On 09/23/2026, (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, an 18-year-old resident of Santa Paula, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm and a controlled substance. He was arrested for several firearm related offenses.
At about 12:21 AM, patrol deputies from the Sheriff’s Fillmore Station contacted several teenagers and an adult drinking in the 700 block of Aguacate Loop. This is a remote area located in the unincorporated area west of Santa Paula. All the subjects had ties to a Santa Paula criminal street gang. During their initial investigation, patrol deputies located alcohol, a controlled substance, and a loaded handgun inside the vehicle associated with the teenagers.
Further investigation resulted in (S) Efren Bracamontes Jr. being arrested for Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carrying a Loaded Handgun Inside a Vehicle], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm].
The other three teenagers were arrested for alcohol-related offenses.
Bracamontes was later transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked and later released after posting bail.
The Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for Bracamontes’ residence which was served on 10/02/2026, with assistance from the West County Special Enforcement Unit.
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.
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: 10/02/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
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Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Firearm Offenses
Report Number: 26-124964
Location: 700 block of Aguacate Loop, unincorporated Santa Paula
Date & Time: 09/23/2026, 12:21 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Efren Bracamontes Jr, Santa Paula, 18
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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).