Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office

On 07/05/2025, just before midnight, Sheriff’s Dispatch received a 911 text reporting a stabbing at Jackson Camp, which is about two miles past the Punch Bowls in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula.
Due to the remote and rugged terrain, nighttime conditions, and seriousness of the incident, the Aviation Unit was immediately activated. The air response included a flight medic from the Ventura County Fire Department. Ground resources from both the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station and Ventura County Fire Department assembled at a staging location at Thomas Aquinas College while awaiting air transport.
Detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation and Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau also responded to the staging area.

At approximately 1:30 AM, on July 6, the Aviation Unit flew deputies to an area near the Jackson Campground. Deputies hiked through brush and darkness to the campsite, where they quickly located and detained the suspect, identified as (S) Colin Maki, a 35-year-old resident of Los Angeles.

Shortly after, the adult male victim – also from Los Angeles – was located and airlifted by the rescue helicopter to Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), where he received treatment for a single stab wound to the chest.

The Aviation Unit also flew detectives into the campsite to begin their investigation. Preliminary findings revealed Maki had been involved in an altercation with another camper. During the altercation, Maki stabbed the victim with a knife.

Maki was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Penal Code § 245(a)(1)). He was airlifted back to the staging area, evaluated at Santa Paula Hospital for medical clearance, and subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Maki was later released after posting bail.

This incident highlights the collaborative efforts of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department in responding to emergencies in challenging and remote locations.

The Ventura County Aviation Unit is a partnership between the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Ventura County Fire Department. Together the agencies provide staffing to the unit and respond to a variety of missions to include firefighting, search and rescue, medical calls, and law enforcement. The unit is staffed 365 days a year with highly trained Firefighters and Deputy Sheriffs. The Aviation Unit patrols and responds to all cites and areas of Ventura County regardless of which municipal police or fire department has primary jurisdiction.

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: 07/07/2025
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).