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.         

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.

Wanted Persons Arrest, Resisting Arrest 

On May 25, at 7:35pm, an officer on patrol observed the suspect, identified as 40 year old Ventura resident Tony Barto, riding as a passenger in a vehicle near the intersection of Ralston St. and Saratoga Ave.  The officer recognized Barto and knew he had several outstanding warrants for his arrest.  A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle and as the vehicle came to a stop, Barto exited and fled on foot.   The officer, along with a Ventura Police K-9 officer, gave chase on foot and when Barto refused to stop, the K-9 was deployed.  Barto was taken into custody.

Barto was transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries from the dog bit.  After he was medically cleared, Barto was booked into the Ventura County Jail for resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance and warrants.

The driver of the vehicle was briefly detained, although released without being arrested.

Disturbance and Violent Resistance of an Officer

On May 27, at 1:15am, patrol officers responded to a disturbance inside of a bar in the 100 block of South Chestnut St.  The suspect, 37 year old Ventura resident Jonathan Sisneros, was later taken to the Ventura County Medical Center for a medical clearance, and while inside of the Emergency Room, he picked up a wheel chair and attacked the officer with it.

The attack resulted in a minor injury to the officer who was treated and able to return to work.  The suspect was uninjured and was later booked into Ventura County Jail.

Violent Resisting of Officers with Injuries to Officers

On May 28, at approximately 9:15am, the officers responded to a call for service of male walking in and out of traffic and yelling at passing motorists and pedestrians.  When officers arrived, they found the suspect, 58 year old Ventura vagrant Kenneth Kerr, on the center median of the roadway and began speaking with him.  During the conversation, the suspect attacked one of the officers.  The second officer assisted, and after a lengthy struggle in the roadway, the officers were able to arrest the suspect.

Both officers were injured during the incident and received treatment at the Ventura County Medical Center. One was cleared to return to duty, and the other officer’s injury prevented him from returning to work and will require additional time off while the injury heals.   The suspect received minor injuries and was also treated at Ventura County Medical Center.  He was later booked into Ventura County Jail for violently assaulting the officers.

Battery on Security Guard, Resisting Officers Arrest

On May 29, at approximately 6pm, Ventura Police responded to a call for service in the parking structure at the Pacific View Mall.  Mall security guards were dealing with an uncooperative, intoxicated male who had been harassing people.  While they were talking with him, he became violent towards them by spitting and battering them.  When officers arrived, they began speaking with the suspect, 54 year old Ventura vagrant Mark Eichuold, for several minutes in an attempt to calm him and take him into custody.  When the officers attempted to place him under arrest, he became combative with the officers and violently resisted arrest.  At that point, the police K9 was used to assist officers with the arrest.  With the assistance of the K9, the officers were able to take the suspect into custody.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where he received treatment for his injuries.  He was later booked into Ventura County Jail on the chares of battering a security officer and violently resisting arrest.  No one else was injured during this incident.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Arrest

On June 1, at 10:30pm, Ventura Police officers were dispatched to check on the well-being of two unresponsive occupants inside a vehicle in the Taco Bell drive thru.  The reporting party was able to provide the license plate of the suspect vehicle and it was determined it had recently been stolen out of Ventura.

As officers arrived on scene, they observed the vehicle still sitting idle in the drive thru.  Officers ordered both subjects out of the vehicle where they took them into custody without incident.

The driver, 25 year old Ventura vagrant Samuel Moug, was placed under arrest and later booked into Ventura County Jail for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and a controlled substance.

The passenger, 24 year old Ventura vagrant Andria Castor, was arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance.  She was issued a citation and released at the scene.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On June 3, at 3:30am, patrol officers responded to an alarm activation within a classroom at Cabrillo Middle School.

As officers arrived on scene they began to check the exterior of the classroom and found a sliding glass door that had been tampered with.  As officers were attempting to establish a perimeter around the classroom, the suspect, 32 year old Ventura vagrant Christopher Hale, exited an adjacent door then quickly retreated back inside.

A Ventura Police K9 officer was summoned to the scene and Hale was ordered to exit the classroom.  Hale refused to comply with officers commands and the K9 was deployed into the interior.  Hale was found hiding to the rear of the classroom and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9.

Officers continued their search and located a second suspect, 31 year old Ventura vagrant Dorinda Betts hiding in a small cabinet.   Betts was taken into custody without incident.

Hale was transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries from the dog bite.  After he was medically cleared, Hale was booked into the Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary, felony conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of a burglary tools, resisting arrest and an outstanding warrant.

Betts was booked into the Ventura County Jail for commercial burglary and felony conspiracy.

 

 

 

 

by Cindy Summers

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

Armed Robbery with Arrest

On May 7, at approximately 8:45pm, Ventura Police patrol officers responded to a call for service of a man brandishing a knife outside of the business. Prior to the officers arrival, the suspect who was later identified as 33 year old vagrant from Ventura Thomas Pecel, ran away, however the officers found and detained him near the Bus Depot on the north side of the Pacific View Mall parking lot. The subsequent investigation revealed the suspect had been inside of the business where he stole items and left the store. When he was confronted by employees of the business, he pulled a knife from his pants, brandished it and threatened them. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail for armed robbery and an unrelated misdemeanor warrant. No one was injured during this incident.

Concealed, Stolen Firearm Arrest

On May 8, at approximately 2:30am, Ventura Police Patrol officers responded to a call regarding a fight in a parking lot in the 2100 block of South Victoria Avenue. One of the involved persons was armed with a handgun and another person was armed with a knife. The officers arrived and found a large group of people leaving the parking lot, and they were able to detain several of them. Ronald Lewiskates, 20 year old Ventura resident who was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle, was one of the people they were able to detain. The investigation revealed he had been involved in the incident, and he had two misdemeanor warrants. When the officers searched his vehicle, they found a hidden, stolen handgun.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Lewiskates was booked into Ventura County Jail for possessing a concealed handgun in the vehicle, possessing stolen property and the two unrelated misdemeanor warrants. The fight was determined to be mutual combat, and no prosecution was desired, though the defendant has the right to a defense attorney. No one was injured during this incident.

Stabbing

On May 13, at approximately 4pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing victim in the 1100 block of S. Seaward Ave. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found the victim, later identified as Kent Winder, suffering from a non-life threatening laceration to his face. He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of his injuries. The suspect , a white male in his 20’s, was last seen fleeing southbound on Seaward Ave. towards the beach.

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

Felony and Misdemeanor Battery, Felony Vandalism and Conspiracy

On May 19, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call of a possible battery that just occurred in the area of Grant Park, 699 Brakey Rd. Eilar called to report that his friend had been assaulted and was now injured. He said the suspects left in a vehicle, although were possibly still in the area. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire personnel responded to the call and found the victim, later identified as Erick Stevenson, suffering from a moderate facial injury and scratches. He was immediately transported to VCMC for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Officers learned that Stevenson and Eilar were sitting in a parked vehicle at a turnout near Grant Park, when the three suspects, 19 year old Ventura resident Hugo Cervantes, 18 year old Ventura resident Noel Cavazos and 18 year old Ventura resident Carlos Perez-Mares, drove by and stopped. The suspects confronted Stevenson outside of his vehicle and started hitting him in the head and face. Stevenson was then pushed down a nearby hillside and fell a short distance. The suspects then confronted Eilar and struck him several times.

During the altercation, Cavazos removed a knife and stabbed one of the tires of Stevenson’s vehicle. Cervantes and Perez-Mares also threw rocks at his vehicle and broke the driver’s side window.

Cavazos, Cervantes and Perez-Mares then got back into their vehicle and fled the scene. An officer responding to the call saw the vehicle driving in the area and conducted a traffic stop. All three suspects were detained.

All were booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony and misdemeanor battery, felony vandalism and conspiracy.

The suspects were not known to either Stevenson or Eilar prior to this incident, and the reason for assaulting them is unknown.

 

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.

Pursuit/involving Stolen Vehicle

On April 26, at approximately 12:30am, a Ventura patrol officer observed a vehicle matching the description of a reported stolen vehicle in the area of Thompson Blvd and Fir Street. The officer initiated a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Thompson Blvd and Oak Street. The driver, 35 year old Ventura resident Blas Hernandez, failed to stop, entering the northbound 101 freeway from Oak Street.  Hernandez continued driving and began accelerating at a high rate of speed entering the 33 freeway where officers initiated pursuit.

Hernandez continued to evade officers while committing several vehicle code violations.  Hernandez entered the bike path west of Crooked Palm Rd where he exited the stolen vehicle and fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended by pursuing officers.  Hernandez was the sole occupant of the vehicle and had an outstanding no bail felony warrant for a prior stolen vehicle.

Felony Resisting Arrest

On April 27, at approximately 1:15pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a relative of the suspect, later identified as 28 year old Ventura resident Miru Kim, stating he was making threats and wanted officers to check on him at his residence in the 5300 block of Gillespie St.  The caller was calling from a different location.

Officers arrived on scene, and contacted Kim inside of his residence.  Kim was acting hostile towards officers and started fighting with them.  In an attempt to subdue him, one officer deployed a Taser.  During the struggle, Kim grabbed the officer’s Taser and tried to physically take it from the officer.  Kim continued fighting until additional officers arrived and were able take him into custody without further incident.

Two officers were slightly injured as a result of the incident, although they remained on duty.

Strong Armed Robbery

On April 27, at approximately 3pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the 15-year-old victim reporting he was the victim of a robbery.  The suspect was last seen leaving the area eastbound on Oneida St. on a bicycle.

During the investigation, officers discovered the victim and a 16-year-old friend were walking on Petit Ave., when the suspect approached them on a bicycle.  He threatened to harm the victim with a gun, telling him to give up his backpack.

Officers checked the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.  No one was injured as a result of this crime.

Major Crimes Detectives conducted follow-up and identified the suspect as 21 year old Ventura resident Christopher Czechorowski, who is currently on parole for robbery. The VPD received information the suspect was staying at Motel 6 on Johnson Dr. Detectives located the suspect and arrested him with-out incident. The suspect was booked at the Ventura County Jail for robbery and a parole hold.

Possession for Sales Arrest

Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded a month-long investigation into reports of suspected methamphetamine sales occurring in Ventura. The suspect was identified as 59 year old Casitas Springs resident Orville Dixon.

After obtaining evidence of Dixon’s involvement in these crimes a search warrant was obtained for his residence and vehicles. On April 28, at 9am, Street Crimes Unit Detectives detained Dixon in his vehicle in the area of the Ventura County Government Center.

Detectives then responded to his residence and served the search warrant. During this search a large quantity of methamphetamine, narcotic paraphernalia, and a small quantity of cocaine was located.

Prowling Arrest

On April 28, at approximately 9:30am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received several 911 calls from residents in the area of the 1300 block of Aliso Pl. reporting a subject walking in the street carrying an axe.  Prior to officers arriving on scene the suspect, later identified as 42 year old vagrant Charles Luckey, was observed entering the backyard of a nearby residence.

Officers arrived on scene and located Luckey still in a backyard, where a female resident was home alone.

 

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.

Felon in Possession of an Assault Weapon arrest

On April 12, at approximately 8am, Ventura Police Department patrol officers stopped a vehicle driven by 27 year old Ventura resident Salvador Gutierrez for a traffic violation. It was determined that Gutierrez did not have a valid driver’s license and his vehicle was to be impounded.

Officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle and located an assault type rifle in the back seat. A records check of this firearm confirmed that it had been reported stolen a month earlier from a self-storage facility in Ventura. Several other firearms were also stolen and had not been recovered.

Gutierrez was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of stolen property.

Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit detectives obtained a search warrant for Gutierrez’ residence and an additional vehicle in the 200 block of E Warner in Ventura.

Detectives served the search warrant and located several gun parts and ammunition that had been confirmed stolen inside Gutierrez’ bedroom. Inside his additional vehicle, a large moving type box-truck, 11 additional firearms and ammunition was located. Detectives also found a large quantity of baseball cards, comic books, and other collectable memorabilia that was determined to have been stolen from a second victim’s self-storage facility in Ventura.

Violation of Post Release Offender, Obstructing a Police Officer

On April 15, at approximately 7pm, a Ventura Police Officer assigned to work in the emergency room at the Ventura County Medical Center, 3291 Loma Vista Rd., contacted the suspect, later identified as 39 year old Port Hueneme Resident James Gayton, disturbing inside the emergency room lobby.  As a precaution to assure the safety of the other people waiting inside the lobby, the officer escorted Gayton into the secured emergency room.  Once inside the emergency room, Gayton became violent and picked up a chair in a threatening manner.  The officer deployed her taser and with the assistance of ER nursing staff, Gayton was taken into custody.

Carrying a Loaded and Concealed Firearm, Resisting Arrest and Warrant

April 15, at approximately 7:30pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a male subject walking the 1200 block of Victoria Ave, who was carrying a gun that was concealed in his clothing.  It was also reported the armed subject was walking with two other individuals.  Several officers were already in the area investigating a separate call involving a possible armed subject on a bike, and responded to the call.

A Ventura Police Department K-9 unit arrived on scene and saw the three subjects, one matching the description of the armed subject, walking near the intersection of Cypress Point and Telephone Rd.  As the K-9 officer stopped to detain them, the suspect, later identified as a 16-year-old juvenile male resident of Ventura, fled into a nearby apartment complex, with numerous residents and children in the area.  The officer, and his K-9 partner, pursued the suspect who refused orders to stop running.  The K-9 was deployed and apprehended the suspect as he attempted to climb a wall.  During a search of the area, a loaded handgun was found in the bushes, near where the suspect was taken into custody.  Additional ammunition was found in the suspect’s possession.

The two other subjects were detained and released from the scene.

Man with a Gun

On April 20, at approximately 1:40am, the above date and time, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from a caller reporting a male heard yelling for someone to “call the police” in the 2800 block of Pierpont Blvd.  While officers were responding to the call, additional callers reported hearing a gunshot being fired.

When officers arrived on scene, they encounter the 52-year-old male resident of Ventura standing in the middle of the street, armed with a large caliber handgun.  He was standing in front of his residence.  Officers made verbal contact with the male and safely detained him without further incident.

The investigation revealed that he did fire one round from the handgun into the wall of his backyard, after he reported seeing someone prowling outside of his residence and tampering with his vehicle.He was ultimately transported to Ventura County Mental Health for an evaluation.

Attempted Suicide

On April 20, at approximately 3pm, patrol officers were hailed by a citizen who reported that while she was driving in the 1800 block of Harbor Blvd., a female attempted to jump in front of her vehicle as she drove past her.  Officers began checking the area, when they observed the female, later identified as a 37-year-old, leave the shoulder of the roadway and jump in front of a passing vehicle.  The female was struck and thrown over the vehicle.

Officers immediately began rendering add to the female until Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel arrived on scene.  She was transported to VCMC and admitted in critical condition.

The investigation determined the female intentionally jumped in front of the vehicle in an attempt to harm herself.

Possession of a Firearm in a School Zone, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon on Campus

On April 21, at approximately 12:30pm, the Ventura Police School Resource Officer assigned to Buena High School was notified by school staff that a student was possibly on campus with a firearm.  As a precaution, the school was immediately placed on lockdown while officers and school security searched for the student.  The student, a 16-year-old junior Ventura resident, was found at his vehicle which was parked in the school parking lot and detained.  A search of his vehicle revealed an unloaded rifle and ammunition, in additional to a knife and brass knuckles.

During the investigation officers learned the student got upset at his teacher for not being allowed to use the restroom, and made mention to a gun as he left the classroom.  The teacher notified administrative staff and the School Resource Officer.

The student was arrested for possession of a firearm in a school zone and possession of a dangerous weapon on campus.  He was lodged into the Ventura County Juvenile Hall.

 

by Cindy Summers 

Commercial Burglary

On March 27, at approximately 4am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of an alarm activation at Mega Mart check cashing located at 1418 East Main St.  Officers arrived on scene and found the business had been burglarized.

Within 15 minutes, a second alarm company called in an alarm at Red Seal Arms located at 102 North Ashwood St.  Officers arrived on scene and found the suspect(s) used a vehicle to damage the front door and security gate to gain access to the business.

Officers are working with the business owners to determine what was taken during the two burglaries.  During the initial investigation, it has been determined the two burglaries were committed by the same suspect(s).

Child Sexual Abuse Arrest

On March 25, Ventura Police Dispatch received a report of lewd conduct with a child.  The parents of a female juvenile victim reported to a patrol officer that Aaron Reid had sexually assaulted their child.  Detectives conducted a follow up interview with the child and determined that Reid was an acquaintance of the victim’s family and the offenses occurred in their Ventura home.

Ventura Police Detectives continued their investigation and gathered additional evidence of the crimes.  On March 31, Reid was taken into custody in the area of Olive St. and Vineyard Ave in Oxnard.  He was arrested and later booked at the Ventura County Jail for lewd conduct with a child under age 14.

Commercial Burglary & Arrest

On April 1, at approximately 3am, officers from Ventura Police Department responded to a silent alarm at the Green Thumb Nursery located at 1899 S. Victoria.  Officers arrived on scene and established a perimeter around the business as they waited on the arrival of the K9 unit.

The officers initiated a search once K9 unit arrived on scene, and a suspect was discovered hiding on the property.  “Jag” one of VPD’s new police service dogs found the suspect hiding under a stack of pallets. The suspect, 32 year old Oxnard Resident Gerardo Martinez, was apprehended without incident, and booked at the Ventura County Jail on suspicion of commercial burglary.

A second suspect was seen on a surveillance video but he was able to escape undetected.

Sex Offender Compliance Sweep

On April 6, between 8am and 11am, Detectives from the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit and a member of Ventura Police Departments Sex Offender Registration Unit conducted a compliance check for registered Sex Offenders living in the City of Ventura.

During the course of the sweep, 14 residences were checked. Of these, seven were found to be in compliance with their registration requirements and five were not home or had moved. Checks at two other locations resulted in arrests. Raymond Munyon was arrested for a parole violation and being found in possession of pepper spray as a convicted felon. Jason Sani was arrested for a felony warrant which stemmed from a previous investigation involving Sani being a suspect in a sexual assault of a minor.

Detectives will follow up to determine if the remaining sex offenders who were not contacted during the initial check are out of compliance. The Ventura Police department will be conducting similar sweeps on an on-going basis, to verify if registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and in compliance with any probation or parole terms.

Anyone with additional information about Jason Sani is encouraged to call Det. Hibdon at 339-4443.  For more information regarding sex offenders living within the City of Ventura, please visit www.meganslaw.ca.gov.

 

Child Molest Investigation

VPD Detectives were actively investigating a child molest allegation on Sean Curtis, owner/operator of the United Studios of Self Defense, located at 1746 South Victoria Avenue.

Upon entering the business to serve the search warrant Detectives from the Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Unit encountered Curtis who immediately armed himself with a handgun. Detectives retreated from the business and upon doing so a gunshot was heard coming from inside. A camera-equipped robot was used to examine the scene to see if anyone was in the business with Curtis. Curtis was later found deceased inside the business from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Two ten year old girls were allegedly molested by Curtis. The most recent incident was reported in the past week.

6-Year Old Arrested

On March 18, at 2a.m. the VPD observed a car speeding and swerving on the 101 Freeway. When the officers pulled the driver over they were shocked to find that he was only 6-years old and under the influence of an illegal substance (12 candy bars). He was also driving on a suspended license.

He was taken to juvenile hall and picked up by his parents who grounded him for one week for being out past his curfew. Because of his age his name cannot be revealed.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

On Thursday, March 17th, at 5:36 p.m., a VPD Patrol Officer witnessed a vehicle commit a traffic violation near the intersection of Darling and Petit.

The officer attempted to turn his vehicle around in order to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle for the violation. As the officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle, the driver of the vehicle accelerated quickly and ran two stop signs, before losing control of the vehicle which came to rest in the front yard of a residence at the intersection of Medford and Sterling.

James Moug, who was found to be the driver of the vehicle, was taken into custody without further incident. The vehicle he was driving was stolen, reported earlier that day. Moug was also found to have an active warrant for his arrest.

Moug was transported to the VCMC where he was treated for minor injuries. He was later booked into the VC Jail.

Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle

On Saturday, March 19th, at 8:19 p.m., a K9 officer attempted to stop a vehicle in the area of Alyssum Lane and Zinnia Way for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle did not stop for the officer and continued driving into a nearby neighborhood. After initially failing to stop, the driver did yield and pulled into a driveway of a residence. The driver provided the officer with a false name and he was also found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana without having a medical recommendation. During the investigation, his real name was discovered, Jeffrey Forehand, and a records check revealed he had a warrant for his arrest out of San Diego County. During a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun hidden in the front seat area as well.

Possession of a Handgun

On Sunday, March 20th, at 8:57 a.m., VPD officers conducted a probation search at a room at the Motel 6 located on 3075 Johnson Drive. The occupants, Jose Machado and Sean Quolas, initially denied the officers entry to the room, but the officers were able to gain entry. The officers found a loaded handgun hidden inside the room and additional ammunition for the gun was found in Quolas’ possession. A large quantity of methamphetamine, along with evidence of drug sales, were also found inside of the room.

Vehicle Burglary with Arrest

On Monday, March 21st, at 12:11 a.m., an alert citizen returned to his vehicle to retrieve miscellaneous property. As the citizen approached his vehicle, he observed the passenger door open and a suspect moving around inside his vehicle. The victim returned to his residence and contacted the police. Within minutes officers arrived and the victim directed them to his vehicle.  As officers approached the victim’s vehicle, the suspect exited the front passenger door.

The suspect, David Rixman, was detained by officers. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect had observed the victim’s vehicle parked along the south curb line of Telegraph Road. The suspect parked his vehicle approximately one hundred feet east of the victim’s vehicle. The suspect returned via foot where he gain access into the vehicle and removed the dashboard and vehicle stereo as officers arrived. The suspect was arrested and later booked into VC Jail.

Death Investigation

On Sunday, March 20th, at 10:40 a.m., the VPD received a call in reference to a deceased male found in a residence located in the 400 block of South Evergreen Street. Officers responded to the location along with VC Fire and located the victim who had suffered a gunshot wound. VP Major Crimes Detectives and an investigator from the VC Coroner’s office responded to the scene and are conducting an investigation.

VPD investigators discovered information that on the 20th, there was an argument at the victim’s residence between the hours of 6:30am-7:00am. Witnesses heard what appeared to be a gunshot followed by a vehicle leaving the area. The Ventura County Coroner’s Office has ruled Arnold Ikeda’s death as a homicide. The autopsy concluded that Ikeda died from a single gunshot wound to his leg. Investigators do not have any suspects at this time.

Resisting Arrest

On Wednesday, March 23rd, at 4:30 p.m., the VPD received a call from a family member of the suspect, Antonio Ramon, reporting that he was acting delusional and threatening to harm himself. It was also reported he was armed with a screwdriver.

One officer arrived on scene and confronted Ramon outside of the business. When Ramon saw the officer approaching him, he went to a parked vehicle and retrieved a hammer from inside. Ramon then raised the hammer and began advancing towards the officer while making threats to harm him. The officer drew his firearm, at which time the family member stepped between Ramon and the officer. After several commands to drop the hammer, Ramon complied and was taken into custody without incident.

Ramon was also found to be in possession two screwdrivers. He was arrested and later booked into the VC Jail for felony resisting an officer and criminal threats.

Commercial Burglary

On Thursday, March 24th, at 2:50 a.m., VPD officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Cabrillo Pharmacy located at 146 North Brent Street. The alarm company verified they could see a subject inside of the business as officers were responding to the scene.  Once on scene, the officers surrounded the business and discovered the point of entry by the suspect. He had used a large rock to break the glass the door and enter the business.

The suspect took several bottles of Promethazine/Codeine and a small amount of money from the pharmacy before making their escape. The alarm company could not provide a description of the suspect, and the surveillance video footage was unavailable.

 

Residential Burglary

On Friday March 4th, at 1:28 p.m., an off-duty Ventura County District Attorney’s Investigator was in the area of the 4900 block of Lafayette Street when he saw suspicious activity near a home. He watched as the four suspects walked on to the residence’s property. Two of them remained outside of the house and acted as look-outs, while the other two went into the backyard and entered the house through a rear window. As the burglary occurred, the off duty investigator called our Communications Center and Patrol officers were dispatched.  Two of the suspects fled from officers onto the 126 freeway, but they were located by the responding officers. The other two suspects also attempted to run away from officers, however they were located and detained by the off-duty investigator and other officers. At the conclusion of the investigation, the two adult suspects, Miguel Ochoa and Gordon Nico, were booked into VC Jail. The two juvenile suspects were lodged at juvenile hall.

Burglary

On Saturday, March 5th, at 7:29 a.m., a nearby business owner was arriving at his business in the 6300 block of Ventura Boulevard, when he saw suspicious activity near a recreational vehicle in a neighboring business parking lot. He watched as the suspect walked away from the vehicle carrying property. The witness called the VPD. The suspect, later identified as Frank Lawrence, and an associate were located by the responding officers. They were detained. At the conclusion of the investigation, Lawrence was booked into VC Jail. Lawrence was also in possession of a dangerous weapon, a throwing star.

Shooting

On June 23rd, 2015, at 3:36 p.m., the VPD received numerous calls of a shooting that had occurred in the 400 Block of West Ramona Street. Officers, along with Ventura City Fire and AMR personnel, responded to the call and found a 9-year-old female victim suffering from a non-life threatening grazing wound to her leg. She was transported to VCMC for treatment of her injury. While officers were on scene, the VPD received a second call reporting a shooting victim in the 300 Block of West Park Row. The adult male victim was found to be suffering from a non-life threatening injury.

The VPD identified Mauricio Chavez as a suspect in this crime. On July 1st, 2015, VP Detectives served a search warrant at the residence of Chavez. Chavez was arrested at that time for possessing a billy club and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. These charges were unrelated to the shooting investigation.

Detectives continued with the shooting investigation and on July 24th, 2015, Chavez was contacted at VC Jail and arrested for his involvement in the shooting and booked for attempt murder and street terrorism.

On Thursday, March 10th, Chavez was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Robbery

On December 30th, in 2015, at 6:30 p.m., the VPD received a call reporting a robbery. The victim was approached by three suspects in front of the Red Barn Liquor, located at 1285 North Ventura Avenue.  The suspects confronted the victim and demanded money from him. Then they attacked the victim by punching and kicking him. The victim sustained minor injuries but they were not life threatening.

On Wednesday, January 6th, 2016, suspect Kenneth Cox was taken into custody. The next day, suspect Jacob Pulido was taken into custody as well.

For the next few weeks, VP Detectives tracked the third suspect, Gabriel Cueva, to Las Vegas. On Thursday, February 11th, Las Vegas Metro Police Department located suspect Cueva and took him into custody. Cueva is due to be transported back to Ventura.

Hit and Run Fatality

On Friday, February 19th, at 12:02 a.m., the VPD received a call from a citizen reporting a hit and run traffic collision at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Saticoy Avenue. The responding officers located the victim, an 14 year old male, lying face down in the roadway. The victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The VPD was contacted on Friday evening, 2/19/16, by the driver of a tow truck that was being sought by Ventura Police traffic investigators. Investigators took possession of the tow truck and, after preliminary investigation, believe it to be the flatbed tow vehicle that was involved in the collision with the victim. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Martin Henderson.

The preliminary investigation conducted by the Ventura Police Department’s Traffic Division indicates that the 14 year old victim was on a bicycle traveling southbound Saticoy Avenue and that he crossed Telegraph Road against a red light. The tow truck was eastbound Telegraph Road proceeding through a green light and collided with the bicyclist in the intersection. The two truck continued eastbound and did not stop. A short time later, a second vehicle hit the victim and continued driving as well.

Arrest of an Attempted Murder Suspect

On Friday, February 27, at 9:45p.m. the Ventura Police Department Command Center was contacted by the Nye County Sheriff’s Department in Nevada.  They were investigating an attempted murder that had occurred in Sparks, Nevada and they had received information that the suspect, Cody Barnes 21  Nevada resident was in Ventura.  VPD officers responded to area of 1245 S. Petit Ave, and located the suspect’s vehicle parked an unoccupied.

A surveillance team responded to the apartment complex to monitor the vehicle, while VPD detectives coordinated resources with Nye County.  A short time later, the surveillance team reported to the patrol units stationed in the area that the suspect vehicle was driving away from the apartment complex.   A high risk stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle in the area of Telephone Rd and Cachuma Ave.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident and he was armed with a handgun at the time of his arrest.  At this time, it is unknown if the weapon recovered was used in the attempted murder incident. The suspect was transported and placed in the  Ventura County Jail awaiting extradition to Nevada.

 

Child Annoyance

On Monday, February 1st, at 1:25 p.m., the VPD responded to a call of lewd conduct on a Gold Coast Bus in the area of Hemlock Street and Main Street.  By the time officers arrived, the suspect had already exited the bus. Officers located the suspect, Raymond Munyon, however he fled from them. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was caught and detained. Officers determined Munyon was a current sex registrant and he had acted in a lewd manner in the presence of a child on the bus.

Munyon was booked into VC Jail. No one was injured during this incident.

Indecent Exposure Arrest

On Tuesday, January 26th, at 2:15 p.m., VPD Dispatch received a report of indecent exposure. The incident occurred at the Ventura Avenue Library at 606 N. Ventura Avenue. A juvenile female reported that while she was in the library, a male exposed his genitals to her.

The VPD began a follow up investigation and identified the suspect as David Paul Sanchez. Sanchez is currently a registered sex offender.

On Friday, January 9th, the VPD served an arrest warrant on Sanchez at his residence in the 200 Block of Rosewood Street. Sanchez was taken into custody without incident and booked at the VC Jail.

Possession of Controlled Substance

In early January 2016, VPD Street Crimes Unit detectives began investigating reports of ongoing narcotic activity occurring at a residence in the 4700 block of Mascagni Street. Detectives detained several subjects observed leaving the residence that were found to be in possession of small amounts of suspected methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia.

A search warrant for the residence was obtained and Thursday, February 4th, at 7:00 am, Street Crimes Detectives along with Major Crimes and SET Detectives served the search warrant and arrested two suspects inside the residence. A small amount of suspected methamphetamine and narcotic paraphernalia was located during the search.

Andrew Parkin was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and maintaining a place for drug use.

Christopher Willis was arrested for an outstanding parole warrant. Both Parkin and Willis were later transported and booked into the VC Jail.

Suspicious Death Investigation

On Tuesday, February 9th, at 2:03 a.m., the VPD received a call in reference to a deceased male in a vehicle in the area of Transport Street and Morse Avenue. Officers responded to the area along with Ventura Fire and paramedics and located Robert Hill inside the vehicle. Hill had injuries that appeared consistent with having been in a physical altercation. As a result, Ventura Police Major Crimes Detectives took over the investigation.

The VC Coroner took possession of the body and an autopsy was completed. At this time, a cause of death has not been determined.

Armed Robbery

On Friday, February 12th, at 3:24 a.m., the VPD received a call from the CVS located at 5900 Telegraph Road regarding an armed robbery. In addition to the robbery, one of the clerks had been injured during the commission of this crime and was in need of medical attention.

Two masked men entered the store and one of the suspects was armed with a handgun; the other armed with a baseball bat. One of the suspects attacked an employee and threw her down to ground causing a significant head trauma. The suspects then forced another employee to open the cash registers.

VPD units searched for the suspects with negative results while officers tended to the victim’s injuries until the VFD arrived on scene. An additional employee sustained minor injuries during the robbery and both employees were transported to hospital for treatment. The injured employees are currently listed in stable condition.

Assault with Deadly Weapon Arrest

On Friday, February 12th  the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the area of Palm St and Santa Clara St., who reported seeing a man with a knife chasing another man.

Officers arrived on scene within minutes of receiving the call. They located the suspect, Adam Callaway 44 years, Ventura vagrant sitting on a bench near the intersection with the knife.

The investigation revealed that the victim Jesse Garcia, 25 years, Ventura Resident had personal property stolen from him earlier in the day. The victim saw Callaway with his property and attempted to get it back. The suspect, Callaway, pulled out a knife and began to chase the victim swinging the knife at him.

The victim was uninjured. Callaway was transported to Ventura County Jail and subsequently booked for Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Wanted Subject

On Friday, February 12th VPD officers observed a wanted subject driving in the area of Wells and Telephone Rd.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect, David Dyer. 46 years, Ventura resident led officers on a slow speed pursuit through the streets of Saticoy that lasted about 6 minutes. During that time frame Dyer was throwing narcotics out of the window of his vehicle as well as ingesting unknown quantities of narcotics.

Dyer’s vehicle was stopped at Campanula Av and Darling Rd. and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Dyer was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, possession of narcotics for sale, and destruction of evidence.

Dyer was transported to the Ventura Medical Center for ingesting an unknown amount of narcotics and he was subsequently booked into Ventura County Jail.