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 Deadly Weapon-Hate Crime Arrest

On May 5, at approximately 10:30 pm, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a victim of a stabbing who was enroute to the hospital via a private vehicle.

Officers met the victim at a local hospital and the initial investigation revealed that the victim and his girlfriend were inside a convenience store purchasing items when the suspect approached them.

The suspect confronted the victim, as he was paying for his merchandise, and told him to get out of the store and used a racial slur during the process. The clerk immediately told the suspect to leave the store and the suspect left.

The victim finished purchasing his items and left the store where he was confronted by the suspect outside. Once outside the suspect again used a racial slur and presented a knife. The victim attempted to de-escalate the situation however the suspect lunged at the victim stabbing him twice. The suspect then picked up a skateboard and struck the victim while he was incapacitated. The suspect fled on foot.

During the investigation officers located the suspect near Telephone Rd and Clinton Av. The suspect fled on foot from the officers into the neighborhood. Officers chased the suspect for over 12 minutes until he was apprehended.

The victim suffered moderate to severe injuries from the attack and was treated at Community Memorial Hospital for his injuries. One officer suffered minor injuries during the apprehension.

The suspect, 33 year old Tyler Clark, was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon, hate crime, resisting arrest, vandalism, and violation of parole.

A record check of the Ventura County Superior Court revealed that Clark has priors for assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, resisting arrest, battery on emergency personnel, and many other criminal charges.

The Ventura Police Department takes any acts or threats of violence, property damage, harassment, intimidation, or other crimes motivated by hate or bias seriously and they are given high priority. More information about hate crimes and hate incidents can be located at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/HateCrimes

Stolen Property Arrest

On April 5, a victim in the 100 block of North Olive St. had his unlocked vehicle broken into, ransacked, and his property was taken. Detectives using investigative tools were able to find a potential person of interest, 38 year old Oxnard resident Steven Cossell.

On May 6, at 11:30 am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) conducted a search warrant at the above address due to an investigation into property crimes. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives located stolen property from the vehicle theft.

Investigators contacted the victim, who identified his property as being stolen. As a result, Cossell was arrested for receiving stolen property, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of paraphernalia.

Michael Laser, 29 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for flash incarceration.

A Ventura County Superior Court website review shows that Cossell has prior convictions for burglary, vehicle theft, theft, identity theft, receiving stolen property, possession of controlled substance, felony evading, under the influence of a controlled substance, hit & run, and driving under the influence.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public arrest

On May 6, at approximately 8:30 pm, a citizen was hiking on a trail between two neighborhoods. While the citizen was hiking, he saw a muzzle flash while also hearing a gunshot coming from below where he was hiking. He then heard a ricocheting bullet near him and fled into the adjacent neighborhood while calling 911.

Multiple Ventura PD officers responded and attempted to find the subjects involved in the shooting. They located a vehicle matching the description and contacted the occupants. One of the occupants was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm within the vehicle. That subject, 23 year old Ventura resident Manuel De La Paz, was also determined to be the subject who fired a gun in the general direction of the hiker and nearby homes.

De La Paz was arrested for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm and Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public.

De La Paz was recently arrested by Ventura PD on 4/23/21 for Possession of a Short-Barreled Assault Rifle and also has a prior conviction for Carrying a Concealed Dagger.

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.

DUI Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substances, Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, Identity Theft

On April 14, at approximately 1am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a security guard in the Downtown area that a glass door to a shop in the 500 block of Main St had been shattered. Patrol officers arrived and discovered the store had been burglarized. CSI processed the scene, discovering around $3,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen.

At about 7am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a victim in the 6000 block of Promontory Lane, their unlocked vehicle had been entered, and about $2500 worth of property was taken from it.

At about 9:30am, Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Tanager St reference a subject slumped over in a vehicle with the motor running. Officers searched the area and were able to locate the car parked in the 7/11 parking lot on Bristol St. Officers contacted 29 year old Ventura County resident Whitney Byrd, who appeared under the influence, and they began a DUI investigation. During the investigation, officers located a large amount of stolen property and contacted Street Crimes detectives.

Detectives were able to link Whitney to the earlier burglary and theft from an unlocked vehicle. Detectives also located evidence of Identity Theft. Whitney was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Drug, Possession of Controlled Substances (methamphetamine and fentanyl), Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, and Identity Theft.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows Whitney has prior arrests for being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Burglary.

Narcotics Arrest

On April 7, at 11:00am, Ventura Police patrol officers contacted 39 year old Ventura resident Elizabeth Haberstich in the 100 block of Santa Clara St. During the detention, officers conducted a probation search.

Officers located narcotics on Haberstich’s person, members of the SCU Narcotics unit responded and assisted with the investigation.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, and evidence of narcotics sales on Haberstich’s person, vehicle, and hotel room.

As a result of the investigation, Elizabeth Haberstich was arrested for possession for sale of controlled substances.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Elizabeth Haberstich has prior arrests for numerous narcotics violations, including several previous arrests for possession for sales of controlled substances.

Stolen vehicle recovery with arrest

On April 24, at approximately 1am, a Ventura Police patrol officer observed a possible stolen vehicle in the 1300 Block of Saratoga Ave. A records check confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from Thousand Oaks. The patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and safely detained the driver, 28 year old Oxnard resident Paul Coronado with the assistance of additional officers.

Coronado was found to be in possession of burglary tools and was driving on a suspended license as a result of DUI offenses. He was arrested for unlawful driving of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglar’s tools, and driving on a suspended license for DUI offenses.

Conspiracy, Prowling, Possession of a Switchblade, Possession of Burglary Tools Arrests

On April 24, at approximately 3:45am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of a subject casing residences in the 400 Block of Howard. Ventura PD patrol officers responded and detained a subject matching the description. The investigation showed he was prowling on multiple residences. This subject was found to be on probation with search terms and was carrying various burglary tools and a switchblade knife. This subject was identified as 22 year old Ojai resident Wyatt Revard.

Officers observed a subject in a nearby vehicle waiting in the area and contacted him. The subject in the vehicle, 36 year old Ojai resident Christopher Grant, was determined to be the getaway driver for Wyatt.

Wyatt was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Prowling, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Possession of a Switchblade Knife. Grant was arrested for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.

Residential Burglary Arrest

On April 24, at approximately 2:30am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a call of an unknown subject inside the victim’s home. The caller indicated the subject was going toward the children’s room. The father of the children confronted the victim and a fight ensued. Multiple Ventura PD officers arrived and were able to safely detain the suspect, identified as 38 year old Arizona resident Roman Salas.

The investigation showed that Salas had forced his way into the home by kicking in a door at the back of the home. Salas was unknown to the residents and was arrested for Residential Burglary.

The residents and officers were unharmed. Salas was treated for minor injuries sustained from the altercation with the father of the children.

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.

DUI Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substances, Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, Identity Theft

On April 14, at approximately 1am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a security guard in the Downtown area that a glass door to a shop in the 500 block of Main St had been shattered. Patrol officers arrived and discovered the store had been burglarized. CSI processed the scene, discovering around $3,000 worth of merchandise had been stolen.

At about 7am, the VPD Command Center received a call from a victim in the 6000 block of Promontory Lane, their unlocked vehicle had been entered, and about $2500 worth of property was taken from it.

At about 9:30am, Patrol officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Tanager St reference a subject slumped over in a vehicle with the motor running. Officers searched the area and were able to locate the car parked in the 7/11 parking lot on Bristol St. Officers contacted 29 year old Ventura County resident Whitney Byrd, who appeared under the influence, and they began a DUI investigation. During the investigation, officers located a large amount of stolen property and contacted Street Crimes detectives.

Detectives were able to link Whitney to the earlier burglary and theft from an unlocked vehicle. Detectives also located evidence of Identity Theft. Whitney was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of a Drug, Possession of Controlled Substances (methamphetamine and fentanyl), Commercial Burglary, Grand Theft, and Identity Theft.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows Whitney has prior arrests for being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Petty Theft, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, and Burglary.

Narcotics Arrest

On April 7, at 11:00 am, Ventura Police patrol officers contacted 39 year old Ventura resident Elizabeth Haberstich in the 100 block of Santa Clara St. During the detention, officers conducted a probation search. Officers located narcotics on Haberstich’s person, members of the SCU Narcotics unit responded and assisted with the investigation.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, and evidence of narcotics sales on Haberstich’s person, vehicle, and hotel room. As a result of the investigation, Elizabeth Haberstich was arrested for possession for sale of controlled substances.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Elizabeth Haberstich has prior arrests for numerous narcotics violations, including several previous arrests for possession for sales of controlled substances.

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

On March 21, at approximately 4:00 am, Ventura Police Patrol Officers responded to a call of an armed robbery that just occurred in the 900 block of E. Thompson Blvd. Investigating officers learned that the suspect, 39 year old Ventura resident Leland Tanner, approached the victims as they sat in a vehicle, brandished a handgun, and demanded cash. After giving Tanner an undisclosed amount of cash, the victims fled the area and contacted police.

As patrol officers arrived, an officer saw Tanner entering a taxi. The Officer ordered Tanner out of the vehicle, and upon exiting, Tanner fled. Officers set up a perimeter, and with the assistance from Ventura PD K-9’s and a Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9, Officers searched for the suspect. Tanner was located in the rear yard of a residence in the 900 block of E. Thompson Blvd. Tanner was taken into custody without incident. Tanner was arrested for Robbery and Resisting Arrest.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Tanner has prior arrests for identity theft, vehicle burglary, receiving stolen property, and resisting arrest.

Narcotics Arrest

On March 26, at 10:00 am, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at the above address due to an investigation into narcotics sales. Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as 38 year old Ventura resident Celia Ramirez.

During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered fentanyl, methamphetamines, and evidence of narcotics sales in Ramirez’s motel room. As a result of the investigation, Celia Ramirez was arrested for possession for sale of controlled substances.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Celia Ramirez has no prior arrest.

by Cindy Summers

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

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

On March 9, at approximately 7:00 pm, a Ventura Police patrol officer saw a reported stolen vehicle driving in the area of Mills Rd and Main St. The officer initiated an enforcement stop on the vehicle and the driver, 23 year old Ventura resident Audrey Githens, was arrested for grand theft of a vehicle, as well as an outstanding warrant.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Githens has prior arrests for disturbing the peace, being under the inf luence of a controlled substance, prowling, and battery.

Narcotics Arrest

On March 5, at approximately 5:00 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a search warrant at the above address due to an investigation into narcotics sales.

Detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as David Moreno. During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives recovered narcotics, evidence of narcotics sales, and a loaded firearm inside Moreno’s residence.

As a result of the investigation, David Moreno was arrested for a felon in possession of a firearm, ammunition, and possession of methamphetamines, Nathan Scheibelhut was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamines for sales.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court’s shows that David Moreno has prior arrests for robbery, narcotics sales, and street terrorism. Nathan Scheibelhut was prior arrests for vehicle theft, possession of narcotics for sales, and under the influence of a controlled substance.

Vehicle Pursuit / DUI Arrest

On March 14, at approximately 8:15 pm, the Ventura Police Communications Center received a citizens report of a possible DUI driver in the area of Harbor Blvd and Seaward Ave. The reporting party said the driver of the vehicle was veering out of his lane and almost struck several other vehicles on the roadway as he crossed the double yellow lines into oncoming traffic.

Ventura Police Patrol Officers located the vehicle driving in the area of Main St. and Donlon St. and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield and continued to drive onto the 101 freeway Southbound from Main St. Officers pursued the vehicle at speeds up to 60 mph until it exited the freeway at Victoria Ave. The vehicle stopped in the area of Sperry Ave. South of Valentine Rd., where the driver was taken into custody without further incident.

During a subsequent investigation, it was determined that the driver of the vehicle, 32 year old Oxnard resident Saul Avalos, was driving under the influence of alcohol. Avalos was arrested for Misdemeanor evading, driving under the influence and driving under the influence with a BAC of .08% or more.

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.

Theft of Catalytic Converters, Felony Evading Arrest

On March 2, 2021, at about 4:00am, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call from a resident in the 1100 block of Buena Vista St. The reporting party (RP) heard a vehicle pull up in front of the residence. The RP noticed two cars, a sedan, and an SUV, double-parked near their neighbor’s Prius. The RP heard a “saw” and called 911. Both vehicles fled the area.

Patrol officers dispatched to the area located the sedan and attempted to pull it over. The vehicle fled, and officers pursued. The vehicle fled onto the 101 Freeway, where CHP took over the pursuit. The car fled south to the area of Camarillo Springs, where CHP disabled the vehicle and took three suspects into custody.

Officers located several stolen Toyota Prius catalytic converters inside the vehicle. All three suspects( Saul Ramos, 31yo, Los Angeles resident, Gustavo Diaz Rodriguez, 21yo, Los Angeles resident and Anthony Castillo, 21yo, Los Angeles resident) were arrested for Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. The driver (Castillo) was also arrested for Felony Evading. The suspects were transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

SCU Detectives have located two victims. If you own a Toyota Prius and were a victim of a catalytic converter theft from 3/2/21, please contact Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ventura Police Department.

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.

Narcotics Arrest

On February 12, at 12:30 pm, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU Narcotics unit conducted a traffic stop on a wanted subject, 27 year old Ventura resident Jessica Williamson, in the area of Victoria Ave. and Ventura Blvd. Her warrant was for transportation and possession for sale of a controlled substance.

During the detention and subsequent investigation, detectives discovered narcotics and evidence of narcotics sales inside Williamson’s vehicle.

As a result of the investigation, Jessica Williamson was arrested for transportation and possession of methamphetamines, fentanyl, and heroin for sales.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Jessica Williamson has prior arrests for providing false information to a peace officer, theft, commercial burglary, and narcotics possession, transportation, and sales.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On February 17, at approximately 6:30 pm, Ventura Police Department officers responded to the 800 Block of Thompson Blvd for a report of a man that had been struck with a stick. Officers located the victim, a 28-year-old male, bleeding from a laceration on his head.

Witnesses and corroborating evidence indicated that the victim had been standing outside of a business when he engaged in a verbal argument with the suspect, who then struck the victim in the head with a large stick.

The suspect, described as a white or Hispanic male in his 30’s with long hair, fled and was not located. The victim was treated and released by paramedics at the scene.

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.

Arrest for Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury

On January 29, at approximately 10:15 pm, a Ventura Police Officer was working patrol in the area when he witnessed 27 year old Ventura resident James Cobb striking the victim, who fell to the ground. Cobb began to stomp on the victim’s head very forcefully as the officer approached to intervene. The victim was unresponsive and had a head injury. Cobb ran away but officers quickly located him nearby. Cobb was arrested f or Battery Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Assault likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment and is in stable condition.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Cobb has prior convictions for Robbery, Assault, Trespassing, Petty Theft, Resisting, Obstructing, or Delaying a Peace Officer, Public Intoxication, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Alcohol as a Minor.

Stolen vehicle recovery with arrest

On February 5, at approximately 1:00 am, a patrol officer observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen in the City of Oxnard. The vehicle was at a gas station and was occupied by one adult male. The officer made a safe approach with cover officers and conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as the driver was about to leave. The suspect, 48 year old Oxnard resident Spencer Brown, was detained and arrested without incident. He was charged with unlawful driving of a vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows Brown has prior convictions for narcotic sales, transportation for sale of narcotics, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime should contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4416.

by Cindy Summers

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

Stolen Vehicle Recovery with Arrest

On December 16, at approximately 9:00 am, the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call reference a truck that had just been stolen from a parking lot in the 1800 Block of Main St. A few minutes later, a motor officer located the truck traveling west bound on Santa Clara St. at Chestnut St. Several units responded to assist and upon attempting to conduct a traffic stop, the suspect driver (later identified as 34 year old vagrant Michael Stendnitz) did not stop and continued traveling at a slow rate of speed westbound on Santa Clara St.

Stendnitz eventually drove the truck up over a curb and slowly hit a tree at Santa Clara St. and Oak St. causing minor damage. Stednitz was the sole occupant in the truck and was taken into custody without any further issues. The truck was returned to the owner and Stednitz was arrested for felony unlawful taking of a vehicle.

Armed Robbery – Update: Arrests

UPDATE: Ventura Police Detectives continued this investigation and determined that two suspects entered the store and locked the door to prevent employees from leaving. One suspect (32 year old Philip Craven) was armed with a handgun and the two suspects (Craven & 29 year old Frank Valentine) took an undisclosed amount of US currency. The third suspect (33 year old Angel Virgen) was waiting outside, in a running vehicle, for the others to exit the store. This led to detectives identifying three suspects involved in this crime. Detective arrested two of the suspects on December 15. One remains outstanding.

Philip Craven was booked into Ventura County Jail on charges of robbery, false imprisonment, conspiracy, and felon with a firearm. Craven has prior arrests for burglary, identity theft, drug charges, stolen vehicle and other misc. crimes.

Angel Virgen as booked into Ventura County Jail on charges of robbery, false imprisonment and conspiracy. Virgen has prior arrests fro forgery, identity theft, stolen vehicle, and drug charges.

The outstanding suspect is Frank Valentine. He is currently wanted in connection to this crime.

November 15, at approximately 3:15 pm, the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a call of a robbery at Smokers Paradise, located at 1413 S. Victoria Ave. Investigating officers learned that two suspects entered the business and one displayed a handgun at the clerk while the second suspect removed cash from the register. Upon obtaining an undisclosed amount of money, the suspects left the business and got into a dark-colored sedan. The vehicle was last seen traveling northbound through the Victoria Village parking lot towards Gaviota St.

Patrol Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspects. The clerk was not injured during this incident.

Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to contact Ventura Police Major Crimes at 805-339- 4444.

Lewd Acts with Minor and Assault with Deadly Weapon Arrest

Ventura Police detectives have been investigating two crimes that led to the same suspect.

The first incident occurred on October 12, at approximately 8pm, when 19 year old Ventura resident Jacob Hooson met a 13 year old female at Montalvo Hill Park. During the encounter Hooson provided drugs to the minor which caused her to be in an altered state. Hooson, eventually, took advantage of the minor and sexually assaulted her. The two had never met prior to this occurrence. The minor reported the incident to the police and an investigation ensued.

The second incident occurred on October 16, at approximately 9:15 pm, at the Bristol Center, 6320 Bristol Rd. Officers responded to a call of a stabbing victim in the parking lot. There they found a 41 year old male suffering from a non-life threatening stab would to his leg. The investigation revealed that the the victim and Hooson were involved in an argument. Hooson was upset because he did not like seeing the victim in the area. During the altercation the victim was stabbed once in the leg. Hooson fled on foot from the location.

Both crimes were being investigated by Ventura Police detectives and they developed probable cause that Hooson was involved in both incidents. Officers were actively searching for Hooson.

On December 16, Officers responded to assist the Ventura City fire department on a subject that was uncooperative and had facial injuries. Upon arrival, officers detained Hooson and he was arrested for the two incidents. After being medically cleared for his injuries, which he claimed resulted in a fall, he was booked into Ventura County Jail.

Hooson was charged with lewd acts with a minor, furnishing narcotics to a minor and assault with a deadly weapon.

Hooson has been previously arrested for burglary and carrying a concealed weapon.

Possession for Sale and Transportation of a Controlled Substance, Carrying Concealed Dagger Arrest

On December 22 at approximately 11:00 pm, a Ventura Police Sergeant observed several vehicle code violations and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. In speaking with the driver (54 year old Ventura resident Leobardo Clune) and conducting further investigation, Clune was found to be in possession of a concealed, sheathed dagger.

The investigation continued and Clune was ultimately found in possession of a large amount of crystal methamphetamine that was individually packaged, as well as a scale and drug paraphernalia. Clune was arrested for Possession for Sales of Methamphetamine, Transportation of Methamphetamine, and Carrying a Concealed Dagger. A female passenger was cited and released on scene for an unrelated violation.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime should contact Ventura Police Watch Commander at (805) 339-4416.

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.

Identity Theft, Commercial Burglary Arrest

On November 30 at 10:00 am, Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Detectives (SCU) began an investigation into 25 year old vagrant Eric Wimberley, who was a suspect in several uses of stolen credit cards over the weekend. During the investigation, SCU located Wimberley at a motel in Ventura along with 50 year old vagrant Lisa Preciado and 43 year old vagrant Shawntelle Martinez. Preciado was also a suspect in identity theft using credit cards stolen from unlocked vehicles over the weekend. Martinez was a suspect of a commercial burglary from the Pacific View Mall.

While searching the motel room, detectives located the stolen credit cards, property purchased with the stolen credit cards, stolen property, and identification from the victims of thefts from unlocked vehicles.

Wimberley and Preciado were arrested for multiple counts of Identity Theft. Martinez was arrested for Commercial Burglary. All three were transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

A review of the Ventura County Superior Court website shows that Wimberely has prior convictions for grand theft, identity theft with a prior conviction for identity theft, and petty theft. Preciado has previous convictions for possession of a controlled substance and identity theft with a prior conviction of identity theft. Martinez has prior convictions for shoplifting, giving false information to a police officer, and petty theft.

Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, Unlawful Firearm Transfer

On December 7, at approximately 8:45 pm, VPD officers responded to a call of a man firing a handgun into the air at the intersection of Mission Ave and Ventura Ave. Multiple officers responded in an attempt to locate the armed subject.

After officers arrived and were conducting a search, additional gunfire could be heard in the neighborhood. Officers continued to search the area. Eventually one of the officers on the call located a subject matching the description a short distance away from the original call. The officer safely detained the suspect with the assistance of other officers and K9 unit. The subject was found in possession of a loaded, concealed semi- automatic handgun. The recovered firearm was determined to be obtained through an unlawful transfer.

The subject, 25 year old Ventura resident Christopher Montoya–Bogarin, was ultimately arrested for Negligent Discharge of a Firearm, Carrying a Loaded Firearm, Carrying a Concealed Firearm, and Unlawful Firearm Transfer.

No involved parties were injured as a result of this crime or arrest.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding the crime should contact the Ventura Police Watch Commander at (805) 339-4416.

Narcotics Arrest

On December 9 at 10:00 am, members of the Ventura Police Department SCU unit conducted a search warrant at the above address as a result of a month-long investigation into narcotics sales. Narcotics detectives using investigative tools were able to identify a primary suspect as Justin Spinelli.

SCU detectives found and detained 27 year old Ventura resident Justin Spinelli. During the execution of the search warrant and the subsequent investigation, detectives discovered that a large quantity of Alprazolam, a homemade or improvised firearm, and inside Spinelli’s apartment.

As a result of the investigation, Justin Spinelli was arrested for 11375(b)(1) H&S – possession of Alprazolam for sales and 29800(a)(1) PC – possession of a firearm by an addict, both of which are felonies. He also was booked in on an active misdemeanor warrant.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court shows that Justin Spinelli has a prior arrest for vehicle theft and shoplifting.