On 04/16/2025, (S) Christopher Garcia, a 22-year-old Fillmore resident, was arrested for his involvement with gang graffiti vandalism.

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.

In mid-March 2025, deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station located new gang-related graffiti in the waterway near Pole Creek and Sespe Avenue. Patrol personnel collaborated with detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and quickly identified the suspect.

On 04/16/2025, at about 6:45 PM, Fillmore patrol personnel located the suspect, Christopher Garcia, in the 300 block of Mountain View Street, which is a couple of blocks from where the vandalism occurred. Deputies arrested Garcia for Penal Code § 594(b)(2)(A) – [Graffiti Vandalism] and 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang]. During the arrest, deputies located additional evidence linking Garcia to the crime. He was later booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to report suspicious people and vehicles immediately 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 on 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 ongoing 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 against 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: 04/17/2025

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).