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/Carrying a concealed fixed blade knife

The victim was inside his business when he heard something being thrown against his outside wall. The victim confronted 28-year-old Ventura resident Sariah Cundif outside and Cundif pulled a fixed blade kitchen knife. Cundif aggressed the victim and slashed at him several times with the knife. Cundif fled the area and patrol officers located her at a nearby shopping center where she was identified by the victim. Officers located the knife used in the assault concealed in Cundif’s clothing. The victim was not injured in the assault.

Cundif was booked at the Ventura County Jail on the above charges.

Shooting with Arrest

On August 3, at approximately 1:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a shooting that just occurred near the intersection of Seaward Av and San Marcos St. Responding officers arrived within two minutes of the initial call.

The officers learned that the victim was stopped at a red light at the intersection when the suspect drove up next to him and stopped. The victim recognized the occupant as a former acquaintance when the suspect fired several rounds at him nearly striking him. The suspect fled from the scene. The victim had minor injuries due to glass breaking in his face.

The ensuing complex investigation by detectives culminated with the arrest of the suspect, 46-year-old Ventura resident Cleveland Casey, on August 31.

Cleveland Casey was located by detectives at a gas station at Citrus Dr and Wells Rd. During the arrest of Cleveland, he was in possession of a loaded firearm and illegal narcotics.

A subsequent search warrant was served at Cleveland’s residence where an additional firearm and ammunition was located as well as over a pound of suspected fentanyl, over a pound of suspected methamphetamine, heroin, and a large sum of money.

Cleveland was booked into Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm), felon in possession of a firearm, possession for sale of controlled substances, and other drug related 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.

Stabbing with Arrest

On August 17, at 7:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a stabbing victim in the 200 block of Poli St. Responding officers arrived on scene within three minutes of the call and located the victim suffering from a stab wound to the lower extremities.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim and suspect, 46-year-old Ventura resident Billy Fields, were acquaintances and attended a party at the suspects residence. The suspect woke up in the morning and accused the victim of stealing his property. He began to punch and kick the victim and threatened him with a knife.

The two were involved in physical confrontation when the victim was stabbed in the lower extremities.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was located inside his residence after a brief stand off and was arrested without further incident. The suspect was taken to the Ventura County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and making threats.

Lewd Acts with a Minor/Furnishing Marijuana to Minor Arrest

In March of 2022, The Ventura Police SVU (Special Victims Unit) began investigating a report of 33-year-old Fillmore resident Matthew Stanwood performing a lewd act on a minor. Throughout the investigation, SVU learned that Stanwood had also provided the minor with marijuana.

On August 17, SVU learned Stanwood would be back in Ventura after working out of state. On August 18, at approximately 4:00 pm, Detectives conducted an operation to locate and arrest Stanwood. Stanwood was located at Marina Park in The City of Ventura. He was arrested and taken into custody without incident. Stanwood was booked at Ventura County Jail for Lewd Acts With a Minor and Furnishing Marijuana to a Minor both are felonies.

SVU has information that there may be additional victims. Anyone who believes they are a victim should contact Detective Hume at (805) 339-4472.

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.

UPDATE: Stabbing Homicide With Arrest

UPDATE:

Ventura Police Detectives continued this investigation and determined that the suspect was on foot when he approached the victim who was standing on the pike bath alongside his bicycle. The suspect stabbed the victim numerous timesto the upper torso. After following up on numerous leads the suspect was identified as 39-year-old Ventura resident Pedro Munoz.

On July 26, at approximately 5:30 pm, an alert patrol officer saw a subject matching the description at the dead end of Valentine Rd. east of Victoria Av. As the officer contacted him, Munoz attempted to flee and fought with the officer. The officer was able to take Munoz into custody without further incident.

Munoz was transported to the Ventura County Jail and booked on one count of murder, one count of felonious assault on a police officer, false information to a police officer, and possession of illegal narcotics.

Munoz has prior convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and assaulting police officers.

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On July 23, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a stabbing that just occurred on the bike path west of Victoria Av on the extension of Montalvo Hill Park. Responding officers located one male adultsuffering from multiple stab woundsto the upper torso. The victim, 26-year-old Ventura resident Marcos Guzman Reyes, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries. The Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Detectives are currently investigating the incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that one suspect approached the victim on the bike path and stabbed him numerous times.

The suspect fled across Victoria Av into Montalvo Hill Park, as well as the adjacent shopping center and into the neighborhood east of the shopping center on Tanager St. The suspect continued south on Hill Rd., then into the Montalvo area. It appears that the suspect also sustained injuries during the altercation. The suspect is still outstanding.

Anyone with any information or possible video footage of anyone that matches the description of the suspect is asked to call Detective Tovar at 805-339-4462.

Stabbing

On July 27, at approximately 3:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a stabbing victim in the 3000 Block of Market St. Responding officers located the victim who had several lacerations to his upper body and face.

The ensuing investigation determined that the victim was riding his bicycle on the bike path that connects Harbor Blvd. with Arundell Ave. when two subjects, one a Black or Hispanic Male in his 30’s with a large build and the second a White or Hispanic Male in his 30’s with a thin build, approached him from the opposite direction. An altercation occurred and the victim was stabbed several times to the face and body. The victim road his bicycle to Market St and summoned police and fire. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for non-lifethreatening injuries.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is requested to call 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.

Stabbing Homicide

On July 23, at about 2pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a stabbing that just occurred on the bike path west of Victoria Av on the extension of Montalvo Hill Park. Responding officers located one male adult suffering from multiple stab wounds to the upper torso. The victim, Marcos Guzman Reyes 26 years of Ventura, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The Ventura Police Department Major Crimes Detectives are currently investigating the incident. The ensuing investigation revealed that one suspect approached the victim on the bike path and stabbed him numerous times. The suspect fled across Victoria Av into Montalvo Hill Park, as well as the adjacent shopping center and into the neighborhood east of the shopping center on Tanager St. The suspect continued south on Hill Rd., then into the Montalvo area. It appears that the suspect also sustained injuries during the altercation. The suspect is still outstanding and is described as an Hispanic male, 5’-8”-5’10”, 180-190 pounds.

Anyone with any information or possible video footage of anyone that matches the description of the suspect is asked to call Detective Tovar at 805-339-4462.

Shooting update

On July 6 and July 7, officers with the Ventura Police Department executed multiple search warrants in the city of Ventura related to a year and a half long Attempted Murder investigation. Detectives learned through their investigation that the victim was lured to Ocean Avenue Park where he was shot 5 times. During the execution of the search warrants officers seized multiple firearms including an AK-47 assault weapon.

The following suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail for their involvement in the crime.

Enrique Medel, 22-year-old Ventura resident, for Attempted Murder, Possession of High compacity magazines, Possession of Assault weapon, Assault with a Firearm, Conspiracy to commit Murder, and Participation in a criminal street gang

Angelo Balbuena, 20-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder

Kuwesi Shakur, 25-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder, Possession for sales of a controlled substance, and Possession of an unregistered Firearm.

Ismael Zapata, 40-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder, and Participation in a criminal street gang

Miguel Ayala, 22-year-old Ventura resident for Conspiracy to commit Murder

Noel Cavasos, 25-year-old Ventura resident for Possession of Brass Knuckles

On January 3, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call regarding several shots heard in the area of Ocean Avenue Park, 1590 Ocean Ave. As patrol officers responded to the park, the Command Center was notified that a shooting victim had been transported to a local hospital by acquaintances. The victim was shot multiple times and sustained life-threatening injuries. His status is unknown at this time.

The Ventura Police Department, Major Crimes Unit responded and is handling the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Sgt. Bill Dolan at 805-339-4444.

Narcotics Sales Arrest while in possession of a firearm

On July 18th, 2022, members of the Ventura Police Department Patrol and K9 units responded to a call of possible narcotics activity in the Marriott hotel parking lot.

During the subsequent investigation, officers with the assistance of their K9 partners recovered Fentanyl, Methamphetamines, and alprazolam. They also found evidence of narcotics sales and a loaded firearm inside Lawson’s vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Williams was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales and possession of a controlled substance while armed.

Megan Schaffer was arrested for possession of narcotics and outstanding warrants.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that both Lawson Williams and Megan Schaffer have prior arrests for narcotics violations.

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

On July 7, at 3:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call regarding a hold-up alarm at Mechanics Bank, 1171 South Victoria Ave. As patrol officers responded, a witness followed the suspect and provided a description and updates on his location. Officers arrived in the area within four minutes and located 23-year-old Ventura resident Damian Cuellar in the 5700 block of Ralston Ave. Cuellar was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, officers learned Cuellar entered the bank and handed a clerk a note demanding money. The clerk gave Cuellar an undisclosed amount of money, and Cuellar fled the bank. A weapon was not used during the robbery, and the money was recovered.

Cuellar was arrested for robbery and booked at the Ventura County Jail

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

On June 19, at approximately 7:45 pm, patrol officers responded to a hit and run in the cul-de-sac at the 300 block of South Dunning. The information indicated that a person had been hit by a vehicle and was lying in the cul-de-sac. The suspect fled in a vehicle before police arrived on scene.

Responding officers found the 54-year-old victim lying in the street, losing consciousness. The victim was transported to VCMC, where she is being treated for life-threatening injuries.

VPD CSI and Detectives responded and began investigating the incident. The investigation revealed the incident started as a domestic violence altercation between the 54-year-old victim and her estranged partner 47-year-old Elizabeth Guillen. During the incident, Guillen ran the victim over with her vehicle causing life-threatening injuries. The victim is currently in the hospital in critical condition.

Detectives located Guillen and the vehicle used in the incident on June 21. Guillen was taken into custody without incident and booked into Ventura County Jail for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Domestic Violence with Injury.

We encourage anyone with information related to this incident to call the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4400.

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.

Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle Arrest

On June 3, at approximately 4:45 pm, a Ventura Police Patrol Officer stopped a vehicle for a registration violation in the 1700 block of North Ventura Avenue. The officer contacted the driver, 20-year-old Ventura resident Joseph Centeno, and learned that Centeno was on probation. Centeno and other occupants were removed from the vehicle, and a search was conducted pursuant to Centeno’s probation terms. During the search, a loaded, unregistered semi-automatic handgun with a high-capacity magazine was found concealed in the vehicle’s passenger compartment. An inspection of the firearm revealed a threaded barrel capable of accepting a suppressor.

Centeno was arrested and booked at Ventura County Jail for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, carrying a concealed firearm, and possession of an assault weapon.

Armed Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On June 8, at approximately 4:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call from Pacific View Mall Security. A man, later identified as 60-year-old vagrant Alex Sainas, was said to be disturbing in front of a business outside of the mall while wielding a golf club. Salinas reportedly stole a knife from a store inside the mall. Mall Security officers were informed about the theft and confronted Salinas, who was holding a golf club. Salinas swung the golf club at the security officers and pulled out the knife. When Ventura police officers arrived, they located Salinas and subsequently arrested him for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. No one was injured during the incident.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On June 10, at approxitmately 5:00 am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a possible commercial burglary in progress in the 2400 block of Thompson Blvd. Ventura Police officers arrived and located the suspect, 26-year-old Clifford Hunt, as he was exiting the property and getting into his vehicle, which was parked nearby. Stolen property from the business was located inside Hunt’s vehicle.

Hunt was arrested for Commercial Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools

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.

Possession of Loaded Firearm in Vehicle Arrest

On May 17, at approximately 6:00 pm, Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of Cambria Street regarding two subjects in a verbal altercation and possibly armed with handguns. As officers were en route, one of the involved parties, 42-year-old Ventura resident Jose Ruiz, was seen leaving the area in a car, and an enforcement stop was initiated. Ruiz exited the car and was detained as officers investigated further.

Investigating officers searched Ruiz’s car, and a loaded unserialized semi-automatic handgun was found. Officers contacted the second involved subject, but they were unable to determine his involvement in the incident. Ruiz was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unserialized firearm.

Lewd Acts Upon a Child Arrest

On May 20, at approximately 1:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a parent of a 14-year-old who indicated his daughter was grabbed by a male suspect as she walked home from school.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the female juvenile was walking home from school when the suspect approached her and engaged her in conversation. As the juvenile was trying to disengage from the conversation and avoid the suspect, she was grabbed in the buttocks. The juvenile fled from the area and when she returned home, she notified her parents.

Her father returned to the location of the occurrence and located the suspect and confronted him. He notified the police, however the suspect was gone when the police arrived.

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit were assigned the case. They identified the suspect as 26-year-old Ventura resident Ashley Claxton, and he was located in front of his residence. He was taken into custody without incident and subsequently booked into Ventura County Jail for felony lewd act with a child.

There may be additional victims and anyone who has had contact with the suspect should contact the Ventura Police at 805-650-8010.

The Ventura Police Department urge community members to stay aware of their surroundings and always report suspcicious activity. Parents are also encouraged to talk to their children about walking to and from school safely.

The Ventura Police Department offers a safety video for families available on YouTube

https://youtu.be/VNYI3JIrSeY

Residential Burglary Arrest

On May 20, at approximately 8:30 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a possible prowler at a residence on North Dunning Street. Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded, and upon arriving, they learned that the subject, 21-year-old vagrant Semaja Williams, had entered the home and could see him inside. Officers called out to Williams several times, requesting he exit; however, he did not comply with their commands.

At approximately 9:30 pm, Officers entered the residence and found that Williams barricaded himself inside a bathroom. Officers accessed the room and safely took Williams into custody. Investigating Officers determined that Williams damaged several pots and a statue in the yard and broke a window to access the residence. While inside, he burned trash, ate food, and smoked methamphetamine.

Williams was arrested for Residential Burglary, Arson, Delaying Police Officers, and Vandalism.

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 April 17, at approximately 6:00 am, the Ventura Police Department received a 911 call from security at the Pacific View Mall regarding two suspects using sledgehammers to break into an ATM inside of the mall. Patrol officers arrived on scene a short time later and located the two suspects, 35-year-old Oxnard resident George Lindsay and 34-year-old Oxnard resident Sarah Hartin, still attempting to break into the ATM. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Surveillance footage from the mall showed both suspects enter the closed mall at approximately 5:30 am and case the location before leaving and returning a few minutes later with the burglary tools used to commit the crime.

Hartin and Lindsay were arrested for Burglary, Conspiracy, Vandalism over $400 and Possession of Burglary Tools and taken to the Ventura County Jail where they were booked. Lindsay has an extensive criminal history and has prior arrests including Burglary, Possession Of Burglary Tools, Possession of Stolen Property, Identity Theft, Possession for Sales of Narcotics, Drug and Paraphernalia Possession, Felony Evading, Conspiracy, Domestic Violence, Vandalism, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Driving Under the Influence and Providing False Information to a Police Officer. Hartin has prior arrests including Burglary, Conspiracy, Robbery, Criminal Threats, Theft, Forgery, Identity Theft, Domestic Battery, Child Endangerment and Drug Possession. Both suspects were out on bail at the time of their arrest.

Prowling and Theft Arrest

On April 23, at approximately 2:15 pm, a resident saw 31-year-old Ventura resident Eulises Perez enter his backyard and steal some yard tools. The resident confronted Perez and was able to retrieve his property. Perez fled on foot and was contacted by officers a couple of blocks away. Perez was found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Officers confirmed that Perez was the suspect and he was taken into custody. Perez was transported and booked into the Ventura County Jail for prowling, petty theft, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

by Cindy Summers

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

Fatal Hit and Run Investigation **UPDATE**

UPDATE:
On April 11, Ventura Police Collision Investigators and Street Crime Detectives located a vehicle in the City of Oxnard believed to be related to this collision with a pedestrian. Investigators impounded the vehicle and have authored multiple search warrants related to the vehicle and a person of interest.

This criminal investigation is on-going, and more information will be released when it is available.

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On April 10, at approximately 12:30 am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call regarding an injured male lying on his back in the area of Thompson Blvd., and Ash St. Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded and found an unconscious 30-year-old male with a head injury. Paramedics arrived shortly after officers and pronounced the male dead at the scene.

During the investigation, officers determined that the victim was walking north across Thompson Blvd. at the intersection with Ash St. and was struck by a silver sedan traveling westbound. The vehicle fled the area after the collision and was not located. The Ventura Police Department Traffic Unit responded to handle the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Chris Wilson at 805-339-4366.

Robbery with Arrests

On April 10, at approximately 8:50 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a robbery that had occurred on the bike path south of Peking St.

Investigating officers determined that a group of five suspects attacked the victim and stole his bicycle. When the victim tried to retrieve his property, three of the five suspects brandished knives at him.

A responding VPD officer observed three possible suspects on the Ventura Promenade and was able to detain one while the other two suspects fled. The detained suspect was found to be a male juvenile and was positively identified as one of the robbery suspects. He was arrested and booked into juvenile hall for Robbery, Carrying a Concealed Dagger, and Conspiring to Commit a Crime.

Less than two hours later, the same officer saw the two suspects who fled from him during the original call. They were walking in the area of Mission Park and fled again when they observed the officer. The officer was able to detain both subjects after a short chase. They were positively identified by the victims and witnesses. Both of these suspects were arrested for Robbery and Conspiring to Commit a Crime. Both were booked into juvenile hall.

There were no injuries to the victim, officers, or suspects as a result of these incidents.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information is urged to contact the Ventura Police Major Crimes Unit at 805-339-4444 or Watch Commander at 805-339-4416.

Shooting with Multiple Victims **UPDATE WITH ARREST**

UPDATE:

During this investigation, the Ventura Police Department had processed the crime scene for evidence and had served numerous search warrants which led to the development of the suspect in this case. A suspect, 24-year-old June Glandros, was linked to the commission of this crime.

Glandros was located in Thousand Oaks and was taken into custody without incident. Glandros was transported to Ventura and was booked into Ventura County Jail on three counts of attempted murder with a firearm as well as possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Glandros was currently out on bail for charges of possession of an unlawful weapon while on bail and also out on bail for assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm.

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On April 11, at approximately 4:40 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a shooting victim in the 2700 Block of Sherwin Ave.

Responding officers arrived on scene within two minutes of the call and located three subjects suffering from gunshot wounds.

The ensuing investigation revealed that there was an altercation inside a business which ended up with all involved parties outside. One suspect fired multiple rounds striking three victims, two females and one male, two of the victims were struck in the torso (male and female) and one victim (female) was struck in the arm.

The suspect fled in an unknown type of vehicle and was not located. Two victims were treated by Ventura City Fire and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with life threatening injuries. The third victim was transported to Los Robles Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Major crimes detectives are at the location processing the scene for physical evidence and gathering witness statements.

This investigation is continuing and anyone with information about this incident is requested to call Detective Sergeant Bill Dolan at 339-4444 or the Watch Commander at 805-339-4416.