by Cindy Summers

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

Vehicle Tampering Arrest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Train vs. Pedestrian 

On October 30, at approximately 2:30pm, the Ventura Police Command Center was notified by Amtrak dispatch regarding a pedestrian being struck by an Amtrak train on the railroad tracks near the railroad trestle west of the Amtrak Station at 39 Harbor Blvd.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim, a 35-40 years old male lying adjacent to the railroad tracks.  Ventura Fire and AMR personnel also responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.

According to the train conductor the northbound train had just left the Amtrak Station and was travelling at approximately 25 mph, when he saw the victim intentionally walk onto the tracks in front of the train.  All emergency attempts were made to stop the train, but the train did not stop in time and struck the victim.

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

The train was delayed at the scene for approximately two hours while the investigation was being completed.

 Commercial Burglary with Arrest

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

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

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

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

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

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

by Cindy Summers

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

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

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

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

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

Community Crime Alert –Rental Self-Storage Unit Burglaries 

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

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

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

Recommendations for Renters:

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

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.

Homicide / Update with Arrest

On August 13, at approximately 11:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call an injured subject seen lying in the alley to the rear of the 6300 block of Whippoorwill St.  Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, later identified as a 25-year-old male, suffering from multiple stab wounds to his upper torso.  Paramedics pronounced him deceased at the scene.

Officers and Major Crimes Detectives are currently on scene and conducting an active investigation.  There is no additional information at this time.  An additional press release will be sent out when information is available.

VPD Detectives identified 24 year old Ventura resident Marco Vences as the suspect in the homicide. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant. On September 28, at approximately 5:30pm, Vences was located by the FBI Safe Streets Taskforce with the assistance of Albuquerque PD in Albuquerque New Mexico. Vences was taken into custody without incident and booked at the Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center. Vences will be transported back to California and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.             

Felon in Possession of Firearm Arrest

On September 29, at approximately 3:15pm, VPD Street Crimes Unit detectives responded to the 5800 block of Valentine Rd to assist a Ventura County District Attorney’s Office investigator re: a suspicious subject that was believed to be in possession of a handgun. The detectives obtained some information that helped them to identify this subject as 24 year old Agoura Hills resident Cory Rebolledo who is currently on probation out of Los Angeles County for a robbery conviction.

Detectives observed Rebolledo enter his vehicle and begin to drive away at which time they conducted a traffic stop and detained him for further investigation.

Pursuant to Rebolledo’s probation terms detectives searched his vehicle where they recovered three handguns and a large amount of ammunition.

Rebolledo was cooperative throughout the investigation and was placed under arrest and transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on the charges of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

Forgery, Burglary, Identity Theft and Conspiracy Arrest  

On September 30, at approximately 2:45pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from employees at Wells Fargo Bank in the 5700 block of Telephone Rd., reporting a subject inside the bank attempting to obtain a cash advancement using a fake ID and credit card.  The subject became suspicious and fled the bank before officers arrived.  He was last seen getting into a vehicle and leaving the area.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the Command Center received a call from a bank teller at the Wells Fargo Bank inside the Vons store in the 100 block of W. Main St., reporting a subject there now attempting to obtain a large amount of cash using a fake debit card.  The subject left the store shortly after the teller called, but employees saw him getting into a vehicle which matched the description from the earlier call.

An officer responding to the call saw the vehicle on Thompson Blvd. and conducting a traffic stop near California St. The suspects were identified as 29 year old Illinois resident Glynn Ford, 24 year old Illinois resident Robert Ballard, 24 year old Illinois resident Aaron Horton.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found numerous fake out of state ID’s and credit cards with Wounded Warrior on them, computer equipment for making cards and over $30,000 in large denominations.

 Under the Influence, Resisting Arrest

On October 5, at approximately 5:30pm, VPD patrol officers responded to the area of Olivas Park Dr and Victoria Ave re: reports of a male subject who had been walking in the roadway attempting to stop passing vehicles and asking for help.

Several officers arrived on scene and began searching for this subject. Minutes later he was located hiding in some bushes near the intersection of Olivas Park Dr and Seaborg Ave.

As the officers began to assess his condition he became aggressive towards them at which time he was physically restrained to prevent him from injuring himself or the officers.

The subject continued to struggle and began kicking at the officers who requested additional units respond to assist.

As the officers attempted to control this subject he was knocked to the ground where he continued resisting and struggling. Other officers arrived and the subject was taken into custody.

The suspect was incoherent and displayed the symptoms of being under the influence of a controlled substance. He was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries he received while struggling with the officers.

He was later identified as 44 year old Ventura resident Matthew Almanza, currently on probation for narcotic related offenses. After several hours Almanza’s condition was stabilized and he was transported to the Ventura County Main Jail where he was booked on felony resisting arrest charges.

None of the involved officers were injured during this incident.

Attempted Robberies with arrests

On October 10, at approximately 6am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an attempted robbery on the Promenade near the 400 block of Harbor Blvd.  VPD patrol officers responded and learned that three suspects had approached the victim on the promenade and demanded money from her.  The victim ran away from the suspects and was unharmed.

Approximately 45 minutes after the attempted robbery on the Promenade, another victim called in stating that three suspects approached him in the 600 block of Main St and demanded money.  One of the suspects showed the victim a handgun, which was tucked in his waistband.  That victim ran away from the suspects and was also unharmed.

Within minutes of receiving the second call, a VPD patrol sergeant observed three males walking in the area of Poinsettia Place and Laurel Street.  The sergeant detained the suspects based on the fact that they matched the description of the suspects from the two attempted robberies.  One of the victims was able to identify the suspects as the three who had attempted to rob him and brandished a gun at him.  After being positively identified as 18 year old Edwin Barrongalarza and two 17 year old juvenile males, all three suspects were placed under arrest for attempted robbery.  One of the suspects, a male juvenile, was found to have a BB gun tucked into his waistband.

Barrongalarza was ultimately booked at the Ventura County Jail for attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.  The two male juveniles were ultimately booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facility for attempted robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On October 10, at approximately 9:45am, the Ventura Police Department’s Command Center received a 911 call from a witness reporting a possible burglary in progress to a neighbor’s residence in the 400 block of S. Dos Caminos Ave.  The witness reported seeing a subject, later identified as 47 year old vagrant Frank Mendoza, loitering outside the residence before he removed a screen from a window and entered the residence.

Several officers responded to the call and set up a perimeter around the residence.  Mendoza was contacted as he left from inside the residence, and taken into custody without incident.  Officers confirmed Mendoza was not a resident.

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

The victim resident was not home at the time of the incident.

by Cindy Summers

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

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.