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.

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.

Prowling, evading arrest, petty theft, and possession of paraphernalia

On June 20, at approximately 9:15pm, an alert citizen called the Ventura Police Department to report a suspicious person possibly casing a house in the neighborhood. The suspect, later identified as 25 year old Venture resident Joe Osuna, had parked a bike in front of a residence and then walked around the side of the house. Officers arrived on scene as Osuna was returning to his bike and attempted to contact him. Osuna ran away from the officers but was apprehended after a short foot pursuit onto the beach. Osuna was found to be in possession of illegal drug paraphernalia, as well as a lawn ornament that had been stolen from the victim residence.

Osuna was arrested and will be booked at the Ventura County Jail for prowling, evading arrest, petty theft, and possession of paraphernalia.

Residential Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, and Conspiracy Arrests

On June 21, at approximately 4:40am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a residential alarm being activated in the 6000 block of Loma Vista Rd. Relaying information through the alarm company’s dispatch, the homeowner reported that someone had broken into the residence and fled on foot after taking property. One of the items taken was a cellphone.

Officers responded to the scene and contacted the victim homeowner. Additional officers began checking the area. While checking the area officers contacted a subject, later identified as 25 year old Oxnard resident Jesus Flores, who was found walking several blocks away from the location of the burglary.

In addition, another officer found a suspicious parked vehicle on another nearby street. At the time, this vehicle was not connected to Flores, although appeared to have contained stolen property inside.

As residents began waking up, several more crimes including additional thefts from vehicles and a burglary to a shed were being reported by residents throughout the same neighborhood. Suspecting the suspicious parked vehicle was somehow involved, additional officers responded to watch the vehicle.

Approximately 1 hour after the original residential burglary was reported on Loma Vista Rd., officers observed a subject, later identified as 28 year old Oxnard residetn Gregorio Solorio, enter the vehicle and leave. A patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.

When officers searched Solorio, he was found to be in possession of the cellphone stolen from the earlier residential burglary. A large amount of stolen property was also found during a search of the vehicle. Officers were able to determine Solorio and Flores were involved in the crimes. Both were taken into custody.

Street Crimes Detectives assisted in the investigation and based on information they were able to obtain, later conducted a search warrant of a residence in Oxnard. During the search of the residence, numerous stolen items were found and recovered. A third suspect, later identified as 28 year old Oxnard resident Rudy Ramirez, was arrested at the residence.

At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined Solorio, Flores and Ramirez were responsible for committing approximately 10 residential burglaries throughout the city of Ventura over a 3 month period. All three suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail for multiple counts of residential burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy.

Much of the stolen property that was recovered during the investigation has been returned to the owners.

Anyone with information or feel they may be a victim of a crime related to this investigation is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4428.

Felony Resisting an Officer, Battery on a Police Officer, Criminal Threats, Trespassing

On June 23, at 7:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the Pacific View Mall security reporting a subject disturbing and refusing to leave. It was reported the subject, later identified as 23 year old vagrant Nathan Journigan, had previously been warned numerous times by security not to return to the property.

Upon arrival, officers contacted Journigan and at the request of security, he was again told to leave the property and warned about trespassing.

Several minutes later, Journigan was observed entering back into the mall. Officers located him in the food court and as they started to escort him out, Journigan began to resist and spit in the face of one of the officers. He then made verbal threats to harm the officers.

Journigan was arrested without further incident and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest, misdemeanor battery on a police officer, criminal threats, and trespassing.

Prowling, Resisting Arrest and Unlawful Entry Arrest

On June 25, at approximately 12:30am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a call froma resident in the 700 Blk of Saratoga Ave regarding a suspicious male subject seen in their backyard. Officers responded to the area, but were unable to locate the subject. As the officers were in the neighborhood looking for the subject, they saw a male, later identified as 43 year old Ryan Burchell running down Vernon St. Officers told Burchell to stop, but he refused and ran into a neighbor’s backyard.

Additional officers responded and surrounded the neighborhood in an attempt to locate Burchell. Burchell jumped into several neighbors’ yards and then opened the backdoor to a residence. The resident confronted the Burchell as he was standing in the rear doorway. Burchell then ran towards the front of the residence where officers confronted Burchell and took him into custody without further incident.

Burchell was identified as the subject in the backyard of the house on Saratoga Ave. Burchell is on active parole and was ultimately arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for prowling, resisting arrest, unlawful entry of an occupied dwelling and a parole violation.

Robbery

On June 25, at approximately 5:40pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a concerned citizen who reported that WINCO Loss Prevention Officers were in a struggle with a male subject who was refusing to cooperate with them. When officers arrived on scene, the suspect was detained and brought back to the Loss Prevention Office.

During the investigation officers learned that the suspect, 26 year old Ventura resident Michael Hansen, had been seen earlier that day removing property from the store without paying for the items and he was able to flee on a skateboard before he could be detained by store employees. At around 5pm, the Loss Prevention Officer noticed Hansen had returned to the store and began visual surveillance of him. Hansen entered the store and again took items without paying for them, and as he exited the store two Loss Prevention Officers attempted to detain Hansen, and retrieve the stores property. Hansen refused to cooperate and swung a one gallon container, striking one of the Loss Prevention Officers in the head and knocking him to the ground. The two Loss Prevention Officers were able to detain Hansen, until the VPD Patrol Officers arrived on scene.

Hansen was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery. The Loss Prevention Officer received minor injuries as a result of this incident.

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

Manufacturing a controlled substance and Child Endangerment Arrest

On June 26, at 10:45pm, VPD Patrol Officers conducted a probation search at a residence in the 300 Block of Rodgers St. During the search, officers located several items consistent with those used to convert marijuana in to honey oil. Due to the potential danger these items pose, officers evacuated all of the occupants, which included (3) male juveniles, and notified VPD Detectives.

Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded and confirmed the items in the residence were consistent with those used to make a drug conversion lab, specifically marijuana butane honey oil (BHO). Detectives subsequently obtained a search warrant and seized all of the items. During the investigation, it was determined that 55 year old Ventura resident Robert Schlichter resided at the residence and obtained the items in an attempt to extract honey oil from marijuana.

Schlichter was booked at the Ventura County Jail for manufacturing a controlled substance, manufacturing concentrated cannabis with volatile solvents and child endangerment, all felony charges. Nobody was injured as a result of this incident.

Armed Bank Robbery

On June 30, at 2:09pm, 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. Hispanic male, 30’s, wearing a white construction type hardhat, bright fluorescent yellow vest and black pants.

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.

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.

Attempt Commercial Burglary, Resisting Officers Arrest

On June 4, at 3:30pm, officers received a call from an alert citizen regarding the suspect attempting to break into the front door of a business in the 3100 block of Telegraph Road. By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled. While the officers were on scene investigating, they were able to review the surveillance video at the business which showed the suspect, 24 year old vagrant Billy Willis, attempting to break the front door to the business.

As the investigation continued, the suspect returned to the area near the business and the officers saw him. When they attempted to contact him, he fled from them on foot, and the officers pursued after him. After a lengthy foot pursuit, the suspect gave up and was arrested by the officers. The suspect was arrested for attempted commercial burglary, resisting arrest and an unrelated misdemeanor warrant. While he was being medically cleared at Ventura County Medical Center, he had to be admitted to the hospital. Once his medical issues are resolved, he will be booked into Ventura County Jail for the listed charges.

Vehicle Burglary, Stolen Vehicle Incident with K9 Search

On June 5, at approximately 2:30am, officers were in the area of Evergreen Drive and Thompson Blvd. Investigating a vehicle burglary that had just occurred. While one of the officers was looking for the suspect in the area, he saw a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed attempting to flee the area. Before the officer could catch up to the vehicle, it was involved in a collision with a parked vehicle and the driver fled on foot. The patrol officers located and detained a passenger, 27 year old Ventura resident Juan Arias, in the vehicle, and other officers and the VPD K9 began a search for the outstanding driver. After a lengthy search, the suspect not located.

The subsequent investigation revealed the vehicle was reported stolen out of Santa Barbara County. Stolen property from the vehicle burglary was located inside the vehicle and later returned to the owner. The passenger was found to be in possession of narcotics paraphernalia and was arrested for the charge.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Prohibited Assault Weapon, Possession of Narcotics and Paraphernalia

On June 5, at approximately 4:15pm, a concerned citizen called the Ventura Police Department reference a suspicious vehicle that was seen in the area for an extended period of time. The citizen was concerned that the subject in the vehicle was possibly casing residences. Ventura Police Patrol Officers were dispatched to the area and located a vehicle matching the description, and stopped the vehicle after observing a vehicle code violation.

The suspect was identified as 31 year old Santa Paula resident Zosimo Esparza, and during the investigation officers located ammunition, narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia in the suspect’s possession. Further investigation revealed the suspect was in possession of a loaded Assault Weapon in the vehicle that is prohibited in the State of California.

Strong-Arm Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon (force likely to produce injury), and Resisting Arrest

On June 10, at 3:15am, 36 year old vagrant Brandon Nugent walked into Chevron and attempted to purchase merchandise. When he was told he did not have enough money he began yelling at the clerk. When the clerk attempted to retrieve the property, Nugent struck her and pulled her and the property outside.

Once outside, he tackled her to the ground and then got behind her and began choking her. The victim was able to fight her way out of the choke hold and run back inside to call 911. Nugent fled the scene on foot.

Officers arrived in the area and contacted Nugent, who matched the description given by the victim. Nugent refused to stop for police and tried to get away but was taken into custody without injury to either Nugent or the officers. Nugent was positively identified by the victim and transported and booked at VCJ.

Commercial Burglary with Arrest

At June 10, at approximately 5am, Ventura Police responded to an alarm call for service at Trek Bicycles. Officers arrived on scene to find the window had been smashed and a rack of bikes inside the store had been knocked over. The security video showed a suspect entering the store.

Ventura Patrol officers began searching the area for the suspect. Ventura Police CSI was called to the scene to collect additional evidence.

At approximately 5:30am officers located a suspect, Scott Heckmaster, in the area who matched the description. Based on evidence from the scene and statements from Heckmaster, he was taken into custody. Heckmaster was transported and booked at VCJ for Commercial Burglary.

Heckmaster caused several thousand dollars in damages to the window and merchandise inside the store.

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On June 15, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the victim reporting that his vehicle was just stolen in 1200 block of Petit Ave. The victim left his vehicle running while he unloaded groceries into his residence. A short time later, an officer responding to the call saw the stolen vehicle on Northbank Dr. and Bristol Rd., and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.

The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 42 year old vagrant Kirtis Lund, continued on Bristol Rd. at speeds reaching 70 mph, before going southbound on Johnson Dr. While on Johnson Dr., Lund began driving on the wrong side of the center median. Because of the danger he posed to the public by going the wrong way, the officer discontinued the pursuit. Lund then turned into the parking lot of the Northbank Plaza in the 2800 block of Johnson Dr. and before the vehicle came to a stop, he fled from the vehicle on foot. The vehicle continued to roll forward and hit a retaining wall inside the shopping center. Officers caught up to Lund and took him into custody without incident.

Lund was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony evading, stolen vehicle, and several misdemeanor warrants.

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.

Crime Spree with Attempted Armed Robbery Arrest

On May 24, at approximately 12:30am, the Ventura Police Department received a call of a theft of a large amount of alcohol from the CVS store at 5900 Telegraph Rd.  The suspect reportedly left in a vehicle.  As officers were responding to that call, a second 9-1-1 caller reported a woman screaming from a vehicle in the McDonald’s drive-thru in the same shopping center.  Officers arrived and contacted that female, who said that a man had run up to her open driver’s window at the drive-thru, leaned in, produced a knife, and demanded her money.  A witness rode up on a bicycle and the suspect was distracted, allowing the victim to escape by rapidly driving away.  A witness saw the same suspect shatter the window of a nearby parked vehicle just prior to approaching the female at the drive-thru.  Video surveillance footage captured images of the suspect.

Officers canvassed the area and located the suspect, who was identified as 19 year old Ventura resident Xavier Servin, in the 5600 block of Telephone Rd.  Servin was in possession of the property that had been stolen from CVS, as well as the knife used in the robbery.  Servin resisted arrest and sustained a minor injury.  He is being treated at VCMC for his injury and will be booked at the Ventura County Jail for Attempted Robbery, Shoplifting, and Resisting Arrest.

The investigation into these crimes is on-going.  Please call 805-650-8010 if you have any further information.

Residential Burglary / Possession of a Firearm & Dagger

On May 28, at approximately 12:45am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call reference a residential burglary that was in progress. The victim said the suspect was currently hiding in her garage. While officers were responding the victim reported that her husband was speaking with the suspect outside the garage and was attempting to detain him.

Officers arrived and were told the suspect had just fled on foot down the street. Officers began to attempt to locate the suspect but were unsuccessful. Officers at the scene located a backpack that contained a .22 cal revolver handgun inside it with a bag full of .22 cal ammo.

K9 Rover and his handler were requested in order to start a hard surface track for the suspect. K9 Rover very quickly was on the track and headed westbound on Stanford St. K9 Rover led officers into a yard approximately 6 residences from the victim’s residence and began to alert on several bushes to the side of this residence. This area was very dark and officers could not see into the bushes even with their flashlights. K9 Rover’s handler began to yell out to the suspect and the suspect, 37 year old Ventura resident Steven Bohannan, slowly crawled out from under the bushes.

Bohannan was taken into custody without incident. During the search of Bohannan he was found to be in possession of a dagger that was concealed on his person.

Vandalism Arrests

On May 29, at approximately 5pm, two officers were on patrol in the area of Ventura Blvd. and Victoria Ave., when a citizen stopped them and reported seeing two subjects in the process of vandalizing an electrical box near the intersection of Ventura Blvd. and Seahawk St. The officers responded to that location and saw the two subjects, later identified as 26 year old Ventura resident Jorge Magallanes and 25 year old Ventura resident Ernesto Orozco, still tagging the electrical box. Officers detained them both and determined both were conspiring to commit the act of vandalism.

During the investigation, officers determined Magallanes and Orozco were vandalizing for the benefit of a gang.

Both were arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for conspiracy, vandalism and a gang enhancement. Orozco was also arrested for several outstanding warrants.

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

Felony Child Endangerment

On May 30, at 1:30pm, officers responded to the Ventura County Medical Center reference a call of an infant child testing positive for amphetamines. The 1-year-old child had been brought to the hospital by his father, after the father suspected the child had ingested water from his mother’s illegal smoking device. The smoking device was left in the reach of the child and when the father found the child acting strange, he concluded the child had gained access to the smoking device.

At the time the child ingested the water, he was in the care of his mother, later identified as 29 year old Ventura resident Ashley Cargnino. Officers later conducted a follow up at the residence and arrested Cargnino. She was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony child endangerment.

The child was transported to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara. At this time, the condition of the child is not known.

Attempt Commercial Burglary Arrest

On May 31, at approximately 4:15am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a burglary in progress at Roger’s Pharmacy on Loma Vista Rd. As the suspects were attempting to gain entry into the business with the use of a pry bar the alarm sounded and the suspects fled in a vehicle. The reporting party reported to the Command Center the description of the vehicle.

Officers responding to the call observed the vehicle and began to follow it as the front passenger discarded gloves and masks out of the window. The vehicle was stopped and the two occupants were detained.

The resulting investigation determined that the two suspects were attempting to pry open the window to the business to gain access to the pharmaceuticals when they were interrupted by the sounding alarm.

The suspects, 40 year old Signal Hill resident Thomas Dedmon and 20 year old Palmdale resident Jeffrey Phillips, were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Ventura County jail for attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.

Possession for sales & felon in possession of tear gas arrest

On May 31, at 7:30am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded an investigation into the sales of methamphetamine by a suspect identified as 47 year old Ventura resident Scott Hughey in the 8600 block of Tahoe Drive.

This morning VPD detectives served a search warrant at Hughey’s residence. During the search warrant detectives located over an ounce of methamphetamine and other items of evidence indicating Hughey was actively involved in the sales of methamphetamine. All of this was found in the garage area where Hughey was living. Detectives searched Hughey’s truck and found a canister of tear gas. Due to Hughey being a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing tear gas.

Hughey was later transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on felony possession for sales of narcotics and the misdemeanor charge of convicted felon in possession of tear gas.

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

Suicidal Subject

On May 31, at approximately 6pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a caller reporting a subject sitting on the railing of the overpass on Vista Del Mar Rd. at Seaward Ave. The caller said that the subject, later identified as a 19-year-old female, appeared as though she was preparing to jump. Officers arrived on scene and found the subject still sitting on the railing, approximately 30-35 feet above the roadway and passing vehicles. Officers immediately made verbal contact with the subject and began attempts to negotiate with her, while additional officers closed Seaward Ave. in both directions to vehicle traffic. At first, the subject was uncooperative with officers and refused to speak to them.

Officers, who are trained in crisis intervention, continued attempts to negotiate with the subject for approximately 2 hours. Several times while officers were speaking to the subject, she would move from sitting on the railing to actually climbing onto the outside of the ledge and making movements as she was preparing to jump.

The subject finally started to verbalize with officers, and ultimately agreed to climb off the railing. Once she was safely away from the ledge, officers detained the subject. She was later transported to Ventura County Mental Health for an evaluation.

Members of the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team also responded to assist in negotiations.

All of the roadways were reopened after the 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.

Possession of Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On May 5, at approximately 1am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of Silver Sands Motel that matched the description of a vehicle recently reported stolen.   The vehicle in question was occupied by the male driver later identified as 38 year old Ventura resident Christopher Thomaier, and a female passenger.  The officer followed the vehicle and confirmed that the vehicle was in fact the stolen vehicle and requested additional officers to assist.

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted in the 3000 Block of Porter Lane.  The driver of the vehicle complied with orders and was taken into custody without incident.

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

Felony Evading, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Burglary Tools Arrest. 

On May 11, at approximately 2am, a patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle leaving the parking lot of McDonald’s on Telegraph Rd. A records check of the license plate showed the plates to be stolen. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle driven by 22 year old Ventura resident Shawn Mahoney, it fled at a high rate of speed. The officer went into pursuit. Mahoney drove west on Telegraph Rd, running red lights, at speeds between 60 – 70 mph. Mahoney then turned into the residential area at Bryn Mawr St and drove at a high rate of speed, failing to stop at stop signs.

On Broderick Ave Mahoney leapt from the moving car and fled on foot. Due to the nature of the pursuit, a Ventura Police K9 was deployed and assisted in taking Mahoney into custody in the 300 block of Harte Ave. The vehicle came to rest on the sidewalk on Broderick Ave.

After Mahoney was taken into custody, officers discovered that the license plates were stolen from Oxnard and the vehicle was a separate stolen vehicle also out of Oxnard. Mahoney was arrested and transported to VCMC for treatment of injuries he sustained from the K9.  Once he was medically cleared, Mahoney was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony evading arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of burglary tools.

No one else was injured as a result of the pursuit.

Felony Evading, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Parole Violation Arrest. 

On May 11, at approximately 11pm, a patrol officer observed a reported stolen vehicle driving on Kellogg St towards Cedar St. The officer attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, which fled at a high rate of speed south on Cedar St and then turned west on Center St. The vehicle, driven by 22 year old Ventura resident Christopher Czechorowski, side-swiped a parked vehicle on the south side of Center St then continued to flee west on Center St.

About mid-block of Center St, Czechorowski leapt from the still moving vehicle and fled on foot towards the Ventura Ave. The vehicle struck a set of garbage cans on the north side of Center St and collided into 2 other parked cars where it came to rest. The officer pursued Czechorowski on foot and took him into custody in an alleyway off of Prospect St.

Czechorowski is currently on parole for armed robbery and was arrested for felony evading, resisting arrest and possession of a stolen vehicle. State Parole was contacted and Czechorowski was also arrested for parole violations.

Czechorowski was booked into the Ventura County Jail for the above listed charges. No one was injured as a result of the pursuit. The owners of the damaged vehicles were contacted and the stolen vehicle was returned to the registered owner.

Gang Vandalism, child endangerment

On May 13, at approximately 12:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a subject spray painting graffiti along the streets listed above.  The witness followed the suspect down several streets and witnessed him tagging several buildings and fences along his path.  The witness pointed the subject out to officers who arrived on scene soon after.

The suspect was contacted and identified as documented Ventura Avenue Gang member, 22 year old Ventura resident Javier Rangel.  Rangel was accompanied by a 6 year old juvenile who was carrying several cans of spray paint, and marijuana given to him by Rangel.  During the investigation it was learned that Rangel handed these items to the juvenile when Rangel saw officers approaching.

Officers located and documented the graffiti along Rangel’s path.  The graffiti was gang tagging commonly associated to the Ventura Avenue Gang.

During the officers investigation they were told Rangel stole the spray paint and other items from a vehicle somewhere along his path.  Officers were unable to locate a victim vehicle.  If anyone has information for any of these crimes, please contact the Ventura Police department.

Rangel, who is currently on probation for Robbery, was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Felony Vandalism, Child endangerment, along with a felony gang enhancement.  The Juvenile was released to his mother at the scene.

Armed Robbery

On May 18, at approximately 6:30pm, the suspect entered the business and walked towards a display case. Once he arrived at the display case, he pulled a knife out of his waist area. An employee who was nearby was in fear, and they fled from the suspect. Once the employee fled, the suspect began selecting various items, cut the security devices off of them and fled from the business.

Responding officers checked the surrounding area but did not locate the suspect. No one was injured during this incident.

The suspect was an adult male of unknown race wearing a hooded sweatshirt. An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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 and threatening a police officer

On April 26, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call that a subject was setting up an illegal camp in the parking lot behind Marie Callenders.

Officers responded to the location and found that 27 year old vagrant Fausto Reyes Huerta had built a shelter out of wood from a large tree that had been cut down and other scrap material from the area.  Officer verbally contacted Huerta and he immediately became uncooperative, refused to come out of the shelter and threatened to “cut” officers if they came near him.

After talking with Huerta for almost an hour, A Ventura PD K-9 was brought to the scene and Huerta came out of the shelter and continued to threaten officers verbally.  He was taken into custody without incident, and no one was injured during the incident.

Huerta was medically cleared at the Ventura County Medical Center for unrelated medical issues, before being booked into Ventura County Jail for the above charge.

Train vs. Pedestrian 

On April 26, at approximately 5pm, the Ventura Police Command Center was notified by Amtrak dispatch regarding a pedestrian being struck by an Amtrak train on the railroad tracks near the railroad trestle west of the fairgrounds.  Officers arrived on scene and found the 45 year old female victim lying adjacent to the railroad tracks.  Ventura Fire and AMR personnel also responded and immediately pronounced the victim deceased.

According to the train engineer the southbound train was travelling at approximately 50 mph, when he saw the victim standing on the railroad tracks in the middle of the tracks.  It appeared the victim did not attempt to get out of the way of the train.  The train horn was sounded and all emergency attempts were made to stop the train, but the train did not stop in time and struck the victim.

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

The train, occupied by approximately 85 passengers, was delayed at the scene for two hours while the investigation was being completed.

 Felony Resisting, Felony Battery on a Police Officer, Felony Vandalism

On April 30, at approximately 2:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the 100 block of Forbes Ln., reporting that an unwelcomed family member was disturbing outside of their residence.  Prior to officers arriving on scene, it was reported the suspect later identified as 35 year old vagrant Gloria Romero, broke a window and used a hose to spray water inside of the residence.  When the first officer arrived on scene, she contacted Romero down the street from the residence at the corner of Ventura Ave. and Forbes Ln.

Romero was uncooperative, and when the officer attempted to detain her, Romero struck the officer in the head with her hand.  As Romero was going to hit the officer a second time with a bag she was carrying, the officer deployed a taser which was not effective.  Romero continued to resist and threaten the officer, but she was taken into custody when additional officers arrived on scene.

After being medically cleared at VCMC, Romero was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting, felony battery on a police officer and felony vandalism.

The officer received minor injuries, although remained on duty.

Armed Robbery

On May 1, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the female victim reporting that she had been robbed by the suspect while in Chumash Park, 9200 Henderson Rd.

The victim said she was sleeping in the park when the unknown suspect, a white male in his 30’s wearing a “Lakers” hat and a black shirt with a “LA” logo on the front and armed with a knife, woke her up and demanded money.  The victim cooperated and gave him an undisclosed amount of money.  After taking the money, the suspect fled on foot westbound from the park.

The victim was not injured as a result of this incident.

Anyone with information or is a witness to this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department 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.

Possession for sales, Transportation, Warrant arrest

 On April 14, at 1pm, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded a several weeks long investigation into the sales of methamphetamine by a suspect who frequently traveled between Ventura and Ojai.

This morning VPD detectives conducted a surveillance of the suspect identified as 36 year old Ventura resident Joseph Espinoza. Detectives followed Espinoza as he drove to several locations in Ojai and when he stopped in the 100 block of Fox St the detectives moved in and took him into custody without incident.

During the search of Espinoza’s vehicle detectives located a quarter ounce of methamphetamine along with other items of evidence that indicated the methamphetamine was possessed for the purpose of sales.

Espinoza was transported to VPD for questioning while detectives served search warrants at two locations in Ventura where Espinoza had been recently living.

The search warrants were served in the 1200 block of Carlsbad Pl and the 1300 block of Saratoga Ave.

Additional items of evidence were located at both of these locations that indicated Espinoza was involved in the sales of methamphetamine.

Espinoza was later transported and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on felony charges of transportation, possession for sales, and a felony warrant for a probation violation on a prior transportation arrest.

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.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Destruction of Evidence, Resisting Arrest, and Felony Warrant   

 On April 15, at approximately 9pm, a patrol corporal was driving in the area of Ventura Ave. and James Dr., when he observed a vehicle being driven by a subject he knew to have a felony armed and dangerous warrant for his arrest.  As the corporal attempted to stop the vehicle, the subject identified as 32 year old Ventura resident Jimmy Cueva, stopped and fled from the vehicle on foot in the 100 block of James Dr.  The corporal pursued Cueva on foot and quickly caught him behind a residence.  He was taken into custody without incident.

During a search, Cueva was found to be in possession of a controlled substance, which was determined to be for the purpose of sales.  Additional controlled substance was found in his vehicle.  He was also found to be in possession of a dangerous knife.  When being taken into custody, Cueva attempted to swallow some of the controlled substance.

Cueva was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a controlled substance for sales, possession of a dangerous weapon, destruction of evidence, resisting arrest, and a felony parole violation warrant.

Prowling Arrest

On April 15, at approximately 2:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 5500 block of Ralston St. reporting that a subject was just found looking into the bedroom window of her apartment.  The caller and her boyfriend were inside the apartment when they heard noises outside the window and saw the subject, later identified as the suspect 50 year old vagrant Michael Phelps, looking inside.

When confronted by the boyfriend, Phelps left the area on foot.  Officers responding to the call saw Phelps, who matched the description, and detained him several blocks away from the apartment.  He was positively identified and arrested.

Phelps was booked into the Ventura County Jail for prowling.

No one was injured during the incident.

Felony Resisting, False Identity to a Police Officer, and Warrant Arrest

On April 18, at approximately 6pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a citizen who reported a suspicious male got into the citizens vehicle on Main Street and told them to continue to drive.  The citizen pulled into a parking lot and the suspect got out of the vehicle.

Officers responded to the area and located 31 year old Kansas resident Jose Guido-Lopez, who matched the description of the suspect.  The officers detained Guido-Lopez, for further investigation and he provided a false name and information.  While officers were trying to verify his identity, Guido-Lopez tried to flee, and when officers attempted to take him into custody, he violently resisted.  Guido-Lopez was ultimately arrested, and when his identity was confirmed it was learned he had an outstanding arrest warrant out of Kansas.

Guido-Lopez was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries he sustained during the arrest.  When he was medically cleared, he was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest, False Identity to a Police Officer, and the warrant out of Kansas.

One officer received minor injuries and was treated at the scene, and a second officer was taken to VCMC for treatment of their injuries.

Strong Arm Robbery

On April 20, at approximately 4pm, the victim was working as a manager at Walmart, and observed two teenage females attempting to take property from the store.  The manager attempted to stop the females as they left the store, and both females physically attacked the manager, causing minor injuries.  The suspects then fled on foot and were last seen in the 5700 block of Ralston.

Officers responded to the area, and located the suspects hiding in the restroom of an office building in the area.  The suspects were positively identified and arrested for Conspiracy to commit a crime and Robbery.  Both suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall without incident.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime please contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-44325.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Possession of Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On April 22, at approximately 2am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of Harbor Blvd. and Paseo De Playa that matched the description of a vehicle recently reported stolen.   The vehicle in question was occupied by the male driver later identified as 41 year old Ventura resident Carlos Hicks, and a female passenger.  The officer followed the vehicle and confirmed that the vehicle was in fact the stolen vehicle and requested additional officers to assist.

A traffic enforcement stop was conducted in the area of McDonalds on Harbor Blvd.  The driver of the vehicle complied with orders and was taken into custody without incident.

Hicks was arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked for possession of a stolen vehicle. The female passenger was questioned and 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.

Human Trafficking, Loaded Firearm Arrests

On March 25, at 5:30am the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the National Human Trafficking Center hotline re a female juvenile who indicated she just fled from a potential human trafficking situation and was hiding in the area of Victoria Ave and Valentine Rd.

Patrol officers were immediately dispatched to the area and located the 17-year-old victim who was then transported to the station.

The victim told officers she has been in the company of three adult males Brian Kattrel Lewis, 21 years, Fresno resident, Dashawn Marquese Jackson, 18 years, Fresno resident and Dameon Rasheed Howard, 20 years, Fresno for the last three days and that she was forced to commit acts of prostitution in San Diego County until they arrived in Ventura early this morning and ended up in a room at the La Quinta Inn on Valentine Rd.

The victim was told she was not free to leave and was threatened with physical harm if she did not comply. The victim provided descriptions of the suspects, their vehicle, and a possible room where they were staying.

Street Crimes Unit and Major Crimes Detectives were called in as well as members of the Ventura County Human Trafficking Enforcement Team.

The Major Crimes Detectives and Human Trafficking Enforcement Team interviewed the victim, coordinated medical care, and safe housing while Street Crimes Unit Detectives responded to the La Quinta and located the suspects’ vehicle. They also observed three males matching the suspects’ description enter a room. The detectives kept the vehicle and room under surveillance while patrol units stood by in the area.

At approximately 10:30 am the suspects exited the room and left in their vehicle at which time the patrol officers enacted a high-risk enforcement stop due to the information received that one of the suspects may be armed with a handgun.

All three suspects were detained and later identified by the victim as the ones who had kept her captive. A loaded handgun was located during the search of the suspects’ vehicle. The suspects were arrested and transported to VPD for interrogation and their vehicle was impounded.

Street Crimes Unit Detectives then made contact with two adult females in the suspects’ room. Ricki Carrillo, 21 years, and Rashelle Tatum, 19 years both Fresno residents denied any involvement in criminal activity.

Not able to establish their involvement in the human trafficking crimes at this time they were interviewed and released at the scene.

The three male suspects, Brian Lewis, Dashawn Jackson, and Dameon Howard, were interrogated and later transported the Ventura County Main Jail where they were booked on felony Human Trafficking and Conspiracy charges. Brian Lewis was additionally charged with carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, a felony.

If you know of anyone who may be a victim of human trafficking please contact the National Human Trafficking Center hotline at 888-373-7888.

Prowling, Attempted Theft, Resisting Arrest

On March 25, at 9:49pm the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting an alarm at Taft Electric, 1694 Eastman Ave., with a subject seen on surveillance camera prowling on the property. Officers arrived on scene and set up a perimeter around the business.

While officers were searching the property the suspect, later identified as Michael Rivera, 52 years, Vagrant was seen in a rear storage yard. When he saw the officers, Rivera fled further into the storage yard to where several company vehicles and other heavy equipment were stored. This gave Rivera access to heavy piping and metal objects. Officers lost sight of him, but it was believed he had found a place to hide.

Due to the close proximity of possible weapons and Rivera’s refusal to surrender when announcements were made by officers to reveal himself, a Ventura Police K-9 was called to the scene to help in the search. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Helicopter also responded to assist in the search.

After several minutes of searching, the K-9 located Rivera hiding up in the frame of a dump truck, which was not visible to the helicopter.

Rivera was taken into custody after receiving a minor dog bite to his foot. After he was medically cleared at VCMC, Rivera was booked in the Ventura County Jail for prowling, attempted theft and resisting arrest.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm

On March 29, at approximately 12pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of possible shots being fired inside a residence in the first block of North Santa Cruz Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the residence in question, and made verbal contact with 43 year old Ventura resident Brandon Frazier, who came outside and cooperated with the investigation.

During the investigation officers determined that Frazier was alone inside the residence and fired two rounds from a gun. Both of the rounds were located inside, and were contained inside the residence.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Frazier was arrested for Negligent discharging of a firearm. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

ROS Warrant, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammo, Resisting Arrest, Battery to a Police Officer

On March 31, at 7:30pm, a Ventura Police Patrol Officer located the vehicle 34 year old Ventura resident Nathan Stevens drove during a pursuit from police on March 26. The vehicle was parked in an underground parking garage of a local motel. Stevens had an active warrant for violation of his PROS probation terms and was currently out on bail out of Santa Barbara for additional charges.

During the investigation, officers located the room Stevens was in. When officers attempted to make contact, Stevens crawled outside on the ledge of the 3^rd floor balcony and made his way to the room next door and entered that room. No one was inside of the motel room at the time. Officers forced entry into both rooms. Stevens stayed on the balcony, threatening to jump, for about an hour until he was taken into custody.

While taking Stevens into custody, he battered one of the arresting officers, causing minor injuries. That officer was treated at the scene and returned to work. During a search of the motel room, two loaded short barreled shotguns along with a large amount of shotgun ammunition were located.

Stevens was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for minor injuries he sustained, then transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for the above mentioned charges.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest

On March 31, at approximately 11:24pm, a patrol officer was patrolling the parking lot of the Telephone Road Plaza in the 4700 block of Telephone Rd. when he observed a parked motorcycle. Standing next to the motorcycle was the owner, later identified as the suspect 46 year old Oak View resident Robert Miller. While speaking to Miller, the officer learned that Miller’s license was suspended. He told the officer he was not driving the motorcycle.

At approximately 11:59pm, the same officer observed Miller driving the motorcycle near the intersection of Main St. and Telephone Rd., and attempted to make a traffic stop on him for the license violation. Miller failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

Miller continued on Telephone Rd., and then went southbound on Victoria Ave. before entering the southbound 101 freeway. Before entering the freeway, Miller was traveling at speeds between 45 to 60 mph and ran a red light. As he entered the freeway, he accelerated to approximately 100 mph. Miller exited the freeway at Johnson Dr., and continued northbound on Johnson Dr. at speeds of 60 mph to Ralston St. At the intersection of Ralston St. and Ramelli Ave., Miller lost control of his motorcycle and crashed. He attempted to flee on foot, but was taken into custody.

Miller was arrested and transported to VCMC for treatment of injuries he sustained from the accident. Once he was medically cleared, Miller was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony evading arrest, resisting arrest, possession of a dangerous weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.

No one else was injured as a result of the pursuit.

Felony Resisting, Violation of a Court Order and Warrant Arrest

On April 2, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a parent reported that their son, later identified as 32 year old Ventura resident Andrew Ortiz, was illegally inside their residence and attempting to light a fire inside the kitchen. It was also reported that Ortiz had warrants for his arrest.

Officers responded to the residence and located Ortiz inside. As he was being escorted out of the residence, Ortiz punched one of the officers in the face. After a brief struggle, Ortiz was taken into custody without further incident.

Ortiz was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries he sustained during the arrest. When he was medically cleared, Ortiz was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest, violation of a court order and warrants.

The officer who was punched receiving a minor injury.

Felony Resisting, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Battery on a Police Officer, Under the influence with a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property, PROS Violation and Felony Warrants.

On April 3, at approximately 7:15am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the 2500 block of Waxwing Ave., reporting a vehicle blocking the driveway of their residence. It was also reported there was a subject in the vehicle, later identified as 33 year old Santa Paula resident Nick Wilson, who was suspicious and acting as if he was possibly under the influence of drugs.

Officers responded to the location and found Wilson passed out and sitting in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. When the officers woke him up, Wilson immediately tried to start the vehicle and leave. Fearing that he was under the influence and not wanting him to drive, officers attempted to stop him. Wilson refused to get out of the vehicle and started to violently resist officers’ attempts to remove him. Wilson began punching the officers, hitting two of them, and when Wilson began reaching for the area of the center console and glovebox, officers deployed their tasers. This allowed officers enough control to remove him from the vehicle. Once out of the vehicle, Wilson continued fighting with officers. After a continued struggle, officers were able to take Wilson into custody.

During a search of his vehicle, two loaded handguns were found in the glovebox. Also, the vehicle he was in had stolen license plates.

Wilson was transported to VCMC for a medical clearance for minor injuries he sustained during the arrest. After he was medically cleared, Wilson was booked into the Ventura County Jail for Felony Resisting, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Battery on a Police Officer, Under the influence of a Controlled Substance with a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property, PROS Violation and Felony Warrants for Felony Resisting Arrest and Weapons Violations.

One officer received minor injuries during the altercation.

Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run Arrest

On April 3, at 11:40pm, officers were hailed at the Jack in the Box located at 2115 South Victoria Ave. referencing a vehicle that had just been stolen. The victim reported he had left his keys in the ignition of his vehicle and went into the restaurant to get food. The suspect, later identified as 31 year old Eric Manzano, got into the unattended vehicle and drove away westbound on Walker St toward the Ventura Police station. Manzano was travelling at a high rate of speed and was unable to make the turn at Walker St and Dowell Drive. Manzano’s vehicle left the roadway, and crashed through a perimeter fence at the police station. The vehicle came to rest when it struck a parked patrol car in the police department parking lot. Manzano fled from the vehicle and jumped a fence bordering the 101 freeway. Manzano ran across the 101 northbound lanes of traffic where an unsuspecting motorist struck Manzano in the fast lane. Manzano was transported by ambulance to the Ventura county medical center for treatment of a broken leg. While at the hospital he was placed under arrest for vehicle theft, and hit and run. Anyone hit by a car while walking or victim of a hit and run may want to seek help from a personal injury lawyer.

The California highway patrol shut down the 101 northbound lanes of traffic just north of Victoria Ave. for approximately 20 min while the suspect was medically treated and removed from the roadway.

The Ventura police department wants to remind everyone to lock your vehicles and never leave your car keys in your vehicle while unattended.

Officers later found out Medrano was currently on parole for assault with a deadly weapon and released from the Ventura county jail approximately 3 hours prior to stealing the victim’s vehicle, after serving several days in jail on a parole hold.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Car Jacking and Robbery

On April 4, at 7:30pm the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference a carjacking in progress at the Ventura bus depot. Victim #1 had just exited a bus and was walking to her friend’s car that was there to pick her up. The suspect, 33 year old Los Angeles resident Priscella Navarro, followed victim #1 from the bus. When victim #1 arrived at the passenger side of the vehicle, Navarro entered the vehicle and attempted to force the driver, victim #2, out of the vehicle. Victim #1 attempted to pull Navarro off of victim #2 as they fought for control of the vehicle. Navarro was able to get the vehicle into gear and pressed down on the accelerator. Victim #2 struggled for control of the vehicle while being battered by Navarro. Victim #2 was able to stop the vehicle, after it travelled a short distance and turned off the engine.

Victim #2 then exited the vehicle and attempted to run away. Navarro grabbed victim #2’s purse and continued to batter her until officers arrived on scene and took Navarro into custody.

Both victims were medically treated for minor injuries at the scene by medical personnel.

Navarro was found to be on active felony probation and was released from the San Luis Obispo county jail on April 2 after being arrested for driving while under the influence. Navarro was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for carjacking and robbery.

Hit and Run, DUI and Felony Vandalism Arrest

On April 6, at 1:30am, Ventura Police patrol officers responded to a call of a hit and run in the 1300 block of Santa Clara Street. The involved vehicle was left at the scene and the driver had fled on foot from the collision.

As officers were responding to the hit and run, an additional call came in regarding a possible residential burglary in progress in the 100 block of Chrisman Avenue. Additional officers were sent to the residential burglary. As they arrived on Chrisman Avenue, they found the suspect on the front porch of a house. He was breaking out windows and beating on the door of the house causing damage. The suspect was detained by officers. Their investigation revealed the person they had detained was also the registered owner of the vehicle left at the scene of the hit and run on Santa Clara Street.

Officers investigating the hit and run were able to identify 65 year old Ventura resident Paul Gray as the driver of the vehicle. At the conclusion of the investigations, he was arrested for hit and run and DUI related to the collision investigation and the additional charge of felony vandalism was added related to the investigation at the house on Chrisman Avenue. He was medically cleared at Ventura County Medical Center for minor injuries he received during the commission of the crimes and later booked at Ventura County Jail. No one else was injured during these incidents.

Felony Resisting, Battery on a Police Officer, Vehicle Tampering and Warrant Arrest

On April 7, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a citizen who reported a suspicious male who was looking into vehicles and had opened the door to a vehicle that did not belong to him.

Officers responded to the area and located the suspect, 41 year old Bakersfield resident Andrew Hodges. The officers learned that Hodges had an active arrest warrant out of Bakersfield, and as they tried to place him under arrest Hodges violently resisted and began fighting with the officers. After a brief struggle, Hodges was taken into custody and while they were trying to secure his legs to prevent him from kicking, he kicked an officer in the head.

Hodges was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries he sustained during the arrest. When he was medically cleared, he was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony resisting arrest, battery on a Police Officer, vehicle tampering and the warrant out of Bakersfield.

The officer who was kicked received a minor injury.

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.

 Possession of a Loaded Firearm  

On March 13, at approximately 4:30pm, a patrol officer was patrolling the area of Olive St. and Center St., and made a traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving violation.  The driver of the vehicle was contacted and the suspect, later identified as 19 year old Ventura resident Miguel Ortiz, was found to be a passenger sitting in the rear seat.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 45 caliber handgun was found concealed under the front passenger’s seat.  It was determined that Ortiz had possessed the firearm prior to being pulled over by the officer.  He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a loaded firearm.

The driver was cited for having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle and released.

Stabbing

On March 15, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls of an altercation and injured subject in the area of San Pedro and Pierpont. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, suffering from more than one non-life threatening stab wounds to both his arms.  He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing several people involved in an altercation near the restrooms, and then running from the area.  The victim was located in the area, but no suspects have been located.  Two unrelated people that were contacted during a search of the area were arrested for outstanding warrants.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing and anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.

Shooting ***Update*** Suspect Arrested

On March 16, at 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference an argument heard, followed by the sound of a gunshot coming from an apartment in the 11000 Block of Citrus Dr. Responding officers located the victim inside the apartment suffering from a single gunshot wound.  The suspect fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she is currently listed in serious, but stable condition.

This is an active investigation. Detectives are still on scene trying to determine the sequence of events that led to this crime. Currently it’s believed this is an isolated domestic related incident. No additional information is available at this time.

Update:

During the investigation Detectives identified the suspect as 23 year old Ventura resident Ryan Argabright. Argabright and the victim are in a dating relationship and had been staying together at the apartment on Citrus Drive.  Ventura Police Detectives learned that the victim and Argabright got into an argument, which resulted in the victim being shot one time in upper body. As the investigation developed, Detectives learned that Argabright was possibly in a motel room at the La Quinta Inn in Newbury Park. A search warrant was obtained for the motel room and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team assisted with the execution of the warrant. Argabright was located inside the motel room and was taken into custody.  Argabright was transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked for attempted murder.

The victim is expected to recover from her injuries.

 Domestic Violence, Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On March 18, at 11:55pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from several residents in the 9100 block of Neath St., reporting a male and female physically fighting in the street.  While officers were still responding to the call, one of the callers reported the male, later identified as 26 year old Ventura resident Stephen Opferman, was in possession of a gun and shots had been fired. Officers arrived on scene and using the Department’s tactical vehicle were able to safely secure the scene.  Opferman was taken into custody without further incident.

The investigation revealed that Opferman and the female, who are in a dating relationship, got into a physical altercation during which time Opferman armed himself with a firearm and hit the victim several times in the head.  The victim sustained moderate injuries.  She was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personal and released.

It was determined no shots had been fired, although a loaded firearm was found on the ground in the front yard of the residence.

Opferman was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon.

Felony Battery, Witness Intimidation, Felony Domestic Violence, PROS Offender   

On March 18, at approximately 5:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls of two males in a physical fight on the corner of Telephone Rd. and Portola Rd.  Officers arrived on scene and contacted a 63-year-old male victim of a felony battery.  The suspect, later identified as 34 year old Ventura resident Enrique Cardona, fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was walking past a residence in the 1100 block of Portola Rd., when he witnessed Cardona involved in a physical domestic with a female, who was holding a small child.  Both were outside of the residence.  Cardona followed the victim to the corner of Portola Rd. and Telephone Rd., and confronted him about being a witness to the physical domestic.  Cardona then battered the victim, causing him to lose consciousness and sustain other moderate injuries to his face.

After he battered the male victim, Cardona and the female were seen leaving with the child in a vehicle.  Officers checked the area, but could not locate them.

At approximately 8pm, the female victim from the earlier domestic incident involving Cardona arrived at Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of injuries she sustained during that altercation.  It was also found the 6-month-old child she had with her at the time was suffering from serious, potential life threatening injuries.  It was not known how the child sustained the injuries.  The child was immediately transported to Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles for treatment.  The current status of the child is not known.

On March 19, at approximately 9am, the vehicle Cardona was last seen driving during the previous day’s incident was located in the 100 block of W. Harrison St.  Officers remained in the area and took custody of Cardona without incident as he was attempting to leave in the vehicle.

Cardona was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for battery with serious bodily injury, witness intimidation, felony domestic violence, and for being a post release offender.

Detectives are continuing the child abuse investigation.  Child and Family Services is also assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact Major Crimes Detectives at 339-4488.

Possession for Sales Arrest

On March 23, at approximately 12:45pm, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded a several week investigation into the suspected sales of methamphetamine from a suspect identified as 42 year old Ventura resident Antonio Chavez.

At approximately 12pm, detectives located Chavez as he left a residence in the 1200 block of Snipe Ave. He was detained without incident and detectives then responded to his residence in the 3000 block of Channel Dr to serve a search warrant.

During a search of Chavez’s residence detectives located and seized over an ounce and a half of methamphetamine, just under one ounce of heroin, one-quarter ounce of cocaine, evidence of narcotic sales, and a large amount of U.S. currency.

Chavez was arrested and later transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on several felony charges of possession of a controlled substance for sales.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please contact the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4325.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Theft from Vehicles and Resisting Officers Arrest

On March 24, at 6am, an alert neighbor saw a suspicious person riding a bike in their neighborhood.  The suspect, later identified as Dakota Gonzalez, was seen riding his bike up to a parked vehicle.  He was able to get inside the vehicle and while using a flashlight was seen taking items from the vehicle.

As this was occurring, the neighbor called the Ventura Police Department and officers responded.  The first arriving officer found the suspect, however he fled on his bike when the officer tried to stop him.  The suspect went into the barranca adjacent to the neighborhood, and as additional officers responded, they were able to contain the suspect to the barranca.  After a lengthy search, the suspect was found, however he again fled from officers.  After a brief foot pursuit, officers caught him and after a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

At the conclusion of the investigation, two vehicles were located that the suspect had entered and stolen items from. The suspect was medically cleared at VCMC for minor injuries sustained during the arrest and later booked into Ventura County Jail on the charges of theft from a vehicle, delaying/ resisting officers and possession of narcotics paraphernalia.  No officers were injured during this incident.  If any additional citizens discover their vehicles were also broken into, they should contact the Ventura Police Department at (805)339-4399.

An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.