Category Archives: Police Reports

Ventura Police Department solves 33-year-old cold case homicide

After over three decades, the Ventura Police Department (VPD) has made a significant breakthrough in the 1991 murder case of Danielle Clause. Using advanced forensic genetic genealogy techniques, law enforcement has identified Larry Devon Welch as the perpetrator, which is a pivotal moment in resolving this long-standing mystery.

“Through extensive collaboration with local and national law enforcement agencies and nonprofits, it’s with great pride that I share this success story,” said Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler. “From the initial investigation in 1991 to recent advancements in forensic techniques, I’m honored to highlight the perseverance of detectives as they continued to seek justice for the victim and her family.”

On July 16, 1991, the body of 42-year-old Clause was found on the hillside located at the top of Tioga Drive near downtown Ventura. The autopsy showed that she had been sexually assaulted and had died due to multiple blunt-force injuries to her head. Once investigators at the time explored every avenue, the case was suspended and considered cold.

In 2021, Ventura Police detectives and forensic specialists retested crime scene evidence for DNA. Forensic genetic genealogy was pursued, and a family tree was developed. Phenotyping was used to verify distinct characteristics of the suspect, and after collecting family DNA samples, Larry Welch was positively identified.

Welch passed away in 1999. There was no known connection between Welch and Clause at the time of her murder.

“My sister was so much more than a victim of a brutal murder. She was artist, a daughter, a sister, a mother, and a wife. She was a good person with a mighty soul, and she was taken way too young,” shared Marcie Forte, Danielle’s sister. “I didn’t really believe that the police were going to solve this, because there are other crimes being committed all the time. I was proven wrong because the Ventura Police and everyone associated with this cold case did a phenomenal job and I am so grateful. I’m so grateful that I lived to see at least a meter of justice and that they found out who did this.”

The Ventura Police Department’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for victims and their families endures, regardless of the elapsed time. Presently, VPD has over 25 cold cases, spanning homicides, missing persons, and unidentified deceased individuals.
The Ventura Police Department has released a storytelling video outlining details of this case from the original investigators, current detectives, and family of the victim. To watch the video and learn more about existing cold cases, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/ColdCases. If you have any new information, please email [email protected].

Vol. 17, No. 16 – May 1 – May 14, 2024 – Police Reports

On April 23, at 9:28pm, the Ventura Police Department received a call of a robbery that had just occurred on the walking path along Harbor Blvd, between San Jon Rd and the Ventura Pier. The victim (41-year-old female, Ventura resident) said she was walking westbound on the path when the two suspects (14-year-old male, Ventura resident and 17-year-old male, Ventura resident) approached her, demanded her purse, and brandished a handgun at her. The suspects took her purse and fled westbound on bicycles.

About 25 minutes later, a patrol officer saw two subjects matching the suspect descriptions in the 400 Block of N. Ventura Avenue. The suspects were detained and found to be in possession of a loaded gun and some of the victim’s stolen property. Both juvenile suspects were arrested and booked at juvenile hall for various charges, including armed robbery, possession of a loaded gun, possession of a “ghost” (unserialized) gun, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Vol. 17, No. 14 – April 3 – April 16, 2024 – Police Reports

Sexual Battery By Fraudulent Representation

On March 21, 2024, the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes unit served an arrest warrant on Dr. Fernando Gomez at his office in Ventura Limitless Functional Therapy 4562 Westinghouse St . Gomez’s arrest stemmed from two separate sexual battery reports. The victims alleged they were sexually battered by Gomez while seeking his chiropractic care. As a result of the investigation, Major Crimes Detectives requested and were granted a warrant for Gomez’s arrest. This investigation is ongoing. The Major Crimes Detectives are asking anyone with information related to these crimes or any other crimes committed by the suspect to contact Detective Gray at (805)339-4472.

Vol. 17, No. 11 – Feb 21 – Mar 5, 2024 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

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

Robbery with Arrests

On February 8, at 3:00 pm, the Ventura Police Department received a call of a robbery that had just occurred in the 700 block of Olive Street. The victim said he was walking in a residential alleyway when several subjects approached him, beat him, and took his belongings before fleeing into a nearby residence.

Responding officers located and arrested all four suspects, 26-year-old Ventura resident Isaac Patterson, 32-year-old Ventura resident Angelica Cacho, 30-year-old Ventura resident Brett Marquez, and 26-year-old Ventura resident Caleb Wiggins, at the residence and recovered the stolen property.

The victim had minor injuries as a result of the attack. The four suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail for Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

Stabbing

The Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls reporting someone was stabbed at the Chopper Fest Motorcycle Show at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Several officers responded and located two stabbing victims. Officers immediately rendered aid, and the victims were transported via ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center. Moments later, a third victim walked himself into the Ventura County Medical Center with minor stab wounds from the event.

Currently, all three male victims (ages 33, 43 and 53) are in stable condition. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a large fight took place between several attendees of the event, which resulted in three involved parties being stabbed.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Pat Lindsay at 805-339-4498.

Vol. 17, No. 10 – Feb 7 – Feb 20, 2024 – Police Reports

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.

Fatal Traffic Collision with Arrest

On January 3, at approximately 10:00 pm, the Ventura Police Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a vehicle vs pedestrian traffic collision in the 3200 block of Harbor Blvd. A witness that observed the collision reported that the vehicle involved immediately fled the scene, making no attempt to check on the pedestrian that they had struck. Officers responded and located the victim down in the roadway and determined that he was deceased as a result of the collision. Patrol officers checked the surrounding area but were unable to located the suspect vehicle at the time.

Ventura Police Traffic Division investigators responded to the scene and began to process the crime scene. During an extensive investigation over the next few weeks, investigators were able to identify 32-year-old San Pedro resident Aaron Greene as the driver of the vehicle that evening. On January 3, Aaron Greene was taken into custody for Felony Hit and Run and Vehicular Manslaughter and was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone that has information related to this incident can contact Officer Garcia with the Ventura Police Traffic Division at (805) 339-4326.

Fatal Traffic Collision

On January 30, at approximately 11:30 am, the Ventura Police communications center received a 911 call regarding a motorcyclist down in the 1200 block of Olive St. Officers arrived on scene and located the rider unresponsive and began rendering aid. Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel arrived and attempted lifesaving measures but the victim, a 35-year-old male Ventura resident, had succumb to his injuries. The preliminary investigation determined that the collision appeared to only involve the victim on his scooter with no other vehicles involved.

Vol. 17, No. 07 – Dec 27, 2023 – Jan 9, 2024 – Police Reports

Attempt murder and assault with a deadly weapon

On Dec.16, at about 6:00 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received several 911 calls from the area of 1300 Saratoga Ave about an unknown altercation. While speaking with Dispatchers, callers said they heard gunfire. Patrol officers arrived on scene within two minutes of the call. Officers were able to locate the victim and begin life-saving measures. Additional officers found the suspect and took him into custody without further incident. Ventura Police Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives are continuing the investigation. The victim is currently in stable condition. The suspect was identified as Stephen Wilkie 64-year-old Ventura resident and was arrested for Attempt Murder and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Deceased female victim

On December 17, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference a female subject disturbing in the 200 block of Ute Ln. Upon arrival, patrol officers contacted the suspect Megan Frisbie 38-years-old. Frisbie lived nearby and made statements that led officers to believe a crime occurred inside of her residence. Officers entered Frisbie’s residence and discovered a deceased female victim. Frisbie was transported to the police station for questioning. Police detectives began investigating and later arrested Frisbie for 187 PC – Murder. Frisbie was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Frisbie has been charged with murder in the death of her mother. She has also been charged with felony elder or dependent adult abuse in connection with the death of Ann Bauman, 74 on Dec.11.. She remains in custody with bail set at $1 million.

Stabbing Arrest

On December 24, at 5am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of subjects fighting on California St. just south of Main St. Upon arrival, officers located a male adult who had just been the victim of a stabbing. Ventura Fire and AMR treated the victim’s injuries on scene then transported him to a local hospital.

During their investigation officers learned that a group of subjects were involved in a fight, which ended when the suspect stabbed the victim with a knife. The suspect, identified as Jeremy Delgado (37 Years old / Ventura Resident) was still nearby and was arrested without incident.

Major Crime Detectives responded to assist with the investigation. Delgado was later booked at Ventura County Jail for 245(a)(1) PC- Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries.

Vol. 17, No. 06 – Dec 13 – Dec 26, 2023 – Police Reports

On December 19, at 4:45, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference subjects who had entered the caller’s locked garage in the 500 block of Valley View Way. Arriving officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving the area. During the stop, officers detained three subjects, Shane Dumas Jr., Cy Segovia Jr., and a male juvenile. During the investigation, officers discovered the subjects to be in possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, and various property taken during the burglary.

Dumas, Segovia, and the male juvenile were arrested for multiple charges including Residential Burglary, Conspiracy to Commit Residential Burglary and Firearms Possession. Dumas and Segovia were booked into custody at the Ventura County Jail. The male juvenile was booked into custody at the Ventura County Juvenile Detention.

Vol. 17, No. 05 – Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023 – Police Reports

by Cindy Summers

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

Stolen Vehicle and Burglary Arrest

On November 13, at approximately 11:45 am, Ventura Police Patrol Task Force Officers and Detectives from the Ventura County Auto Theft Taskforce observed a reported stolen vehicle from Santa Barbara in the 3000 block of E. Main Street in Ventura. The Officers were able to catch up to the vehicle as it was stopped for a traffic light on Telegraph Road and Mills Road. The driver of the stolen vehicle, 32-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Ramos, fled on foot from the vehicle northbound on Mills Rd. and eventually into the neighborhood west of Mills Rd. Officers were then hailed by a resident in the 50 Block of San Marino Ave. who saw Ramos enter their unlocked residential garage.

Officers immediately set up a perimeter at the residence and made verbal contact with Ramos who refused to exit the garage. Officers were negotiating with Ramos while evacuating the residence. After negotiations, Ramos walked out of the garage and he was taken into custody without further incident. During a search of Ramos officers located stolen property from the victim’s garage.

Ramos was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for a minor head injury he sustained while fleeing from the stolen vehicle. No other injuries were reported. Ramos was then booked at Ventura County Jail for unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary, and two misdemeanor warrants.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On November 14, at approximately 10:30 am, a resident from the 600 block of County Square Dr. was informed of a subject who had gained entry into their home. The resident was not home at the time. Officers arrived on scene and established a perimeter around the residence. The suspect, 30-year-old Fillmore resident Oscar Ramos, walked out but retreated back in when he saw officers. Ramos refused to exit the home while officers negotiated with him. About 20 minutes later, Ramos exited, and he was taken into custody for burglary and resisting, delaying, or obstructing police officers. He was eventually booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Ramos had been released from the Ventura County Jail the morning of November 14 before committing the burglary. A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Ramos has prior arrests for being under the influence of a controlled substance, elder abuse, battery, vandalism, carrying a dirk or dagger, public intoxication, disturbing the peace by fighting, violation of a court order, criminal threats, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting an executive officer.

Brandishing and Negligent Discharge of a Firearm Arrest

On November 14, at approximately 11:30 pm, an employee of a business in the 6500 block of Telephone Rd. called Ventura Police dispatch to report a brandishing of a firearm. The caller also reported hearing a gunshot. Multiple officers responded to the area however the suspect had fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. There were no injuries reported during this incident.

An investigation identified the suspect as 26-year-old Oxnard resident Alonzo Alcantar and determined Alcantar had brandished a firearm to employees of the business after an altercation. Alcantar was also suspected of firing a shot in the parking lot while patrons of the business were present.

On November 15, Street Crimes Unit detectives located Alcantar and he was arrested for Brandishing a Firearm and Negligent Discharge of a Firearm. Alcantar was also found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. Alcantar was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 – Police Reports

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 Casing, Attempt Vehicle Theft and Assault on Police Officer Arrest

On the above date and time, the Ventura Police Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a subject (later identified as 26-year-old Newbury Park resident Rayvonn Richardson) looking into parked vehicles and checking car door handles in the parking lot of the 99 Store at 1425 S. Victoria Ave. The first officers that arrived on-scene attempted to contact Richardson and he fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit, the officers detained him. Richardson then violently resisted, broke free from the officers, and punched one of the officers in the face before fleeing again on foot.

Officers chased Richardson through the surrounding area, circling back to where some of the marked police cars were parked. Through a partially open window, Richardson was able to gain access to the driver’s side of one of the locked police units. After resisting officers again, he was taken into custody.

Richardson is currently on parole for criminal threats and has numerous arrests, including robbery, criminal threats, possession of a controlled substance, and resisting arrest. Three officers received minor injuries during this incident.

Richardson was not injured. Richardson was booked at Ventura County Jail for three counts of Resisting/Assaulting a Police Officer (Felony), Attempt Vehicle Theft (Felony), Vehicle Tampering (misdemeanor) and Parole Violation (Felony).

Felony Evading & Traffic Collision

On November 6, at approximately 11:15 pm, the Ventura Police Department received a call from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) requesting assistance locating a vehicle that had fled from their officers during a vehicle pursuit. The driver reportedly attempted to strike a CHP officer with the vehicle, committing an assault with a deadly weapon. CHP pursued the vehicle into the City of Ventura but lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Valentine Rd and Victoria Avenue.

Ventura Police officers located the suspect vehicle driving in the area of Channel Drive and Lemon Grove Avenue and initiated an enforcement stop. The suspect fled and drove recklessly through the city and on the 101 Freeway. A supervisor canceled the pursuit when the conditions became too dangerous to continue and officers lost sight of the vehicle. A short time later, the vehicle struck a Gold Coast Ambulance that was driving on Main Street. The ambulance was pushed into a large truck. The ambulance and the suspect vehicle caught fire. The occupants of all three vehicles were injured and transported to local hospitals for treatment. All are in stable condition. The suspect, Ventura resident Ron Balden, was seriously injured but is expected to recover.

The Ventura Police Department is investigating the Felony Evading and suspected Felony Driving Under the Influence. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the Assault with a Deadly Weapon against their officer.

Vol. 17, No. 02 – Oct 18 – Oct 31, 2023 – Police Reports

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.

Residential Burglary

On October 4, at approximately 7:45 am, a resident in the 500 block of Redwood Ave. witnessed the suspect walk up to his residence and enter the garage. The resident called the police department, and officers located the suspect, identified as 29-year-old vagrant Hannah Craver, still inside the garage, going through the victim’s property. Officers detained Craver and found her to be in possession of the victim’s property.

Craver was arrested and transported to Ventura County Medical Center. While at the hospital, she attempted to escape from the officers but was quickly subdued. No injuries were sustained, and Craver was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Burglary and Attempt to escape custody.

Brandishing of a Weapon and Criminal Threats Arrest

On October 8, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received several calls about a pregnant female vagrant waving a knife in the area of California St. and Santa Clara Street. As officers responded, the female fled the area, followed by a park ambassador.

Officers stopped the female a few blocks away and she was identified as 33-year-old vagrant Rebecca Ross. The investigation revealed Ross picked up a knife from an outside table at a restaurant near Main St. and California Street. Ross began throwing the knife in the air near restaurant patrons. Fearing for their safety, a patron confronted Ross, and Ross brandished the knife at the patron. Ross fled from the area and was detained by officers. No one was injured during this incident.

Ross was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center to be medically cleared before being booked at the Ventura County Jail for Brandishing a Weapon and Criminal Threats.

Commercial Burglary and Vandalism

On October 9, at approximately 4:15 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from a security guard indicating there was possibly a burglary in progress at a business in the 700 block of East Main Street. Ventura Police Department patrol officers responded to the location and found that an unknown suspect had forced entry into the business by breaking through the front door. Officers checked the business, but the suspect had already fled.

On the same date, at approximately 5:30 am, The Ventura Police Department Communications Center received another call regarding vandalism and a possible burglary in progress at the Sommerset apartments at 540 East Santa Clara Street. The reporting person stated that the suspect broke the glass front door and was trying to open doors inside the apartment building. Patrol officers responded to that location and found the suspect (later identified as 57-year-old vagrant John Ramirez) outside of the apartment complex. Officers found that the suspect was in possession of property taken from the earlier burglary on East Main Street. Officers also determined that Ramirez had broken the front door to the apartment complex and forced entry. It appears he made it into the common area of the complex but did not enter any apartments.

Ramirez was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for commercial burglary and felony vandalism.

An internet search revealed that Ramirez was booked for felony vandalism by the Oxnard Police Department on August 21, 2023. He was released on his own recognizance on October 5, 2023.

Felony Evading, Felony Hit & Run, Possession of Narcotics and Paraphernalia Arrest

On Oct. 15, at 2:53 pm, officers patrolling the area of Valentine St. and Portola Rd. attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a motorcycle for a traffic violation. The motorcycle rider who had a rear passenger, failed to yield to the officer’s emergency lights and siren and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit the motorcyclist, later identified as Brendan Clinch, he drove recklessly while endangering others on the roadway. Clinch eventually entered the SR 101 southbound onramp from Valentine Rd. where he encountered heavy traffic and proceeded to ride at a high rate of speed on the shoulder portion of the freeway. Due to the inherent danger caused by Clinch’s behavior, officers cancelled their pursuit.

A short time later, the Ventura Police Communications Center received numerous 911 calls of a multiple vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on the southbound 101 freeway just south of the Victoria Ave. onramp. Officers arrived on scene and discovered Clinch and his passenger fleeing the scene but were apprehended. Both Clinch and his passenger were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center via ambulance for treatment of their injuries. Clinch was arrested for possession of narcotics, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, felony evading, and felony hit and run and later booked at the Ventura County Jail.