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.

 Indecent Exposure

On January 25, at approximately 5pm, a victim called the Ventura Police Department Command Center and stated that a male subject had exposed his genitals towards her while she was near the bus depot. Ventura Police Department patrol officers responded to the area and learned the following. The suspect approached the victim on a bike, as he approached the victim, he pulled open his pants, exposed his genitals, and made obscene gestures toward her.  The suspect then rode away from the area.

Ventura Police Officers responded to the area spoke to the victim, and found the suspect nearby.  The officers were able to detain the suspect and the victim was able to positively identify the suspect, later identified as 37 year old Oakview resident Joseph Whysong, as the suspect.  During the investigation a second victim contacted the officers and also identified Whysong, as the subject .

Whysong was ultimately placed under arrest for indecent exposure and transported to the Ventura County Jail without incident.

Sexual Predator Sting Operation with 3 Felony Arrests

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As part of a statewide operation hosted by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, “Operation Reclaim & Rebuild” was conducted during the weekend of January 27, 28 and 29. In support of this effort, members of the Ventura Police Department teamed up with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and the Ventura County Human Trafficking Enforcement Team to conduct a “Sexual Predator Sting” on Friday, January 27 in the city of Ventura.

During the operation, detectives entered various internet chat rooms primarily designed for teens, and posed as 14 and 15 year old girls. As the investigation unfolded, adult male sexual predators got onto the same chat room and contacted the undercover officer, thinking they were a young teenage girl. During chat room conversation, each of the suspects engaged the undercover officer in sexually explicit conversation, the suspect agreed to meet and pick up the teenage girl at or near what they believed to be the girl’s residence.

When each sexual predator arrived at the agreed-upon-location, they were taken into custody without incident. As a result of this operation, the following sexual predators were arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail:

Commercial Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Narcotics

On January 29, at approximately 3:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the alarm company that covers Paradise Chevrolet. Security video surveillance showed a subject on the property cutting open boxes. Officers arrived on scene and began searching the property. The suspect, 31 year old vagrant Cesar Herrera, saw the officers and fled, jumping over a wall to try to get away. After a short foot pursuit, Herrera was taken into custody.

During the investigation it was discovered Herrera had entered the garage areas of the dealership and had stolen keys for the vehicles. Herrera also had methamphetamine on his person as well as burglary tools. Herrerra was booked at the Ventura County Jail without incident for the above charges.

Possession of Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On February 3, at approximately 1:30am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Motel 6 located at 3075 Johnson Drive.   The vehicle in question was occupied by the sole driver later identified as 26 year old Long Beach resident Salvador Morales.  As the vehicle exited the parking lot of the motel and began driving northbound Johnson.  The officer conducted a registration check on the vehicle and learned it had recently been stolen from the city of Long Beach.

The officer began broadcasting the vehicles location and requested additional officers to assist.  A traffic enforcement stop was conducted in the area of Bristol Road and Mandrill Avenue.  The driver of the vehicle complied with orders and was taken into custody without incident.

A search of the vehicle revealed an altered key was used to start the vehicle.  A search of Morales revealed he was in possession of several altered/shaved keys.  Morales was transported and booked at Ventura County Jail.

Possession of Narcotics for Sales Arrest  

On February 10, at 7:30pm, a Ventura Police Department K9 Officer saw an illegal transaction occur between the driver of a vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of Main St and Mills Rd. The K9 Officer followed the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Due to the nature of the transaction observed, the K9 was deployed and conducted a narcotics “sniff” and alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle the K9 located a large amount of methamphetamines and cash.

The Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit responded and assisted in the investigation. Edward Lopez, 60 years, Ventura resident   was ultimately arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for transportation and possession of methamphetamines for sales, possession of heroin, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

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.

Vehicle Burglary and Arrest 

On January 21, at approximately 2am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of vandalism to a vehicle parked to the rear of Bombay Bar and Grill, 143 S. California St.  The vehicle’s owner was an employee of the bar and was able to view video surveillance footage of the parking lot.  On the video, the employee saw the suspect and later identified as the suspect, 22 year old Oxnard resident Robert Camacho, breaking the driver’s window of his vehicle and entering inside.  He then realized that Camacho was standing in front of the bar waiting to be picked up by an UBER service.  With the assistance of the bar’s security, Camacho was detained and held until officers arrived.

During the investigation, officers learned that Camacho shattered the window of the victim’s vehicle and stole property from inside.  He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for burglary.

Attempted Robbery

On January 22, at approximately 8:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible robbery that had just occurred at the Meta Market, 1194 Meta St. The victim clerk reported the suspect had fled from the business.

During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect entered the business and approached the victim clerk, who was working behind the counter.  The suspect had an item of clothing covering his arm and simulated that he was armed with a weapon, although no actual weapon was seen.  He demanded money from the clerk.  The victim clerk came out from behind the counter, at which time the suspect struck him in the head with an unknown type object.  The suspect then fled the business without obtaining any money and was last seen running southbound on Hemlock St.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.

The victim was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel for a minor head injury and released.

Attempted Residential Burglary and Prowling Arrest

On January 23, at approximately 12:15pm, the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a 911 call from a resident in the 1300 block of Swansea Ave., reporting that someone was attempting to enter his residence through a rear door.  The first arriving officers detained the suspect, later identified as 47 year old vagrant Frank Mendoza, as he was leaving from the side yard of the residence.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was home alone, when Mendoza began knocking on the front door.  The victim did not answer the door.  A short time later, he heard a noise coming from the back of the residence and saw Mendoza attempting to open a rear sliding door.  Mendoza was still not aware the victim was home.  The victim called the police and remained on the phone while officers responded.

Mendoza was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for attempted residential burglary and prowling.

Strong-Arm Robbery Arrest

On January 25, at 11:15am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the victim, stating that while he was asleep inside of his vehicle, the suspect had removed his bicycle that was strapped to the back of his vehicle. When the victim woke and confronted the suspect, the suspect brandished a knife and threatened to kill the victim.  The victim fearing for his safety locked himself inside his vehicle and watched as the suspect rode away on the bicycle.

Officers checked the area, and found a person matching the description of the suspect a short distance away.  The suspect was in possession of a bicycle matching the description of the stolen bicycle.  The victim positively identified 55 year old Ventura resident Arthur Navarro as the suspect, and the bicycle as the one taken from him.

Navarro was arrested for 211 PC, Robbery, found to be in possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia and booked at Ventura County Jail without incident for both charges.

Vandalism                     

On January 28, at 11pm the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of 4 juveniles wearing dark colored clothing that had just broken a window to a parked vehicle on Solano St. As officers arrived on scene, they discovered additional victims in the area. Security footage showed 4 juveniles on skateboards south on Imperial Ave. one of the juveniles stopped and used his skateboard to strike a parked vehicle, causing damage. As the juveniles continued skateboarding in the area, one of them picked up rocks and used the rocks to smash the windows to several parked cars. Officers located 5 vehicles with damage in the area.

The suspects were possibly leaving a house party in the area of Imperial Ave and Calaveras St.

Several juveniles were contacted in the area and cited for curfew violations. One juvenile was arrested for possession of brass knuckles. The subjects who vandalized the vehicles were not located.

Anyone with information about this crime or if you are an unreported victim please contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Commercial Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Narcotics

On January 29, at 3:38am  the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the alarm company that covers Paradise Chevrolet. Security video surveillance showed a subject on the property cutting open boxes. Officers arrived on scene and began searching the property. The suspect, Cesar Herrera, 31 vagrant saw the officers and fled, jumping over a wall to try to get away. After a short foot pursuit, Herrera was taken into custody.

During the investigation it was discovered Herrera had entered the garage areas of the dealership and had stolen keys for the vehicles. Herrera also had methamphetamine on his person as well as burglary tools. Herrera was booked at the Ventura County Jail without incident for the above charges.

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.

Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest  

On January 2, at approximately 3:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the California Highway Patrol requesting our assistance on a vehicle pursuit that entered into our jurisdiction.  The pursuit had started in the county area along PCH, north of the city, when deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department attempted to contact the driver during a theft investigation.  The driver, later identified as 47 year old Ventura resident Joseph Jack, fled from deputies and a CHP officer, who pursued him into Ventura.

Ventura Police officers took over the pursuit from the California Highway Patrol in the area of Mills Rd. and Main St.  Jack continued to evade officers reaching speeds of between 15-20 MPH, as he continued eastbound on Main St., then eastbound on Telephone Rd.  At the intersection of Victoria Ave. and Ralston St., an officer driving the Department’s armored vehicle pulled in front of Jack’s vehicle and blocked his path.  Jack attempted to backup, but was blocked in by an officer in a patrol unit.

Jack was ordered out of the vehicle, but again refused to exit.  As he was sitting in the vehicle, he was displaying signs of being under the influence of drugs and at one point began smoking a controlled substance.

As officers approached Jack’s vehicle, he put the vehicle into gear and tried to flee, which placed the officers in danger.  A Ventura Police K-9 was deployed into the vehicle through the opened driver’s window.  Jack immediately exited the passenger’s door, and was taken into custody by approaching officers.

Human Trafficking, Pimping/Pandering Arrest

On January 5, at 12:00pm, detectives from the Ventura Police Department and Ventura County’s Human Trafficking Enforcement Team responded to the La Quinta Inn on Valentine Rd. regarding an anonymous tip about possible Human Trafficking taking place.

When officers arrived, they were initially focusing their attention on the reported room involved from the anonymous tip. However, during their surveillance, detectives happened to see a subject they recognized from a wanted flier distributed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office approximately three weeks earlier. The subject of the wanted flier, 27 year old Los Angeles resident Byron Haskins, was a known Pimp and had failed to appear on weapons charges stemming from an arrest in Santa Ana in October, 2016.

Officers ultimately made contact with Haskins and took him into custody without incident. Haskins was transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked for his outstanding warrants.

Found Explosive Device

On January 9, at approximately 11:15am, inspectors from Ventura City Code Enforcement were conducting a follow up inspection of the Leewood Motel, 732 E. Santa Clara St., which had recently been red tagged due to a structure fire that closed the motel.

While doing the inspection, the inspector found what appeared to be a live grenade in one of the rooms.  Officers responded and requested the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad.  Because of the fire, the motel was already vacant of residents, but the immediate area was secured.  The bomb squad removed the grenade, although later determined that it was inert.

The grenade was later destroyed.

Stolen Vehicle and Felony DUI Arrest

On January 13, at approximately 9:15am, the Ventura Police Communications Center received a call from a victim of a stolen vehicle in the 2700 block of East Main Street.  The victim had left her car parked in a parking lot, and when she returned, her vehicle was gone.  At the same time, an additional call was received of an injury accident in the 1000 block of Thompson Blvd. near Laurel Street.  Officers were sent to both calls, and they quickly determined the stolen vehicle from the 2700 block of East Main Street was involved in the injury accident.

The investigation revealed the suspect, 42 year old Ventura vagrant Amber Luis, stole the vehicle and drove away.  A short time later while she was driving the stolen vehicle in the 1000 block of Thompson Blvd, she collided with an occupied, parked vehicle injuring one of the occupants.  Additionally, it was determined the suspect was driving under the influence at the time of the collision.  She was ultimately booked into Ventura County Jail on felony DUI and stolen vehicle charges.

The victim of the collision was transported to VCMC for treatment of moderate injuries.  No one else was injured during this incident.

Strong-Arm Robbery Arrest

On January 15, at 2:12pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a fight in the area of El Medio St and Ventura Ave.  The witness reported Michael Tweet, 29  Ventura was being attacked by two males who had gotten out of a car. Officers arrived on scene as one of the suspects, Marin, got back into the car and attempted to flee the area in the vehicle. Officers followed and Marin parked the car and then fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Marin was taken into custody.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim and witness were standing together in a driveway when  William Marin, 27 Ventura and a second suspect pulled up, exited the vehicle and demanded Tweet’s property. When Tweet refused, both subjects attacked him, striking and kicking Tweet. Tweet attempted to defend himself, but Marin was able to get Tweet’s property before fleeing in the vehicle. Marin is also associated to the Ventura Avenue Street gang and it was determined that the crime was gang related.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the second suspect.

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, Pimping/Pandering Arrest

On December 20, at 1pm, Ventura Police Officers responded to a call of a possible female victim being held against her will at a local Ventura Hotel in the 5800 block of Valentine Rd. Initial responding officers conducted surveillance and spotted the victim’s car and a possible suspect in the hotel parking lot. They later saw a female in the car matching the victim’s description.

Other officers made contact with the possible suspect and victim in the parking lot. After the preliminary investigation, officers determined the victim was in fact a Human Sex Trafficking victim and was been being held against her will at the hotel. They also discovered the victim was being forced to have sex with various men for money, and the proceeds from the prostitution were going directly to 23 year old Demarea Williams. Investigators also learned the victim had been trafficked up and down the coast of California as well as into Arizona and Texas.

During the course of the investigation, 22 year old Monay Lewis, an associate of Williams, was on scene yelling at the victim, calling her names and threatening her if she cooperated with police. Officers went to arrest her for dissuading the victim, and during her arrest, she resisted. Williams was taken into custody without incident.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon on Police Officer, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

On December 25, at approximately 9:30am, a Ventura Police officer was on patrol when he observed a vehicle driving on Harbor Blvd.  The officer ran the vehicle’s license plate, which showed it to be a stolen vehicle out of Ventura.  The driver of the vehicle, later identified as the suspect 26 year old Ventura resident Juan Acosta, saw the officer following him and drove to the dead end of San Pedro St. at the beach.  Acosta attempted to flee in the vehicle by driving around the first officer’s patrol car and as a second officer was arriving on scene, Acosta intentionally drove the stolen vehicle into the front of that officer’s patrol car.  Acosta was blocked in by the two officers, which kept him from fleeing the scene.

Acosta was taken into custody without incident.  He sustained minor injuries as a result of him driving into the patrol vehicle.  After being medically cleared at VCMC, Acosta was booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving under the influence of drugs.

No officers were injured as a result of this incident, although the patrol vehicle that Acosta collided into had to be towed from the scene.

Train vs. Pedestrian 

On December 27, at 12:30pm, 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 east of California St. and Harbor Blvd.  Officers arrived on scene and found the 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 northbound train was traveling at approximately 50 mph, when he saw the victim sitting on the railroad tracks in the middle of the trestle.  It appeared the victim attempted to get out of the way of the train, but could not get clear of the tracks in time.  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 victim was a 50 year old adult male whose name 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 350 passengers, was delayed at the scene for two hours while the investigation was being completed.  Traffic on the southbound highway 101 was briefly shutdown while the investigation was being conducted.  All roadways are now open.

Homicide Suspect Arrested

On December 4 the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a call from a Gold Coast Transit bus driver reporting a non-responsive subject at a bus stop on the corner of Main St. and Ash St.  The victim was pronounced deceased.

Over the course of the investigation on the homicide Ventura Police Department Major Crimes detectives identified 33 year old Palmdale resident Matthew Paoli as the suspect. On December 27 at approximately 3:25pm, Paoli was seen in the area of Santa Clara St. and Laurel St., and was taken into custody without incident.

Paoli was booked into Ventura County Jail for murder.

Felony Battery

On December 28, at approximately 11:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 9-1-1 call regarding a subject who had been beaten and may have lost consciousness.  The victim was found lying on the promenade west of the Ventura Pier.  Ventura Police patrol officers responded to the location and found the victim with minor to moderate injuries to his head and upper body.  The victim indicated that he was battered by 5 subjects who had “jumped” him.    The victim was ultimately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was treated for his injuries and is expected to recover.  It was determined that the victim was punched and kicked multiple times and may have lost consciousness during the incident.

The suspect is unknown at this time and there is no other information available.  Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the Ventura Police Department Watch Commander at 805 339-4416.

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 with Arrests

On December 7, at 1am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from two victims, indicating that they had been robbed at knifepoint.  Ventura Police Department patrol officers responded to assist the victims and learned the following. The victims were walking together in the area of Olive Street and Mission Avenue, when they were approached by two male suspects.  One of the suspects threatened the victims with a knife and demanded the victims’ property.  Fearing for their lives, the victims handed over their property, which included a wallet and a set of keys.  The suspects then entered a white Nissan Altima and fled the area.

As patrol officers responded to assist the victims, another VPD patrol officer observed a white Nissan Altima traveling at a high rate of speed on the southbound 101 Freeway near Victoria Avenue. The officer initiated a traffic stop on that vehicle, believing that it may be the suspect vehicle.  There were two occupants in the vehicle, who were later identified as 21 year old Oxnard resident Francisco Banda and 20 year old Oxnard resident Alejandro Araujo.  The victims were able to positively identify Banda and Araujo as the suspects who had robbed them.  During a search of the suspect vehicle, officers found property belonging to the victims.  It was later determined that the weapon brandished by the suspects was likely a screwdriver.

Both suspects were placed under arrest for robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.  Both were lodged at the Ventura County Jail.

Armed Robbery

On December 10, at 5:40am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the victim reporting a suspect with a knife had just robbed him.

During the investigation officers learned that Garcia was sleeping on the train platform when he awoke and noticed his property was missing.  Garcia noticed 19 year old Ventura resident Dustin Puckett walking away with his property.  Garcia confronted Puckett who armed himself with a knife threatening Garcia.  Puckett then fled east on Harbor Blvd.

Officers checked the area and located Puckett walking on Harbor in front of the Crown plaza.  Puckett was positively identified by Garcia, and was in possession of Garcia’s property.

Garcia was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery, Possession of drug paraphernalia, and two outstanding arrest warrants.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4309.

Strong Armed Robbery

On December 12, at approximately 12:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a strong armed robbery that had just occurred at Regency Theater, 1440 Eastman Ave.  It was reported the suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money in a silver sedan, possibly a Ford, with paper plates.

During the investigation, officers learned that a theater employee had just returned from making a deposit at a local bank.  He was walking in the parking lot of the theater when the suspect vehicle approached him.  The suspect, a Black male in his 20’s wearing a hospital mask and dark hooded sweatshirt exited the vehicle and tackled the employee.  The employee was holding a deposit bag, and a struggle ensued over the bag.  The second suspect, a Black male in his 20’s wearing a green hooded sweatshirt, had been driving the suspect vehicle also exited the vehicle and tried to forcefully take the deposit bag from the employee.  The employee released the bag, at which time both suspects go back into the vehicle and fled the area.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect vehicle.  The employee sustained very minor injuries as a result of the incident.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.  An anonymous tip can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Felony Discharge of a Firearm 

On December 12, at approximately 10:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of shots being fired on the promenade near the Harbor Blvd. parking structure.  It was reported several bystanders had disarmed the suspect and were trying to detain him.  Prior to units arriving on scene the suspect, later identified as 45 year old vagrant John Eldridge, was able to leave the area on foot.  He was located by officers near the pier and detained.

During the investigation officers determined that Eldridge and several other vagrants were gathered on the promenade when they got into a verbal argument.  At one point, Eldridge removed a firearm from his waistband and fired two rounds into the air.  The other vagrants involved in the altercation disarmed Eldridge and tried to physically detain him.  Eldridge was able to break free and left the area on foot.  He was not able to regain possession of the firearm.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Eldridge was arrested for felony discharging of a firearm in public.  He was transported to VCMC for treatment of injuries he sustained during the physical altercation and later booked at the Ventura County Jail.

No one else was injured as a result of 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.

Felony Battery on a Police Officer Arrest

On November 19, at 10:00am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a subject making threats towards employees and refusing to leave the Vons store, 2764 E. Thompson Blvd.  Officers responded and contacted the suspect, later identified as 48 year old Ventura resident Angel Vales inside the store.

When Vales was contacted, he immediately became confrontational and threatening towards the officers.  At one point, Vales attempted to leave and one of the officers grabbed him by the arm.  Vales pushed that officer in the chest and a struggled ensued.  A second officer immediately grabbed Vales and both officers took him to the ground.  Vales attempted to hit the second officer as well.  Once on the ground, Vales was taken into custody without further incident.

Felony Evading Arrest

On November 23, at approximately 2:30am, a Ventura Police patrol officer attempted an enforcement stop on a vehicle being driven by the suspect, later identified as 27 year old Ventura resident Anthony Mosqueda on Darling Road east of Petit Avenue.  Mosqueda failed to yield to the officer and accelerated away at a high rate of speed.

The officer pursued Mosqueda as he continued east on Darling Road before turning southbound Burlington Avenue.   Mosqueda continued to evade officers’ through the residential area for several miles.   Mosqueda exited the vehicle as he turned onto Medford Street and attempted to flee on foot.   Officers located Mosqueda a short distance from his vehicle and took him into custody without incident.

Mosqueda was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for felony evading and resisting arrest. Mosqueda is a PROS offender and is on probation for gang crimes and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Marijuana Honey Oil Lab Explosion

On November 25, just after 2 pm, a large explosion was heard from the second floor of a large apartment complex on Hearst Ave in the Ventura Midtown. Police and Fire immediately responded and found smoke coming from a single unit. Firefighters entered the building and located the main body of the fire in the kitchen area. Fire crews knocked down the fire in 3 minutes and crews searched for extension in the one bedroom unit, while ensuring the attached units were not compromised.

A total of four people were inside the unit of the time of the explosion. All four were able to exit the apartment with one complaining of difficulty breathing and was assessed by fire paramedics. The blast was due to the ignition of butane that occurred during a highly dangerous process of making hash oil from marijuana.

Ventura Police investigated the scene, controlled access, interviewed witnesses and provided traffic control. A special investigation unit was dispatched to the scene. Further information in regard police actions will be forthcoming.

The unit was deemed a crime scene by the Police Department and the Fire Department yellow tagged the single occupancy limiting habitation of the unit. All adjacent units were deemed to be without damage. Ventura’s Building and Safety Department will examine the structure to ensure the safety of unit and will lift the limited occupancy restriction at that time. The scene is still under investigation with the Ventura Police Department. Total damage to the building and contents is estimated to be under $10,000.

Attempt Strong Armed Robbery, Parole Violation Arrest

On November 25, at approximately 6:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a victim of an assault that had just occurred on the pier.

The victim advised that he had been struck in the face by the suspect who had attempted to rob him of his cell phone. The suspect fled the area on foot but was detained in the area of the Harbor parking structure by responding officers.

The investigation determined that the victim who was on the pier was approached by the suspect who demanded the victim’s cell phone. When the victim refused the suspect struck him in the face with his fist and tried to forcible remove the cell phone from the victim’s hand.

The suspect, identified as 42 year old Ventura vagrant Jesse White, had recently been released on parole after serving a lengthy prison sentence that stemmed from his conviction of an assault on a peace officer arrest in 2003. White was also found to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

The victim was treated at the scene for facial injuries that did not require hospitalization.

White was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where was booked on the felony charges of attempted robbery and a parole violation as well as misdemeanor charges of battery and being under the influence.

Possession of a Stolen Firearm Arrest

On November 25, at 12:30am, a VPD K9 officer observed a vehicle near the intersection of Telegraph Rd and Wells Rd with expired registration tabs displayed.

The officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on this vehicle and contacted the driver, identified as 21 year old Ventura resident Eduardo Ramirez, and explained the reason for the stop.

As the officer spoke with Ramirez at the driver’s window he observed a handgun in the rear passenger seat area. The officer requested back-up and detained Ramirez until additional VPD patrol officers arrived and assisted in removing Ramirez from the vehicle.

The handgun was recovered and found to be loaded. The investigation determined that this handgun had been stolen in a residential burglary that had occurred in 2010.

Ramirez was arrested for being in possession of stolen property, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a firearm with its serial number partially obliterated. He was transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on the felony charges.

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.

 Neighborhood Drug Sales Investigation/Arrest

Over the last several weeks the Ventura Police Department’s Street Crimes Unit has been conducting an investigation into the sale of narcotics on the 1400 block of Mead Ave. in the city of Ventura.  On November 10, at approximately 8:30am, detectives served a search warrant at the involved residence.

During the service of the search warrant detectives located methamphetamine, paraphernalia indicative of the sales of narcotics, and approximately 1 ½ pounds of marijuana.  There were also 17 firearms recovered in the residence.  The suspects, 54 year old Ventura resident Roy Wilson, 58 year old Ventura resident David Cribbs, and 63 year old Santa Paula resident Juarez were arrested for various weapons and drug related charges.  Cribbs was also arrested for California Health and Safety Code 11366 (maintaining a place for unlawfully selling narcotics).

Assault With a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On November 12, at approximately 11pm, VPD patrol officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of E Main St re: a report of a disturbance involving a male and female.

Officers arrived and contacted the victim who said he was visiting a female acquaintance and that during an argument she had stabbed him with a knife.

The officers confirmed that the victim had sustained injuries to his torso and head and requested medical personnel to respond.

Officers then contacted the female suspect, identified as 59 year old Ventura resident Susan Martinez, inside the residence and took her into custody without incident.

The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Martinez was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, a felony, and later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit at 339-4488, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Residential Burglary Arrest

Over the last several weeks there has been a series of residential burglaries in the area north of Telegraph Rd. and east of Victoria Ave.  During the course of the investigation, Street Crimes Detectives identified 43 year old Ventura resident Shannon Salas and 42 year old Ventura resident Joseph Grizzaffi as potential suspects.  Salas and Grizzaffi were arrested in an unrelated burglary in Santa Barbara County, and during the arrest additional evidence linking the two of them to the Ventura burglaries was recovered.

On November 16, at 12:30pm, Detectives obtained arrest warrants for Salas and Grizzaffi.  Salas was later located on the 6600 block of Telephone Rd. and taken into custody.  Salas was booked into the Ventura County Jail.  A search of his residence yielded additional stolen property and narcotics.  Also contacted in the residence was 24 year old Simi Valley resident Cristopher Delapp, and he was booked for an outstanding felony warrant and possession of narcotics for the purpose of sales.  Grizzaffi is still in custody in Santa Barbara County Jail.

Possession of Stolen Property Arrest

On November 17, at approximately 2pm, a VPD patrol officer observed a vehicle make an unsafe lane change in the 1100 block of Johnson Dr. The officer conducted a traffic stop and was informed by the dispatch center that the license plate on this vehicle did not match the make and model and was listed as a stolen plate.

Additional VPD patrol officers responded to assist and a high risk stop was initiated since the vehicle had three occupants and the circumstances surrounding why a stolen license plate was attached were not known.

Once the occupants were removed from the vehicle the investigating officers determined that the driver, 30 year old Camarillo resident Danielle Giovanello, was the owner of the vehicle and had intentionally switched the rear plate with one from someone else’s vehicle in an attempt to conceal the fact that her vehicle’s registration had expired several months ago. Giovanello was also driving on a suspended driver’s license.

A passenger in the vehicle, 26 year old Ventura vagrant Kody Lott, was found to be in possession of pepper spray which is unlawful for him to carry as a convicted felon. A third passenger in the vehicle was interviewed and released.

Giovanello was arrested for possession of stolen property and driving on a suspended license, both misdemeanor charges. Lott was arrested for felon in possession of pepper spray also a misdemeanor. Both were transported to the Ventura County Main Jail for booking.

Giovanello’s vehicle was impounded

Residential Burglary

On November 18, at approximately 11:30am, officers responded to a residential burglary where the victim was getting marijuana stolen from his home.  The victim had video surveillance cameras and identified one of his neighbors as the suspect.  On two separate occasions the suspect is seen jumping the victim’s fence and going into his garage.  During both incidences the victim’s medicinal marijuana was stolen.

Officers contacted the suspect and identified him as 25 year old Jonathan Ward.  Ward admitted to taking 5 grams of marijuana during the burglaries.  Ward was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for Burglary.

Train vs. Vehicle

On November 20, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center was notified by Union Pacific Railroad dispatch regarding a vehicle being struck by an Amtrak train on the railroad tracks near Garden St. and the Ventura County Fair Grounds.  Officers and Ventura City Fire personnel arrived on scene and found an unoccupied compact vehicle wedged underneath the front of the train.  The driver of the vehicle, later identified as 27 year old Ventura resident Arcelia Delgadillo, and a male passenger were standing nearby and found to be uninjured.

According to the train conductor the southbound train was approaching the Amtrak Station and was travelling at approximately 15-20 mph, when the vehicle was spotted on the tracks.  All emergency attempts were made to stop the train, but the train did not stop in time and struck the vehicle.

It was determined Delgadillo was intoxicated and unintentionally drove onto the railroad tracks, causing her vehicle to become high centered on the tracks.  She and the male passenger had exited the vehicle approximately 3 minutes before the collision with the train.  When the train struck the vehicle, it possibly caused an electrical shortage which electrified the vehicle and railroad tracks. Due to the rain, this caused an extreme hazard to emergency personnel.

Ventura City Fire personnel remained on scene and monitored the removal of the vehicle from the railroad tracks.  The train was delayed at the scene for approximately two hours while the investigation was being completed.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Delgadillo was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for driving under the influence of alcohol.

None of the 60 passengers on the train were injured.

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.

Vehicle Tampering Arrest

On October 28, at approximately 2:30pm, a citizen in the 7400 block of Tyler Ct observed a male subject rummaging through a vehicle that was parked on the street. When confronted this male ran to a grey colored van and sped away.

The citizen began following the van in his own vehicle while relaying this information to the Ventura Police Department Command Center.

The suspect van drove to the shopping center at Telegraph Rd and Kimball Rd where a female exited and walked away. The van again drove off southbound Kimball Rd and entered the eastbound 126 freeway and accelerated at a high rate of speed as the responding officers caught up to it.

The officers were able to stop this vehicle on the 126 Freeway just west of the Wells Rd off-ramp where they took the driver, 37 year old Ventura vagrant Michael Barnett, into custody without incident.

The investigation determined that Barnett, who was wearing a uniform shirt from a delivery company, had been on Tyler Ct and entered an unlocked vehicle possibly looking for items to steal when confronted by the citizen. It was not known if Barnett actually stole any property as the owner of the vehicle was not available for contact.

Barnett was transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on a misdemeanor charge of vehicle tampering. His van was impounded.

The female that Barnett dropped off was not located and her identity is unknown. She was described as a Hispanic female, 25 years old with bleach blonde hair. She was wearing a brown leather jacket, grey shirt, and black pants.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Watch Commander at 339-4416, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Train vs. Pedestrian 

On October 30, at approximately 2:30pm, 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 Amtrak Station at 39 Harbor Blvd.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim, a 35-40 years old male lying adjacent to the railroad tracks.  Ventura Fire and AMR personnel also responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

According to the train conductor the northbound train had just left the Amtrak Station and was travelling at approximately 25 mph, when he saw the victim intentionally walk onto the tracks in front of the train.  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 was delayed at the scene for approximately two hours while the investigation was being completed.

 Commercial Burglary with Arrest

 On November 2, at approximately 4:15am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an audible burglary alarm at Batteries Plus located at 1725 S. Victoria Avenue.  When officers arrived, they found that a window had been broken out and it appeared the store had been burglarized.  The interior of the business was searched, but no suspects were found inside.  Officers contacted a representative from the store and were able to view security video footage of the incident.  The video showed a male subject break the window, enter the store, take a flashlight, and then flee the business.  Officers immediately recognized the suspect as 44 year old Ventura vagrant Casey Ryan from an earlier call the previous evening.  Within approximately 15 minutes of viewing the video, officers located Ryan at the CVS store at Telegraph and Victoria.  Officers detained Ryan and found him to be in possession of the stolen property from the Batteries Plus burglary.

Ryan was already on probation for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for petty theft with a prior conviction.  Ryan we placed under arrest for commercial burglary and transported to the Ventura County Jail.

If anyone has information related to this crime, they are encouraged contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4416.

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

On November 3, at approximately 8:45am, an alert citizen called to report suspicious circumstances.  Two people were seen unloading a large amount of property from a parked vehicle in the 200 block of South Garden Street and then walked away into the surrounding neighborhood.  A records check revealed the vehicle was reported stolen.

As officers arrived, they checked the surrounding area and located the two suspects, 22 year old Ventura resident Nicholas Gebber and 26 year old Maria Vela in an adjacent residential complex.  The subsequent investigation revealed Gebber was responsible for the stolen vehicle and Vela was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.  Gebber, who is a Post Release Offender for prior possession of stolen vehicle, narcotics and shoplifting, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle.  Vela, who is on local probation for previous drug and property crime charges, was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for possession of a controlled substance.

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.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On October 11, at approximately 4:15pm, VPD officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 3700 block of Telegraph Rd.  Officers arrived and located the victim, Vincent Badilla, who had suffered several stab wounds to his leg.

The officers received information that the suspect was still in the area and he was quickly located and detained as the officers conducted their investigation.

According to statements provided by the victim and witness Badilla had entered Smooths Barbershop and became involved in a verbal argument with another patron, 43 year old Castaic resident Daniel Ortiz.

This argument continued for several minutes at which time Ortiz brandished a knife and attacked Badilla.

Badilla fled the business and was located nearby. He was then transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of serious but not life threatening injuries.

VPD Major Crimes Detectives responded to assist in the investigation as VPD CSI personnel also responded to process the scene and collect items of evidence including the knife that Diaz is suspected of using during the assault.

Ortiz was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, a felony.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes at 339-4488, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On October 14, at approximately 1:15am, the VPD Communications Center received several 911 calls from residents at an apartment complex in the 300 Block of Thompson Blvd regarding one of the residents, 35 year old Ventura resident Andres Ayala, on the third floor throwing items at people in the courtyard area.  There had been two prior calls to VPD regarding noise complaints against Ayala who had been throwing objects onto his balcony, yelling and playing loud music.  Ayala remained inside his apartment when officers responded and refused to come outside to talk to the officers.

On the third response, officers learned that Ayala had thrown an Elliptical exercise machine and microwave from his third story balcony onto the courtyard area of the complex.  Several neighbors came outside to try to convince Ayala to stop making noise and throwing items onto the courtyard.  Ayala challenged one of the neighbors to fight him and then threw a ceramic object from the third floor striking two victims on their legs (neither victim sustained any injuries).  Ayala went back into his apartment before officers arrived.

Officers attempted to make contact with Ayala, but again he refused to come outside to talk to the officers.  After a couple of hours, Ayala began to come out of his apartment onto his balcony and officers attempted to place Ayala under arrest.  Ayala pulled away and retreated back into his apartment.  Officers pursued Ayala and took him to custody without incident.  Ayala was transported to Ventura County Jail and booked for assault with a deadly weapon.

Community Crime Alert –Rental Self-Storage Unit Burglaries 

The Ventura Police Department is issuing a Community Crime Alert due to a high number of reported burglaries to rental units at self-storage facilities throughout the City of Ventura.

From January 1, 2016 to present date, the Ventura Police Department has responded to 45 reported burglaries from commercial self-storage units. Public Storage, located at 6435 Ventura Blvd. has reported the highest number of burglaries (22) during this time period. Extra Space Self Storage, located at 3700 Market Street has reported 8 burglaries during this time period. Entry into the storage units has primarily been made by cutting locks attached to the storage unit doors.

For those residents who have property stored in a self- storage facility in the City of Ventura, it is recommended that they inventory their property and contact the Ventura Police Department at 650-8010 if they believe they may have been a victim of a burglary or theft.

Recommendations for Renters:

• Choose a facility that has an access control system and video surveillance system which can prevent burglaries. Access control system requires renters to use individual codes, remotes or security cards to enter the facility.  Self-storage managers can review records to see who is using the facility at all times, making it harder for thieves to enter. 
• If you have high-value items that you are storing, place those valuables in the back of your unit. Placing these items in hard to reach places will make it more difficult for thieves who are quickly grabbing items. 
• Choose a lock that will hold up against bolt cutters. Avoid using a lock with a long shackle (the loop that passes through or around the object that you are locking).  Purchase a disc or cylinder lock, both of which are hard to cut with bolt cutters. 
• Have items insured through homeowner’s insurance, or see if the facility offers insurance.
• Avoid going to your storage unit in the early morning or late evening hours or otherwise off-peak hours. Take someone with you whenever possibly, there is safety in numbers.
• Keep a complete inventory of everything you are storing. Take photos of the items inside your storage unit.
• Check items frequently, do not leave them unchecked for long periods of time. Perhaps check your unit when making your monthly payment.
• Be sure to give the manager a list of people who are allowed access to your unit.