded to De Anza Middle School in reference to an armed robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers spoke with (2) victims who told them they were sitting on a bench in the quad area of the school when the suspect approached them, brandished a firearm and demanded their property. The suspect then fled the area with the victim’s property. Officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

VPD Detectives later identified the suspect as 19 year old Ventura resident Adrian Riggs. On December 18 at 10:15am, Riggs was taken into custody in the area of Seaward Ave and Harbor Blvd. Detectives executed search warrants in the 100 block of James Dr. and the 70 block of Franklin Ln. Detectives recovered evidence related to the robbery.

Riggs was booked at Ventura County Jail for Robbery. This investigation is on-going; anyone with information is asked to call Det. Reginato at 805-339-4466.

Felony Animal Abuse

On December 24, at approximately 12:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a Gold Coast Transit bus driver reporting a male subject beating a dog with a lock near the Bus Depot in the 3300 block of Telegraph Rd. It was also reported several passersby confronted the subject, later identified as 26 year old vagrant Ezekiel Heterwegscheider, who then left the area on foot. Officers responded and located Heterwegscheider at a gas station near the intersection of Telegraph Rd. and Mills Rd.

During the investigation officers found several witnesses who saw Heterwegscheider attacking and hitting his dog, a mixed breed puppy, with a large master lock that was attached to a rope. He left with the dog when confronted by others waiting at the bus depot.

Heterwegscheider was arrested for felony animal cruelty. Officers with Ventura County Animal Services responded and took custody of the dog. The dog will be evaluated for injuries.

Train vs Vehicle Traffic Collision

On December 27, at approximately 7pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received multiple 911 calls of a train versus a vehicle collision. As officers arrived at the scene and started to investigate, they learned that the 79-year-old driver of the vehicle was driving south on California and had stopped on the railroad tracks when he became confused as the railroad crossing lights came on, and the crossing arms came down.

The Union Pacific freight train was traveling east on the tracks. The engineer attempted to stop the train, however, he was unable to stop it in time, and it collided with the vehicle on the passenger side front corner panel. There were four occupants inside the car during the collision. All four were taken to local hospitals to be checked out. One of the four occupants, a 37-year-old male, suffered major injuries during the collision. His status is unknown at this time. No one on the train was injured.

It does not appear as if drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have witnessed the collision is asked to call the Ventura Police Traffic Investigation Unit at 805-339-4451.

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.

Arrest of San Diego County Homicide Suspect

On November 28, at approximately 8am, the San Diego Police Department Communications Center received a call of an injured man in the 3100 block of Sports Arena Boulevard in San Diego. When the officers arrived, they found a man with significant trauma to his neck. The man was transported to the hospital, but unfortunately did not survive his injuries.

The investigation revealed the victim had an altercation with the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Forrest Robert Brantley. At some point in the altercation, Brantley used a weapon to cause traumatic injuries to the victim’s neck area. After the homicide, detectives received information that Brantley was in the City of Ventura, but there was no information available about his specific whereabouts. Officers with the Ventura Police Department and Ventura County Community College Police were sent to multiple locations where possible sightings had occurred, but Brantley was never found.

On December 4, at approximately 10am. officers with the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force saw Brantley walking near Junipero Street and Santa Clara Street in Ventura. He was detained and arrested for a parole violation and the San Diego County homicide.

A review of superior court data bases show Brantley has been arrested thirty-four times since 2000. The charges included burglary, robbery, elder abuse, drug related offenses and property crimes. At the time of his arrest on December 4, he was on active parole for attempted robbery, burglary, elder abuse and assault with a deadly weapon.

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On November 29, from 6:45pm to 8pm, officers responded to a call of a stolen vehicle. Once on scene, the victim informed the officers that she had parked her SUV in the driveway of her home around 6:45pm when she came out of her house around 8pm she noticed that the SUV was gone. The officers completed a stolen vehicle investigation, and a report was filed.

At approximately 10pm a Ventura Police Sergeant saw the SUV driving westbound on the 126 Freeway passing Victoria Av. traveling at over 100 MPH. He began following the SUV as it continued on the 126 freeway to northbound 101 Freeway, and eventually exiting at Seaward Av. As the SUV exited the freeway, other VPD units arrived to assist, and a pursuit of the vehicle was started.

During the incident, the juvenile driver drove erratically and made multiple vehicle code violations. Eventually, the driver drove south on Norwich Ln, which deadends at the beach. Having nowhere to go, the driver exited the SUV and ran onto the beach. The SUV came to a stop when it ran into a brick wall at the end of the lane. Two other male passengers also exited the SUV and ran in the opposite direction of the driver and were not chased.

After running from the vehicle and onto the beach, the driver went back into the neighborhood to try and get away from officers. After an extensive search, he was found in a backyard on Martha’s Vineyard by a Ventura Police K9 “Jag” and taken into custody. During the incident, the juvenile suffered a minor injury to his hand and was treated at a local hospital. He was arrested for felony possession of a stolen vehicle and evading.

Carjacking and Resisting Arrest

On December 1, at approximately 6:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a victim reporting that his vehicle was in the process of being stolen. The victim said he was sitting in his vehicle with the engine running, when the suspect approached it and started banging on the passenger’s window. He confronted the suspect, later identified as 28 year old Michael Pacella, who aggressively approached him and made threats to harm him. Pacella then got into the victim’s vehicle and started driving off, when he realized the victim’s dog was in the backseat. Pacella stopped the vehicle, just as a Ventura Police K-9 officer arrived on scene.

When additional officers arrived, Pacella was ordered out of the vehicle and physically resisted attempts to take him into custody. The K-9 officer deployed his dog, which allowed officers to arrest Pacella without further incident.

Pacella was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire, before being transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. After being medically cleared, Pacella was arrested for carjacking, resisting arrest and driving under the influence.

No one else was injured as a result of this incident.

Felony Domestic Violence Incident with Arrest

On December 10, at approximately 11am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 hang-up call from a residence in the 200 block of Burl Ave. On callback, the female victim reported she was involved in a physical domestic with her boyfriend, later identified as 19 year old Ventura resident Daniel Vargas. When officers arrived on scene, Vargas was reportedly inside the residence and when contacted by phone, said he was not going to cooperate with officers. Vargas also threatened officers and said he was armed with a knife.

As officers continued to negotiate with Vargas on the phone, it was determined he had left the residence prior to officers arriving on scene and was on foot in the area.

Ventura Police motor officers began helping with the search and located Vargas on the bike path near the Community Park on Kimball Rd. Vargas, who was still armed with the knife (see attached), displayed the knife in a threatening manner towards the officers and fled onto Highway 126. Additional officers responded and attempted to detain him. At one point, Vargas raised the knife up and while advancing towards officers, threatened to harm them if they did not shoot him. Officers continued to give Vargas orders to drop the knife, but when he refused to comply, officers deployed a taser. The taser was not effective in stopping Vargas, who continued to advance towards the officers. A Ventura Police K-9 officer then deployed his K9 (Bolt), which allowed officers to take Vargas into custody without further incident.

Vargas was treated at a local hospital for his injuries. After being medically cleared, Vargas was arrested for attempted murder, felony domestic violence, false imprisonment, assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and felony resisting arrest.

The female victim received non-life threatening injuries as a result of this incident and treated for her injuries. No officers or the K-9 were injured.

Train Boxcar Vandalism Arrest

On December 11, at approximately 4pm, Ventura Police Cadets monitoring security cameras for the Ventura City Maintenance Yard observed three male suspects spray painting a boxcar on the railroad tracks south of the yard. The cadet notified the Ventura Command Center Supervisor, and officers were dispatched to the location. Through a coordinated effort, the officers were able to surround the area and stop 20 year old Ventura resident Vincent Saucedo as he attempted to run away. The two other suspects separated and were able to getaway. During the investigation, officers found graffiti paraphernalia on Saucedo as well as paint on his hands matching that found on the boxcar.

Saucedo was arrested for felony vandalism, misdemeanor obstructing a peace officer and trespassing on railroad property. No one was injured during this incident, and Saucedo was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Addict in Possession of a Firearm Arrest

On December 12, a Ventura Patrol Officer saw the suspect, 27 year old Ventura resident Jose Crespin, driving in the area of Main St. and Emma Ave. Crespin is known to the officer from prior contacts and the officer was aware that Crespin was driving on a suspended driver’s license. The officer made a traffic stop on Crespin in the parking lot of Smart and Final.

During the stop, the officer asked Crespin to exit the vehicle and asked if there was anything illegal inside the car. Crespin told the officer that there was an unloaded gun in his backpack. Based on this information, the officer continued his investigation and found the unloaded handgun, ammunition and drug paraphernalia. Based on his investigation, the officer asked a DRE officer to assist and conduct an evaluation to determine if Crespin was under the influence of an illegal substance.

Upon completion of the DRE evaluation, Crespin was arrested for felony possession of a firearm by an addict, possession of ammunition by an addict, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. No one was injured during this arrest, and Crespin was booked into Ventura County Jail.

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.

Stolen Property and Narcotics Arrest

On November 20 at 10am, SCU detectives conducted a search warrant at the above address as a result of a month-long investigation into multiple thefts and narcotics sales. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as 37 year old Ventura resident Steven Cossel.

During the search warrant service, SCU detectives located and detained Steven Cossel, 27 year old Ventura resident Danielle Lee, and 29 year old Ventura resident Whitney Byrd inside the apartment. While taking Cossel into custody for an active warrant, investigators located stolen property, narcotics, and narcotics paraphernalia.

Investigators identified the stolen property in Cossel’s apartment as being taken from multiple victims in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Steven Cossel was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of stolen property and possession of narcotics.

Whitney Byrd was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics and an unrelated warrant for a violation of probation.

Danielle Lee was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and cited and released from the Ventura Police Department.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Steven Cossel, Danielle Lee, and Whitney Byrd all have prior arrests and convictions for multiple property and drug-related crimes.

Arrests for Human Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Pimping of a Minor

On November 21, at approximately 11pm, a minor female walked into the lobby of the Comfort Inn on Harbor Blvd and told the front desk manager she was being held against her will by a male and female and that they had sexually assaulted her. The manager immediately contacted the Ventura Police Department Dispatch and Ventura Police Department Patrol officers responded.

Patrol officers located the female suspect, 25 year old San Bernardino resident Davisha Sweat, in the parking lot and detained her. It was discovered that the male suspect, San Bernardino resident Elijah Tucker, was still in the hotel room. As officers responded to the hotel room, the VPD Special Victims Unit responded to assist with the investigation.

After a brief standoff, Tucker surrendered to officers on scene. The victim stated she had been sexually assaulted by both subjects and forced into prostitution. According to the victim, she was forced against her will to stay with both subjects and was Human Trafficked from San Bernardino County. During the service of search warrants, evidence was found corroborating that Sweat and Tucker prostituted the victim.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Elijah Tucker was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Human Trafficking of a Minor; Pimping of a Minor; and Forcible Sexual Assault While Acting in Concert. Davisha Sweat was booked for Pimping of a Minor; Human Trafficking of a Minor; and Forcible Sexual Assault While Acting in Concert.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex

Wanted Subject, Resisting Arrest

On November 25, at approximately 4pm, a Ventura Police motor officer was patrolling in the area of Ventura Ave. and Prospect St., when he stopped a vehicle for a moving violation. When the vehicle stopped the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 28 year old Oxnard resident Gregory Smith, exited the vehicle and fled on foot leaving a female passenger inside. Information found in the vehicle identified Smith as the owner and a records check confirmed he was a wanted felon.

A Ventura Police K-9 officer responded and assisted other officers with searching the area. The K-9, Miles, lead officers into the yard of a nearby residence. Smith was located hiding in the yard and was taken into custody without incident.

He was arrested for a felony warrant, resisting arrest and for being a post release offender. The female passenger was released from the scene.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Smith has prior convictions for petty theft, identity theft, and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On November 29, at 6:45pm, officers responded to a call of a stolen vehicle. Once on scene, the victim informed the officers that she had parked her SUV in the driveway of her home around 6:45pm when she came out of her house around 8:00 p.m. she noticed that the SUV was gone. The officers completed a stolen vehicle investigation, and a report was filed.

At approximately 10p.m. a Ventura Police Sergeant saw the SUV driving westbound on the 126 Freeway passing Victoria Av. traveling at over 100 MPH. He began following the SUV as it continued on the 126 freeway to northbound 101 Freeway, and eventually exiting at Seaward Av. As the SUV exited the freeway, other VPD units arrived to assist, and a pursuit of the vehicle was started.

During the incident, the 16 year old juvenile driver drove erratically and made multiple vehicle code violations. Eventually, the driver drove south on Norwich Ln, which deadends at the beach. Having nowhere to go, the driver exited the SUV and ran onto the beach. The SUV came to a stop when it ran into a brick wall at the end of the lane. Two other male passengers also exited the SUV and ran in the opposite direction of the driver and were not chased.

After running from the vehicle and onto the beach, the driver went back into the neighborhood to try and get away from officers. After an extensive search, he was found in a backyard on Marthas Vinyard by a Ventura Police K9 “Jag” and taken into custody. During the incident, the juvenile suffered a minor injury to his hand and was treated at a local hospital. He was arrested for felony possession of a stolen vehicle and evading.

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 Arrest

On November 5 at 9am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call for assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Civil Eviction Unit, who were conducting an eviction in the 200 block of S. Evergreen Dr.

While attempting to evict the illegal occupants, numerous subjects fled from the home, refusing to follow commands. Ventura police patrol officers arrived on the scene within minutes and detained several subjects. While attempting to identify the individuals involved, officers contacted 28 year old Chris Delapp, who was on probation for narcotics violations. Officers contacted Street Crimes Unit Narcotic Detectives, who responded to the residence.

Officers continued their investigation by conducting a probation search of Delapp’s vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, investigators located a large amount of methamphetamine, heroin, and Xanax. Delapp was also in possession of a large sum of money and items used for the sales of narcotics. Officers took him into custody without incident.

Delapp was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics for sales.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Delapp has prior convictions of Possession for sale of a controlled substance and Resist, Obstruct, Delay of a Peace Officer.

Stolen Vehicle and Possession of Methamphetamine Arrest

On November 10 at 5pm, the victim parked and locked their vehicle in the 4600 block of Telegraph Rd. Later, when returning to the area, the car was gone. The victim reported their vehicle stolen to the Ventura Police Department.

On November 11, Ventura Police Patrol received a LoJack notification in the area of 1400 South Victoria Ave. The Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit responded and saw the vehicle, being driven by 36 year old Oxnard resident Jonnie Gagliardo, leaving the area. SCU, along with Ventura Patrol and K9, stopped the car on Mills Rd north of Main St. Gagliardo fled from the vehicle, and there was a short foot pursuit. Gagliardo was taken into custody without incident.

The passenger of the stolen vehicle, 35 year old Ventura resident Vanessa Carrillo, also fled and went into Lowe’s. SCU detectives located and detained her. She was taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine.

Gagliardo was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Gagliardo has prior convictions for possession of stolen property, identity theft, possession of narcotics, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Carrillo was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of methamphetamines and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Carrillo has prior convictions of possession of stolen property, identity theft, and possession of narcotics.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On November 11, at approximately 5:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a residential burglary in progress at a residence in the 6500 block of Crowley Ave. The homeowner was home at the time and heard noises coming from an upstairs office.

Officers responded to the call and during a search of the residence saw 22 year old vagrant Ador Bordallo, who when he saw officers fled into a bathroom. Bordolla refused orders to come out of the bathroom. A Ventura Police K-9 officer responded and after several minutes of negotiating with Bordolla, he was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation revealed Bordolla was not known to the homeowner and while inside the residence, ransacked the residence and consumed food items belonging to the homeowner. He was arrest for residential burglary and delaying arrest.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Bordallo has a prior conviction for petty theft.

Possession of Heroin for Sale, Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale and Possession of a Controlled Substance While in Possession of a Firearm

On November 5 at 3:30pm, Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Narcotic Street Team concluded a month-long sale of narcotics investigation with the arrest of 29 year old Ventura resident Kyle Corbett.

During the month of September 2019, detectives from the West County Street Team received information that Kyle Corbett was selling large quantities of fentanyl laced heroin, methamphetamine and firearms to residents of Ventura County. Over the course of the next month, detectives gathered enough information to obtain a search warrant for Corbett’s residence, car and person.

On November 5, detectives detained Corbett as he drove away from his residence in the 2000 Block of Vista Del Mar in the City of Ventura. During the traffic stop, Corbett was found in possession of a loaded firearm. Detectives then searched Corbett’s home where they seized 21 ounces of suspected heroin, 3 ounces of methamphetamine, a second loaded firearm, and over $27,000 in cash. Additional evidence consistent with the sale of illegal narcotics was also located and seized.

Corbett was arrested and booked for a variety of narcotic and weapon related charges including possession of heroin for sale, possession of methamphetamine for sale and possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm. Corbett remains in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with a bail of $320,000. His next scheduled court appearance is set for November 19, in Courtroom 12 at 1:30pm.

The West County Street Team is comprised of Narcotic Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department.

Serious Injury Traffic Collision – Update

On November 4, at approximately 2:30am, Ventura Police and Ventura City Fire were dispatched to the 2100 block of Johnson Dr. in regards to a serious, single vehicle roll-over collision. At the time of the incident, witnesses at the scene believed the driver had walked away from the vehicle, leaving two occupants trapped inside the front passenger compartment of the overturned vehicle. Brianna Munoz was removed from the vehicle by Ventura City Fire personnel and taken by ambulance to VCMC for her injuries.

The driver, 44 year old Pedro Munoz, was found pinned inside the driver’s window of the vehicle as a result of the collision and had to be extricated with heavy equipment by fire personnel. Once removed from the vehicle, Pedro Munoz was transported by ambulance to VCMC for serious, life threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, members of the Ventura Police Traffic Unit authored and served several search warrants related to this collision and ultimately identified 18 year old Brianna Munoz as the driver of the vehicle. On November 15 at approximately 4pm, Traffic Investigators arrested Brianna Munoz at her place of employment for Felony driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury.

Witnesses mistakenly said the driver had walked away from the collision. When shown a vehicle upside down, witnesses realized the subject that walked away on the morning of November 4, was from the passenger side door and not the driver’s door. The person that walked away has not yet been identified.

The Ventura Police Traffic Unit is asking for anyone with information about this male passenger to please call Collision Investigator Dave Curtis at 805-339-4437.

Robbery

On Oct.31, at 5:45pm, the Ventura Police Department received a 911 call of an armed robbery at the House of Smokes. Ventura Patrol officers arrived and searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.

The officers learned that two black males entered the store and approached the clerk behind the counter. One of the suspects brandished a semi-automatic handgun at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk gave the suspects and unknown amount of money and the suspects left in an unknown direction.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information on the crime is asked to call the Police Department at 805-650-8010.

Battery and Elder Abuse Arrest

On Nov.1, at 7pm, a Ventura Police Volunteer (VIP) witnessed Julian Munoz, 31 attacking a 71- year-old elderly male victim in the 200 block on Main St.. The VIP called into the Ventura Police Command Center, and officers were dispatched to the location.

Through the course of the investigation, the officers learned that Munoz had attacked the victim. Once the victim fell to the ground Munoz continued his attack. The victim suffered moderate non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for medical care.

Munoz was arrested for felony elder abuse and misdemeanor battery. No officers were injured during the arrest. Since 2017 Munoz has been arrested three times for resisting a police officer, twice for vandalism, and once for petty theft.

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.

Suicide Attempt

On Oct.12, at 2:23pm, officers were dispatched to a call of a female possibly threatening to jump off the California St. overpassing at Highway 101. An officer responding to the call saw the victim, later identified as a 61-year-old female, sitting down next to the railing on the south side of the bridge. As the officer was approaching the subject she suddenly stood up and jumped over railing. The victim landed on the right shoulder of the freeway which was approximately 20 feet below.

Upon landing, the victim sustained severe non-life-threatening injuries to her legs. She was not hit by any passing vehicles.

Officers immediately stopped the southbound lanes of the highway and rendered aid until Ventura City Fire personnel arrived on scene. The subject was treated at the scene and later transported to VCMC for treatment of her injuries. She will undergo a mental health evaluation when released.

The southbound lanes of Highway 101 were reopened after approximately 15-20 minutes.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On Oct.19, at 2:18pm, Ventura Police officers located what was believed to be a stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the Bayshore Motel. The car was occupied by three subjects and was seen leaving the motel parking lot. As the car drove away, the officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle in the area of Dos Caminos Ave. and Central Ave. The driver of the vehicle (Snyder) pulled over, and the was contacted.

During the investigation, it was learned that Snyder was in possession of a shaved key that he used to steal the vehicle. He was also in possession of illegal drugs. One of the passengers in the vehicle (Coke) was a wanted parolee. The other passenger was cleared and was released. David Snyder 9-20-75, Ventura resident, Dustin Coke 7-31-99, Ventura resident.

No one was injured during the incident. Snyder was arrested for felony possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary tools, and possession of narcotics. Coke was arrested for his felony parole violation. The car was returned to the owner.

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.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Arrest

On September 28 at approximately 7:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a victim reporting that his work trailer had been stolen sometime during the night from a construction site in the 2700 block of Golf Course Dr. A patrol officer responded and through the investigation she identified a suspect vehicle using video surveillance from the area.

The officer later identified a possible suspect, and requested the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department assist by responding to a residence in the 200 block of Boardman Rd. in Ojai in an attempt to locate the stolen trailer. The suspect, later identified as 46 year old Ojai resident Bradley Todd, was detained by sheriff deputies. The officer responded and at the conclusion of the investigation, he was arrested for unlawful taking of a vehicle.

Todd directed the officer to the location of the stolen trailer which was located a short distance away from his residence. The victim responded and recovered the trailer.

Vehicle Burglary and Arrest

On September 29, at approximately 11am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a suspicious subject possibly attempting to enter a vehicle near the intersection of Sullivan St. and Britten Ln. The caller reported seeing the suspect, later identified as 27 year old vagrant Christopher Fuentes, pushing the window down of a parked vehicle. Officers responded to the call and detained Fuentes, who was found inside the vehicle.

During the investigation, officers determined the vehicle did not belong to Fuentes and he entered it to steal property. Fuentes was arrested for burglary and a parole violation. He is currently on parole for burglary.

According to the Ventura County Superior Court website, Fuentes has prior convictions for petty theft, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, burglary and escaping custody.

Foot Pursuit Arrest

On October 3, at approximately 4:30pm, a Ventura Patrol officer was driving in the 600 block of Main St. when a local business owner hailed him. The owner pointed out the suspect, 59 year old Ventura resident Richard Aguirre, and told the officer that Aguirre was causing a disturbance and trying to start fights with people walking in the area. The officer turned around his police car and went to contact Aguirre.

Seeing the officer coming, Aguirre started to run away from the officer. The officer ordered Aguirre several times to stop however Aguirre refused to obey. After a short foot pursuit the officer caught Aguirre and took him to the ground. As the officer struggled to get Aguirre into handcuffs a concerned citizen jumped in and assisted the officer in subduing Aguirre and placing him under arrest.

Aguirre suffered a minor injury to his face and was medically cleared at a local hospital. The officer nor the concerned citizen sustained any injuries. According to the Ventura County Superior Court website, Aguirre has prior convictions for disturbing the peace and possession of a controlled substance.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On October 6, at 4:55am, a Ventura police sergeant on patrol saw a vehicle run a stop sign at the intersection of Ramona St. and Olive St. The sergeant started to follow the vehicle on Ramona St., which he then witnessed it sideswipe a parked vehicle and continue driving. He attempted stop the vehicle for the violations he observed but the driver, later identified as Carlos Lopez, DOB: 07/27/94, Ventura Resident, who refused to pullover and attempted to evade the sergeant using his vehicle.

The pursuit continued traveling on several nearby residential streets, before the sergeant lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Simpson St. and Riverside St. As officers began searching the area, the Ventura Police Department Command Center starting receiving calls of additional hit and run traffic collisions in the area of Ventura Ave. and Center St., in which the vehicle struck a signal pole, and then a wall in the 500 block of Cedar St. Officers located the suspect vehicle abandoned on Cedar St., but after a brief search found Lopez and his three passengers on foot nearby.

Lopez was identified as the driver and arrested for felony evading arrest, hit and run, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Lopez has prior convictions of attempted stolen vehicle and disturbing the peace.