Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Moorpark Station arrested Nathan Olivares of Fillmore, for Attempted Arson and Possession of a Destructive Device.

The case began at approximately 8:02 AM, on the morning of January 18th when the Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 911 call regarding what was described as an explosion in the backyard of a residence in the 100 Block of Millard Street. Deputies responded to the location and initiated an investigation, which included speaking with several witnesses, as well as the occupants of the home. During their investigation, deputies located evidence indicating that a suspect attempted to ignite the fuel tank of a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of the residence. Deputies also located evidence of an explosive device that ignited in the backyard of the residence.

Over the next several hours, deputies and detectives from the Moorpark Investigations Bureau continued the investigation and identified the suspect as Nathan Olivares, 19 years old of Fillmore. On the morning of January 20th, 2022, detectives located Olivares while he was driving through the city of Moorpark. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the 400 block of West Los Angeles Avenue and arrested Olivares without incident. Once Olivares was in custody, detectives, with the assistance of Investigators from the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad obtained a search warrant for Olivares’ residence. During the service of the warrant, detectives and Bomb Squad Investigators located several additional pieces of evidence linking Olivares to the crime.

Olivares was transported and booked at the Ventura County Jail on two counts of Attempted Arson and a single count of Possession of a Destructive Device. Bail is currently set at $150,000.00.

Nature of Incident: Investigation and Arrest of Suspect for Multiple Arson and Explosive Related Charges
Report Number: 22-7197
Location: 100 Block of Millard Street, Moorpark
Date & Time: January 18th, 2022 at 8:02 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Moorpark Patrol Station
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office - Bomb Squad
S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
S) Olivares, Nathan Fillmore 19
Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Kevin Lynch
Approved by: Captain Victor Fazio

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UPDATE: Monday, January 24, 2022
Released Arson Charges Filed in Backyard Explosion

VENTURA, California – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Nathan James Olivares (DOB 03/27/02), of Fillmore, has been charged with causing an explosion in the backyard of a residence in Moorpark. Investigators also discovered that Olivares had attempted to ignite a vehicle with an explosive device in the same incident. The complaint charges Olivares with felony violations of explosion with intent to injure, attempted arson, possession of a destructive device, and a misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office deputies investigated the crimes and identified Olivares as the suspect. On January 20, 2022, deputies arrested Olivares. Deputies later searched Olivares’ residence and seized additional destructive devices.

Olivares appeared today for arraignment and pled not guilty to the charges. An early disposition conference is scheduled on February 2, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Olivares is currently in custody with bail set at $150,000. A bail review hearing is scheduled on January 26, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 13.

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The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 290 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.