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.

Felony Resisting a Peace Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance Arrest

On November 4, at approximately 1am, a Ventura Police patrol officer was contacted by a witness in the 200 block of Santa Clara Street who was reporting a physical altercation to the front of the Tavern Bar. The witness identified two of the involved parties, a male and female, who were still on scene.

As the officer was attempting to contact the parties to determine their involvement in the altercation, the female suspect, 26 year old Ventura resident Natalie Carr ran from the officer. A second officer arrived on scene and detained Carr, along with the male suspect, 21 year old Ventura resident Liko McBride. Both suspects refused to cooperate with officers as they attempted to gather information.

During the investigation, officers learned the two were involved in the earlier altercation but were unable to establish a crime had been committed at that time. As the officer was informing the parties they were being released without pending criminal charges, Carr stood up and advanced towards the officer in a threatening manner. The officer took physical control of Carr in order to take her into custody and prevent her from striking him. McBride interfered at this point and physically assaulted the officer while trying to free Carr. The officer lost control of Carr as a result, but was able to take McBride to the ground as he continued to resist. Once on the ground, Carr began to strike the officer in the head and upper torso.

The second officer on scene physically detained Carr who continued to try to assault officers. Once Carr was taken into custody, additional officers arrived on scene and assisted in detaining McBride.

Prowling Arrest, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

On November 15, at approximately 10:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 300 block of S. Brent St. reporting that a subject was just seen attempting to enter a neighbor’s side gate. The caller saw the subject, later identified as the suspect 32 year old vagrant Brittany Austen, reaching over the gate and yelled at her to stop. Austen fled on foot and was last seen running westbound on Preble Ave.

Officers responding to the call saw Austen, who matched the description, and detained her several blocks away from the residence. She was positively identified and arrested.

Suicidal Subject

On the November 15, at approximately 1pm, a Ventura Police Officer was on patrol when he observed a subject, later identified as a 19-year-old male adult, standing on the outside railing of the California St. overcrossing of Highway 101. The subject was standing on the catwalk of a freeway sign, which was approximately 20 feet above the roadway and vehicles traveling in the southbound lanes of the highway.

The officer immediately made verbal contact with the subject and began attempts to negotiate with him, while additional officers closed California St., and the California Highway Patrol closed both the northbound and southbound lanes of Highway 101. The Ventura City Fire Department was also called to the scene and remained on scene for the duration of the incident.

At first the subject was uncooperative although the officer, who is trained in crisis intervention, continued attempts to negotiate with the subject for approximately 1.5 hours. The officer was finally able to convince the subject to climb back over the railing onto California St. Once he was safely away from the ledge, officers detained the subject.

Narcotic/Opiate Related Arrests

On November 15, Detectives with the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit conducted two separate investigations involving the sales and unlawful use of opiate based controlled substances.

On November 15 at 8:30am, Street Crimes Detectives made contact with an unknown suspect who was offering to sell an opiate based controlled substance over an online website. Detectives negotiated a price and set a meet location in the Ventura Gateway Center parking lot.

Detectives were waiting at the meet location for a short period of time when two female suspects arrived on foot. Detectives watched as one of the suspects answered calls from an undercover detective.

Uniformed detectives then moved in and detained 30 year old Ventura resident Thea Goldstein and 24 year old Ventura resident Taylor Carr. Both were found to be in possession of Suboxone, an opiate based narcotic.

Later in the day, at 2:45pm, Street Crimes Unit Detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 9300 block of Neath St reference the suspect, 28 year old Ventura resident Christian Shatswell, using forged prescriptions to unlawfully obtain oxycodone and hydrocodone, both an opiate based narcotic, from several local pharmacies.

Shatswell was detained during the search warrant and later arrested for the felony crimes of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, using a forged prescription, and commercial burglary.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Stolen Vehicles/Residential Burglary Arrest

On October 28, at 6:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an unoccupied vehicle left running in the roadway in the 1900 block of Hillcrest Dr. Officers arrived on scene and determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of a residential burglary on Encinal Pl three days earlier.

Officers were conducting the investigation when a resident on Hillcrest Dr. reported that their vehicle had been stolen within the hour.

At about approximate;y 8am, the Ventura Police Command Center received an additional call of an interrupted residential burglary in 2800 block of Harbor Bl. The caller indicated that the suspect, later identified as 27 year old Oxnard resident Vincente Quinonez, had left in a vehicle southbound on Harbor Bl with a large amount of property.

The occupied stolen vehicle was located with the assistance of LoJack at Harbor and Spinnaker Dr. Officers conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle and took the suspect into custody without incident.

Quinonez was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for residential burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and two outstanding felony warrants.

Registered Sex Offender Compliance Sweep

On October 27 at 8am, twenty-three officers from multiple allied agencies including the Ventura Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, FBI, Homeland Security, and County Probation conducted a citywide compliance check of registered sex offenders in advance of Halloween night. Registered sex offenders are prohibited from passing out treats or displaying any decorations on the outside of their residences on Halloween.

Officers inspected thirty-nine locations that resulted in two arrests. 51 year old Ventura resident Jack Rickman was arrested at his residence in the 6900 block of Norton Ave for felony violations of his probation terms, narcotic use, and two felony warrants. 64 year old Ventura resident Eric Rasmussen was arrested at his residence in the 200 Block of S Petit Ave for felony violations of his probation terms and possession of sexually explicit material.

Felon in possession of a firearm

On October 30, at approximately 1am, Ventura Police Patrol Officer conducted a traffic stop on a suspect vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, 37 year old Ventura resident Christopher Kehr, was found to be in possession of Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Heroin, and drug paraphernalia. Kehr was taken into custody and found to also be in possession of counterfeit U.S. currency.

Upon further search of the vehicle Officers also located a loaded handgun as well as burglary tools.

Stabbing

On October 30, at approximately 4am, a Ventura Police Patrol Officer contacted the victim riding a bicycle in the area of Thompson Blvd and Coronado St. Coronel informed the Officer he had just been stabbed in the chest during an argument with 27 year old Ventura resident Kyle Dean, in front of 68 South Seaward. Coronel was transported to VCMC where he was treated for a non-life threatening stab wound to the chest.

Officers responded to 68 South Seaward and made contact with Dean. Dean was questioned and taken into custody without incident. The weapon used in the stabbing was located at the scene. Dean was transported to VCJ where he was booked for domestic violence with injuries, and Assault with a deadly weapon.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On October 31, at approximately 8pm, an alert citizen called the Ventura Police Department Command Center to report that she had just seen a relative’s stolen vehicle in the area of Ventura Ave and Thompson Blvd. Officers in the area observed the stolen vehicle entering the 101 southbound freeway from Harbor Blvd and conducted an enforcement stop on the 101 southbound freeway just before the Seaward Ave off- ramp. Officers conducted a high-risk stop of the vehicle and had to shut down the 101 southbound freeway for a brief period of time.

The vehicle was occupied by 23 year old Ventura resident Ciara Ashford and she was taken into custody without incident. Ashford initially lied to officers about her identity and was found to have two outstanding warrants for her arrest.

Ashford was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, providing false information to a peace officer and for the two warrants.

Stabbing

On November 1, at approximately 3am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an injured subject on the Ventura Promenade.

Officers arrived on scene and located a victim of a stab wound to the torso. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.

The ensuing investigation revealed that there was possibly an altercation on the promenade prior to the stabbing. The victim was uncooperative during the investigation.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Sgt. Cain at 339-4488.

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 October 10, at approximately 10am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of vandalism in progress at Grant Park, 699 Brakey Rd. The caller reported the suspect was using spray-paint, and spraying black paint on several rock walls and fire hydrants. The suspect, later identified as 19 year old Ventura resident Gabriel Enriquez, was associated to a vehicle that was parked nearby with several other subjects inside.

During the investigation, officers determined Enriquez had vandalized several different locations of Grant Park, which caused several hundred dollars of damage to city property. He was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony vandalism.

The other occupants inside the vehicle were cited for having open containers of alcohol and released.

Possession of Stolen Property, Narcotics Arrests

On October 11, at approximately 9am, an officer was patrolling the area of Dupont Ct. and Goodyear Ave., when he saw a parked vehicle with a female inside that he knew had several warrants for her arrest. The officer stopped and made contact with the female, who was a passenger in the vehicle, and the male driver, later identified as 35 year old vagrant Brandon Benard.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a backpack that belonged to Benard. Inside the backpack officers found property that did not belong to Bernard or the wanted female. After further investigation, it was determined the property in the backpack had recently been taken during several vehicle burglaries in the sheriff department’s jurisdiction near the Faria area of the Pacific Coast Highway. Officers also determined that Benard was showing signs of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Benard was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of stolen property and under the influence of a controlled substance. At the time of this arrest, Bernard was out on bail from a previous arrest for similar charges.

Several victims who had vehicles broken into early in the day were contacted and all of the stolen property was returned to them.

The 37-year-old female was arrested for several misdemeanor warrants and for being in possession of drug paraphernalia. A second 27-year-old male, who was contacted by officers in an associated motorhome that was parked nearby, was also arrested for several misdemeanor drug related charges.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On October 15 at 2:30pm, a Ventura police officer on patrol attempted to stop the suspect, later identified as 60 year old Ventura resident Natalie Bustillos, for a moving violation in the area of Main Street and Mills Road. The officer activated his emergency lights to initiate the traffic stop, but Bustillos failed to yield and drove east through the intersection against a red signal.

The officer initiated a pursuit as Bustillos proceeded to travel east on Main Street to Callens Road. Bustillos conducted a U-turn at Callens Road and drove back to Mills Road where she turned and drove north towards the Pacific View Mall. Bustillos entered the PVM parking lot at a high rate of speed, almost striking several pedestrians.

Bustillos stopped her vehicle in the parking lot and fled on foot into the Target store. Officers gave chase and were able to stop Bustillos just inside the storefront. Bustillos violently resisted officers as they attempted to take her into custody. Additional officers arrived on scene, and after a brief struggle, they were able to detain Bustillos.

Bustillo was placed under arrest and was transported to the Ventura County Jail where she was booked for felony evading a police officer, felony resisting a peace officer while causing injury and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Criminal Conspiracy, Theft and Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On October 16, at approximately 6:30pm, Ventura Police officers responded to a theft of lottery tickets which had just occurred at the Seaward Shell convenience store located at 2099 Harbor Boulevard.

During the investigation, officers learned a female suspect had entered the store and reported a malfunctioning gas pump. When the attendant went to check the pump, a male suspect, later identified as 44 year old Ventura vagrant Cooper Adams, jumped the counter and took a large amount of California Lottery tickets. The suspects were last seen fleeing the area in a dark colored Toyota sedan with dealer paper plates. Later that evening, the same suspects committed a similar crime at the Arco AM/PM store located at 5699 Valentine Road.

On October 17m at approximately 12pm, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a vehicle which matched the description of the above suspect vehicle in the area of Market Street and Palma Drive. An enforcement stop was conducted and Adams was taken into custody without incident. Officers learned the vehicle Adams was driving had been reported stolen from a rental car company in July. Adams was also found to be wanted for grand larceny in connection to a theft from a retail business that occurred in September.

Adams was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for criminal conspiracy, shoplifting, possession of a stolen vehicle, grand theft and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Felon/Wanted Parolee in Possession of Loaded Firearm Arrest

On October 18, at approximately 1pm, VPD Gang and Street Crimes Unit detectives were attempting to locate 21 year old Ventura vagrant Peter Robledo, who was a wanted parolee. Officers had information that Robledo, who is a member of a criminal street gang, may have been in possession of a firearm.

Robledo had been on court ordered electronic monitoring when he cut off his GPS device during a domestic violence incident in Santa Barbara County a week ago.

Officers were observing the house of one of Robledo’s acquaintances when a detective saw him enter a vehicle as a passenger and leave the residence. Detectives and officers in marked patrol vehicles followed and conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle. The other passengers were briefly detained while Robledo was taken into custody. Robledo was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

Robledo was transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, felony carrying a weapon in a vehicle, a local warrant, and a parole hold.

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.

Armed Robbery

On September 25, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a female employee of the Goodwill Retail Store, reporting that an armed robbery had just occurred. The suspects, one armed with a handgun, were last seen fleeing in a silver van. The driver was a Hispanic male wearing beanie hat and all black clothing, no description of the second suspect was available.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was exiting the store when the suspect called out to her from within the van. The victim approached the parked vehicle and was immediately confronted by the suspect who brandished a handgun and demanded the victim’s property. The victim complied with the request and relinquished a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect took the bag and was last seen traveling west on Main Street.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. The victim was not injured as a result of this incident.

Attempt Robbery

On September 27, at approximately 9:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call 911 call from the victim who was at 1130 south Victoria Ave, Bank of America (ATM). The victim indicated that a male suspect, later identified as 40 year old Thousand Oaks vagrant Scott Oppenheim, yelled at her and pushed her from the ATM as she was trying to withdraw money from the ATM. The suspect manipulated the ATM in order to withdraw money from the victim’s account. The victim began to yell and scream for help as several bystanders at a nearby gas station came to the victim’s aide. The bystanders fought with the suspect as the suspect was able to flee from them.

Officers arrived on scene and saw the suspect walking eastbound on Telephone Rd. from Victoria Ave. when he was stopped. The suspect did not follow any commands that officers were giving him. K9 Rover was sent and apprehended the suspect who was taken into custody.

The suspect was taken to VCMC where he was treated for his minor injuries sustained from the bystanders assisting the Victim and from the apprehension. No officers were injured as a result of this incident.

Aggravated Trespassing Arrest

On September 30 at 2:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call from a resident in the 200 block of Hoover Avenue who advised a male subject had just attempted to gain entry into their home. When officers arrived on scene they learned the victim had confronted the suspect to the front of their residence after he had attempted to enter through the front door. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and he was not located at that time.

At approximately 3:15pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 100 block of San Mateo Avenue who advised a male subject had just illegally entered their home and was being detained by a family member. Responding officers recognized the suspect matched the description from the earlier call on Hoover Avenue.

As officers arrived on scene, they contacted the suspect, 19 year old Ojai resident Angel Esperanza, in the front yard and detained him without incident. During the investigation, officers determined Esperanza had attempted to enter the residence through the front door as he had previously done on Hoover Avenue. When he found the front door locked, he tried a locked garage door and eventually made entry into the house through an open side door. A resident confronted Esperanza just inside the entryway and demanded he leave. The resident physically detained Esperanza after he refused to exit and began to push his way further into the home.

Esperanza was placed under arrest and transported to VCMC where he was treated for minor injuries he received as a result of being detained by the victim. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for misdemeanor aggravated trespassing.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On October 1 at 2:15pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call from a victim who was reporting having just found his stolen utility trailer in the 1500 block of Goodyear Avenue. The victim indicated the trailer was stolen out of Oxnard on September 21.

As officers arrived on scene, they observed the suspect, 30 year old Ventura vagrant Brandon Beechum, attaching his vehicle to the trailer. Beechum was detained and evidence located on his person further linked him to the trailer.

Beechum was arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle. A female passenger was questioned and released at the scene.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On October 1 at 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an audible burglary alarm at the Buena High School cafeteria located at 5670 Telegraph Road.

As officers arrived on scene they found an open exterior door and observed a male juvenile suspect inside. A perimeter was established around the cafeteria and the suspect was ordered to exit. He refused to comply with officers commands and retreated further into the cafeteria where officers lost sight of him.

A Ventura Police K9 was summoned to the scene to assist officers as they entered the cafeteria to search for the suspect. Within minutes, the K9 located the 17 year old juvenile hiding behind a counter inside the kitchen area. The suspect attempted to physically resist officers as he was taken into custody.

The suspect was placed under arrest and transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall where he was booked for commercial burglary. The suspect was not injured during the arrest.

Brandishing a Replica Firearm in a Threatening Manner Arrest

On October 3, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received separate 911 calls reporting two vagrants in a verbal argument in the 3000 block of E. Main St., near the intersection of Dos Caminos Ave. As the two subjects were still arguing, the callers reported one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at the other subject. While the patrol units were still responding to the call, the subjects had separated and left the area in different directions. The subject with the gun, later identified as 42 year old vagrant David Olszewski, was last seen leaving the area on foot eastbound on Main St.

As he left the area, Olszewski then confronted the manager of the Bayshore Inn, a short distance away from the location of the original altercation, and pointed the gun at the manager in a threatening manner.

Units arrived on scene and took Olszewski into custody without incident. He had discarded the gun, but after a search of the area it was located and determined to be a replica firearm. (See attached).

Olszewski was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for brandishing a replica firearm in a threatening manner.

The first subject that was observed in the verbal altercation with Olszewski was last seen leaving on foot northbound on Dos Caminos Ave. and was not located.

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 September 9, at approximately 6pm, patrol officers responded to Golf n’ Stuff regarding a sexual battery that had just occurred. The female victim (12 years old) told the responding officers the suspect had touched her two times inappropriately (over her clothing) while she was playing a video game at the arcade. The victim told her parents, who then called 9-1-1. Prior to officers arriving, the suspect ran from the business. After the officers interviewed witnesses and reviewed the security camera footage, they identified the suspect as 23 year old Ventura resident David Sanchez. A records check confirmed that Sanchez is currently a registered sex offender, with multiple prior sex crime convictions in Ventura County.

VPD Detectives began investigating the incident and issued an arrest warrant for Sanchez reference 288(a) PC – Lewd acts with a child. On 9/11/17 at about 1530 hours, Detectives located Sanchez at a construction site in Goleta, and arrested him without incident. Sanchez was transported back to Ventura and booked at the main jail. Anyone that has further information on this investigation is asked to call Det. Mike Hibdon (805) 339-4443.

Safe and Clean Efforts

As part of the City of Ventura’s ongoing efforts to respond to concerns from the community as well as business merchants regarding drug use and drug paraphernalia in the parks and surrounding areas of the downtown corridor, the Ventura Police Department, partnered with allied agencies, conducted enhanced foot patrols in the downtown corridor on September 13, between the hours of 2pm and 7pm.

The goal of the City of Ventura’s Safe and Clean Initiative is to ensure safe and clean public places for the entire community to enjoy. One of the core elements of this effort is to direct and leverage limited resources to better address illegal and quality of life behaviors in public spaces.

As a result of this effort a total of 19 arrests were made in the downtown corridor:

• 13 arrests for being under the influence of a controlled substance (misdemeanor)
• 2 arrests for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia (misdemeanor)
• 3 arrests for violation of probation
• 1 arrest for a robbery warrant out of Orange County (felony)
• The locations of these arrests included:
• 5 at Plaza Park, 600 E. Santa Clara St.
• 2 at Mission Park, 190 E. Main St.
• 2 at Promenade Park, 398 Figueroa St.
• 10 various locations in and around the downtown corridor

The City of Ventura is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the community by making a concerted effort to support the Safe and Clean Initiative.

Possession for sales, Felon in possession of firearms, Felony warrants

On September 12 at 1:25pm, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded an investigation into the suspected sales of methamphetamine from a residence in the 100 block of E Barnett Street.

Detectives observed the suspect, 52 year old Ventura resident James Meeks, in a vehicle on E Simpson St and took him into custody for two outstanding felony warrants related to the sales and transportation of a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, Meeks was found to be in possession of over an ounce of suspected methamphetamine.

Detectives then served a search warrant on Meeks’ residence in the 100 block of E Barnett Street. During the search, detectives seized an additional two and a half ounces of suspected methamphetamine, cash that was suspected of being profits from illicit narcotic sales, and over forty-six firearms which included rifles and handguns.

Other items of evidence indicating that sales of methamphetamine were occurring from this residence were also identified and seized.

A second resident at this location, 66 year old Ventura resident Charles Doyle, was found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and had many of the firearms unsecured in his bedroom.

Both Meeks and Doyle were transported to VPD for interrogation and were later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on several felony charges including Possession for sales, Felon in possession of firearms, Possession of a controlled substance and firearms, and Narcotic addict in possession of firearms.

City Code Enforcement responded to inspect substandard living conditions at this residence.

Stabbing

On September 14, at approximately 9:30am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing victim in the parking lot of the Chase Bank on Telegraph Rd. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, later identified 23 year old Felipe Chandler, suffering from a single non-life threatening stab wound to his torso. He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. After the incident, witnesses reported seeing the suspect board a Gold Coast Transit bus that left eastbound on Telegraph Rd.

Officers located the bus traveling in the area of Telegraph Rd. and Ashwood Ave. and boarded the bus. The suspect, later identified as Ivan Vera, was found inside and taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation officers learned that for unknown reasons Chandler and Vera, who did not know each other, got into verbal argument. It became physical, at which time the victim was stabbed. Vera got onto the bus and left the area.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Vera was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Conspiracy and Burglary Arrests

On September 13 at 10pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a Loss Prevention Officer at Target reporting that two male suspects were inside the store attempting to break a glass cabinet in an attempt to steal valuable electronic items. Officers arrived on scene and located one of the suspects still trying to break the glass cabinet. The suspect fled through Target to the rear of the store and got into a red sedan that was outside waiting for the suspects. The other suspect, later identified as 32 year old Bakersfiled resident Willie Christer, fled out of the front entrance.

As the red sedan was leaving Target, another officer saw the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle stopped and the suspect that was trying to break the glass cabinet ran away from the car and was not located. The driver of the car, 29 year old Bakersfield resident Kevin Davis, remained in the car along with an uninvolved female passenger. Officers searched the area for the outstanding suspects and located Christer nearby.

After further investigation, officers learned that this was a recent pattern of a group of thieves stealing from Targets in Southern California by working in concert with each other to break into glass cabinets and steal electronics. Due to the quick response by the police officers, the suspects were unable to take any electronics from Target during this incident.

Christer and Davis were both arrested for conspiracy and burglary and were later booked into the Ventura County Jail. The female was released at the scene. One suspect is still outstanding.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle and Arrest

On September 20, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the victim reporting that his vehicle was just stolen from the parking lot of Smart and Final, 2750 E. Thompson Blvd. The victim had left his vehicle running and the suspect, later identified as 37 year old vagrant from Northridge Robert Cox, entered the vehicle and drove off. The vehicle was last seen going westbound on Thompson Blvd.

Approx. 5 minutes later, a Ventura Police motor officer saw the vehicle entering northbound highway 101 from Seaward Ave. and followed the vehicle until other units arrived to assist. Once sufficient units arrived, officers conducted a high risk stop and stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of Motel 6 on Harbor Blvd.

Cox was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked into Ventura County Jail for stolen vehicle, driving under the influence and for being a post release offender.

The vehicle was returned to the victim.

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.

Stabbing

On September 3, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the emergency room staff at Ventura County Medical Center reporting a stabbing victim had just entered the emergency room. Officers arrived and contacted the male victim who was found to be suffering from two non-life threatening stab wounds to his torso.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was sitting alone in the area of Ventura Avenue and Prospect Street when two passing vehicles abruptly stopped in the roadway. Five male subjects exited the vehicles and began to physically assault the victim without provocation. The victim was stabbed with an unknown type weapon as he tried to defend himself. After the attack, the suspects reentered the vehicles and fled in an unknown direction.

There is no additional information at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed, or has information relating to this crime, is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488

Armed Suicidal Subject

On September 6, at approximately 1pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from employees of O’Leary’s Sidebar, 6555 Telephone Rd., reporting that a customer had just left a suicide note inside the bar and was now in the parking lot, armed with a knife. The note indicated that the subject, later identified as a 49-year-old male vagrant, wanted to force officers to shoot him.

Offices arrived on scene and located the subject in the middle of the parking lot. He was still armed with the knife and was uncooperative with officers. Officers set up a perimeter to contain the subject and protect the public that was in the area. The subject became more erratic as officers tried to negotiate with him and at one point claimed he had additional weapons as he reached into a fanny pack attached to his waist.

A less lethal weapon was deployed, which incapacitated the subject to give officers enough time to take him into custody.

After he was medically cleared for minor injuries he sustained during the arrest, the subject was transported to Ventura County Mental Health for an evaluation.

No officers or any citizens were injured as a result of this incident.

As a precaution, Portola Elementary School was placed on temporary lockdown until the incident was resolved.

Crook Trying To Get Favorite Cheeseburger

On September 7, at 1am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an audible alarm with video surveillance at the Carl’s Jr on Thompson Bl.

Offices arrived on scene and located the suspect, 39 year old Oak View resident Jennifer Cardinel, inside eating food from the business. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect forcibly pulled open the locked doors to the business while it was closed. She remained inside the business when the officer’s arrived on scene.

The suspect was taken to Ventura County Jail and booked for felony Commercial Burglary and an outstanding felony arrest warrant for vehicle theft.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On September 9, at 12:10pm the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of The Wharf, at 980 Front St. The caller provided the license plate of the vehicle and a registration check revealed it had been stolen from Ventura earlier in the day.

Officers arrived on scene and found the suspect, Cameron Marrufo, 25, Ventura resident in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Marrufo was ordered out of the vehicle where he was taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

During the last month, Marrufo has been arrested on three different occasions by the Ventura Police Department. He was previously arrested on 08/19/17 for a residential burglary in the 100 block of Brent St. and on 09/07/17 for prowling a residence in the 2000 block of Pierpont Blvd.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On August 18, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a caller reporting a battery that just occurred and that Pacific View Mall security officers were following the suspect. Additional information was received from an employee of Trader Joe’s that the suspect, later identified as 20 year old vagrant Araceli Aguileracastillo, was also involved in a shoplifting of alcohol from the store.

When the first officer arrived on scene, mall security officers had Aguileracastillo detained in the parking lot to the rear of the store. As the officer was speaking to her and waiting for additional officers to arrive, Aguileracastillo tried fleeing from him on foot. The officer caught her, and as he was attempting to take her into custody, she grabbed the officer’s firearm and began forcefully trying to remove the weapon from its holster.

After a further struggle on the ground, the officer was able to take Aguileracastillo into custody with the assistance of the mall security officers.

During the investigation, officers learned that Aguileracastillo was inside of Trader Joe’s when she was observed by an employee concealing several large bottles of alcohol in her clothing. The employee confronted Aguileracastillo, at which time she removed one of the bottles and attempted to hit the employee with it. Fearing for his safety, the employee allowed her to leave the store.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On August 19 at 4:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from resident in the 100 block of N. Brent Street, reporting that a subject had just attempted to gain access into his apartment and had fled the area.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim had left his residence for a brief time. Upon returning, he noticed his front door was standing open and property had been removed from the interior and was left on the porch. The victim walked to the rear of his residence to further investigate and observed a male and female running from the yard.

Officers were provided a description of the suspects as they began to search the area. Officers located a male and female who matched the suspect description a short distance from the scene. The male suspect, 26 year old Ventura resident Cameron Marrufo was detained and a search revealed he had property concealed on his person which had been taken from inside the residence.

Marrufo was placed under arrest and booked into the Ventura County Jail for burglary and possession of stolen property. Officers determined the female contacted with Marrufo was not involved in the burglary.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On August 18, Ventura Police officers contacted the victim of a stolen vehicle at State Beach Park located at 901 San Pedro Street.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim had left several pieces of property unattended while he exercised nearby. When he returned a short time later, he discovered a backpack containing his vehicle keys had been stolen. The victim soon realized his vehicle had also been stolen. Officers searched the area at the time but were unable to locate the suspect or vehicle.

On August 19 at 11:45am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the victim who reported he had just observed his stolen vehicle parked in the area of Monmouth Drive and Harbor Boulevard. As officers were responding, the suspect, 36 year old Ventura resident Jamaar Smith, left the area driving north on Harbor Boulevard as the victim followed.

Smith pulled into the public parking lot located at San Jon Road and Harbor Boulevard as officers arrived. Officers conducted a high risk stop and took Smith into custody without incident. Property taken from the backpack was located inside the vehicle along with evidence linking Smith to initial theft.

Felon in Possession of a Concealed Firearm with High Capacity Magazine

On August 20 at 1:40pm, a patrol officer was patrolling the area of Thompson Boulevard and Figueroa Street, and made a traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle, 25 year old Ventura resident Nikolas Inglis was contacted and found to be on active probation with a prior felony conviction.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun was found concealed under the front passenger’s seat. It was determined that Inglis had possessed the firearm prior to being pulled over by the officer.

Inglis was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a concealed firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a high capacity magazine.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On August 22 at 9:25am, a Ventura Police officer noticed a suspicious vehicle in the Motel 6 parking lot that matched the description of vehicle which was recently reported stolen. While the officer was attempting to confirm the status of the vehicle, the suspect, 42 year old Ventura resident Brandon Small and two others entered the vehicle and drove away.

Officers conducted an enforcement stop as the vehicle exited the parking lot and took Small into custody without incident. Small was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and for an outstanding arrest warrant. A passenger, 37 year old Ventura resident Jesse Matt was also arrested and booked for outstanding arrest warrant. The third passenger was determined to not be involved and was released at the scene.

by Cindy Summers

Police reports are provided to us by the Ventura  Police Department and are not the opinions of  the Ventura Breeze. All suspects mentioned  are assumed to be innocent until proven guilty  in a court of law.

Stabbing

On August 4, at 11:53pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing victim outside Rookies Bar, 419 E. Main St. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, later identified Nathan Little, suffering from a single non-life threatening stab wound to his torso. He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. The suspect was last seen fleeing from the scene on foot northbound on Oak St.

Officers began checking the area and located the suspect, later identified as 29 year old Santa Paula resident Jaime Vazquez, several blocks away in the Downtown parking structure. Vazquez was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, officers learned from bar security that the victim, who was working as a security guard, and Vazquez got into a verbal argument over Vazquez cutting in line outside the bar. A physical altercation occurred, and the victim was stabbed. Vazquez and a couple of his friends fled from the area on foot.

A second involved subject was located, but was not arrested. At the conclusion of the investigation, Vazquez was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Resisting Arrest

On August 4, at 6:10pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a cyclist reporting a suspicious subject walking on the Ventura River bike path carrying two large machetes.

When one of the patrol officers arrived on scene he saw the subject, later identified as 31 year old vagrant Armando Mendoza, walking near the intersection of Olive St. and Main St., and attempted to stop him. At the time, Mendoza was carrying a 3’ long machete and a large pair of cutting shears. Mendoza refused orders by the officer to stop and began running towards a nearby shopping center. He then ran into an open Vons Store, still carrying both weapons.

Officers pursued Mendoza into the store and chased him until he entered a restroom towards the back of the store.

Once the area of the store surrounding the restroom was safely cleared of customers and employees, and it was determined Mendoza was inside the restroom by himself, officers gave him orders to come out. Mendoza refused to exit on his own, so with the assistance of a police K-9, officers entered the restroom and took Mendoza into custody after forcing their way into a locked restroom stall.

Mendoza was found to still be in possession of both weapons, although never threatened anyone with them. He was arrested for resisting arrest and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Residential Burglary Arrests

In May 2017 the Ventura Street Crimes Unit detectives began an investigation into several residential burglaries that had occurred in the east end of Ventura. Numerous items of property, jewelry, and credit cards were stolen during these crimes.

One suspect identified as 40 year old Oxnard resident Frank Orta JR was determined to be on active parole for burglary. He did not have any permanent address which made it difficult for detectives to track him down. The second suspect identified as 39 year old Ventura resident Stephanie Bura also had no permanent address however her vehicle was often seen parked in front of a residence on Amherst St.

On August 4, Street Crimes Unit detectives served the search warrant on Amherst, however, Bura was not present. During the search of this residence detectives located stolen property, stolen mail, and other evidence linking Bura the recent string of burglaries.

Later that same afternoon VPD patrol officers responded to a report of a residential burglary in progress on the east end of Ventura. The suspects fled in a vehicle and witnesses provided the responding officers with a license plate and description. A short time later the suspect vehicle was observed entering the 101 freeway from Rose.

The male that was apprehended was identified as Frank Orta Jr. he was arrested and transported back to VPD to be interviewed by detectives. Orta made several incriminating statements and was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for residential burglary and a parole violation.

On August Street Crimes Unit detectives canvases several areas of Ventura and Oxnard and at approximately 9:30 am they observed the outstanding suspect Stephanie Bure driving north on Ventura Rd. A marked police unit was called in to make a stop and Bura was taken into custody without incident.

Bura was interviewed by detectives and also made incriminating statements re the burglaries and credit card theft. She was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on one count of residential burglary, seven counts of forgery, eleven counts of commercial burglary, and twelve counts of identity theft, all felony crimes. Her bail was set at $750,000.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime please contact the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 805-339-4325.

Commercial Burglary, Conspiracy, and Resisting Arrest

On August 11, at approximately 5:30am, a concerned citizen saw two subjects break a window at College Liquor and enter the store. The citizen called 911. Officers arrived on scene shortly after as the two juveniles were exiting the window with stolen property. Both males fled on foot, but both were apprehended after short foot pursuits.

The two conspired together to break into the business to steal alcohol and tobacco. The juveniles caused significant damage to the business while trying to make entry. Both were lodged at Juvenile Hall for the above listed offenses.

Residential Burglary

On August 13, at 4:50pm the Command Center received 911 calls from residents in the 1300 block of Saratoga Ave., reporting that several subjects had been prowling in the area and were now attempting to gain access into a neighbor’s residence.

As officers were responding the witnesses observed two males and a female enter the residence through an unlocked rear door. Moments later, the three were seen exiting with a large amount of stolen property. The suspects placed the property into a vehicle and were in the process of fleeing when officers arrived. A traffic enforcement stop was conducted and all five occupants in the vehicle were taken into custody.

All are Ventura residents. Luke Forehand 23, Austin Capelli 20, Kendall Sanders 26, Tara Riley 38, Alexis Keirn 19.

All suspects were placed under arrest and booked into the Ventura County Jail for residential burglary, possession of stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Forehand was additionally booked for an outstanding parole violation 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.

Armed Robbery Arrest

On July 19 at 9:40pm, the victim was sitting in his vehicle in the parking lot of Skating Plus when the suspects drove up in a vehicle. They approached the victim and then started reaching into his vehicle and taking some of his personal property. When he protested, one suspect produced a handgun, pointed it at the victim, and took his valuables. The suspects fled the area and the victim was able to enter Skating Plus to get help and call 9-1-1.

Responding officers obtained detailed suspect information and quickly determined a possible suspect. Investigative leads resulted in officers locating the suspects in the Downtown area of Ventura. The suspects of the robbery were identified as 31 year old Santa Paula resident Terry Stephenson and 19 year old Oxnard resident Alexander Duarte, and they were found to be in possession of the victim’s property that had been stolen during the robbery.

Stephenson was arrested for Robbery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Duarte was arrested for Robbery. Both suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle and Arrest

On July 19 at 3:25pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the victim of a stolen vehicle reporting that a relative saw the vehicle driving in the area of the 2600 block of E. Main St. Officers responded and began checking the area, ultimately finding it parked in a parking lot to the rear of Auto Zone store. One officer detained a subject, later identified as 36 year old vagrant Jason Sevier, standing next to the vehicle.

A second subject, later identified as 31 year old Andrew Renteria, fled on foot when he saw the officers patrol vehicle approaching. Additional officers began searching for Renteria, and found him several blocks away in a neighborhood and he was detained.

At the end of the investigation, Sevier was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle. Renteria, who was determined to be the passenger in the vehicle, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of stolen property and providing a false name to a police officer.

Vehicle Pursuit

On July 20 at 11:30am, an officer on patrol observed a known wanted felon driving in the area of Darling Rd. and Gardner Ave. and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. The subject, later identified as 49 year old Ventura resident Michael Holladay, failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued on several residential streets, during which time Holladay drove at speeds of 60 mph on Telephone Rd. and ran several stop signs. In the area of Halifax St. and Big Horn St., Holladay exited the vehicle while it was still moving and fled on foot. He entered a nearby water culvert, which led into the Santa Clara River bottom.

Due to the heavy brush, officers quickly lost sight of him and did not pursue Holladay into the river bottom. He was able to elude the officers.

When he is located, Holladay will be arrested for felony evading. The felony warrant he currently has is also for felony evading arrest. Holladay is Post Release Offender.

Anyone with information on Holladay’s whereabouts is asked to call the Ventura Police Department at 650-8010.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On July 24 at 8:10am, a Ventura Police officer noticed a suspicious vehicle in the Motel 6 parking lot that matched the description of vehicle which was recently reported stolen. While the officer was attempting to confirm the status of the vehicle, the suspect, 49 year old Ventura resident Mary Filippi entered the vehicle and drove away.

Officers conducted an enforcement stop as the vehicle exited the parking lot and took Filippi into custody without incident. Fillipi was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.

Armed Robbery

On July 26, at approximately 10pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from an employee of Subway, 2950 Johnson Dr., reporting that an armed robbery had just occurred. The suspects, one armed with a handgun, were last seen fleeing westbound from the store on foot.

During the investigation officers learned there were two employees inside the store preparing to close, when both suspects entered the store. The one suspect armed with a gun pointed it at the employees and demanded money. He then jumped the counter. The employees started to run towards the back of the store, at which time the suspect with the gun grabbed one of them and threatened her. The armed suspect then took an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled from the store.

The second suspect did not display any weapons and remained on the front side of the counter. He also fled from the store.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspects. The two employees were not physically injured as a result of this crime.

The suspects were described as follows: Suspect #1: Black Male, 20’s, wearing a black sweatshirt and armed with a handgun – Suspect #2: Unknown Race Male, wearing a red striped sweatshirt

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.

Felony Resisting an Officer, Battery on a Police Officer

On July 6, at approximately 4:15pm, the officer assigned to work inside of the emergency room at the Ventura County Medical Center was contacted by hospital security and told that a subject, later identified as 30 year old Ventura resident Van Null, was disturbing and refusing to leave the front lobby. When the officer contacted Null and asked him to leave, Null immediately took a fighting stance and tried to punch the officer.

The officer attempted to take Null into custody, but he began to violently resist the officer. Additional officers who were inside of the ER, along with an ER staff member, went to assist the officer and after a brief struggle, Null was taken into custody.

After being handcuffed, Null spit on one of the officers.

Null was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest and misdemeanor battery on a police officer.

No officers were injured as a result of this incident.

Vandalism Arrest
On July 11, at 9:40am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an employee at PetSmart, 4840 Telephone Rd., reporting a subject disturbing inside the store and banging on the fish tanks. By the time officers arrived on scene, the subject, later identified as 28 year old vagrant Matthew Blair-Oliver, had already reached into the fish tanks and grabbed several fish, killing 3 of them. Additional fish were harmed.

Blair-Oliver was detained and later arrested for misdemeanor vandalism.

It was determined because these particular fish are not considered an endangered species it did not qualify for cruelty to an animal, therefore were the property of PetSmart and killing them constituted vandalism.

Armed Bank Robbery ***UPDATED***

On June 30, at approximately 2pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a robbery alarm being activated at Rabobank, 1171 S. Victoria Ave. Shortly after the call, an employee of the bank called 911 and confirmed that a robbery did in fact occur. Upon arrival of the officers, they determined the suspect had already fled the bank and was last seen leaving the area on a small BMX style bicycle, westbound through the shopping center.

During the investigation officers learned the suspect entered the bank and approached one of the open teller windows. At the counter, the suspect produced a black semi-automatic handgun from inside a large envelope he was holding and demanded money from the clerk.

The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money, and he fled the bank. He was last seen fleeing the scene on the bicycle.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

The photos provided are from the bank’s surveillance cameras.

The FBI was notified. The Ventura Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit will be conducting the investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488 or the Watch Commander at 339-4416.

***UPDATED INFORMATION***

The Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Detectives, along with investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, continued the investigation into this crime and were able to identified 39 year old Ventura resident Francisco Hernandez as a person of interest. On July 13, at approximately 6:30am, the Ventura Police Department’s SWAT Team and Major Crimes Detectives conducted a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence in the 500 Block of Cedar St. During the search, a Ventura Police K-9 was deployed and helped locate Hernandez concealed inside of a couch. He was taken into custody without incident.

Hernandez was booked into the Ventura County Jail for armed robbery.

Possession of a controlled substance arrest

On July 12, at 8:30am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives assisted city Code Enforcement officers with an inspection warrant in the 100 block of James Dr.

This location has been the subject of several prior narcotic investigations and two of the residents recently pleaded guilty to maintaining a place of drug use.

This morning when detectives and code enforcement arrived two subjects were located sleeping in an unauthorized converted garage and four more subjects were located sleeping in an unpermitted back house.

All of these subjects were detained and later cited by code enforcement. One of the subjects identified as 38 year old Ventura resident Jose Hernandez was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest re narcotic violations. He was later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

During the inspection of the property, numerous items of narcotic paraphernalia were observed that indicated to detectives that drugs are still openly being used. One of the residents, 43 year old Ventura resident Victor Leon, was arrested for possession of a small amount of methamphetamine that was located in his makeshift sleeping area.

Detectives also noticed a small coin type purse in a vacant parking lot directly behind the converted garage. It was believed that this purse was discarded through the open garage window over the back fence.

Detectives constructed a pole with a hook and were able to retrieve this purse that was found to contain over two ounces of methamphetamine, over one-half ounce of heroin, and a small quantity of cocaine. It was estimated that the street value of these narcotics was approximately $2,000.00.

It was not known who discarded the purse over the fence and detectives will conduct further forensic tests to determine who was in possession of this item.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime please contact the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Narc Hotline at 805-339-4331.