On 07/23/2024, two suspects were arrested in Fillmore for Identity Theft and related crimes.

On 07/22/2024, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the 100 Block of B Street in Fillmore reference a mail theft. Residents called to report a community mailbox had been broken into and several people had their mail stolen.

During the nighttime hours, a victim called Sheriff’s Dispatch to report their credit card had been fraudulently used at a local motel. Fillmore patrol deputies responded to the motel and located evidence related to the mail and identity thefts. Additionally, patrol personnel identified a suspect vehicle, and (S) Vanessa Lopez out of Moreno Valley as a person of interest.

On 07/23/2024, during the early morning hours, patrol personnel located the suspect’s vehicle in the 100 block of Surrey Way in Fillmore. Detectives from the Fillmore Bureau of Investigation responded to assist.

At about 0245 hours, Fillmore detectives and patrol deputies contacted and detained Lopez near the suspect vehicle. She was with a male identified as (S) Ryan Araujo from Rialto. During the detention, additional evidence linking both Lopez and Araujo to the mail and identity thefts was discovered.

Ultimately, both Lopez and Araujo were arrested for several offenses including Penal Code § 182(a)(1) – [Conspiracy to Commit a Crime], 530.5(e) – [Mail Theft], 484(g) – [Fraudulent Use of Access Card], and 530.5(c)(3) – [Identity Theft of Ten Victims or More]. Araujo was additionally arrested for Penal Code § 148.9(a) – [Providing False Information to Peace Officer], 529(a)(3) – [False Impersonation of Another], and Health & Safety Code § 11377(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance].

Both Lopez and Araujo were transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility (PTDF) where they were booked for the aforementioned offenses pending court proceedings.

Nature of Incident: Suspects Arrested for Identity Theft
Report Number: 24-90995
Location: 100 Block of B Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 05/28/2024, 12:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Bureau of Investigation, Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC)

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(V) Multiple Residents Fillmore
(S) Vanessa Lopez Moreno Valley 45
(S) Ryan Araujo Rialto 30

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 07/23/2024
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

A 15-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for graffiti vandalism crimes and participating in a criminal street gang within the city of Fillmore.

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.

During the month of July 2024, deputies assigned to the Fillmore Patrol Station conducted a self-initiated investigation in response to a rise in gang-related graffiti vandalism crimes in the City of Fillmore. Deputies were able to identify several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized, coordinated resources and collected evidence to identify a male juvenile responsible for some of the graffiti vandalism crimes. Furthermore, patrol deputies were able to specifically show the graffiti vandalism was perpetrated in furtherance of a local criminal street gang. Patrol deputies sought and obtained a search warrant for the residence where the male juvenile was residing, located in the 900 block of Fourth Street, Fillmore.

On July 19, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives served the search warrant at the male juvenile’s residence. During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the graffiti vandalisms and items further connecting the juvenile to the criminal street gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency will be forwarded the facts and circumstances of this case, alleging the juvenile was in violation of Penal Code § 549(b)(2)(A) – Graffiti Vandalism and Penal Code § 186.22(d) – Participation in a Criminal Street Gang. The Ventura County Probation Agency reviews the case to determine whether a case should be referred to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration or handled informally by the probation agency. The juvenile was released to his mother pending consideration by the Ventura County Probation Agency and District Attorney’s Office.

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 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 and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on X @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

Nature of Incident: Gang-Related Graffiti Vandalism Arrest
Report Number: 24-72893
Location: 900 Block of Fourth Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: July 19th, 2024, at 7:10 A.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services
Fillmore Investigations

Suspect City of Residence Age
Male Juvenile Fillmore 15

Prepared by: Detective Dustin Heershe
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) are excited to announce that a new bus route connecting the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark will start in August.

The Fillmore-Moorpark Route, which will begin service Aug. 1, will provide a direct one-seat ride between the cities of Fillmore and Moorpark using the Highway 23/Grimes Canyon corridor.

The fixed-route service will begin at the Fillmore Terminal, 533 Central Ave. in Fillmore, then proceed to Moorpark. It will make stops at the Moorpark Metrolink station, the Moorpark Marketplace and Moorpark College. The route will connect to eight existing bus routes, including those provided by Valley Express, VCTC, City of Simi Valley Transit, and Moorpark City Transit. The new route will also connect riders to Metrolink and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train service.

The route will operate seven days a week, offering 10 trips on weekdays and five trips on weekends.

Fare information, a schedule and map are available at valleyexpressbus.org/routes/Moorpark.

“The Fillmore to Moorpark Route will provide greater access to employment and education for people living in the Heritage Valley. It will also give visitors another way to come and explore our beautiful city,” said Fillmore Mayor Carrie Broggie, who is also a VCTC commissioner and a member of the Heritage Valley Transit Service Policy Advisory Committee, which oversees Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride.

Moorpark Mayor and VCTC Commissioner Chris Enegren said: “With stops at the Moorpark Marketplace, Moorpark College and Metrolink train station, the new bus route will connect people with an easy, affordable way to go shopping, dine at restaurants and enjoy entertainment locally and beyond Ventura County.”

VCTC Executive Director Martin Erickson said community members have often requested a bus route connecting Fillmore and Moorpark.

“Feedback from riders is an important part of our transit planning process, and we are pleased to be able to offer a new service that directly meets the needs of the community,” Erickson said.
About Valley Express Bus & Dial-A-Ride and VCTC

The Fillmore Police Department Encourages Residents to Participate
in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024.

Fillmore community members are invited to participate in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with deputies, firefighters, and members of various units from the Sheriff’s Office.

National Night Out is an annual crime prevention event and community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie that make our neighborhoods safer all year round. The event will include representatives from several specialized units, including SWAT, K-9 Unit, Bomb Unit, Search and Rescue, Explorers, and Volunteers in Policing. Crumble Cookie and Fillmore Starbucks have been kind enough to donate snacks for this event.

“National Night Out is a great opportunity for local residents to meet and greet different team members assigned to various Sheriff’s Specialized Units for an evening of activities,” said Fillmore Police Chief Eduardo Malagon. “Community partnered policing is more critical than ever before. It’s important for our community members to engage with our team in a positive environment and know that we are truly here to serve them and keep them safe.”

The City of Fillmore, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continuing community partnerships.

The Fillmore Police Department invites the community to come out and ask questions, get crime prevention advice, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Together, we are making communities safer, more caring places to live.

This event will be held at the Fillmore Police Station on Tuesday August 6th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00PM. To learn more about National Night Out in the City of Fillmore, contact Sergeant Jarrod Foote at the Fillmore Police Department, 805-524-2233.

Nature of Incident: National Night Out Event

Location: Fillmore Police Station
524 Sespe Avenue
Fillmore CA, 93015

Date & Time: August 6th, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department/Fillmore Fire Department

Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon

Pictured (l-r) are Rotary President Anna Reilley and guest speakers Danny Golson, John Munoz, Jane Munoz and Ernie Villages. Photo credit Martha Richardson.
Enlarge Photo

At last week’s Rotary Club of Fillmore meeting Ernie Villegas was the main Rotary speaker who spoke about the Los Veterans of Fillmore and Piru Organization. Many in the group were in Vietnam and came home to anything but a positive welcome. Most didn’t tell anyone they were there and never talked about the experience. They kept it all inside which cause some to get into drugs, alcohol and worse. John Munoz said the main reason for the organization is to bring Vets together to share their experiences. John said in the beginning there were only about 12-13 members who came and today there are 70. It is a time to share and realize they are not alone. They need to share their stories and don’t have to keep it inside anymore. Danny Golson is also in American Vets of America and spoke of helping Vets with benefits and direction. Ernie said they meet for lunch once a month and host a dinner dance once a year. He is also the head of the Veteran’s Day Celebration and parade where Vets ride in classic cars and afterwards have a luncheon. Each branch of the service is represented.