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Suspects Arrested for Firearm and Gang-Related Graffiti Crimes
By Gazette Staff Writers — Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
 Photo credit Ventura County Sheriff’s Office On 08/12/2025, a male juvenile along with Axel Martinez and Pedro Lara Jr. were arrested for firearm offenses and their involvement with gang-related graffiti which occurred in the unincorporated area north of Fillmore known as Lookout Point. 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. On 08/12/2025, at approximately 1:50 PM, a diligent member of the community reported graffiti vandalism that was actively occurring at a turnout along Goodenough Road north of Fillmore. The community member was able to provide a vehicle description associated with the suspects. Upon their arrival, deputies were able to confirm a gang-related graffiti vandalism had just occurred. Deputies canvased the area and located a vehicle matching the description provided by the reporting party parked on B Street near Fifth Street. The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, who were later identified as Axel Martinez, Pedro Lara Jr. and a 17-year-old juvenile. All three male subjects are associated to a tagging crew/criminal street gang and were detained pursuant to the investigation. During the detention, deputies located a loaded, semi-automatic handgun concealed in the juvenile’s waistband. Additionally, deputies located spray paint cans and other evidence linking the three suspects to the vandalism. As a result of the on-scene investigation, Axel Martinez was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. Pedro Lara Jr was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 594(b)(1) – [Vandalism Defacing/Damage/Destruction of $400 or More], and Penal Code 272 § – [Contribute to the delinquency of a Minor]. The male juvenile was arrested for violation of Penal Code § 186.22(d) – [Participation in a Criminal Street Gang], Penal Code § 182.5 – [Conspiracy to Commit Crime: Gang Member], Penal Code § 626.9(b) - [Possession of a Firearm in A School Zone], Penal Code § 25400(a)(2) – [Carry Concealed Firearm Upon Person], and Penal Code § 25850(a) – [Carry Loaded Firearm]. Both Lara Jr and Martinez were booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility pending court proceedings, while the juvenile male was lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center. On 08/14/2025, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit and Fillmore Detective Unit obtained a search warrant for the three individuals’ residences located in Fillmore, Piru and Rancho Sespe apartments. At about 2:45 PM, detectives along with Fillmore Patrol personnel executed the search warrant at all three residences. As a result of the search warrants, additional evidence was located linking Martinez, Lara and the juvenile male to the vandalism. 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: Detective Angel Guerrero |
