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.

Shooting With Arrest

On March 23, at approximately 12:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of shots fired in the area of Scottsdale St and Jasper Av. Responding officers arrived within minutes of the call and saw a male suspect matching the description provided by witnessed. The suspect fled from officers and began to jump fences into the backyard of residences.

Simultaneously officers received information that a female victim had been dropped off at the Ventura County Medical Center suffering from a gunshot to the arm.

Officers pursued the suspect on foot as the suspect ran into a residence that was determined to be his. The suspect gave up after 45 minutes of negotiating and was taken into custody without further incident.

The subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect had confronted two male individuals who were inside a private community pool after hours. An argument ensued with a verbal exchange. The suspect left after the argument.

The two male individuals left the pool area and were returning to their vehicle to leave. They arrived at their car and the suspect was standing near the door of the vehicle. Another argument ensued as the two individuals were prevented from leaving by the suspect. The female victim, who was familiar with the two males, arrived to calm the situation down. A scuffle broke out between the three males and the suspect pulled out a handgun and fired one round striking the female bystander.

The suspect was booked into Ventura County Jail for attempted murder and is being held on $510,000 bail. The victim remains in Ventura County Medical Center receiving treatment for her non-life-threatening injuries.

Attempted Murder

On March 24, at approximately 2:30 pm, the Ventura Police responded to a 911 call of a stabbing at a residence on the 8700 block of Boise St. Ventura. Once on scene, the officers contacted the victim, who had suffered three minor stab wounds to her neck. The suspect, who is the victim’s roommate, 47 year old Ventura resident Denise Dabbs, was still at the location and admitted to stabbing the victim.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and treated for her wounds. Dabbs was arrested for attempted murder and booked into the Ventura County Jail. Ventura Police Major Crimes Detectives are still investigating this crime. Anyone with information related to this crime are encouraged to contact Sergeant Bill Dolan at 805-339-4444.

Felony Evading, Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle, Hit and Run

On March 27, at approximately 3:45 pm, Ventura Police Patrol Officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the area of Harbor Blvd. and the Ventura Pier. The car, a white Jeep Cherokee, was reported stolen in Ventura on March 26, 2022. The driver did not yield to officers, and a pursuit was initiated. Officers pursued the vehicle eastbound Harbor Blvd. for about 2 miles and terminated the pursuit due to the driver failing to stop at a red light and driving at a high rate of speed.

After the pursuit was terminated, a witness notified officers that the vehicle was seen turning onto Spinnaker Dr. towards the Ventura Harbor. Officers located the car parked and unoccupied in the 1300 Block of Spinnaker Drive. As officers checked the area, they saw 22 year old Santa Barbara resident Joshua Campbell, who matched the driver’s description, walking near the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Officers took Campbell into custody without incident. During the investigation, officers learned that a minor hit and run traffic collision involving the Jeep Cherokee occurred at Harbor Blvd and Olivas Park Dr.

Campbell was arrested for Felony Evading, Unlawful Taking of a Vehicle, Hit and Run, and a parole violation. 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.

Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

On March 9, at approximately 11:00 am, the Ventura Police Department Communications Center received a call of a stabbing that occurred at Plaza Park, located at 630 E. Santa Clara Street. Patrol officers were dispatched to that location and found a victim, who had sustained moderate, but non-life threatening injuries. While on scene, officers learned that the stabbing occurred during the commission of a robbery.

After conducting an investigation, officers learned that 24 year old Lindsey Moser approached Victim #1 and demanded he hand over his backpack. Moser held out a knife and threatened to stab the victim if he didn’t cooperate. Victim #1 handed over his backpack out of fear. Victim #2 observed what had transpired and attempted to intervene by grabbing onto Moser. Moser then stabbed Victim #2 with the knife, causing moderate but non-life threatening injuries. After stabbing Victim #2, Moser fled on foot towards California Street. Responding officers observed Moser walking southbound on California Street south of Thompson Boulevard. Moser was taken into custody without incident.

Victim #1 was able to retrieve his backback. Victim #2 was treated at the scene, but declined to be transported to the hospital.

Moser will be booked at the Ventura County Jail for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and criminal threats.

Strong Armed Robbery

On March 13, at approximately 7:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a purse theft that had just occurred inside Ralphs, 1776 South Victoria Avenue. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male in his 20s fled the area before police arrival and was last seen running west towards Alameda St. and getting into a dark-colored Dodge sedan.

At approximately 7:30 pm, a Ventura Police Patrol Corporal located the vehicle in the 5700 Block of Thille Street. Angel Ramos, 22 year old Ventura resident, and 21 year old Ventura resident Jaynell Vargas were walking away from the car, and when ordered to stop, they fled into a nearby apartment. Patrol officers surrounded the location, and Ramos and Vargas exited the residence. They were detained while officers continued the investigation.

During the investigation, officers learned Ramos approached the first victim and removed her purse from the shopping cart she was pushing. Ramos approached the second victim and grabbed her purse that was over her shoulder. The second victim struggled to keep possession of the purse, and Ramos struck her and pushed her to the ground. Ramos took the purses, fled the store, and got into the Dodge sedan driven by Vargas.

Ventura Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for the apartment and the stolen property was located.

One victim was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries that resulted from the violence during the robbery.

Ramos was arrested for Grand Theft from a Person, Commercial Burglary, and Robbery. Vargas was arrested for Conspiring to Commit a Crime, Resisting/Delaying/Obstructing a Police Officer, and Accessory to a Crime.

Commercial Burglary Arrest

On March 15, at approximately 7:45 am, an employee of the business arrived for work and discovered the business was being burglarized. The suspect initially walked out of the business, but then went back inside. The employee called 911and officers responded.

When officers arrived, they made verbal contact with the suspect, 38 year old vagrant Jesteina Jones, who was still inside. She was uncooperative, non-responsive, and refused to surrender. After approximately 30 minutes of talking to the suspect and attempting to have her surrender, officers made entry and were able to take her into custody. The investigation revealed the suspect broke into the business overnight, ransacked several areas, and took items. At the conclusion of the investigation, the suspect was arrested for the felony charge of commercial burglary, a misdemeanor charge of delaying and obstructing officers, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. No one was injured during this incident.

Gang-Related Vandalism, Conspiracy, and Firearm Arrests

On March 15, at approximately 11:00 pm, an alert citizen reported four males committing multiple acts of spray paint vandalism at the Santa Clara parking structure. Ventura police officers responded and located the suspect vehicle driving out of the area. The vehicle was stopped, and the occupants were detained while officers investigated.

The suspects were identified as having committed multiple gang-related vandalisms with spray paint. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of multiple cans of spray paint and two loaded, unregistered handguns commonly referred to as “ghost guns.”

Ultimately 21 year old Ventura resident Christopher Cruz was arrested for Felony Vandalism, Commission of a Gang Crime, Criminal Conspiracy, and Driving a Suspended License.

Christopher Ruiz, 18 year old Ventura resident, was arrested for Felony Vandalism, Commission of a Gang Crime, Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public, and Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person.

The juveniles were arrested for various gang-related vandalism, conspiracy, and firearm crimes as well. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is requested to contact the VPD Watch Commander at 805-339-4416.

Carjacking, Assault with Firearm, Attempted Carjacking, Conspiracy, Resisting a Peace Officer

Location: Olive and Harrison, 126 Freeway East of Wells

On Feb.21, at 9;29pm, VPD patrol responded to a stolen vehicle investigation. In speaking with the victim, the investigating officer learned the victim had been carjacked at gunpoint by three suspects. Ventura Police Communications notified surrounding agencies of the circumstances.

Shortly after being notified, CHP officers located the stolen vehicle on the 126 Freeway east of Wells Road, but the suspects had exited and were walking on the freeway. Subsequent investigation showed that after leaving the first stolen vehicle behind, the suspects tried unsuccessfully to carjack another passing motorist on the 126 Freeway.

CHP officers and a VPD K9 located the suspects and detained them. Additional officers arrived and the subjects were taken into custody.

No officers and neither of the victims were injured during the crimes. One suspect was treated for injuries sustained during the arrest. All three suspects were ultimately booked in juvenile hall for their involvement in the following crimes: 215 PC Carjacking, 664/215 PC Attempted Carjacking, 245(b) PC Assault with a Firearm, 182 (a)(1) PC Conspiracy, 148 (a)(1) PC Resisting a Peace Officer.

The 126 Freeway was shut down between Wells Road and Briggs Road while the crimes were being investigated.

Fatal Collision with One Hit and Run Driver

On Feb.13, at 7:57pm, VPD officers responded to a call of a vehicle versus pedestrian collision on Harbor Bl south of Spinnaker Dr. While officers were responding, a witness reported that a second vehicle struck the downed pedestrian.

Officers arrived and found that the pedestrian had succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the first vehicle involved in the collision remained on scene and was cooperative with investigating officers. Drugs and alcohol are not believed to have been a factor involving this driver.

The driver of the second vehicle that collided with the pedestrian fled and has not yet been located.

Ventura PD Traffic Investigators and CSI processed the scene. As a result, a portion of Harbor Bl was closed in the area for several hours.

Anyone with any information is requested to contact Traffic Investigator Chris Wilson at 805-477- 3736 or the VPD Watch Commander at 805-339-4416. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

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.

Felony Hit and Run Collision

On January 26, at approximately 7:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a pedestrian being dragged under a vehicle on Crescent St. from the intersection of Johnson Drive.

Responding officers arrived on scene and found an unresponsive male subject laying in the eastbound lane of Crescent Street. Fire and paramedic personnel rendered immediate medical attention and the victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

The ensuing investigation revealed a separate vehicle had originally collided with the victim on Johnson Dr. at the intersection with Crescent St. and that vehicle failed to stop. That elderly driver returned to the scene minutes later to report he may have been involved in a collision. While a witness was using his vehicle to block the pedestrian down in the road, a red sedan drove around their vehicle and drove over the downed victim. This red sedan fled the scene westbound on Crescent St. at a high rate of speed, dragging the victim approximately 300 feet under the vehicle. At this time, we have not located the red sedan involved in this second collision and traffic investigators are gathering evidence.

The victim is currently in critical condition. The elderly driver in the first collision was evaluated and was not found to be under the influence. The cause of this collision is under investigation and preliminary evidence may suggest the victim was crossing Johnson Dr. against a don’t walk signal.

Anyone with any information is requested to contact Traffic Investigator Tyler Bevan at 805-339-4447

Robbery

On January 27, at approximately 6:30 pm, the suspect 25 year old vagrant Garrett Powell entered the Aloha Steak House and went to the Bar where he ordered a drink. Powell was denied service when he was unable to provide identification. He then ordered dinner and, after finishing, walked out of the restaurant without paying for his meal.

A customer who noticed Powell leaving without paying attempted to stop Powell. In response, Powell began to pull out a machete from his duffle bag. The Bartender for the restaurant told the customer to let Powell leave and immediately called 911. Powell left the restaurant and began walking north towards Downtown Ventura. Within 3 minutes of receiving the call, Ventura Patrol Officers located Powell at California St and Santa Clara St.

Powell was immediately contacted and identified as the suspect. During the initial contact, Powell refused to listen to the officer’s orders and, out of concern for the community’s safety, was physically taken to the ground. Once on the ground, the officers successfully took him into custody. Powell was not injured during the arrest, and one officer sustained a minor sprain to his hand, which was treated at a local hospital. Powell was transported to Ventura County Jail and booked for Robbery.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On January 29, a Ventura Police Department Patrol Officer responded to a burglary investigation at a residence in the 6300 block of Hunter Street. During the investigation, the officer learned that the suspect, 59 year old Joseph Mancuso, was captured on video surveillance removing property from the residence.

On January 30, at approximately 3:30 pm, Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to a burglary in progress at the residence on Hunter st. The reporting party was offsite and saw Mancuso on live video surveillance inside the home. Officers arrived within four minutes of the call and determined that Mancuso was still inside. Officers were able to contact Mancuso and ordered him to exit. Upon exiting, Mancuso was taken into custody without incident.

While conducting the investigation, Officers determined that Mancuso was staying in a room at a local motel. Officers searched the room per Mancuso’s probation terms and found property taken during the burglary.

Mancuso was booked at Ventura County Jail for 459 PC-Burglary and 496 PC- Possession of Stolen Property.

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 Illegal Narcotics for Sale

On January 12, at 4:00 am, a Ventura Police Patrol officer stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation at Santa Clara St and Hemlock St. The officer located a loaded firearm being illegally carried in the vehicle. During the investigation, officers found 41-year-old Ventura resident Brenton Cherrie in possession of two illegal loaded handguns, a silencer, and two high-capacity magazines. Officers also located large amounts of marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamines, LSD, and Psilocybin (Mushrooms).

Cherrie was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for possession of narcotics for sales, possession of marijuana for sales, possession of psilocybin for sales, possession of high-capacity magazines, possession of a firearm silencer, possession of narcotics and a firearm, and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

Arrest for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Driving while under the influence of drugs, and evading arrest.

On January 14, at approximately 8:30 am, a Ventura Police Department Motor Officer attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle for excessive speed. When the officer attempted to make the traffic stop, the vehicle’s driver failed to yield and continued driving. Approximately one minute later, the vehicle stopped in the area of Community Memorial Hospital and the three occupants of the vehicle fled on foot in an effort to evade arrest.

Multiple Ventura Police Motor Units and Patrol Units responded to that area and began a search for the occupants. Ultimately, the driver, 30 year old Oxnard resident Robert Pulido, was located by an officer hiding in the bed of a pickup truck in the parking lot of Community Memorial Hospital. Officers suspected that the vehicle may be stolen, so they contacted the registered owner. The owner indicated that the vehicle was in fact stolen out of Oxnard earlier that same date.

Unlawful Taking a Vehicle, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public

On January 17, at 8:00 am, a Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit detective received information that a car was stolen out of Thousand Oaks by 27-year-old Los Angeles resident Mantej Sunner, a wanted felon. The detective located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Victoria Motel in Ventura. Detectives took Sunner safely into custody when he left the motel.

During the arrest, Sunner had a firearm concealed on his person. Sunner was arrested for Vehicle Theft, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in Public, Possession of a Firearm with Controlled Substances, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and warrants from LA and Ventura County. Sunner was booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Fatal Hit and Run Collision
UPDATE: Attempt to locate vehicle of interest in a fatal hit and run collision

On January 7, at approximately 5:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a subject down in the roadway on Harbor Bl., between Sanjon Rd. and Vista Del Mar Drive.

Responding officers arrived on scene and found an unresponsive male subject laying in the eastbound lane of Harbor Boulevard. Fire and paramedic personnel rendered immediate medical attention, but the victim succumbed to his injuries as a result of the collision.

The ensuing investigation revealed a vehicle had collided with the victim on Harbor Bl. and that vehicle failed to stop. At this time, we have not located the vehicle involved in this fatal collision and traffic investigators are gathering evidence.

Anyone with any information is requested to contact Traffic Investigator Kyle Halverson at 805-477-3767. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The attached vehicle (license plate 8N58427) is a vehicle of interest in this fatal hit and run collision that occurred on January 7 at 5:00 am in the City of Ventura.

The Ventura Police Department calls for help from the public in locating this vehicle of interest. If you locate this vehicle, parked or moving, please report immediately by calling the Ventura Police Department 24/7 non-emergency line at 805-650-8010.

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.

Fatal Hit and Run Collision

On January 7, at approximately 5:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a subject down in the roadway on Harbor Bl., between Sanjon Rd. and Vista Del Mar Drive.

Responding officers arrived on scene and found an unresponsive male subject laying in the eastbound lane of Harbor Boulevard. Fire and paramedic personnel rendered immediate medical attention, but the victim succumbed to his injuries as a result of the collision.

The ensuing investigation revealed a vehicle had collided with the victim on Harbor Bl. and that vehicle failed to stop. At this time, we have not located the vehicle involved in this fatal collision and traffic investigators are gathering evidence.

Anyone with any information is requested to contact Traffic Investigator Kyle Halverson at 805-477- 3767. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending next of kin notification by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Armed Robbery Arrest

The Ventura Police Department responded to two armed robberies that occurred in October and November 2021.

The first robbery occurred on 10-21-21 at 2850 Johnson Dr (Wild Side Smoke Shop). The suspect entered the establishment with a handgun in his waistband and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk complied with the suspect and gave him an undisclosed amount money. The suspect fled on foot after the robbery.

The second robbery occurred on 11-13-21 at 1145 S Victoria Av (Blenders in the Grass). The suspect entered the store brandished a knife and demanded money from the clerk. The suspect fled on foot after this clerk provided him with an undisclosed amount of money.

Ventura Police detectives began to investigate these two robberies and during the investigation it was determined that the suspect was the same person in both incidents. Detectives located witness and physical evidence to these crimes to assist in linking the suspect to both locations.

On 12-15-21, the suspect, Saad Fakhouri (9/26/96) Ventura Resident was found on Johnson Dr and was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into Ventura County Jail on two counts of felony armed robbery.

Stabbing Arrest

On Dec.15, at 7:35pm, , the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a stabbing in the 500 block of East Thompson Blvd. Patrol Officers arrived in the area within three minutes of the call and immediately located the suspect and took her into custody. During the investigation, officers learned that the victim was attempting to walk by Mary Martin, 01/06/1978, Vagrant , who was blocking the victim’s path to her residence. As the victim walked by Martin, Martin threatened her and then stabbed the victim in the leg and arm. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Martin was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats.

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.

Carjacking with Arrest

On December 2, at approximately 11:30 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 9-1-1 call from a witness regarding a possible carjacking that had just occurred in the 300 block of S. Borchard Dr. The victim was reportedly laying on the ground after having been beaten by the suspects, who stole her car.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim, a 46-year-old female, who had major injuries. The victim reported that she had been parked on Borchard Drive and got out of her vehicle, preparing to make a charity donation at a nearby collection facility when another vehicle stopped near her, and several subjects got out. She was approached by 3 to 4 females who demanded money and property.

When she said she had no money, the female suspects began to beat her until she fell to the ground. At that point, a male suspect got into the victim’s vehicle, which still had the keys in the ignition, and shouted to the female suspects that they should take the vehicle. The victim got up and reached into the driver’s window of her car to attempt to grab the keys and prevent the theft. The male suspect struck her forcefully, possibly with a blunt object, knocking her down and causing a major facial injury. The suspects drove off, some in the victim’s vehicle and others in the original vehicle they arrived in.

Patrol officers searched the area and located the stolen vehicle as the suspects were driving it nearby. Officers attempted an enforcement stop, but the driver fled in the vehicle. The driver, a 17-year-old male, crashed the vehicle several blocks away. The suspect driver was seriously injured and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. At the time of this writing, he remains in the hospital in serious condition. There was one passenger in the vehicle, a 15- year-old female. The female was identified as one of the perpetrators in the crime. She had minor injuries, was treated at the hospital, and has since been booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center for Carjacking, Attempted Robbery, and Conspiracy.

The outstanding suspect vehicle was described as a black sedan or hatchback. There are at least two suspects outstanding. They are described as appearing “young,” possibly in their late teens or early twenties. The juvenile suspects who were apprehended were residents of the city of Oxnard. The victim was transported to the hospital for medical treatment and is expected to fully recover. Anyone with information about this incident or the identities of the outstanding suspects is asked to call the Ventura Police at (805) 650-8010.

Attempted Murder Arrest

On November 18, at approximately 1:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call of a subject screaming for help at California St and Thompson Bl.

Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim suffering from a single stab wound to the throat. Ventura City Fire and AMR Ambulance were summoned to the scene and the victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery for a life-threatening injury. Ventura Police Detectives began to investigate the stabbing and took countless hours attempting to locate potential witnesses or video evidence of the crime. Based on physical evidence, witness, and victim statements investigators identified 31 year old Ventura resident Armando Garcia as the suspect.

The ensuing investigation revealed that the victim and suspect were involved in an altercation at Santa Clara parking structure when the suspect got upset and stabbed the victim one time in the neck. The suspect fled from the location as the victim ran for help.

On December 6, at approximately Ventura Police Department detectives located Armando Garcia and arrested him for an arrest warrant related to this case.

Garcia was booked into Ventura County Jail for attempted murder. The victim has since recovered from his injury.

Garcia has prior arrests for assault with a deadly weapon with gang enhancements, felon in possession of a deadly weapon, an additional arrest for assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Attempted Residential Armed Robberies with Arrests

On December 6, at approximately 12:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call to the 100 block of Reata Ave regarding an attempted armed robbery. Officers arrived in scene and contacted the victims who said they were unloading groceries from their vehicle when they were confronted by two suspects armed with handguns. The suspects demanded money from the victims and attempted to enter the victim’s residence. The victims did not comply with the suspects, and they fled in a vehicle parked nearby.

On December 7, at approximately 5:30 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call in the 5000 block of Shenandoah St. regarding suspicious circumstances. Two suspects were at the victim’s residence knocking on the door stating they were security officers from the complex and they needed them to come outside. The victim called the police as the suspects remained at the front door.

Officers arrived on scene and immediately detained one suspect wearing a security jacket. The second suspect was stopped in a vehicle attempting to flee the area. The ensuing investigation revealed that the suspects were the same from both incidents. The suspect that was detained in from of the residence on Shenandoah St was in possession of two loaded handguns. The suspects were identified as: 30 year old Oxnard resident Joseph Felix Damion and was arrested for two counts of attempted armed robbery and two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery. 27 year old Los Angeles resident Kang Sooyoung and was arrested for two counts of attempted armed robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, felon in possession of a loaded handgun, and a violation of parole. No victims were injured during the commission of these crimes

Child Luring Arrest

The Ventura Police Department, in conjunction with the Ventura Unified School District, has been investigating several cases of an individual who had been on the Ventura High Campus without authorization. The subject, identified as 28 year old Ventura resident Dylan Thoele, was first contacted on November 16 by school staff and was advised he was on campus illegally and not to return while school was in session.

On November 23, Thoele returned to campus and was contacted by School staff and fled prior to being contacted by the police. Thoele returned to the campus later in the day and was arrested by School Resource Officers for misdemeanor trespassing while he was engaging school children in conversation.

On December 8, Thoele returned to campus and was seen by school staff having inappropriate conversations with students on campus. Ventura Police Department arrived on campus, but Thoele had left prior to officers arriving. The Ventura Police Department conducted an investigation with the Special Victim’s Unit that culminated in the arrest of Theole later that day at approximately 4:30 pm. Theole was booked into the Ventura County Jail for felony child luring with the intent to commit sexual acts.

The Ventura Police Department and the Ventura Unified School District maintain a strong collaborative relationship focused on the safety and security of students and staff on campus.

Stabbing with Arrest

On December 8 at approximately 7:00 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 9-1-1 call of a disturbance inside a residence in the 3700 block of Dean Drive. Upon arrival officers located a female victim in her 20’s suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers provided first aid to the victim and, based on the severity of her injuries, immediately transported her to a local hospital in a patrol car.

After a brief standoff at the residence, the suspect was arrested, 24 year old Ventura resident Tommy Kelley. The investigation revealed the victim and the suspect are relatives. They got into an argument, which resulted in the suspect stabbing the victim several times. Family members then called 9-1-1. The victim is currently in stable condition at the hospital. The suspect was booked at Ventura County Jail for resisting arrest (misdemeanor) and assault with a deadly weapon (felony).

Residential Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Possession of Narcotics and Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle Arrest

On November 28, at approximately 11:30am, it was reported to the Ventura Police Department that property had been stolen from a garage in the 1700 block of Daffodil Ave. The Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit was able to identify 31 year old Ventura resident Victor Michael Flores as the suspect of the burglary. On December 9, at approximately 10:00 am, detectives located Flores in the 9000 block of Telephone Rd. Flores was detained and found to be in possession of stolen property, illegal narcotics, and a loaded firearm.

Flores was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for residential burglary, possession of stolen property, a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a firearm and narcotics, and carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Flores has prior convictions for stealing a vehicle, DUI, carrying a loaded handgun, and has been arrested for felony evading, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of controlled substance, and elder abuse.

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.

Catalytic Converter Theft Arrests

An alert resident called 9-1-1 after witnessing the theft of a neighbor’s catalytic converter in the 2500 block of Harbor Blvd. The witness gave a suspect vehicle description and said it was last seen leaving the area onto Harbor Blvd. Ventura Police Officers responded and canvassed nearby neighborhoods. A patrol sergeant located the suspects and caught them in the act of committing another catalytic converter theft in the Portside Ventura Harbor neighborhood. The suspects failed to obey commands and fled in their vehicle at a high rate of speed. After a short vehicle pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed when failing to negotiate the turn onto Seaward Avenue. All three suspects were taken into custody. They had minor injuries from the collision and were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The three juvenile suspects were from the Los Angeles area. They will be booked in juvenile hall for Conspiracy, Grand Theft, Possession of Burglary Tools, Vandalism, and Possession of Stolen Property. The driver will also be booked for Vehicle Evading.

Eleven catalytic converters were located in the suspects’ possession, along with car jacks and burglary tools used to remove car parts. Investigators are processing the evidence and hope to return the catalytic converters to their owners. As of now, we have only identified three catalytic converter theft victims in the City of Ventura. All eleven converters appear similar to those of a Toyota Prius. If you have any information about this crime or are a victim of a similar, recent catalytic converter theft, please call Detective Karl Reyes at 805-339-4476.
Armed Robbery with Arrests

On Nov.27, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call regarding an armed robbery at Wild Tobacco & Gift Shop, 9493 Telephone Rd. Two suspects entered the establishment wearing facemasks, pointed firearms at the victim, and tied him up. They then took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the store into an awaiting vehicle. The clerk was able to free himself and call 911.

Ventura Police Department Patrol officers located the vehicle and initiated a high-risk stop. Two subjects fled from the scene, Jason Hoyland and one other white male. Two other subjects, Angel and Patterson, were detained at the vehicle and taken into custody without incident. One firearm was found in the car and was determined to be a replica rifle. A search was initiated using Ventura Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office K9s, and the VCSO’s Air Unit. After a search, Jason Hoyland was taken into custody without incident. The remaining suspect is still at large and was described as a white male with tattoos on his head and neck.

Rae-Ann Patterson was arrested for robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and possession of controlled substances. Manuel Angel was arrested for robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. Jason Hoyland was arrested for robbery, false imprisonment, and conspiracy to commit robbery.