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.

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.

Attempted Commercial Burglary and Trespassing Arrests

On September 8, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible commercial burglary in progress at a business in the 2800 block of Loma Vista Rd. It was reported the suspect, later identified as 46-year-old vagrant David Vance, was attempting to break into a medical office through a rear window. Officers arrived on scene, and detained Vance as he was attempting to leave the area. Evidence was found that showed Vance tried using force to gain entry into the business. He was identified by a witness and arrested for attempted commercial burglary.

While on scene, officers found an unsecured window in another section of the building that is vacant and conducted a search with the assistance of a K-9. During the search a second subject, later identified as 39-year-old vagrant Juan Reyna, was found inside. It was determined Reyna was illegally trespassing and in possession of a large amount of stored property. He was arrested for trespassing.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Vance has prior convictions for trespassing, petty theft, and currently has three open cases for charges of prowling and trespassing. It also showed Reyna has prior convictions for possession of a control substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and illegal lodging.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Brandishing, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Vandalism, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Drug Paraphernalia

On September 10, at approximately 9:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of several subjects in a physical fight near the intersection of Porter Ln. and Empire Ave. It was also reported the subjects were throwing rocks. Prior to the officers arriving on scene, additional callers said one of the subjects, later identified as 27-year-old vagrant Andrew Martinez, was fleeing the area on foot and running towards the Pacific View Mall. Martinez then ran towards Lowe’s, where it was reported he armed himself with an axe. Officers located Martinez near the intersection of Maple St. and Maple Ct., where he was taken into custody.

During the investigation officers learned Martinez was confronted about being in possession of stolen property, which is when the physical altercation occurred with the victims. Martinez started throwing rocks and brandished a knife at the victims, before fleeing the area on foot. One of the victims called 911 and followed Martinez on a skateboard will updating the dispatcher of his location. Martinez then ran to the parking lot of Lowe’s and stole an axe from another victim. He broke several vehicle windows using the axe, before officers located him and took him into custody.

Martinez was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, brandishing, possession of a dangerous weapon, vandalism, possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. No one was injured as a result of this incident. There are possibly other vehicles that were vandalized by Martinez, but the owners left prior to being contacted by officers. If your vehicle was damaged and parked in the area at the time, please contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4416.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Martinez has multiple prior convictions for brandishing, possession of drug paraphernalia, trespassing, and possession of burglary tools.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On September 13, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a driver driving recklessly in the area Citrus Dr. and Pajaro Av. The vehicle was described as a newer Chevy pickup black in color. Approximately 15 minutes later a Ventura Police patrol officer saw the pickup at the intersection of Partridge Dr. and Telephone Rd.

The officer observed the pickup driven by 31 year old Deanthony Catron driving erratically and attempted to stop the vehicle. Catron failed to pull over, and a vehicle pursuit was begun. Catron committed several vehicle code violations before and during the pursuit. The pursuit eventually ended back at the 11100 block of Citrus Dr. where Catron stopped his vehicle. A high-risk stop was conducted and Catron exited the vehicle and was arrested for felony evading. No one was injured during this incident, and Catron was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Residential Burglary, Identity Theft, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine and a Methamphetamine Pipe Arrest

On September 16, at approximately 3am, the victim heard someone in their home and awoke to see an unknown subject walking out of the front door. The victim then called 911. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect. It was determined that the subject had entered the home by removing a screen and entering through an open window.

At approximately 2pm, Ventura Police Dispatch received a call from Red Barn and Market of a suspicious male attempting to cash a fraudulent check. When officers arrived on scene and attempted to detain the suspect he resisted arrest and was taken into custody. The suspect, identified as Angel Apolonio Luna Reyes, was found to be in possession of property, including the checks, from the victim of the residential burglary.

Reyes was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for Residential Burglary, Identity Theft, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine and a Methamphetamine Pipe Arrest

Attempt Homicide

On September 18, at approximately 9:45pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received an open line 911 call. Over the line, the dispatcher could hear an unidentified person yelling in the background that someone had been stabbed. Approximately 15 minutes later a local hospital called the Command Center and informed them that two stabbing victims had just arrived at the hospital.

Officers went to both locations, and during the investigation, officers learned that the two victims were at an apartment in the 800 block of Empire visiting a friend. Sometime during their stay the suspect, 33-year-old Randal Roberts who is the resident of the house, got into a fight with the two victims stabbing each of them multiple times. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening stab wounds to their torsos.

As the victims were receiving medical treatment officers at the residence tried to contact Roberts who had locked himself inside. After an extended negotiation with Roberts he finally exited the residence and surrendered to the officers. Roberts was unhurt during the incident and was arrested for felony attempt homicide.

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.

Officer Involved Shooting Update w/Arrest

On August 12 at approximately 11:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the California Highway Patrol dispatch reporting that a California Highway Patrol motor officer was involved in an officer involved shooting in the 200 block of Comstock Dr. and were requesting assistance by our officers. Several officers with the Ventura Police Department responded to the area and located the involved CHP officer.

During the investigation it was learned the CHP officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Highway 101 for a moving violation when the vehicle exited onto the city streets. The driver of the vehicle attempted to evade the officer and drove onto Comstock St., which is a dead end street. After the driver made a U-turn, the driver drove at a high rate of speed towards the CHP officer and an officer involved shooting occurred. The suspect driver continued and fled the scene.

Approximately 2.5 hours later, the suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the 2200 block of Katari Ave., which is approximately 2 miles from the scene of where the officer involved shooting occurred. There was evidence that confirmed the vehicle was involved in the incident. The suspect driver has not been located.

The California Highway Patrol officer was not injured.

VPD Detectives identified the suspect as 52 year old Santa Barbara resident Curt Carpenter due to evidence found in the vehicle and witnesses at the scene of the shooting. Carpenter is on Post Release Offender Supervision (PROS) in Santa Barbara County. VPD Detectives authored an arrest warrant for Carpenter and on 8/22/19; SBSO Detectives located Carpenter in Montecito and arrested him without incident. Carpenter was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail for assault on a police officer and for violating his post release offender status, both felonies.

Prowling Arrest

On August 26, at approximately 3:00pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 3100 block of Armada Dr. reporting a subject seen looking into and entering the backyard of their residence. When the resident confronted the subject, later identified as 25 year old vagrant Sariah Cundiff, she left and got into an awaiting vehicle, which left the area. Officers responding to the call saw a vehicle matching the description several blocks away and conducted a traffic stop.

Cundiff, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was positively identified and arrested for prowling. The male driver of the vehicle was not arrested and released from the scene.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Cundiff has a prior conviction in 2018 for possession of a stolen vehicle and in 2017, she had eight convictions for charges of battery on a police officer, burglary, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, identify theft, petty theft, trespassing and vandalism.

Stabbing

On Sept.7, at 5am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a passerby that a stabbing victim was sitting at a bus stop on the north side of Mission Park. Officers responded and located the 64-year-old male victim who was suffering from a non-life-threatening injury to his torso. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.

The victim reported that a woman he had seen in the park on previous occasions approached him for no apparent reason and started a verbal altercation with him. As the victim walked away, the woman stabbed him in his torso and fled. Using suspect information provided by witnesses and the victim, the suspect, Maria Robles was identified and located several blocks away. Robles was arrested and booked for Assault with a Deadly weapon and an outstanding misdemeanor narcotics possession warrant.

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.

Officer Involved Shooting

On August 12, at approximately 11:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the California Highway Patrol dispatch reporting that a California Highway Patrol motor officer was involved in an officer involved shooting in the 200 block of Comstock Dr. and were requesting assistance by our officers. Several officers with the Ventura Police Department responded to the area and located the involved CHP officer.

During the investigation it was learned the CHP officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Highway 101 for a moving violation when the vehicle exited onto the city streets. The driver of the vehicle attempted to evade the officer and drove onto Comstock St., which is a dead end street. After the driver made a U-turn, the driver drove at a high rate of speed towards the CHP officer and an officer involved shooting occurred. The suspect driver continued and fled the scene.

Approximately 2.5 hours later, the suspect vehicle was located unoccupied in the 2200 block of Katari Ave., which is approximately 2 miles from the scene of where the officer involved shooting occurred. There was evidence that confirmed the vehicle was involved in the incident. The suspect driver has not been located.

The California Highway Patrol officer was not injured.

Illegal Possession of a Firearms Arrest

On August 15 at 11:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call from the reporting party that her ex-boyfriend, 39 year old Aaron Saenz, was threatening to commit suicide. During the investigation, officers learned that Saenz has access to guns and recently posted a picture of him being in possession of a firearm and bulletproof vest. Saenz also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest

As officers went to check on Saenz, they found a van belonging to Saenz in front of his address. While checking the van, the officers found Saenz inside. The officer also located a handgun and the bulletproof vest. Saenz was arrest without incident for felony possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle, felony possession of brace knuckles and his misdemeanor warrants. No one was injured during this incident, and there was no evidence that Saenz intended to harm himself.

Prowling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Giving False Information to a Police Officer and Parole Violation

On August 17, at approximately 8am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 600 block of Lemon Grove Ave. reporting that a subject was just seen going into the backyard of a neighbor’s residence. The caller saw the subject, later identified as 26 year old Oxnard resident Scott Estrada, near the front door before going into the backyard.

Officers responding to the call and detained Estrada on the side yard of the residence. He first gave the officers a false name, but he was later identified and arrested for prowling, possession of burglary tools, giving false information to a police officer and a parole violation

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Estrada has prior convictions for burglary, prowling, engaging in lewd conduct in public and being a convicted felon.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On August 1 at 3am, an unknown subject driving a U-Haul truck pulled up to two businesses on Morse Ave and forced entry into both establishments and stole property. On August 3 at 4:40am, the same subject driving the same U-Haul forced entry into a business on King Dr and stole property.

During the investigation, 28 year old James Moug became a suspect in all three burglaries. On August 21, Detectives with the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit, with the assistance of Detectives from Bakersfield Police and Kern County Probation served a search warrant on Moug’s residence in the city of Bakersfield. Moug was located and arrested and much of the stolen property was found.

Moug was arrested and subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail. A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Moug has prior convictions for grand theft, petty theft, and possession of narcotics.

Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On August 23, a approximately 5:15am, patrol officers responded to a call for service regarding a robbery in progress at one of the boating docks in the Ventura Harbor. Upon arrival, a security guard advised the suspect was in the process of taking docking material worth a couple of thousand dollars. As the suspect was leaving with the property the security guard confronted him. In response, the suspect armed himself with a machete and advanced at the security guard while swinging it at him. When the security guard backed away the suspect fled the area with the stolen property.

Responding officers canvased the area and located the suspect, still in possession of the stolen property and machete, in a nearby hotel parking lot. The suspect was identified as 46 year old Samuel Bingham. Bingham was booked in Ventura County Jail for Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court’s case inquiry system shows since 2013 the suspect has been convicted three times for possession of drug paraphernalia, once for possession of a controlled substance, and once for possession of a concealed dagger.

Attempt Robbery, Threats, Brandishing and Battery.

On August 23, at approximately 6:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call regarding a disturbance in the 2900 block of Telegraph Road. Officers responded and contacted the victim. Through the investigation, it was determined the suspect was sleeping behind a business in the 2900 block of Telegraph Road when an employee contacted him and asked him to leave. The suspect responded by punching the victim in the face and taking the victim’s backpack. The suspect then brandished a pocket knife at the victim, while threatening to stab him and demanding his money. The victim backed away and yelled for someone to call the police. A nearby citizen heard the victim and called 911. The suspect dropped the victim’s backpack and fled the area.

Additional responding officers canvassed the area and located the suspect in the 2600 block of Thompson Blvd. The suspect was identified as 32 year old Jarrett Bruck and was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Attempt Robbery, Threats, Brandishing, and Battery.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court’s case inquiry system shows that as of 2017 the suspect has been convicted twice for trespassing, once for vandalism, once for theft, once for threatening someone, once for battery, and once for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Ventura Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and businesses that we will respond to incidents of people unlawfully lodging on your property. If you find someone trespassing on your property, you can call us at our non-emergency phone number (805)650-8010, or in cases of emergencies 911.

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.

Burglary and Identity Theft

On July 25, between 8am and 6pm, an unknown subject or subjects entered the victim’s home through an open window and stole property from the home, including credit cards. Later in the evening on the same day the suspect, 22 year old David Palencia, used the victim’s credit cards at multiple stores in the Pacific View Mall between 6pm and 9pm.

During the investigation, Palencia became a suspect of the use of the stolen credit cards. On July 29, Street Crimes Detectives located Palencia at the Pacific View Mall and took him into custody. Palencia had the victim’s property as well as an additional victim’s credit cards from a separate vehicle burglary that had taken place that afternoon in Santa Paula.

Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, Palencia was arrested for Residential Burglary and Identity Theft. Palencia also had an active warrant out of Los Angeles County for Residential Burglary.

The Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit would like to remind everyone to lock the windows and doors of their residences when they are not at home and to not leave property, especially purses and wallets, in their cars.

Robbery

On July 30, at approximately 10:30pm, patrol officers responded to a report of a robbery in progress at the Vons supermarket. Officers arrived on scene and contacted all involved parties. The investigation revealed, 47 year old vagrant Michael Soulas entered the store and selected several items. Soulas attempted to leave the store without paying for the items. Soulas was contacted by loss prevention and confronted about the theft. Soulas attempted to flee and was restrained by the Loss Prevention officer. Soulas resisted and attempted to stab the loss prevention officer with several sharpened pencils he was holding in his hand. The victim backed away and Soulas attempted to flee. Soulas was confronted in front of the store by several citizens who detained Soulas until Ventura Police officers arrived. The Victim/loss prevention officer was not injured during the altercation.

Soulas was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery and Assault with a deadly weapon.

Burglary Arrest

On July 31, at approximately 12pm, the witness, saw an unknown male, later identified as 58 year old Timothy Johnson, standing on the side of his neighbor’s house. The witness went over to contact Johnson to find out what he was doing, and Johnson walked away towards the rear of the neighbor’s house. As the witness walked to the back of the house, he noticed a window screen was out of place. The witness continued to go into the backyard and saw Johnson walking back to the front towards Vista Del Mar. Once at Vista Del Mar Johnson began walking away from the witness towards the Pierpont Inn.

During this time the witness had called the Ventura Police Command Center, and officers were dispatched to the area. As officers arrived, they contacted Johnson and detained him. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Johnson had broken into the neighbor’s house and was found to be in possession of stolen property from the residence. He was also in possession of a concealed knife. Johnson was arrested for Felony Burglary and Felony Possession of a Dangerous Weapon.

No one was injured during this incident, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with more information about this arrest or any similar crimes in the area is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 805-650- 8010.

Grand Theft, Theft of Trailer, Possession of Narcotics and Providing False Information Arrest

On July 30 at 630am, an unknown subject stole a trailer from a business in the 2400 block of Portola Rd. The same subject then cut a hole in the fence of an additional business in the area and stole a large amount of construction material. While reviewing the evidence collected from the scene, Ventura Police Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) were able to identify 56 year old John Hobbs as the possible suspect.

On August 1, patrol officers located Hobbs, who initially lied to officers about his name. Hobbs was ultimately identified and arrested for an active warrant and possession of illegal drugs. SCU Detectives responded, and during the interview, were able to determine where Hobbs had hidden the stolen property. The property was located and returned to the rightful owners. Hobbs was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Grand Theft, Theft of Trailer, Possession of Narcotics, Providing False Information Arrest, and his active warrant.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Hobbs has prior convictions for possession of a stolen vehicle and identity theft.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Robbery, Resisting Arrest, & Conspiracy

On August 7, at 5:30pm, officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 1200 block of S. Victoria Ave. Officers found the victim, later identified as a 55-year-old male, suffering from a non-life threatening stab wound to his arm. He was immediately treated by Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel and transported to a local hospital.

During the investigation officers learned that the suspects, 23 year old Adrian Villagomez and 23 year old Athena Avila, had both attacked the victim and stole personal property. During the attack, Villagomez stabbed the victim in the arm with a knife. The suspects then fled into a nearby apartment complex and were seen entering an apartment.

Officers arrived at the apartment and confirmed that the suspects were inside. After the suspects refused orders to exit the residence, officers went inside and located them in a bedroom, and both were taken into custody. None of the officers or either suspect were injured during the arrest. Officers searched the apartment and located the victim’s stolen property inside.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Villagomez and Avila were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, conspiracy, and resisting arrest. Villagomez was additionally arrested on a felony warrant for a post release offender violation.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Villagomez has prior convictions for robbery, resisting arrest, theft, and drugs charges.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On August 8, at approximately 8:30pm, the victim of this crime returned home to find her front door open, and a window shattered. Fearing that someone might still be in the home, the victim fled to her front yard and called 911. Officers responded to the scene and made contact with the victim. While speaking with the victim, a resident whose home is attached to the victims reported hearing the sound of voices coming from the victim’s residence.

Officers, including a Ventura Police K9 unit, established a perimeter around the victim’s home. Officers made several attempts to call out anyone inside the home. The police K9 was sent into the house to search for possible intruders. Once inside the K9 located 34 year old Ventura resident Jeanette Jason, who has no affiliation to the home or the homeowner. The K9 was used to take Jason into custody. Fire and Ambulance personnel responded to treat Jason for the injuries she received during her arrest.

Jason was transported to the hospital, where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. She will be booked for residential burglary at the Ventura County Jail upon her release. Jason, according to Superior Court records, has been convicted of prior offenses including resisting arrest, theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, elder abuse, unauthorized entry into a dwelling, and burglary.

Anyone with more information about this arrest or any similar crimes in the area is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 805-650-8010.

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.

Lewd Acts with a Child Arrest

On July 12 at approximately 1am, Ventura Police Patrol officers contacted a 13-year-old female juvenile who alleged 26 year old Ventura resident Wade Austen Allen sexually assaulted her inside a camping trailer in the City of Ventura. Ventura Police Detectives took over the investigation which resulted in the corroboration of the child’s disclosure of the sexual assault. On July 18, at 1am, VPD Detectives located Allen in the 2900 block of Johnson Drive, and he was taken into custody. Upon contacting Allen, Detectives found usable quantities of cocaine and ecstasy in his possession. Allen was arrested for lewd acts with a child, an outstanding DUI warrant, and various narcotics charges.

Detectives are actively seeking any additional victims. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. Alyse Quiroz (805) 339-4413.

Narcotics Arrest

On July 16, at approximately 4:50pm, SCU detectives were conducting a follow-up on an investigation of a commercial burglary. One of the suspects was attempting to sell stolen property from the burglary on an internet site. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify the suspect as 24 year old Ventura resident Nicholas Gebber.

During the investigation SCU detectives located and detained Gebber attempting to sell the stolen merchandise. While taking Gebber into custody, investigators located additional stolen property, narcotics, and items used to sell narcotics.

Detectives continued their investigation by conducting a probation search of Gebbers’ residence where they contacted 58 year old Ventura resident Larry Gebber. During a search of the residence, investigators located a large amount of methamphetamines and items used for the sales of narcotics. The contraband was located in Larry’s control, during an interview at the residence Larry admitted to the possession of these items. Detectives took him into custody without incident.

Nicholas Gebber was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of stolen property and possession of narcotics for sales.

Larry Gebber was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics for sales.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Nicholas Gebber has prior arrests and convictions for multiple property and drug-related crimes. It also shows Larry Gebber has prior arrests and convictions for multiple property and drug-related crimes.

Brush Fire

On July 21, from approximately 10:45am – 1:00pm. Ventura City Fire personnel and units responded to multiple reports of a brush fire in the area of Ventura River, near Highway 101 & Main St. First arriving unit reported a 50’x50’ wind-driven vegetation fire in medium/heavy brush with a moderate rate of spread, no structures threatened, smoke and ash impacting adjacent bike path and Main St traffic. Rotor-wing aircraft dropped buckets of water to reduce the intensity, while fire engine crews used progressive hose lays and hand crews cut handline to surround the fire, cutting off its forward progress within 40 minutes. Total containment and thorough mop-up was accomplished within 2 hours. The cause/origin of the fire was determined to be accidental, resulting from a motorized bicycle which ignited some light grass, final size of fire determined to be just under 1 acre. No injuries were reported at the time of this release. No photos or further information available at this time.

Commercial Burglary and Resisting Arrest

On July 22, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a commercial burglary in progress at a business in the 3600 block of Arundell Cr. The female suspect, later identified as 25 year old vagrant Sariah Cundiff, was reportedly attempting to break into a business using an axe. As officers arrived on scene, Cundiff fled from officers on foot into a nearby self-storage yard.

With the assistance of a Ventura Police K-9, officers began searching several trailers inside the yard. The K-9, Miles, alerted to Cundiff hiding inside a trailer. When she refused officers orders to come out of the trailer, the K-9 was deployed. Cundiff was taken into custody without further incident.

After being cleared at VCMC for injuries she sustained during the arrest, Cundiff was arrested for commercial burglary and resisting arrest.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Cundiff has a prior conviction in 2018 for possession of a stolen vehicle and in 2017, she had eight convictions for charges of battery on a police officer, burglary, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, under the influence of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia, identify theft, petty theft, trespassing and vandalism.

Takeover Robbery

On July 24, at approximately 11:15am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a take over robbery at Arroyo’s Fine Jewelry. As officers arrived at the location, they learned that suspect #1 (a black male adult with short hair, thin build, wearing a white dress shirt and dark pants) came into the store alone and told the clerk that he was there to pick up jewelry he had on layaway. As the clerk went to the back of the store to retrieve the jewelry, the suspect followed the clerk and struck him on the head with a handgun. As this happened, suspect #2 (a black male adult with a heavy build, wearing a light-colored shirt) came into the store and covered the front door with a tarp. The two suspects then filled trash bags with several pieces of jewelry from the display cases. The cash value of the stolen property is not known at this time. The two suspects then left the store and entered a vehicle parked to the front of the store. The vehicle was occupied by a third unknown suspect inside.

This is an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call 805-339-4488.

Commercial Burglary and Grand Theft Arrest

On July 6, the victim called the police department and reported a subject had stolen personal and store property from the counter of the Shell Gas station located at 2440 S. Victoria. The crime was captured on store video surveillance. During the investigation, the suspect was seen entering the business and taking the property while the clerk was distracted.

On July 14, the same suspect entered the Pacific View Mall located at 3301 E Main St. after closing hours. While inside the Mall the suspect forced entry into the Sunglass Hut kiosk and took property from a display rack and then left the Mall with the merchandise.

SCU detectives began investigating both crimes and using evidence located from the scenes were able to identify the suspect as 29 year old vagrant William Bershers.

On July 25, at 5:30pm, SCU Detectives located Bershers loitering in the 5000 block of Telephone Rd. and with the assistance of Ventura Police Patrol officers took him into custody without incident. Bershers was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for Grand Theft and Commercial Burglary.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Bershers has prior arrests and convictions for multiple property and drug related crimes.