Ventura County Sheriff's Office

On 10/24/2025, (S) Francisco Martinez, a 34-year-old Piru resident, was arrested for his involvement with several graffiti vandalisms.
Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods. Graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious crimes affecting our communities. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to responding to public concerns in a manner that builds confidence in our agency and strengthens relationships to empower businesses and residents to be the eyes and ears of the community.
At about 9:34 PM, a diligent member of the community called to report a vandalism in progress near the 100 block of Ventura Street in Fillmore. Patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station responded and located the suspect’s vehicle leaving the area. An enforcement stop was conducted on the vehicle and deputies contacted the driver, (S) Francisco Martinez. Martinez had paint on his person and was arrested for the vandalisms.
Martinez’ vehicle was searched incident to arrest and additional evidence linking Martinez to the crimes was located. Martinez was arrested for Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Felony Graffiti Vandalism] and Penal Code § 594.2 – [Possession of Graffiti Tools]. He was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked pending court proceedings.
The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511. Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed. Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below. The reporting party may remain anonymous.
Graffiti Removal
The City of Fillmore removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500, prompt number 4, then 3. Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @fillmoresheriff, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @FILLMOREPD, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 10/27/2025
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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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).
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Nature of Incident: Tagger Arrested
Report Number: 25-137175
Location: 100 block of Ventura St, Fillmore
Date & Time: 10/24/2025, 9:34 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Francisco Martinez Piru 34