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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 25th, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May23rd, 2011, a business / warehouse operating in the City of Moorpark was burglarized resulting in the theft of over $100,00.00 in high-end, marine GPS units. Moorpark Detectives conducted an investigation and discovered that some of the mercahandise was being sold on the internet web site, “eBay”. Through their investigation, Detectives learned the stolen GPS units were being sold by an individual from his residence in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles County. Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and recovered approximately $8,000.00 in stolen GPS units and arrested the individual responsible for their sale, for possession of stolen property. In early July of 2011, Detectives identified another individual who was selling more of the stolen GPS units on “eBay”. Detectives again conducted an investigation and traced the sale of the stolen GPS units to a residence in the City of Carson, Los Angeles County. On 7/22/11, Detectives served a search warrant on the residence and recovered an additional $4,000.00 in stolen GPS units and arrested the second individual for possession of stolen property. The investigation is ongoing and Detectives will continue to diligently follow up on all leads in order to secure the return of stolen merchandise, and bring to justice, those individuals who traffic in stolen property. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Location: City of Carson, Los Angeles County, California |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, July 19th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department At about 1:17 p.m. on July 18, 2011, Thousand Oaks Police Officers responded to a robbery in progress at Kirk Jewelers, located at 960 S. Westlake Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Upon arrival, officers learned that two armed suspects entered the store and demanded merchandise. The suspects obtained an undisclosed amount of jewelry and fled the scene before officers’ arrival. There were no injuries during the robbery. The East County Major Crimes Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information about the identity of the suspects, or their whereabouts, is asked to contact Detective Allen Devers at (805) 494-8222. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000.00 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Location: Kirk Jewelers, 960 S. Westlake Blvd, Thousand Oaks, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 25, 2011, a Thousand Oaks resident reported that he was driving in the city of Thousand Oaks when a male subject in a black Nissan pickup truck stopped him. The truck was equipped with red and blue flashing lights, similar to equipment on law enforcement vehicles. The subject was also dressed in clothing and possessed equipment similar to that of an actual law enforcement officer. During the contact, the subject had the victim exit the vehicle so a search could be conducted of the victim’s vehicle. After the search was completed, the victim was allowed to return to his vehicle and drive away. The victim later discovered that two credit cards were missing from his wallet. Therefore, the victim reported the incident to the Thousand Oaks Police Department. Detectives from the East County Major Crimes Unit began an investigation into the incident. Evidence was discovered that one of the victim’s credit cards was used at several locations, from Los Angeles County to Santa Cruz County. Video surveillance was obtained from some of the transactions, which identified Craig Voss as being the person who fraudulently used the victim’s stolen credit card. Voss was later identified by the victim as being the person who stopped him and impersonated a police officer. During a subsequent investigation, Camarillo Police Detectives developed evidence that indicated that Voss had been involved in two residential burglaries and one attempted residential burglary in the Camarillo Springs area. Voss has never been employed as a law enforcement officer. Detectives contacted and later arrested Voss for a variety of criminal charges, including impersonation of a police officer, grand theft, fraudulent use of a credit card and residential burglary. Voss is currently in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail on $20,000.00 bail. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to safeguarding the relationship we have with the communities we serve. We suggest that if a citizen becomes concerned about contact with a law enforcement officer, he or she should ask to see the officer’s department photo identification. If this does not relieve the concern, we suggest calling the appropriate agency to verify the officer’s employment status. Location: Thousand Oaks, CA / Camarillo, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 12, 2011, a resident in the 2700 block of Via Vela reported a residential burglary. The victim reported the crime occurred between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. During the crime two-laptop computers, video games, and money were stolen. Detectives subsequently began an investigation, which led to the arrest of Saul Mendoza and Nicholas Kelley. Both suspects were staying at a residence in the same neighborhood. Several of the stolen items were recovered at the time of arrest. Both Mendoza and Kelley will be booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for burglary. Bail is set at $20,000. The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind all residents not to ignore someone knocking at their door. They may be better served to equip themselves with a phone and acknowledge the persons presence, without opening the door, until they know it is safe to do so. Location: Camarillo |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In the early morning hours on Sunday, 7/17/2011, a patrol deputy observed a red mini pickup turn south on North Montgomery Street without stopping for the stop sign on East Oak Street. The deputy attempted to stop the driver by activating the siren and the overhead emergency lights. The driver failed to stop and accelerated away at a high rate of speed westbound on East Aliso Street, and a brief pursuit ensued. The driver of the pickup attempted to turn right onto East Oak Street, but due to his high rate of speed failed to complete the turn. The pickup left the roadway and collided with a wooden split rail fence that bordered a residential property in the 100 block of East Oak Street. The driver of the pickup failed to stop before he collided with a vehicle that was parked in the driveway, and the vehicle finally came to rest after colliding with the garage door at the residence. The male driver then exited the pickup and fled the scene on foot, with the deputy in foot pursuit. The driver was last seen running into the apartment complex at 307 North Signal Street. A Sheriff’s K-9 Unit assisted and was able to track the driver to an apartment within the complex. At this time, the driver is outstanding and the investigation for this hit & run traffic collision is continuing. Anyone that may have witnessed the collision or has information concerning the identity of the driver is asked to contact the Ojai Police Department. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Location: 100 Block of East Oak Street / Ojai, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On July 16, 2011, Deputies assigned to the Moorpark City Station responded to a report of a burglary at Town Veterinary Medical Center. The victim reported the suspect took drugs, medical equipment and office supplies. Deputies also located video surveillance footage that captured the suspect committing the crime and using his vehicle to remove the stolen property from the scene. Moorpark detectives responded and began an investigation into the burglary. The investigation led to the discovery of the suspect vehicle and the eventual arrest of the driver, Michael Lopez. Located inside the vehicle were several items stolen from the business that included narcotics and medical equipment. Lopez was evaluated and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Lopez was arrested for 459 P.C. – Burglary and 11550(a) H&S – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. Lopez was booked into the Ventura County Pre-trial Detention Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail. Location: Town Veterinary Medical Center, 245 W. Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department In an effort to provide the community with easier access to information and to assist in the often confusing and emotional aspects of civil processes, the Sheriff’s Office has added a Civil Processes link to their public website. The link can be accessed by going to www.VCSD.org and scrolling to the Public Resources tab at the bottom of the page, then clicking on the Civil Processes tab. The Civil Unit of the Sheriff’s Office receives, serves, and executes over 15,000 civil documents annually. The law requires that any civil process brought to the Sheriff for service must be valid on its face, issued by a competent authority, and accompanied by adequate legal instructions. The new link is designed to help assist the public with information on Civil Process Services offered by the Sheriff’s Office. The site contains general information on the types of services offered, the forms needed, applicable fees, links to other self-help resources and frequently asked questions (FAQ) associated with civil processes. Some of the types of processes include evictions, restraining orders and levies. The public is encouraged to use the Sheriff’s website and the Civil Processes link as a resource to assist them with information related to the service and requirements for civil processes. The information contained in the Civil Processes link should not be construed as legal advice. If you have a legal question, please contact an attorney. Location: Court Services Bureau |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 18th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department / Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and FBI arrested Thousand Oaks resident, Tom Keller Nation, age 42, for possessing child pornography. The investigation began in May of 2011, when an undercover detective of The Thousand Oaks Police Department / Internet Crimes Against Children Unit using a publicly available file-sharing program saw that Nation was sharing illegal child pornography. The downloaded images and videos contained visual depictions of actual minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A search warrant was served today at Nation’s residence. Nation’s computer was seized and turned over to the Southern California High Tech Task Force who will conduct a forensic examination of the computer. Nation was arrested without incident at his residence and booked on felony possession of child pornography into the Ventura County Jail. Nation’s bail is set at $50,000. The Thousand Oaks Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Unit has made the investigation of online sexual predators, and those who choose to exchange images of child pornography a top priority, and will continue to aggressively investigate, identify, and prosecute those persons involved in Internet Crimes against Children. Date & Time/ Report: July 13, 2011 / 11-15633 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, July 12th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Ventura County Sheriff’s Explorers along with Chronic Tacos restaurant are teaming up to raise money for Ventura County Sheriff’s Explorer Post #2912. The event benefits the youth in the community who are currently involved in the Law Enforcement Explorer Program. The public is invited to have an enjoyable time dining out while supporting a great cause. Chronic Tacos is donating 15% of each customer purchase made during the fundraiser event to the Explorer Post to help supply equipment, provide field trips, and enable them to prepare for and attend the Law Enforcement Explorer Academy. The mission of the Explorer Program is to educate and involve young men and women, ages 14 to 21 years, in police operations and interest them in the dynamic field of law enforcement. The Explorer Program establishes an awareness of the complexities of police services and broadens an Explorer's firsthand knowledge of the challenges and job skills that make up our communities' police services. Explorers have the opportunity to participate in: Patrol ride-alongs, law enforcement Explorer competitions, and station operations. Sheriff’s Deputies and Explorers will be at the event to provide information or answer questions about the program. Please see attached flyer for details. Location: Chronic Tacos, 6593 Collins Drive #D4, Moorpark |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 11th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 07-09-2011 at 0500 hours, deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Dorchester Street regarding a 911 call of a man with a gun. Deputies arrived on scene and were confronted by a male subject who was armed with a handgun. The subject pointed the gun at the deputies and began advancing on their position. Deputies ordered the subject numerous times to drop the gun and get on the ground. The subject did not comply with the deputies’ orders and continued to advance on their position while still pointing the gun at them. Fearing for their safety and the safety of the residents, the deputies shot the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody and transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital. The suspect is in intensive care and in stable condition. Location: 800 Block of Dorchester Street, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, July 11th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The City of Thousand Oaks has continued to experience thefts from vehicles. Suspects have entered both locked and unlocked cars, primarily targeting purses and other bags that have been left in plain view. Many of the victims have also discovered their stolen credit cards had been fraudulently used by the suspects. Recently, a citizen called and notified the Thousand Oaks Police Department about a driver in a vehicle who appeared to be casing a local parking lot. Though this vehicle was not involved in a crime at this particular location, the alert citizen identified the behavior as suspicious and notified law enforcement. This turned out to be the missing information investigators needed to piece the puzzle together in order to identify Oxnard gang member Fidencio Hernandez as a suspect in these crimes. On June 29, 2011, Thousand Oaks Investigators were assisted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit, California State Parole and Oxnard Code Compliance in serving a search warrant at Hernandez’s south Oxnard residence. Stolen property from Thousand Oaks crimes was located inside the residence and seized as evidence. Cynthia Gonzales and Pablo Gonzales were also at the residence and found to have converted some of the stolen property from Thousand Oaks for their own personal use. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind citizens not to leave purses, bags or other valuables visible in their cars. This continues to act as an invitation for thieves to break a car window in order to steal property. We would also like to continue to encourage citizens to report suspicious activity, as it will often produce a lead that may potentially solve a crime. Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 805-494-TALK . Location: 600 block of W. Guava Street, Oxnard, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department During the last several months, hiking trailhead parking lots across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles Counties have experienced a large number of vehicle burglaries. Hikers would leave for a visit in the local, state and national parks and forest and an unknown suspect would break into the hiker’s vehicle and steal personal items, including purses, credit cards and other valuables. The burglar would then go on a spending spree with the victims’ credit cards at gas stations or retail stores within a couple hours of the crime. Often the crime spree occurred before the victims could contact their credit card companies to cancel the cards. Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Ojai Police Department, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department began working together in a joint task force to identify and stop these crimes. By sharing intelligence, tips and information, detectives were able to piece together enough information to identify a suspect, James Vivan Melton of Oxnard. On June 9, 2011, the task force converged on the 300 block of South G Street in the City of Oxnard. They had a judicial search warrant to investigate inside of Melton’s residence and search one of Melton’s criminal associates. During the searches, Thousand Oaks Detectives located and recovered stolen property from hikers which linked Melton to several of these trailhead crimes in multiple counties. The “Park Burglar” was apprehended by the task force and arrested for several felony charges. The Ventura County District Attorney has filed multiple counts of burglary, possession of stolen property, identity theft, and fraudulent use of an access card against Melton. He is currently in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail on $70,000.00 bail. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to remind citizens not to leave purses, bags or other valuables visible in their cars. This becomes an invitation for thieves to break a car window in order to steal property. We could not have arrested Melton without critical tips from the public. Citizens are also encouraged to report any suspicious activity, as it may lead to the piece of the puzzle that solves the crime. Location: 300 block of South G Street, Oxnard, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Two male juvenile victims were criminally threatened while standing near the intersection of Woodland Avenue and Silverspur Street in the Mira Monte area of the Ojai Valley. The crime was hate-motivated and was identified as a hate crime. Daniel Dockery and Shauna Criner drove up in a vehicle to confront these teenagers. One of the victims is of Hispanic decent. Dockery identified himself as a “Skinhead” and that he hated “Mexicans.” Dockery continued to shout sexual and racial slurs at the victims. Dockery continued to question the victims to determine if they were part of the local Hispanic criminal street gang known as “OSL”, which they are not members. Dockery got out of the car then slapped one of the victims in the face. Dockery claimed to have a handgun in his possession then threatened to shoot the victims in the head if they were still at that location when he returned. Criner escalated the threats urging Dockery to steal their wallets and bicycles. Dockery and Criner drove away then returned within a few minutes. Dockery drove his car towards one of the victims narrowly missing him as an additional final act of intimidation before fleeing the scene. The victims were in fear for their life and immediately reported the attack to a parent. Patrol deputies assigned to the Ojai Valley Station responded and met with the victims. The deputies quickly determined the criminal threats were hate-motivated and started a search of the area. Within the hour, deputies found that the suspects had returned to the nearby Circle K store in their vehicle. Dockery and Criner were arrested for the criminal threats. Xanax and Klonopin prescription drugs were found in the suspects’ car that were not prescribed to either party during the vehicle search incident to arrest. Detective Steve Michalec immediately responded and continued the investigation due to its serious nature. Based on the initial patrol investigation and detective follow-up, this hate-based crime appears to be an isolated crime of opportunity where the suspects and victims did not know each other prior to this incident. Dockery was booked into the County Jail for Penal Code section 422 – Criminal Threats; Penal Code section 422.7 – Hate Crime Enhancement; Penal Code section 242 – Battery; and Health and Safety Code section 11375(b)(2) – Possession of a Controlled Substance. Criner was booked into the County Jail for Penal Code section 422 – Criminal Threats and Health and Safety Code section 11375(b)(2) – Possession of a Controlled Substance. Location: Woodland Avenue and Silverspur Street, Ojai, CA |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department  Verl Darvin Chaney The Thousand Oaks Police Department / Internet Crimes Against Children Unit and FBI arrested Newbury Park resident, Verl Darvin Chaney, age 52, for possessing child pornography. The investigation began in May of 2011, when an undercover detective of The Thousand Oaks Police Department / Internet Crimes Against Children Unit using a publicly available file-sharing program observed that Chaney was electronically sharing illegal child pornography. The downloaded images and videos contained visual depictions of actual minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Date & Time/ Report: June 30, 2011 / Report #11-14647 |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 06/26/2011 at about 3 P.M. the Meiners Oaks Elementary School reported a burglary at their school. A classroom had been broken into and property was stolen from it. The deputy who responded to the call was able to collect evidence pertaining to the burglary including the suspect’s personal cellular phone, which was found inside the classroom he broke into. Surveillance video shows the suspect wearing the red backpack, which he stolen out of the classroom. The suspect was identified through a joint investigation involving station detectives and patrol deputies. On 06/29/2011, deputies went to the suspect’s house where they conducted a probation search and located the stolen red backpack with other stolen property. The suspect was arrested and the stolen property was recovered. Location: Ojai Valley |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, July 6th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 06/25/2011 at about 2100 hours a robbery occurred in the Ojai Valley. Two suspects at a local liquor store met the victim and eventually gave the victim a ride. They drove east on Hwy 150 towards Santa Paula. At some point on Hwy.150, the suspects pulled the vehicle over and the female asked the victim for his wallet. The victim refused to give the female suspect his wallet. The female suspect then pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim. She told him again to give her his wallet and money. The victim then gave the female his wallet. The female suspect then told the victim to get out of the vehicle. Once he was out of the vehicle, the suspects drove away east on Hwy 150 towards Santa Paula. A Good Samaritan gave the victim a ride back to Ojai where he reported the crime. Through the investigation, both suspects were identified. On 06/26/2011, the female suspect was stopped in front of her residence by deputies and arrested for the robbery and being under the influence. On the morning of 06/27/2011, detectives and deputies searched the female suspect’s residence and found the male suspect who was driving the vehicle during the robbery. He was then arrested. Both suspects were booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail without incident. Location: Ojai Valley |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Charged with delaying and obstructing a police officer and auto theft
On Tuesday, June 28th, 2011 at approximately 2:29 PM, Santa Paula Police Department Motor Officer Dan Potter initiated a traffic stop on a 1998 Brown Oldsmobile Brava in the 1000 block of E. Main Street. The driver of the vehicle failed to yield for the red light and continued S/B on Ojai Street to the area of 10th and Harvard where it entered the W/B 126 Freeway. The vehicle exited Palm Ave at a high rate of speed and the driver lost control and crashed into a highway sign and bushes and ended up in a drainage culvert near the W/B 126 on-ramp. The driver and occupants fled the scene on foot. A perimeter was set up by police, detectives and assistance from the California Highway Patrol. A records check of the vehicle revealed it had been stolen out of Ventura, Ca. Within a few minutes a subject was detained by CHP on the south side of the freeway and identified as the driver of the vehicle. Two other suspects who fled from the vehicle have been identified by Officer Potter. Officers inventorying the vehicle located items and property believed to be stolen. During the follow-up investigation the property was found to have been taken in two separate burglaries, one in Carpinteria, Ca and the other from Ventura, Ca. Arrested and charged with delaying and obstructing a police officer and auto theft was Juan Jaime Arias (21 years of Santa Paula). Follow up is being conducted by investigators to determine Aria’s and the two suspects who fled involvement in the burglaries. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Sergeant Cordero at 525-4474x220 or at icordero@spcity.org. Carlos Juarez |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 29, 2011 at approximately 1:30 a.m., deputies conducting regular cell scans found Peter Zepeda unresponsive and not breathing, the victim of an apparent suicide by hanging. Emergency aid was rendered by deputies and jail medical staff. Ventura County Fire personnel and AMR ambulance personnel were summoned. Zepeda was pronounced dead at the jail. Zepeda was arrested and booked on April 1, 2009 by the Santa Paula Police Department for the following charges: Zepeda was found guilty by jury on 9 counts of 211 PC and sentenced on June 23, 2011 to 66 years in State Prison. Zepeda had a psychiatric evaluation after his sentencing and was cleared for housing. Location: Todd Road Jail Facility, Santa Paula |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Celebrating our Independence Day this 4th of July with loved ones and friends is a favorite past time for most of us. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind those celebrating this holiday weekend that possession of illegal fireworks is a crime, and individuals found with these items will be arrested and the fireworks will be confiscated. Illegal fireworks are categorized as both dangerous and safe-and-sane. Dangerous fireworks are best described as any firework that explodes or has the capability of being shot through the air. Safe-and-sane fireworks are all others. Only safe-and-sane fireworks are legal in the City of Fillmore from now through July 5th at noon. Fireworks are illegal in all other areas in Ventura County. Additionally, driving under the influence and discharging a firearm into the air are two very dangerous acts that have also become familiar with this day. Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony punishable by one year in state prison. If you see or hear illegal fireworks, someone discharging a firearm, or driving under the influence, please dial 911. Let’s all enjoy our Independence Day by drinking responsibly, not discharging any weapons into the air, and leaving the fireworks displays throughout our County to the experts. Have a safe and sane 4th of July celebration! Location: Countywide |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 27th, 2011
Ventura County Sheriff's Department The Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Traffic Bureau is investigating a fatal traffic collision that occurred at the intersection of Lynn Road and Via Andrea. Edward Ruiz was riding his motorcycle westbound on Lynn Road. Ruiz’s wife, Lupe Ruiz, was a passenger on the motorcycle. As the Ruiz’s entered the intersection at Via Andrea, Edward lost control of the motorcycle and left the roadway. Edward and Lupe were treated at the scene and then transported by ambulance to Los Robles Hospital. Shortly after arrival at the hospital Edward was pronounced deceased due to injuries he sustained during the collision. Lupe was treated for minor injuries. The cause of the accident is still being investigated. Anyone who may have witnessed this accident is encouraged to call the Thousand Oaks Traffic Bureau at (805) 494-8271 Location: Lynn Road @ Via Andrea |