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.

Commercial Burglary

On September 13, at approximately 9:15am, Ventura PD patrol officers responded to a report of a burglary at Nerces Fine Jewelry located in the Firehouse Plaza on E Main St.

Employees who had arrived for work opened the business and discovered that a safe in the backroom area of the store had been broken into.

Ventura Street Crimes Unit detectives and Crime Scene Investigators also responded to assist.

It was determined that sometime during the night or early morning hours unknown suspects had forced their way into the business through the roof. Once inside they disabled the surveillance system and then forced open the safe. The suspects then fled the business with an undetermined amount of jewelry.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have observed any suspicious activity, persons, or vehicles in the area of Nerces Fine Jewelry or has any information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4452, 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.

 Felony Evading, Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On September 13, at approximately 11:45am, a Ventura PD patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle with no visible license plates in the area of Mills Rd and Main St.

As the officer attempted to conduct an investigative stop on this vehicle it sped away through a residential area east of Mills Rd. The officer then initiated a pursuit in the 4200 block of Telegraph Rd after this vehicle ran a stop sign and accelerated at a high rate of speed eastbound. The vehicle pursuit continued to Victoria Ave where the suspect turned south and entered the westbound 126 freeway.

The pursuit continued onto the northbound 101 freeway as the suspect vehicle reached speeds in excess of 90mph. The pursuit continued into Santa Barbara County and was taken over by the California Highway Patrol.

Approximately 1 hour later the suspect vehicle returned to the Ventura area traveling southbound on the 101freeway with the Highway Patrol still in pursuit. The suspect vehicle was now driving on its front rims and was having a difficult time maintaining control.

As the suspect vehicle passed the Vineyard off-ramp it lost control and drove off the side of the freeway and came to a stop at which time the suspect driver, identified as 35 year old Ventura resident Jason Fenstermacher, was taken into custody.

The accident ignited a small brush fire on the side of the freeway that engulfed the suspect vehicle. It was later determined that this vehicle had been reported stolen a week ago out of Santa Barbara county.

Fenstermacher was transported to VCMC for treatment of minor injuries he sustained in the accident and was then booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and the charges of felony evading and driving a stolen vehicle.

Violent Crime Incident

On September 15, at approximately 6:00am, the Ventura Police Command Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls regarding a person out of control in the 200 block of E. Main Street in the downtown area.  Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to the area and learned the following.

The suspect, 35 year old Forrest Brantley, committed a burglary by breaking into the gift shop at the Ventura Mission.  He stole two crucifixes from the gift shop and then left.  Brantley approached one person in the parking lot of the Ventura Mission and demanded that victim’s phone.  When the victim refused to give Brantley the phone, Brantley hit that victim with one of the crucifixes.  Brantley then began walking down Main Street and did the same thing to two more victims, striking them with the crucifix.  At one point, Brantley approached a 75 year old man who was sitting in his vehicle.  Brantley broke the window to the man’s vehicle and struck the man, causing him injury.

After battering and attempting to rob multiple victims, Brantley continued walking eastbound on Main Street.  Brantley then broke the window to the ARC thrift shop in the 200 block of Main Street and stole a bicycle from the store, committing another burglary.  As Brantley continued eastbound he approached another victim in the 300 block of Main Street and battered that victim by striking him with the crucifix.

Victims and witnesses began following Brantley and watched as he continued traveling towards the intersection at Chestnut St and Main St.  Ventura Police Officers arrived and took Brantley into custody at that location without incident.

Brantley was ultimately booked into the Ventura County Jail for multiple charges including: (3) counts of attempted robbery, (2) counts of commercial burglary, (1) count of assault with a deadly weapon, (2) counts of vandalism, and (1) count of elder abuse.

One of the victims (the 75 year old male) sustained a moderate injury to the face and was treated at a local hospital.  The other victims sustained minor injuries.  Neither Brantley, nor the arresting officers were injured during the incident.

DUI Investigation Resisting Arrest

On September 16, at approximately 8:30pm. the Ventura Command Center received a report of a single vehicle traffic collision in the 4200 block of E Main St.

Ventura Patrol officers responded and arrived on scene to find the driver, identified as 26 year old Thousand Oaks resident Christopher Nuciforo, standing in the roadway next to his vehicle that was resting on the raised center median.

As the officers questioned Nuciforo about the accident they began to suspect that he may be under the influence of alcohol and initiated a DUI investigation.

Nuciforo suddenly ran from the officers across E Main St in an attempt to get away. The officers gave chase and he was quickly apprehended.

They continued with their DUI investigation and determined that Nuciforo was driving while impaired and drove his vehicle up onto the raised median while attempting to negotiate a left turn.

He was placed under arrest and his vehicle which sustained moderate damage in the collision was towed from the scene.

Nuciforo was then transported to VCMC for treatment of a minor injury he sustained during his apprehension. He was later booked into the Ventura County main Jail on the charges of driving under the influence and resisting arrest.

Suspicious Subjects Recovered Firearm

On September 16, at approximately 8:45pm, a VPD gang detective contacted a group of subjects who were drinking alcohol in the parking lot of Grant Park. During this contact the detective observed a handgun on the ground under a vehicle near where the group was first detained.

The detective requested additional assistance and several VPD patrol officers responded to the scene. The handgun was recovered and all the subjects detained were checked for any additional weapons however none were found.

The vehicle that the handgun was located under belonged to 27 year old Ventura resident Juan Magallanes, one of the subjects who were being detained. Magallanes is currently on probation for a firearm violation and has search terms for weapons and firearms.

Officers then conducted a search of Magallanes’ vehicle but no additional firearms were located.

None of the subjects detained claimed ownership of the discarded handgun which was found to be a loaded small caliber revolver.

All of the subjects were identified and released. The gang detectives will be conducting further testing on the recovered handgun to determine where it was obtained and if any of the subjects contacted had been in possession of it.

Attempted Robbery, Theft from Person, and Elder Abuse 

On September 18, at approximately 10:45am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of an attempted theft of a cell phone that just occurred at Starbucks, 6128 Telegraph Rd.  The suspect, later identified as 39 year old Ryan Leavitt, was described as being a vagrant and was fleeing the area on a bicycle.   Officers responded and located Leavitt nearby in the parking lot of the shopping center.

During the investigation, officers determined there were multiple victims.  The first victim was a 76-year-old male who was inside Starbucks sitting at a table with several other individuals.  The victim’s cell phone was on the table next to him when Leavitt suddenly approached the table and took the phone.  The victim grabbed Leavitt’s armed and had to forcefully take the phone back from him.  Leavitt then turned towards the second victim, a 61-year-old female, sitting at the same table and made a threatening statement about taking her purse.  Hearing this, the victim’s husband grabbed the purse to protect it.  Leavitt left the business and tried to flee the area on his bike.

Leavitt was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for attempted robbery, theft from person (felony) and elder abuse.  No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Burglary and Resisting Arrest

On September 18, at approximately 11:50pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an alarm company reporting a silent alarm coming from the ATM at Union Bank, 576 S. Mills Rd.  When officers arrived on scene, they observed the suspect, later identified as 28 year old vagrant Jason Gonzalez, tampering with the drive through ATM.  Gonzalez saw the officers and attempted to flee on foot.  After a brief foot pursuit, Gonzalez was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation showed that Gonzalez had used a prying tool to gain access into the ATM room and damaged wiring to the ATM.  This was also the location of the safe.

Gonzalez was arrested for burglary and resisting arrest and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Domestic Violence, Child Endangerment and Felony Resisting Arrest

On September 25, at approximately 1am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from an adult female reporting she was involved in a physical domestic with her boyfriend, later identified as 38 year old Ventura resident Richard Avalos.  Officers arrived on scene and contacted Avalos outside of the apartment.  It was determined that the adult female had been injured during the altercation and that Avalos had also punched her 7-year-old daughter.

When officers contacted Avalos, he was holding his 3-year-old daughter in his arms and refused to release her to the officers.  Avalos was threatening to fight with officers if they tried arresting him or take his daughter.  Officers began negotiating with Avalos, and after approximately 1 hour of talking to him, Avalos was convinced to release the child unharmed.  He continued threatening to fight officers, at which time a taser was deployed.  The taser was effective and Avalos was taken into custody without further incident.

After being medically cleared from VCMC, Avalos was booked into the Ventura County Jail for domestic violence, child endangerment and felony resisting arrest.  He was also booked for an out of county felony warrant.

The two minor children were released into the custody of child protective services.  The adult female had a minor injury to her face and refused medical treatment.

Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in a Vehicle, and Possession of Narcotics Arrest  

On September 25, at approximately 10:30pm, a Ventura Police K-9 officer was patrolling the area of Ocean Avenue Park, 1590 Ocean Ave., and contacted several subjects drinking inside of a parked vehicle, which was inside the park after hours.

During a search of the vehicle, several shotgun shells and an unloaded shotgun was found concealed near the driver’s seat and cocaine was found in the center console.

The suspects were identified as 28 year old Ventura resident Christian Torres, 19 year old Ventura resident Chris Gallegos, 18 year old Ventura resident Christian Albarran.

Christian Torres was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm and having a firearm concealed in a vehicle.  Chris Gallegos was cited and released for possession of a controlled substance and Christian Albarran was cited and released for a probation violation.

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 Arrest

On August 30, at 11:40am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Mills Road and Main Street.   The officer conducted a registration check on the vehicle and learned it had recently been stolen from the city of Oxnard.

The officer attempted an enforcement stop on the suspect, later identified as 26 year old Ventura vagrant Bruno Vasquez, who failed to yield.  Vasquez accelerated away at high rate of speed while passing vehicles in the opposing traffic lanes.  The officer chose to not pursue Vasquez due to his erratic driving and the hazard it posed to public safety.  Vasquez was last seen by the officer traveling west on Main Street.

Several minutes later, a second officer observed Vasquez near the intersection of Main Street and Hurst Avenue.  Vasquez attempted to elude this officer by abruptly turning onto Hurst Avenue, where he lost control of his vehicle and collided into a utility pole.  Vasquez jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot into a residential area.   Officers quickly established a perimeter and requested a Ventura Police K9 to assist in searching for Vazquez.

Vasquez was located hiding in a nearby yard and was taken into custody without incident.  He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving and resisting arrest.  No one was injured as a result of this incident.

 Trespassing and Felony Resisting Arrest

On August 31, at 11:20am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the victim who is the property manager at 333 N. Kalorama Dr. He advised dispatch that a subject was following him around, looking into cars and acting suspiciously. Two Officers arrived and contacted the suspicious subject who was later identified as 40 year old Kern County resident Andrew Hodges.

Officers were investigating trespassing and speaking with Hodges who was lying about his name and why he was on the property. Officers detained and placed the 6’5” 240 pounds Hodges in handcuffs for their safety.  Officers began to walk Hodges to a patrol car to further investigate when Hodges began to fight with Officers.

Hodges kicked, hit and pushed at the 2 Officers and all three fell to the ground. The Officer’s summoned emergency help on the radio and more Officers arrived in order to gain control of Hodges.

AMR and Ventura City Fire treated Hodges at the scene and Hodges was later transported to CMH for a medical clearance. Hodges had minor injuries from resisting arrest. No Officers were injured during this incident.

Officers were finally able to identify Hodges by his tattoos and learned he was on felony probation out of Kern County for assault with a deadly weapon.

Felony Warrant Arrest and Resisting Arrest  

On September 4, at 11:35am, officers with the Ventura Police Department’s Patrol Task Force received information that a wanted subject was possibly in a vagrant camp in the Santa Clara River near the corner of Harbor Blvd. and Olivas Park Dr.  It was also reported the wanted subject was armed with a firearm.  Additional officers, along with a Ventura Police K-9, responded and started a search of the river bottom area.

During the search, officers saw a subject matching the description of the wanted subject walking with a pit-bull and attempted to contact him.  The subject, later identified as 44 year old vagrant James Dalton, fled further into the river bottom.  Officers lost sight of Dalton, but continued the search and soon found a large vagrant camp.  This was an elaborate “trench” type encampment in heavy growth which was several feet long and covered to conceal it from view from above ground.  As officers approached the camp, a large pit-bull ran from inside the trench and aggressively charged towards the officers.  Fearing they were going to be attacked, two officers discharged their firearms and shot the pit-bull, which immediately retreated back into the trench.

After several minutes, officers could hear Dalton from inside the trench.  Dalton was directed by officers out of the trench and taken into custody without further incident.  He was later transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked for a felony violation of parole warrant and resisting arrest. Ventura County Animal Services responded to the scene and took custody of the pit-bull, which sustained non-life threatening injuries to its leg.

Possession of a Firearm With Arrest & Search Warrant Service

On September 6, at 7:10am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of possible gunshots heard in the 6400 Block of Whippoorwill St. Responding officers attempted to locate a victim and parties involved.

One of the responding officers located a subject matching the description given by the reporting party. Shortly after the officer detained the subject, the subject fled on foot and discarded a handgun. The officer gave chase and suffered a minor injury in the foot pursuit.

Another officer detained the suspect who was identified as 24 year old Ventura resident Ernesto Orozco. Orozco had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and was found in possession of ammunition linking him to the discarded firearm. Orozco was also found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia.

Orozco was booked into the Ventura County jail for his outstanding warrant, possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer causing injury, possession of narcotics, and narcotics paraphernalia.

On the same date at 5:00pm, Ventura PD detectives and Ventura PD SWAT served a search warrant in the 2500 Block of Katherine St related to this investigation. Additional evidence was located and collected during the search warrant service.

The investigation into the original 911 call is ongoing and at this time, a victim has not been located. The injured officer is expected to return to full duty shortly.  Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura PD Major Crimes unit at 339-4488.

Possession of a Loaded Handgun, Methamphetamine and Narcotics Paraphernalia Arrest

On September 7, at approximately 5:00pm, patrol officers responded to the area of Victoria Avenue and Ralston Street regarding a possible fight in the roadway near the intersection.  When the officers arrived, they were able to contact one of the involved persons.  The investigation revealed the other party had fled prior to officers arriving and he was possibly in possession of a handgun.  As additional patrol officers arrived in the area, they located the second person, 32 year old Ventura resident Rene Garcia, on the bike path west of Victoria Avenue.  As the officers attempted to detain him, he dropped a small handheld, canvas bag.  After the officers were able to detain him, officers found a loaded handgun in the canvas bag, methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Garcia was booked into Ventura County Jail for possession of a loaded handgun, methamphetamine and narcotics paraphernalia.

Child Annoyance Investigation                                                                                             

On February 26 the victim reported to a School Resource Officer that Stephen Magoon, the victim’s tutor, had inappropriate interactions with him. The victim described the interactions as being sexual in nature.

Ventura Police Detectives began a follow up investigation and gathered additional evidence of the crimes. Ventura Police Detectives presented the case to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and on August 31, the District Attorney’s Office filed misdemeanor charges against Magoon for 647.6(a)(1) PC / Annoying or Molesting a Child.

Ventura PD Detectives believe that Magoon may have had other close relationships with underage males and are seeking to identify other potential victims. Magoon is a former teacher in the Ventura Unified School District who provides private tutoring services to students. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Stephen Wayne Magoon should contact Det. McCain of the Ventura Police Department at 339-4478.

Child Endangerment and Violently Resisting Officers Arrest

On September 9, at 12:36pm  patrol officers responded to a call for service to check on the well-being call of a tenant at the Bayshore Inn, 3075 E. Main Street.  When the officers arrived, they contacted the suspect, Allison Silva, 29 years of Ventura in a room and attempted to check on her and her infant child.  She immediately grabbed the child and ran from officers.  As the officers pursued after her, she ran towards the back of the hotel unit and attempted to jump out of the second story window with the child.  Officers were able to grab her before she got out of the window, and they were able to free the child from her as well.  The suspect became very combative with officers, kicking and hitting them several times during the struggle over the child and after the child was removed from her.  The suspect was ultimately taken into custody by the officers.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for child endangerment and violently resisting officers.  No one was injured during this incident.

 

by Cindy Summers

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

Obstruction of Justice, Explosive Device Arrest

On August 11, at approximately 6:30pm, VPD patrol officers responded to the area of Citrus Dr and Wells Rd re: a report of a possible domestic disturbance involving a male seen forcing a female into a motorhome parked on the street.

Officers arrived and contacted the male half of the domestic, identified as 52 year old Ventura vagrant Michael Gaussiran, sitting in the driver’s seat of the motorhome. As officers questioned him about the whereabouts of the involved female Gaussiran stated that she had left but refused to let the officers inspect the interior of the motorhome to ascertain if the female was in need of any assistance.

Gaussiran refused to exit the locked motorhome and suddenly retreated to the rear portion of the vehicle out of the officers’ view.

The officers not knowing what Gaussian’s intentions were took cover behind the patrol units and began to order Gaussiran out of the motorhome.

After approximately 15 minutes flames were observed inside the motorhome as Gaussiran fled out the side door and was taken into custody.

The motor home quickly became engulfed in flames and officers attempted to obtain information from Gaussiran as to the location of the female he was arguing with. Gaussiran remained uncooperative and made statements that led the officers on scene to suspect that Gaussiran had intentionally started the fire to destroy evidence of narcotic manufacturing that may have been occurring inside the motorhome.

Disturbance with a Foot Pursuit and Arrest for Assaulting an Officer

On August 12, at approximately 9pm, two patrol officers were contacted by a citizen who reported the suspect, 38 year old Ventura resident Ryan Evanson, was disturbing near the AM PM Store in the 600 block of South Mills Road.  The suspect was disturbing people in the area and breaking glass bottles on the ground.  When the officers arrived and attempted to speak with the suspect, he picked up a handful of broken glass from the ground, threw it at the officers and then ran away.  The officers chased after him and after a brief foot pursuit, he was caught and arrested.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail on the charges of assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.  No one was injured during this incident.

Family Disturbance w/ Arrest for Violently Attacking an Officer

On August 12, at 2:40pm, officers responded to a call for service of a family disturbance at a residence.  The suspect, 38 year old Ventura resident Jesse Chase, had locked himself inside of the house and refused to allow his family inside.  When the officers arrived, they were able to open the door, however when they tried to talk with the suspect, he initially retreated from them.  He then picked up a box spring mattress and tried to attack the officers with it.  After his initial attempt to attack the officers, they tried to physically restrain him; however he became more violent and began punching and fighting with the officers.  After a brief fight with him, the officers were able to place him under arrest.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was medically cleared at VCMC for minor injuries and then booked into Ventura County Jail on the charge of violently resisting officers.  During the incident, one of the officers sustained a moderate injury to his head.  He was treated at VCMC but was unable to work the remainder of his shift.  He is expected to return to work for his next scheduled shift.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On August 13, at 9am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an interrupted commercial burglary.  The victim armed himself with a baseball bat and detained 38 year old Ventura vagrant Brian McKenney until officers arrived on scene.  As officers arrived on scene McKenney was located inside the business where he provided officers with false information.  McKenney was subsequently taken into custody.

Investigation revealed McKenney used a large metal bar to pry open the front door and gain access into the building.  While inside the building Mckenney began taking items and obtaining the victim’s personal information from a file.  McKenney was also found to be in possession of stolen property from a recent unreported vehicle burglary. Mckenney was booked at Ventura County Jail for burglary, possession of stolen property, and providing false information.

If anyone has information related to this crime, they are encouraged to call the Ventura Police Department watch commander at 805-339-4416.

Sales of Narcotics Arrest

On August 13, at approximately 1pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a male subject, later identified 56 year old Oxnard vagrant Raynard Hill, walking in and out of the women’s restroom at Plaza Park, 600 E. Santa Clara St.  Officers from the Department’s Patrol Task Force responded and contacted Hill inside the restroom.

During a search of his property officers found heroin that was individually packaged and determined, based on other evidence found in his possession, that Hill was actively selling narcotics to other vagrants in the park.  He was also found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Hill was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession and possession of narcotics for sale.

Felon in Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Possession of Narcotics for Sale 

On August 14, at approximately 1am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a male subject inside the Keynote Lounge, 10245 Telephone Rd. that possibly had a gun wrapped in a towel.  It was reported the subject, later identified as 21 year old Ventura resident Mauro Andres, was seated at a table with two other subjects.

Officers arrived on scene and escorted Andres outside of the bar.  A search was conducted and two loaded handguns were found concealed in the front of his waistband.  Andres was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of sales.

Andres was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail for being a felon in possession of loaded firearms, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a controlled substance for sale while being in possession of a firearm.

One of the other subjects contacted with Andres was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On August 15, at approximately 2am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a passerby who saw the suspect, 37 year old Ventura vagrant Michael Waites, break a front window to Café Fiore.  Waites was seen by the witness entering the business through the broken window.  Officers arrived on scene within moments and could hear loud banging coming from inside of the business.

As officers were setting up a perimeter, Waites was seen climbing out of the broken window.  Waites initially complied with officers commands, but then attempted to flee from officers.  Waites was then taken into custody with the assistance of VPD K9 “Yoschi.”

Waites was transported to Ventura county medical center where he was medically cleared for booking in jail.  Waites was booked into the Ventura county jail for commercial burglary, resisting arrest, and a parole hold.

If anyone has information related to this crime, they are encouraged to call the Ventura Police Department watch commander at 805-339-4416.

Arson/Vandalism arrest

On August 15, at approximately 5am, the Ventura Police Command center received a call from mall security reporting the suspect, 30 year old Ventura vagrant Adam Fleck, lighting a fire on the roof of Red Robin.

Officers arrived on scene and located Fleck sitting on a steel beam above the patio on the second story of the mall.  Officers spoke with Fleck who was cooperative.  Ventura City Fire department arrived and provided a ladder so Fleck could safely come down off the patio cover.

While on the cover/roof, Fleck lit his shoe and other clothing on fire causing damage to the patio cover.  Ventura City Fire investigated the damage and advised there was no structural damage to the building.

Fleck was taken into custody without incident.  Fleck was transported to the Ventura County Medical center where he was medically cleared for booking.  Fleck was later booked in the Ventura County Jail for Arson, and felony vandalism no one was injured during the incident.

Robbery and Stolen Vehicle Arrest with Foot Pursuit

On August 24, at 10:40am, the victim parked his vehicle in a parking lot in the 11100 block of Citrus Drive. He got out of his vehicle, and when he returned he found the suspect, 29 year old Santa Paula resident Raymond Gonzalez, inside of the car stealing two cell phones.  The suspect fled from the victim, however the victim chased after him.  During the chase, the suspect peppered sprayed the victim.  A concerned citizen saw this occur and attempted to intervene, however the suspect also pepper sprayed him as well.  At that point, the suspect dropped the stolen cell phones and the victims lost sight of him as he ran away.

Officers arrived and began an investigation into the incident.  Initially, the suspect was not located. The second victim was transported to VCMC due to medical complications resulting from the pepper spray.  During the investigation, officers discovered the suspect had left a stolen vehicle in the parking lot near the original victim’s car. While the officers were processing the stolen vehicle, the suspect reappeared in a nearby business parking lot.  When the officers saw him, he ran from them.  After a brief foot pursuit, the officers were able to arrest him.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail for robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, unlawful use of pepper spray and prohibited person in possession of pepper spray.

 

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 Homicide – Shooting Investigation

On July 30, at approximately 10pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received multiple calls re: a shooting in the 200 block of Wall St. VPD patrol officers arrived on scene and located a victim suffering from gunshot wounds to his lower torso area.

Fire and medical personnel arrived and began treating the victim as the officers contacted witnesses in the area. VPD Major Crimes, Street Crimes Unit, and Gang Detectives were called out to assist in the investigation.

The victim, only identified as an adult male, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was rushed into surgery.

During this investigation it was learned that there was an altercation in the street just prior to shots being fired. Two possible suspects then fled the area in an unknown type vehicle.

Detectives determined that an apartment in the area may be connected to this crime. A search warrant was obtained and served this morning at approximately 5:30am. The apartment was unoccupied however additional evidence associated with the shooting was located and recovered.

The victim is currently listed in critical yet stable condition at VCMC. VPD Detectives are continuing to work on identifying and locating any involved suspects.

Attempt Homicide – Shooting Investigation

On July 31, at approximately 2:30am, as VPD patrol officers and VPD Detectives were investigating a shooting several blocks away, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received multiple calls re: a shooting in the 300 block of West Barnett St.

Available officers and detectives responded to this area and located a victim suffering from gunshot wounds to the face and torso. Several witnesses reported seeing 2 to 3 vehicles fleeing the area at a high rate of speed.

Officers canvased the area and determined that the shooting actually occurred in the 300 block of West Warner St where a party bus had just dropped off several passengers. Some type of verbal altercation took place and then multiple shots were fired.

The victim, only identified as an adult male, ran towards West Barnett St where some residents who heard the commotion began providing first aid until medical personnel arrived. The victim was then transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is currently listed in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries.

As officers were dealing with the two shooting victims at VCMC a third shooting victim with a gunshot wound to his leg was dropped off at the emergency room. It was determined that this shooting had occurred in another part of Ventura County and was not related to the two Ventura shootings.

Witnesses on West Warner St also described how several subjects ran eastbound while being shot at by the occupants of a vehicle that fled southbound from West Warner St.

Officers searched the area and did not locate any additional shooting victims however 6 unoccupied vehicles parked on West Warner St were found with damage from gunfire.

Commercial Burglary

 On August 1, at 5am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of burglary in progress at the Verizon store at 4860 Telephone Rd.  One officer arrived on scene within moments and located 3 subjects fleeing from the area.  The officer was able to stop and detain 26 year old Ventura resident Christopher Willis who was found to be involved as a lookout during the burglary.

The other two subjects fled the area hiding the stolen property in a planter.  Officers searched the area, but were unable to locate the outstanding suspects.  The property was returned to the store owner.

Officers  found the suspects used a rock to shatter a window next to the front door of the business and take several cell phones and tablets.

Willis is currently on parole for burglary.  He was booked at the Ventura County Jail for Burglary, Conspiracy to commit Burglary, and a Parole violation.

Possession for Sales and Firearms Arrest

On August 3, at 7am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit detectives concluded a month long investigation re: sales of narcotics by the suspect identified as 35 year old Ventura resident Colin Pedersen.

On 8/3/16 detectives detained Pedersen after he drove away from his residence in the 3000 block of Channel Dr. He was found to be in possession of approximately ½ ounce of methamphetamine and numerous prescription pills.

Detectives then served a search warrant at his residence where a second suspect, 50 year old Ventura resident Jorae Marquez, was located and detained.

During the search of this residence an additional pound of methamphetamine was located along with two loaded handguns, an AR style rifle, and numerous boxes of ammunition. Evidence was also discovered that indicated to detectives that methamphetamine was being packaged for sales inside this residence.

Both Pedersen and Marquez were arrested for multiple felonies including possession of a controlled substance for sales, possession of a firearm and a controlled substance, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of an assault weapon, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Armed Robbery **Update with Arrest**

On June 21, at approximately 10pm, Ventura Police patrol officers responded to a call of a robbery at the Log Cabin Liquor store.  Officers responded and learned that the suspect had entered the store, produced a handgun, and demanded money.  He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash and then got into a brief physical altercation with the store clerk before fleeing.  Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect spoke only in the Spanish language during the commission of the crime and he possibly sustained an injury to the back of his head during the incident.  Anyone who may have witnessed the crime or have suspect information is encouraged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.

VPD Major Crimes Detectives learned that during the commission of the robbery, the suspect moved two employees and a customer (at gun point) into a rear storage room prior to fleeing with the cash. Around the same time frame of this crime, Oxnard Detectives were also investigating a series of armed robberies. On August 3, at 10am, OPD Detectives executed a search warrant for 22 year old Oxnard resident Eleno Ramirez at his residence in the 300 block of Devonshire St. in the City of Oxnard. VPD Detectives responded to assist, and as a result of the investigation Ramirez was later booked at the Ventura County Jail for 211PC- Robbery and 209PC- Kidnapping in reference to the Log Cabin robbery.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On August 4, at 10am, VPD Communications Center received a call from a victim of a vehicle theft that just occurred.  The victim reported that one of his work vans had been stolen while an employee was doing work inside the YMCA at 3760 Telegraph Rd in Ventura.  The victim had information that the van was in the area of the Ventura County Government Center at 800 S Victoria Ave.

A VPD undercover detective was in the area at the time of the call and located the stolen van in the parking lot of the Government Center.  The suspect, 40 year old Ventura resident Shaun Haslock, drove the van through the parking lot and patrol officers conducted an enforcement stop of the van.  Haslock was taken into custody without incident.

Haslock was on active parole for carjacking and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for driving a stolen vehicle and a parole violation.

Assault with a deadly weapon arrest

On August 7, at approximately 1:30am, the Ventura Police Department Communication Center received a call regarding a male subject that had struck a female with a replica firearm and nearby security guards were detaining the suspect.  Officers arrived on scene and found the suspect, 23 year old vagrant Jordan Myers, being detained and a female victim with injuries to the back of her head and hand.

After further investigation, officers learned that Myers was seen striking an unknown female with a pellet/BB gun.  The female bystander walked over to prevent Myers from continuing to strike the unknown female.  Myers stopped attacking the unknown female and began to strike the female bystander several times on the back of her head and hand with the pellet/BB gun until nearby security guards came over stopped Myers from continuing anymore harm.  The unknown female that was first attacked by Myers was gone upon the arrival of police and was not located.  The other female bystander victim was transported to the hospital to be treated for her injuries.

Possession of a Loaded Firearm

On August 9, at approximately 5pm, a patrol officer made a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation.  Upon contacting the occupants, he learned that the driver, 28 year old Oxnard resident Ricardo Ortega, had two outstanding arrest warrants.  Upon further investigation, Ortega was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and he possessed a loaded handgun in the vehicle.  The passenger in the vehicle, 27 year old Oxnard resident Rosa Flores, was found to have a stun gun in one of her pockets.  She is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing such a device.

Ortega was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm while being under the influence of a controlled substance.  Flores was arrested for being a felon in possession of a stun gun.  Both were booked at the Ventura County Jail for the listed 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.

Resisting Arrest

On July 18, at approximately 9:45am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a vagrant setting up a camp in the parking lot of a business in the 5500 block of Telegraph Rd.  The officer arrived and contacted the subject, later identified a 38 year old vagrant Ryan Evanson.  While the officer was speaking to Evanson, he suddenly removed a butter knife and held it up to his own throat.  Evanson did not threaten the officer, although he started asking the officer to shoot him.  Evanson then dropped the knife and began running, ultimately onto the campus of Buena High School.  The officer caught him in the parking lot of the school and took him into custody without further incident.

As a precaution, the police department requested that Buena High School be placed on a lockdown, while officers were able to catch Evanson and take him into custody.

Attempted Car Jacking By a Really Dumb Guy

On July 19, at approximately 8:15pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of an attempted carjacking. Officers arrived on scene and learned that the victim (an off duty Ventura police officer) was sitting in his personal vehicle in the parking lot of the 99 cent store when he noticed the suspect, 53 year old Kenneth Cornwell, casing vehicles in the parking lot.  Cornwell approached the officer’s vehicle and saw the officer sitting in the driver’s seat.  Cornwell then attempted to open the locked driver’s door.  Cornwell then ran to the passenger’s door and opened the door.

Fearing for his safety, and the safety of his infant child in the vehicle with him, the officer retrieved his firearm and identified himself as a police officer to Cornwell.  The officer detained Cornwell until patrol officers arrived.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Arrest

On July 19, at 10:30pm, Ventura Police officers were dispatched to the parking lot of Vons for a call of a subject acting suspiciously inside of a vehicle.  The vehicle’s alarm was sounding and the person inside the vehicle was reportedly looking around nervously.  Officers arrived as the vehicle was pulling out of a parking stall.  The driver, 21 year old Santa Barbara resident Jose Barradas Benites, was detained and it was discovered that the vehicle had been stolen from Santa Barbara earlier in the day.

Benites was arrested and later booked into Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.  The stolen vehicle was returned to the owner.

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On July 20 at 11:50pm, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed 41 year old Ventura vagrant Kirtis Lund enter a Dodge Durango in the Loops Motor Lodge parking lot, located at 3135 E. Main Street. The officer conducted a registration check on the Durango and learned it had recently been stolen from a rental car agency in Ventura.

As the officer was waiting for additional police units to arrive, Lund exited the parking lot and drove west on Main Street.  The officer followed Lund to the 3200 block of Channel Drive where a high-risk enforcement stop was conducted.  Lund was ordered out the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.  Lund was placed under arrest and later booked in to the Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and drug paraphernalia.

Second Degree Murder Occurs During Police Chase

 On July 22, at 2:15pm, two Ventura Police detectives were driving westbound on the 126 Freeway in an unmarked police unit when a reckless vehicle driven by the suspect, 24 year old Santa Paula resident Victor Martinez, collided with them.  After the collision, the suspect fled from the scene and continued driving recklessly westbound on the freeway at a high rate of speed.  Because of the high rate of speed, the detectives were unable to catch up with him, however a Ventura Police patrol officer who was in the area of Wells Road saw the vehicle as it continued westbound on the freeway.  The officer drove onto the freeway and caught up to the suspect near Kimball Road.  The suspect exited the freeway at the Kimball Road off ramp, and the officer activated his overhead lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle.

The suspect did not yield but instead accelerated and ran a red light at the off ramp’s intersection with Kimball Road.  As he ran the red light, he collided with two vehicles which were traveling southbound through the intersection on a green light.  The first vehicle he struck was a motorcycle.  The second was an SUV.

The suspect did not stop but instead drove away southbound on Kimball Road.  After a short distance, he left the vehicle in drive, got out of the moving vehicle and ran away.  The patrol officer saw him and the runaway vehicle and decided to use his patrol car to stop the vehicle.  Once the suspect’s vehicle was stopped, the officer chased after the suspect.  During the foot pursuit, the suspect dropped a loaded handgun in the roadway.

Felony Battery Arrest

On July 24, at 5pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of several subjects physically fighting outside of the El Rey Cantina, 294 E. Main St.  It was reported one subject was a security guard.  When officers arrived on scene, a large crowd was gathered in front of the bar and several subjects were still fighting.  Once all the involved parties were separated, officers found that the bar’s security guard, later identified as Joseph Marasa, had sustained a serious facial injury.

During the investigation, officers learned the victim was attempted to keep an intoxicated subject from entering the bar.  Several of the subject’s friends, later identified as 29 year of Ventura resident Brandon Gutierrez and 26 year old Ventura resident Eriberto Alvarez, were already inside the bar, so the subject was refusing to leave.  While the victim was detaining the subject out front, Gutierrez and Alvarez walked outside and started physically assaulting the victim.  After the fight, Alvarez attempted to leave the scene, but was detained by arriving officers.

The victim sustained several facial fractures during the altercation.  He was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel and later transported to CMH for treatment of his injuries.

Gutierrez and Alvarez were both arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony battery, causing serious injuries.

Felony Hit & Run Traffic Collision & DUI Arrest

On July 27, at approximately 6:15pm, the Ventura Police Department received a 911 call reporting a traffic collision at the intersection of Dean Drive and College Drive.  One of the drivers had reportedly left the scene after the collision.  As officers responded, witnesses reported that the suspect vehicle was stopped on the street at the intersection of Dean Drive and Chapel Drive.

Ventura City Fire personnel arrived on scene and located the driver of the suspect vehicle, identified as 38 year old Ventura resident Paul Wilson.  Officers arrived and after further investigation learned that Wilson had been involved in the collision and failed to stop at the scene.  He was also determined to be driving under the influence of alcohol.

The victim of the hit and run collision was injured during the collision and was treated at the scene.  Wilson was arrested for felony hit and run as well as driving under the influence of alcohol.

Commercial Burglary

On July 28, at approximately 2am, VPD officers responded to a report of a fight at the Four Points Sheraton hotel with security officers fighting with the suspect.  Officers arrived and found security restraining Kevin Lynch (Lynch is a Post release offender (PRCS) Pursuant to AB109.

Hotel staff informed officers that Lynch climbed onto the balcony of a hotel room.  Lynch attempted to break into the hotel room but was confronted by the resident in the room.  Lynch then climbed onto a second balcony and forced his way into another room.  The hotel guest had to physically remove Lynch from his room.

At the Four Points Sheraton, Lynch used several screwdrivers to pry/force his way into a room occupied by a female.  The female was on the phone with the front desk as Lynch opened the door.  Hotel security confronted Lynch as he kicked the door to the room breaking the security latch.  Hotel security physically restrained Lynch until officers arrived.

 

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 with Arrests

On July 1, at approximately 2pm, patrol officers responded to a call for service regarding a fight involving three males involving possible baseball bats.  When officers arrived on scene they found the victim suffering from non-life threatening injuries he sustained after being struck multiple times by a pipe and metal chair.  The suspects had fled the scene in their vehicle prior to our arrival, however other responding officers located them on Telephone Road near Main Street.

The investigation revealed the suspects, 43 year old Ventura resident Brian Smith and 21 year old Ventura resident Brian Smith, who are father and son, were involved in a physical fight with each other when the victim, who was not known by the suspects, attempted to intervene.  One suspect picked up a metal pipe and began striking the victim multiple times and the other suspect then used a metal chair and struck the victim.  At the conclusion of the investigation, both suspects were booked into Ventura County Jail on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon.  The victim was treated and released by Ventura Fire and AMR for his injuries.

Bank ATM Skimmer Investigation

On July 8, from approximately 8:40am – 9:15am, VPD patrol officers responded to two separate incidents involving “skimming” devices located attached to ATMs at the Rabobank on E Main St and the Montecito Bank & Trust on Telephone Rd.

These devices can be used to monitor and record personal information such as account numbers and PIN numbers that the suspects will retrieve at a later date. Information obtained is then used to commit identity theft through unlawful access of bank accounts at ATMs.

The two devices were attached by adhesive tape to the outside of the card insert slot. They were removed and will be examined by detectives for any stored information.

The Ventura Police Department would like to remind citizens to report any suspicious persons loitering near or tampering with any ATMs, any suspicious devices attached to an ATM, and to carefully check bank statements for any unusual charges or activity.

It is not known if these two crimes are related and there are no suspect descriptions available at this time.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4325, 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.

Felony Resisting Arrest

On July 9, at 3:30am, two Ventura Police patrol officers responded to a report of a male subject causing a disturbance within the apartment complex located at 6073 Woodland Street.

Officers arrived on scene and contacted the suspect, 25 year old Oxnard resident Luis Reyes in the center courtyard.   Officers determined Reyes had been arguing with his girlfriend, to the front of her apartment, and was now refusing to leave.   As officers were attempting to communicate with Reyes, he became further agitated and violently attacked one of the officers.  After a brief struggle, the officers were able to take Reyes into custody.

Both officers received minor injuries as a result of the altercation.  Both officers were treated at VCMC and several hours later were cleared to return to work.   Reyes was also taken to VCMC where he was medically cleared and later booked into Ventura County Jail for violently resisting arrest.

Attempted Murder and Felony Resisting Arrest  

On July 9, at approximately 5:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls of two males physically fighting near the corner of Marthas Vineyard Ct. and Pierpont Blvd.  While officers were responding it was reported the suspect, later identified as 25 year old Ventura resident Christopher Dolan, got into an awaiting vehicle and fled the scene.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim, a 23-year-old male, lying unconscious on the sidewalk and suffering from several head injuries.

An officer responding to the call saw the suspect vehicle pull into the Vons shopping center parking lot on Harbor Blvd.  As the vehicle came to a stop, Dolan exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  The officer pursued Dolan on foot, who during the chase turned on the officer and challenged him to fight.  When Dolan began charging towards the officer, the officer deployed a taser device.  This allowed officers to take him into custody without further incident.

During the investigation, officers learned from witnesses that Dolan was heard in a verbal argument with the victim.  Dolan was then seen punching the victim, who fell to the ground.  While on the ground, Dolan repeatedly punched and kicked the victim in the head.

The victim was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel and transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries.  He is currently in critical condition.  After being medically cleared at VCMC, Dolan was booked into the Ventura County Jail for attempted murder and felony resisting arrest.

Stabbing

On July 10, at approximately 10pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing victim of the address listed above.  Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, later identified as Shianna Larios, suffering from a single non-life threatening stab wound in the abdomen.  She was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries.  The suspect, 21 year old Faith Komar, was detained at the scene.

During the investigation, officers learned that prior to the stabbing, Larios and Komar got into a verbal altercation over parking in front of Larios’s residence.  The argument became physical and during the fight Larios was stabbed by Komar.

Komar was booked at the Ventura County Jail for 245(a)(1) PC Assault with a deadly weapon.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 339-4488.

Armed Robbery with Arrest

On July 13, at approximately 8:30am, the suspect, 27 year old Ventura resident Shaun Talbutt, entered the business, selected items and concealed them under his jacket.  A store employee confronted him, and the suspect pulled out a pocket knife, brandishing it at the employee, and then walked out of the store with the items. Responding patrol officers located the suspect, and he initially ran away from the officer.  After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect stopped and was taken into custody by officers.  At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail for armed robbery and resisting arrest.  No one was injured during this incident.

Vehicle Pursuit

On July 17, at 1:33pm , the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the California Highway Patrol requesting assistance on a vehicle pursuit that entered onto the city streets.  The CHP had initiated the pursuit several minutes earlier near the intersection of Telephone Rd. and Highway 101 off-ramp, when officers attempted to stop the vehicle to investigate a possible DUI driver. The driver, later identified as Dante Payne (30 years, Ventura Resident ) was failing to stop.

Ventura Police officers took over the pursuit from the California Highway Patrol in the area of Telephone Rd. and Ramelli Ave., as Payne continued to evade officers reaching speeds of approximately 60 MPH.  Prior to taking over the pursuit, Payne had driven over a center median, which caused him to lose the right front tire of his Ford pickup.  He continued, driving eastbound on Bristol Rd. to northbound Petit Ave.  Payne drove to the intersection of Petit Ave. and Petit Ci., where he stopped and exited his vehicle.  He was taken into custody without incident.

Officers later learned that Payne discarded a loaded and stolen shotgun out of his vehicle during the pursuit.  The shotgun was found by a citizen near the intersection of Ramelli Ave. and Raccoon Ct.

The California Highway Patrol took custody of Payne.  He was later booked at the Ventura County Jail for felony evading arrest, felon in possession of a loaded and stolen firearm, possession of an altered weapon and a parole violation.

 

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 & Arrest

On June 21, at 10:50am, officers from Ventura Police Department responded to a call of a possible purse snatching with the female suspect being chased by a citizen.  Officers arrived and found that the citizen had successfully detained the suspect nearby.

Investigation revealed that 50 year old Oxnard resident Rosemary Gutierrez had entered nearby residence and pretended to be interested in renting the property from the owner.  When the owner allowed her inside, she initially stole a cell phone, but then replaced it.  After doing that, she saw the victim’s purse and concealed it in her own bag.  The victim noticed her purse missing and confronted Gutierrez, who ran.  The victim’s son chased Gutierrez and detained her until police arrival.

Prowling Arrest

On June 24, at 4:45am, a homeowner in the 900 block of Jonquill Avenue was awakened by loud noises coming from their enclosed rear yard.  The victim, along with his dog, immediately entered their yard and found the suspect, 21 year old Saticoy resident Manuel Ambris attempting to hide.

The victim detained Ambris while a family member contacted the Ventura Police Department.   Officers arrived on scene a short while later and took Ambris into custody without incident.

Attempted Robbery, Identity Theft and Felony Resisting Arrest 

On the June 24, at approximately 3:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a subject, later identified as 30 year old Ventura resident Jesus Diaz, who was inside the Bike Depot, 239 W. Main St., attempting to purchase bicycles with a stolen credit card.  Prior to officers arriving on scene, it was reported Diaz left the business on foot, and was still in possession of the stolen credit card.

A California Highway Patrol officer was in the area and monitored the call being dispatched.  He began searching the area and located Diaz on Mission Ave. near Olive St.  The CHP officer contacted Diaz and tried to detain him.  As the officer was placing him in handcuffs, Diaz punched the officer in the face and fled on foot.  The CHP officer, who was not injured, chased Diaz on foot as additional officers responded to assist.  Diaz was captured a short distance away and taken into custody without further incident.

Employees became suspicious and called the person on the credit card and confirmed it was stolen.  When confronted, Diaz attempted to take a different bike and a struggle ensued with one of the employees as he tried to forcefully take the bike.

Diaz also had several misdemeanor warrants out for his arrest.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon 

On the June 25, at approximately 7:15pm, the victim arrived at VCMC and reported to the Ventura Police officer assigned to the emergency room that she was the victim of a stabbing.  Rieger was suffering from a non-life threatening stab wound to her arm.  She said the suspect was her sister, 46 year old Ventura resident Colette Reiger.

During the investigation, the victim said she went to the family’s residence in the 3000 block of Seahorse Ave., to confront Rieger about using her makeup.  Both started to verbally argue, during which time Rieger armed herself with a screwdriver.  Reiger stabbed the victim in the arm with the screwdriver.

Officers responded to the residence and took Reiger into custody without incident.  After being medically cleared for a minor injury to her hand that she said happened during the altercation, Reiger was booked into Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Robbery Arrest

On June 27, at approximately 4am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from Burke who was the victim of a robbery. Officers arrived on scene and Burke told them he had been walking westbound on Thompson Blvd from Sanjon Rd when he was confronted by two suspects. One of the suspects pulled a knife and demanded his property. Fearing for his safety, the victim gave up his property and the two suspects fled the scene.

The victim went to a local motel where he contacted 911. Officers began searching for the suspects, who were both located in the area. Both suspects were positively identified as 24 year old Oxnard resident Emmanuel Cisneros and a 16 year old Hispanic male from Oxnard, and both were arrested.

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit and Arrest  

On June 28, at approximately 7pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from an off-duty police officer reporting that he observed what he knew to be a stolen Ford Raptor pickup in the parking lot of Jack in the Box on Citrus Dr.  The vehicle had been stolen out of Santa Paula.  The officer also identified the subject driving the stolen vehicle as 33 year old Santa Paula resident Nick Wilson, a wanted felon.  As officers were arriving on scene, Wilson had gotten into the vehicle and started leaving the area.

Officers saw the vehicle stopped on Citrus Dr. near Wells Rd, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.  Wilson failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued, and proceeded to enter westbound on highway 126.  Wilson exited at Kimball Rd., and then continued on several streets on the east end of the city.  He ultimately began driving on Northbank Dr.   Officers then found that Wilson had collided into several parked vehicles near the corner of Potomac and Northbank, and fled on foot.

The pursuit covered a distance of approximately 10 miles, with speeds reaching a maximum of approximately 100 mph.

Shortly after the collision, residents began calling dispatch, reporting that Wilson was running through their backyards in the 1700 block of Powell Dr.  Officers set up a perimeter and began a yard to yard search for Wilson, using the assistance of a Sheriff K-9 Unit.

Child Death Investigation

On June 29, at approximately 8:15am, the Ventura City Fire Department and Ventura Police Patrol Units responded to a call at a residence on Bell Way in Ventura in reference to a child who was injured as a result of a fall from a crib. When Fire personnel arrived on scene the child was found unresponsive and was immediately transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The child was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Due to the circumstances of the call, the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation. As a result of the investigation, Ventura PD Detectives determined that the mother of the victim, 27 year old Ventura resident Jessica Navarro, physically assaulted the child and caused his death.   Navarro was booked at Ventura County Jail for 273ab PC, assault on a child causing death.

 

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.

Sexual Assault Investigation with Arrest

 On March 6, 2015, Ventura Police Dispatch received a report of sexual assault.  Patrol officers contacted the female victim, who advised she was sexually assaulted while receiving a tattoo at High Class Tattoo at 51 S. Victoria Ave.  The victim identified the suspect as a tattoo artist, 51 year old Camarillo Resident Jaime Garza.

Ventura Police Detectives conducted a lengthy investigation and gathered additional evidence. On 5/17/16, a felony warrant was issued for the arrest of Garza for multiple charges relating to the sexual assault.

On May 25, 2016, Garza was arrested without incident outside his residence in the 1600 Block of Pierside Ln, in Camarillo. Garza was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Jail.

The investigation into this crime is ongoing and the Ventura Police Department is seeking to identify other potential victims in this case. Anyone who believes they have been victimized by Jaime Garza should contact Det. Hibdon of the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4443.

Grand Theft Investigation and Arrest

In May 2016 the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit began an investigation into reports that two victims’ diamonds had been switched for fake stones by the suspect at his jewelry store.

The suspect, identified as 54 year old West Hills resident Ara Ghazarian, is the owner operator of Jewelry Unlimited in 4700 block of Telephone Rd in Ventura.

One victim noticed something was wrong with her wedding ring after she had a new setting made by Ghazarian. The victim had this ring inspected at a different jewelry store and discovered that the original diamond from her wedding had been replaced with a “Moissanite” stone which is a manufactured diamond replica.

The second victim took a family heirloom ring with a unique style of diamond into Ghazarian’s business to have minor repair performed. She also discovered that the diamond from her ring had been switched out with a Moissanite stone. The fake stone had been altered to resemble the style and shape of the original diamond.

Based on Ghazarian’s actions and additional evidence discovered during this investigation  detectives determined that he intentionally switched the victims’ real diamonds with fake stones with an estimated total loss of over $8,000.00.

On June 16, 2016 Ventura Police Department Street Crimes detectives served a search warrant at Ghazarian’s business and took him into custody on two counts of Grand Theft.

He was later transported to the Ventura County Main Jail and booked on the listed charges.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4325, 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.

Homicide with Arrest

On June 12, at approximately 9:30pm,  the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call in reference to a fight in the alleyway in the 300 block of San Clemente Avenue.  Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to the area and upon arrival were directed to a residence adjacent to the alley.  As officers approached the residence they encountered 75 year old Ventura resident Gavin Hobbs exiting the location. Hobbs was detained and Officers entered the residence to check for other occupants.  Upon entering the residence, Officers located the victim suffering from an injury to his head which resulted from being struck with a hammer.

The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ventura Police Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Hobbs was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for 187 PC, Homicide.

Shooting Update with Arrest

On May 24, at approximately 10:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from the victims reporting a shooting that had occurred in the area of Oyster St and Seaview Ave in the city of Ventura.

The victims had a brief encounter with the male and female suspects at the McDonald’s restaurant located at 2137 E. Harbor Blvd in Ventura.  The Victims left the restaurant parking lot in their vehicle and noticed the suspects, in a white ford F150, were following them. The Victims attempted to lose the suspects in the area of Oyster St and Seaview Ave.  When the suspect vehicle passed by theirs, a single gunshot was fired, striking the door of the victim vehicle.  No one inside of the vehicle was injured. The victims then fled the area and contacted Police to report the incident.

Ventura Detectives conducted follow-up and identified 23 year old Ventura resident Juan Ortiz as the suspect who fired a gunshot at the victim’s vehicle. On the morning of June 8, detectives executed multiple search warrants on the west end of Ventura and subsequently located Ortiz in the area of Barry Dr. and Ventura Ave. and took him into custody without incident. Ortiz was booked at the Ventura County Jail for multiple felonies including shooting from within a vehicle, assault with a firearm, and shooting into an occupied vehicle. The female suspect has not yet been identified.  

Strong Armed Robbery, Possession of Stolen Property, Conspiracy arrests

On June 3, at approximately 4:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a report of a strong armed robbery that had just occurred in the 900 block of S Wells Rd. The victim, Edgar Aguilar, an employee of a medical marijuana delivery service in Paso Robles was in Ventura making a delivery to a medical marijuana patient.

However when Aguilar met with the patient on Wells Rd the patient and two other male suspects entered his vehicle, physically assaulted him, and demanded his property and all the marijuana that he was transporting.

The suspects then fled in a small dark colored vehicle. A VPD detective who had monitored this call over the radio believed that it might be related to a similar crime that occurred in May involving another medical marijuana delivery person who was robbed of cash and marijuana at gun point.

Detectives had been developing leads in that case and directed patrol officer to the area of Providence Ave and Jamestown St where they located the suspect vehicle driving away occupied by several males matching the suspect descriptions provided by the victim, who were identified as 18 year old Oxnard resident Deondre Vines, 19 year old Oxnard resident Treyvon Williams, 18 year old Oxnard resident Malikk Williams, 19 year old Moorpark resident Nicholas Jones.

Officers attempted to make an enforcement stop on this vehicle however it attempted to evade officers briefly until it was stopped in the 700 block of Springfield Ave.

The vehicles occupants were detained and the victim’s stolen property was located inside.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Investigation with Arrest

On June 4, at 9:45pm, officers responded to a call for service regarding an assault with a deadly weapon.  When the officers arrived, they found the victim suffering from a large laceration on her head.  The suspect had already fled the scene. Ventura City Fire and AMR treated the victim at the scene and transported her to Ventura County Medical Center for further medical treatment.  The investigation into the incident revealed the suspect had been involved in an argument with the victim.  At some point during the argument, the suspect picked up a metal bicycle tire pump and began striking the victim in the head with it.

Officers were able to identify the suspect as 48 year old Ventura vagrant Linda Brown.  Officers conducted a lengthy search of the area but did not initially locate the suspect.  On 6/5/16, during the morning hours, officers did finally locate the suspect.  She was arrested and transported to Ventura County Jail where she was book on the charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

Felony Vandalism Arrest

On June 5, at 11:20pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a report of a vagrant destroying property in the Barnes and Noble parking lot on Telephone Rd.

Patrol officers responded and arrived on scene to find the suspect, identified as 51 year old Ventura vagrant Honor Masin, yelling and hitting the windows of nearby businesses.

Masin was detained and the officers investigation determined that she had pulled out numerous plants from a large planter and strewn them about the sidewalk area in front of the Barnes and Noble store.

The property management company was contacted and estimated the damage as well over $600.00 to replace the destroyed plants.

Masin was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on the charge of felony vandalism.

Felon in Possession of Firearm Arrest

On June 9, at 9am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives observed a suspicious vehicle traveling in the 3500 block of Telegraph Rd. The detectives initiated a traffic stop on this vehicle for an equipment violation and contacted the driver who was identified as 46 year old Ojai resident Shane Young.

As the detectives spoke with Young they observed that he was displaying symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. The detectives questioned Young about this and subsequently took him into custody for being under the influence of an illegal stimulant drug.

Young was also found to be in possession of a small amount of suspected heroin. Detectives conducted a search of his vehicle and, located a handgun in the cargo area. This handgun was found to have been reported stolen in a vehicle burglary that had occurred the previous week.

Young, who is a convicted felon, was later transported to the Ventura County Main Jail and booked on the following charges:

Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, under the Influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of stolen property.

His vehicle was towed from the scene of the traffic stop.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit at 339-4325, 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 June 9, at approximately 10:30am, officers responded to a call of an injured subject in front of a business in the 1000 block of N. Ventura Ave.  Officers learned the victim was riding his bicycle on Ventura Ave. when the suspect, later identified as 47 year old Ventura resident Yurii Seals, confronted him and knocked him off the bike.  While the victim was on the ground, Seals began punching and kicking him in the head.  Seals fled the area after the attack.  The victim was treated at the scene by Ventura City Fire personnel and released.

The reason for the attack was unknown, but the victim did know Seals prior to the altercation.  A warrant was issued for Seals.

On June 10, at approximately 1:15pm, detectives received information that Seals was possibly seen in the area of the 100 block of E. Vince St.  He was observed leaving in a vehicle, which was stopped by patrol units.  Seals was taken into custody without incident.  He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon.

Vehicle Pursuit w/ Arrest

On June 11, at approximately 11pm, the VPD Communication Center received several calls regarding a possible shooting in the 11100 Blk of Citrus Dr.  Officers responded to the location and saw a vehicle leaving the scene.  One of the officers attempted to make a traffic stop of the vehicle and it failed to yield to the officer.  The vehicle continued to evade the officers in the surrounding neighborhood and then entered eastbound Telegraph Rd.  Officers pursued the vehicle eastbound on Telegraph Rd into the city of Santa Paula.  The vehicle eventually yielded on the east end of Santa Paula in the area of the 1400 Bk of Harvard Blvd.  The driver was taken into custody without incident and identified as 59 year old Ventura resident Meade Murphy.  No one was injured as a result of the vehicle pursuit.

Officers conducted an investigation into the shooting and learned that Murphy had broken several windows to his own home, which was the noise that residents in the area heard.  There was no evidence of any crime or victims in the 11100 Blk of Citrus Dr.

Murphy was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony evading.

Attempted Carjacking Arrest

On June 13, at approximately 5:15pm, the female victim returned to her parked vehicle in the 2400 block of Seahorse Avenue.  As she approached her car, the suspect later identified as 28 year old Ventura resident Michael Hollingsworth, who had been hiding in nearby bushes, jumped out of the bushes in front of the victim.  As he did so, he yelled at her and demanded the keys to her vehicle.  The victim feared for her safety and began loudly screaming so other people in the surrounding area could hear her.  This caused the suspect to initially back up from the victim and then run away on foot into the neighborhood.  Responding patrol officers searched the area and found the suspect on Pierpont near Shelburn Lane.

The suspect was ultimately arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for attempted carjacking.  No one was physically injured during this incident.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon 

On June 17, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a family disturbance and reports that one of the family members, later identified as the victim, was being assaulted with an axe.  Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim suffering from multiple non-life threatening injuries to his upper body.  He was treated at scene by medical personnel and released.  The suspect, identified as 28 year old Ventura resident Ryan Cortez, fled the residence prior to officers arriving on scene.

During the investigation, the victim and Ryan Cortez, who are brothers, got into an argument.  Cortez armed himself with a hammer and struck the victim several times.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing.  Anyone with information about this crime, or may know the whereabouts of the suspect, is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department at 650-8010.