On September 25, 2026, at approximately 6:50 PM, Ventura Police Department Patrol officers arrested a man for illegal firearm and narcotics possession after a pursuit.
A Ventura police department patrol officer was proactively patrolling the area of Victoria Ave. and Valentine Rd. when he observed a traffic violation and tried to stop the involved vehicle.
Instead of yielding to the officer’s patrol car lights and siren, the driver led the officer on a pursuit westbound on Valentine Rd and then down into the industrial area. Once in the area of Palma Dr. and Ortega St., the driver abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. The officer engaged in a foot pursuit of the suspect, caught up to him, and took the suspect to the ground. Once the suspect was detained, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm in his pocket. The driver was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Neither the driver nor officer was injured as a result of the incident.
The driver, Rolando Palafox (29 years old, of Ventura) was booked into Ventura County Jail for multiple charges including felony evading, unlawful carrying and possession of a loaded firearm, possession of narcotics, resisting arrest, and driving on a suspended license.
The Ventura Police Department is committed to taking illegally possessed firearms from suspects before they are used to harm others.
