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.

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.

Vandalism Arrest

On June 30, at approximately 6:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of several subjects attempting to force entry into the school office at Balboa Middle School in the 200 block of S. Hill Rd. The caller was nearby the school campus and continued to up the dispatcher as officers responded to the call.

When officers arrived on scene, four subjects were detained inside the campus. All four subjects were juveniles and during the investigation officers determined the suspect, later identified as a 17-year-old male, used a permanent marker to write graffiti on several locations and office doors.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the 17-year-old suspect was arrested for vandalism and possession of prescription medication. One additional 16-year-old male juvenile was cited for being a minor in possession of alcohol. The two other additional 16-year-old males were released without charges.

With the summer season upon us and many schools not in session, the Ventura Police Department would like the public to report any suspicious activity seen around the school campuses. Anyone on a school campus while the campus is closed is considered trespassing.

The public can also report any damage from graffiti by leaving a message on the City of Ventura’s Graffiti Removal Hotline number at 654-7805.

Assault with Deadly Weapon and Possession of Methamphetamine Arrest

On July 1, at approximately 12pm, patrol officers responded to a call for service regarding a disturbance. The suspect fled on foot prior to the officers arriving; however he was located nearby by the officers and detained. The investigation revealed the suspect had previously been arrested for trespassing at the location, and on this date and time, he was contacted by the security guard for again trespassing on the property. When the security guard asked him to leave, the suspect pulled out a nine inch long railroad spike, threatened the security guard and held it in close proximity to the guard. The security guard backed away and called 911. While he was doing this, the suspect fled.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect, 26 year old Andrew Martinez, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (felony), threatening the security guard’s life (felony), possession of a dirk/dagger (misdemeanor) and possession of methamphetamine (misdemeanor).

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court’s case inquiry system shows since 2016 that the suspect has been arrested four times for trespassing, three times for possession of narcotics paraphernalia, one time for possession of burglary tools and one time for possession of a banned substance.

Possession of Methamphetamine and a Concealed Handgun

On July 1, at 11:54pm, officers responded to a call for service regarding a person passed out behind the steering wheel of a car in a restaurant drive thru. When officers arrived, they contacted the suspect, 30 year old Ventura resident Robert Gray, who was still passed out. A DUI investigation followed and the suspect was arrested. There was a vicious dog inside the car, and Ventura County Animal Control was called to take possession of the dog. After the dog was removed, officers searched the suspect’s vehicle and found a concealed handgun along with methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested for the drugs, the paraphernalia and the concealed weapon.

Vandalism Arrest

On July 7, at approximately 8:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a subject tagging near the Cross at 699 Brakey Rd., inside Serra Cross Park. Officers responded and detained a male, later identified as 24 year old Riverside resident Moises Melendez, and a female.

During the investigation, officers spoke to a witness that saw Melendez using a spray paint can to spray graffiti on several locations inside the park. The graffiti, which was found at the base of the Cross and nearby steps, was in excess of $400 and appeared to be gang related.

Melendez was arrested for felony vandalism and a gang enhancement. The female was not arrested and released from the scene.

The public can report any damage from graffiti by leaving a message on the City of Ventura’s Graffiti Removal Hotline number at 654-7805.

Residential Burglary and Conspiracy Arrests

On July 9, at approximately 1:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible residential burglary that just occurred in the 900 block of Poli St. The resident, who was home at the time, reported two subjects had just attempted to enter her residence and when confronted, fled westbound from the area on skateboards. Officers responding to the call located the two juvenile suspects a short distance away and detained them.

During the investigation officers learned that the resident was inside her home when she heard a noise in the backyard. She went to investigate the noise and found the two male juveniles near a window, and the screen removed. The juveniles fled from the backyard when confronted by the resident.

Both juveniles were arrested for attempted residential burglary and conspiracy. The resident was not 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.

Stolen Vehicle, Brandishing

On June 21, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a subject being detained for brandishing a handgun at McConnell’s Ice Cream. As officers arrived, they learned that the suspect, 63-year-old Thomas Young, approached the two victims as they sat in a van parked next to the business. Young told the victims that the owner of the van owed him money. Neither of the victims knew who Young was, and the three became engaged in a verbal argument which escalated into a physical altercation.

During the fight, a handgun fell from Young’s clothes and onto the ground. Young picked up the gun and pointed it at one of the victims. The victims continued to fight with Young and were able to subdue him and disarm him of the gun. After taking the gun away, the victims waited for the police to arrive and turned over the gun to the police. During the arrest, the gun was found to be unloaded, and Young was found to have illegal drugs on his person. It was also discovered that the vehicle Young was driving was a stolen vehicle.

Young suffered minor injuries during the incident but refused medical attention. Neither of the victims or any officers were injured during the call. Young was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of controlled substance, and brandishing. Young is a PROS offender.

Stabbing

On June 22, at approximately 12:30pm, officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in a vehicle to the front of the Ventura City Fire station in the 700 block of N. Ventura Ave. It was reported the stabbing had occurred at an unknown location in the Ventura River bottom. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, found the victim, later identified as a 31-year-old male, suffering from non-life-threatening stab wounds to his neck and torso. He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. The victim was admitted to the hospital and his current condition is not known.

During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect is possibly none to the victim and both were in the river bottom when the suspect stabbed him. The victim fled to a nearby residence and got a ride from the homeowner to the fire station. The victim was not cooperative with the investigation and officers were unable to locate a crime scene.

The investigation is ongoing. There is no additional information to be released at this time. An additional press release will be sent out when the information is available.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.

Prowling, Peeping, and Resisting Arrest

On June 23, at approximately 2:30am, VPD officers responded to a call of a prowler seen in the backyard of the victim’s residence. The victim awoke to their motion activated flood lamp and saw a male suspect wearing a beanie looking into their sliding glass door. The victim immediately called 911.

VPD patrol officers quickly arrived and observed the suspect, 51-year-old Ventura resident Carl Valadez, after he climbs over the victim’s fence to exit the yard. The first officer tries to make contact and the suspect runs. The officer engaged in a foot pursuit and is joined by a K9 officer. The suspect ultimately gives up peacefully and is taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was booked at Ventura County Jail for Prowling, Peeping, and Resisting Arrest.

Assault on a Peace Officer

On June 28, at approximately 7:30pm, officers responded to a Subject Disturbing call at the Travelers Beach Inn. The suspect, 43-year-old Andrew Hodges, was reported disturbing guests of the hotel, and he was not a registered guest of the hotel. As officers went to contact Hodges, he attempted to walk away from them. Eventually, the officers were able to stop Hodges on the second floor, landing next to a staircase.

Immediately upon the contacting Hodges is was uncooperative and refused to listen to the officers repeated requests sit down. As the officers continued to try and gain compliance with Hodges, he began to fight with the officers. The fight was so fierce that the officers requested additional officers respond immediately. Upon the arrival of the additional officers, they were able to gain control of Hodges and take him into custody.

No officers were injured during the incident, and Hodges was treated for minor abrasions at a local hospital. Hodges was arrested for Felony Resisting a Peace Officer, Felony Attempting to Remove an Officers Weapon and Felony Vandalism.

A search of the County of Ventura Superior Court records shows that Hodges was convicted earlier in 2019 for Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance and Resisting a Peace Officer. He also has prior felony convictions in 2016 and 2017 Resisting a Peace Officer.