The Ventura Police Department is asking for the public’s help after an early-morning robbery and assault at Marina Park left a 70-year-old man injured. On Sunday, November 30, at around 5:45 a.m., officers responded to reports of an armed robbery that
occurred about 15 minutes earlier. The victim told officers he was taking a morning walk near the beachfront when he was approached by two men, described as one Hispanic male and one White male. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun and demanded money. When the victim said he didn’t have any, he was forced to the ground and kicked in the head multiple times. As he tried to get up and run, the suspect chased him and struck him in the head with the gun. The second suspect then directed the first to take the victim’s car keys before both fled in a light-colored sedan. The suspects did not steal the victim’s vehicle.
The victim was treated at the scene by Ventura Fire personnel for a cut to his head. Detectives have been working the case nonstop since it was first reported, following up on leads, reviewing surveillance footage, and analyzing all available data. During the investigation, officers learned that another nearby resident was assaulted in the same area around the same time. Both victims gave similar descriptions of the suspects, and neighborhood video footage shows a light-colored sedan in the area before and after the incidents. “These were disturbing and unprovoked attacks on community members who were simply out in their neighborhood,” said Sergeant Fabian Gutierrez, who responded to the call. “No one deserves to be confronted with this kind of violence. Our detectives have been working around the clock to find those responsible, and we’re asking anyone who saw something, no matter how small, to reach out and offer help.”
Anyone with information about this incident, home surveillance footage, or who may have seen the suspects or the light-colored sedan, is urged to contact Detective Erik Utermohlen at 805-339-4478.
12/23/25: UPDATE –
This morning, Ventura Police Department Detectives arrested 23-year-old Timothy Schooler-Hart, a Ventura resident who lives near the location of the initial crimes. Following the release of initial information, an additional victim contacted investigators and reported being shot with a BB gun. Through the review of video surveillance and other investigative efforts, detectives were able to link Schooler-Hart and an additional male person of interest to the areas where the crimes occurred. Timothy Schooler-Hart was booked into the Ventura County Jail on the following charges:
• 211 PC – Robbery
• 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime
• 245(a)(4) PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• 368(b)(1) PC – Elder Abuse
• 242 PC – Battery
• 246.3(b) PC – Negligent Discharge of a Firearm
An out-of-state person of interest has also been identified in connection with these crimes. Ventura Police Department Detectives are coordinating with partnering law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest this individual.
