Fillmore Man Arrested for Firearms & Narcotics Violations
Photo credit: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Photo credit: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, February 8th, 2024

On January 31, 2024, Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested Martin Torres and Ignacio Ixta Jr. in the City of Oxnard for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations. On February 2, 2024, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony charges against Torres and Ixta in the Ventura County Superior Court.

During the months of December 2023 and January 2024, WC-SEU detectives conducted a firearm and narcotics investigation involving Martin Torres, who resides in the 2700 block of Windcrest Place in Oxnard. Torres is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.

On January 30, 2024, detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Torres, his residence, and any vehicles associated to him.

On January 31, 2024, at approximately 11:58 AM, detectives conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 2000 block of North H Street in Oxnard. The vehicle was driven by Ignacio Ixta Jr. and Torres was a passenger. Detectives detained both subjects pursuant to the warrant and conducted a search. Detectives located a concealed and loaded semi-automatic handgun and narcotics inside the vehicle.

Detectives then served the search warrant at Torres’ residence. Detectives located 3 additional firearms, various types of narcotics, and a large amount of U.S. currency consistent with narcotics sales.

None of the recovered firearms were legally registered to Ixta, Torres, or any of the residents at Torres’ residence. Torres was arrested for various firearm, ammunition, and narcotics sales violations. Ixta was arrested for a violation of possession of a controlled substance with a firearm.

The cases against Torres and Ixta were presented to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. On February 2, 2024, multiple felony firearm, ammunition, and narcotics violations were filed against both suspects in the Ventura County Superior Court. Both remain in-custody with an upcoming court date and $500,000 bail amount.

The investigation is on-going. If you have any information about this case, please contact West County Special Enforcement Unit Detective Austin Whittaker at 805-654-3509.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting West County Patrol Stations with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to violent crimes

Nature of Incident: Firearms and Narcotics Arrests
Report Number: 23-161499 & 24-12957
Location: 2700 block of Windcrest Place, Oxnard
Date & Time: January 31, 2024 @ 11:58 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Torres, Martin Oxnard 43
(S) Ixta, Ignacio Jr. Fillmore 35

Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
Approved by: Captain Sean Britt

 


 
Subject Arrested for Resisting a Peace Officer
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
On Thursday, February 1, approximately at 1:20 p.m., a Fillmore Detective Sergeant responded to a call for subject urinating in public, 300 block Central Avenue. The Sergeant made contact with the subject who became combative and tried to flee the scene. Additional units responded with lights and sirens to assist with the subject. He was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for urinating in public and resisting a peace officer with injury. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Thursday, February 1, approximately at 1:20 p.m., a Fillmore Detective Sergeant responded to a call for subject urinating in public, 300 block Central Avenue. The Sergeant made contact with the subject who became combative and tried to flee the scene. Additional units responded with lights and sirens to assist with the subject. He was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for urinating in public and resisting a peace officer with injury. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Storm Causes Significant Damage to Bridge
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
Old Telegraph Road is now closed between C Street and Grand Avenue while County Public Works assesses possible structural damage to the vehicle bridge. According to Ventura County Public works, “Severe washout under abutments on west end of Bridge No. 487. Emergency O&M response. To be assessed by DAT Team after rain event.” The bridge was closed on Monday, February 5th, at 9:30am, until further notice. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
Old Telegraph Road is now closed between C Street and Grand Avenue while County Public Works assesses possible structural damage to the vehicle bridge. According to Ventura County Public works, “Severe washout under abutments on west end of Bridge No. 487. Emergency O&M response. To be assessed by DAT Team after rain event.” The bridge was closed on Monday, February 5th, at 9:30am, until further notice. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Rainy Day Crash Results in Minor Injuries
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
On Sunday, February 3, at 1:19 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle off the roadway, westbound SR126 at Howe Road. Arriving fire personnel found a solo vehicle into an avocado orchard with a total of four patients. All occupants suffered minor injuries and no ambulance transport was required. According to road safety experts, hydroplaning is most likely at speeds above 35 mph. It’s recommended to slow down as soon as rain starts. Driving 5-10 mph below the speed limit, especially in heavy rain or windy conditions, can significantly reduce the risk. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Sunday, February 3, at 1:19 p.m., Ventura County Fire Department, AMR Paramedics, and California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a reported vehicle off the roadway, westbound SR126 at Howe Road. Arriving fire personnel found a solo vehicle into an avocado orchard with a total of four patients. All occupants suffered minor injuries and no ambulance transport was required. According to road safety experts, hydroplaning is most likely at speeds above 35 mph. It’s recommended to slow down as soon as rain starts. Driving 5-10 mph below the speed limit, especially in heavy rain or windy conditions, can significantly reduce the risk. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Fillmore High Academic Team Wins 24 Decathlon Medals
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
Fillmore High’s Academic Decathlon team finished 3rd Place in the Division 2 Academic Decathlon and earned 24 individual medals competition. The Academic Decathlon is a unique opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete against teams of students countywide. The top Ventura County team participates in the statewide Academic Decathlon competition. A California team then participates in the United States Academic Decathlon which is the premier scholastic competition for students in America from both public and private high schools. The Academic Decathlon consists of ten academic events. This year’s theme was “Technology and Humanity.”
Fillmore High’s Academic Decathlon team finished 3rd Place in the Division 2 Academic Decathlon and earned 24 individual medals competition. The Academic Decathlon is a unique opportunity for high school students in Ventura County to compete against teams of students countywide. The top Ventura County team participates in the statewide Academic Decathlon competition. A California team then participates in the United States Academic Decathlon which is the premier scholastic competition for students in America from both public and private high schools. The Academic Decathlon consists of ten academic events. This year’s theme was “Technology and Humanity.”
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Sheriff's Partner with Project ChildSafe
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, February 8th, 2024

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to promoting firearm safety and helping reduce firearm accidents, thefts, and misuse. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office partnered with Project ChildSafe, which is a comprehensive firearm safety and education program launched in 1999.

Project ChildSafe offers free educational resources to demonstrate the importance of firearm safety and to encourage the promotion and practice of responsible firearm ownership. Project ChildSafe works with law enforcement agencies across the country to provide free firearm safety kits, which include a cable-style gun lock. Project ChildSafe also provides educational material on firearms and suicide prevention, firearms responsibility in the home, and discussing gun safety with kids.
As a strong supporter of gun safety in our communities, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has obtained gun locks and education pamphlets from Project ChildSafe. Gun locks and educational materials are available for free at all police departments within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, which include the cities of Ojai, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, and our Headquarters station in Ventura. Community members in other jurisdictions can contact their local police department and inquire about gun lock availability. Remember, gun safety is everyone’s responsibility. To learn more about Project ChildSafe and the firearm educational materials they provide, please visit their website: https://projectchildsafe.org/about/

Prepared by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Approved by: Assistant Sheriff Jose Rivera
 
Five Flashes Compete in 50th Anniversary All-Star Game
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, five Flashes traveled to Camarillo High School to compete in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West All-Star Game hosted by Ventura County Football Coaches Association for their chance to showcase their skills. The boys played great with the East Team winning (Flashes team) 20 – 23. Pictured (l-r) are Antonio Munoz, Anthony Porter, Joseph Perez, James Chaveste, and David Jimenez. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Full story on page 9.
On Saturday, February 3, 2024, five Flashes traveled to Camarillo High School to compete in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West All-Star Game hosted by Ventura County Football Coaches Association for their chance to showcase their skills. The boys played great with the East Team winning (Flashes team) 20 – 23. Pictured (l-r) are Antonio Munoz, Anthony Porter, Joseph Perez, James Chaveste, and David Jimenez. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola. Full story on page 9.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
On Saturday, February 3rd, five Fillmore Flashes got a chance to play in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West Game at Camarillo as mentioned on page 1. Left is one of our Flashes making the tackle as the player tries to break away. Right is a Flashes receiving a handoff during Saturday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
On Saturday, February 3rd, five Fillmore Flashes got a chance to play in the 50th Anniversary East vs. West Game at Camarillo as mentioned on page 1. Left is one of our Flashes making the tackle as the player tries to break away. Right is a Flashes receiving a handoff during Saturday’s game. Photo credit Crystal Gurrola.
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Courtesy FHS Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, M. Ed.

The Ventura County Football Coaches Association put on the 50th anniversary all-star game on Saturday at Camarillo High School. Seniors from all local high schools were eligible to be nominated for the game and compete in one final showcase of their talents. Five Fillmore Flashes athletes were selected to compete: linebacker and running back David Jimenez (#17), defensive end Anthony Porter (#51), linebacker and running back Joseph Perez (#13), offensive and defensive lineman Antonio Munoz (#77), and defensive back James Chaveste (#29). These five Flashes anchored an East All-Star team on its way to a 23 to 20 victory. A game winning 46-yard field goal by Oak Park’s Will Stryuk was the deciding factor in a close contest.

 
2024 Storm Causes Flooding
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 8th, 2024
On Sunday, February 4, between 5pm and 7pm, Fillmore Fire Department received at least eight flooding calls in the Fillmore city limits. Photo shows flooding at Santa Clara Street and B Street. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
On Sunday, February 4, between 5pm and 7pm, Fillmore Fire Department received at least eight flooding calls in the Fillmore city limits. Photo shows flooding at Santa Clara Street and B Street. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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Stolen Vehicle Recovered, Suspect Evades Arrest
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 1st, 2024
One the morning of Thursday, January 25, Fillmore Patrol deputies were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle from out of the area. The pursuit ended within the vicinity of Sycamore Road near Young Road, with the assistance of multiple department resources, including Copter 3 West County Special Enforcement Unit and Lockwood K-9 unit. Deputies were able to recover the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled into an orchard. He was spotted by workers at a local nursery heading towards Boulder Creek. The search was expanded and lasted several hours; the suspect was not located. Inset, Deputy Bautista and K-9 Sam with the suspect’s Croc shoe located in the area. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident should contact Fillmore PD’s Detective Heersche at 805-524-2233. Photo credit Angel Esquivel Esquivel-AE News.
One the morning of Thursday, January 25, Fillmore Patrol deputies were in pursuit of a stolen vehicle from out of the area. The pursuit ended within the vicinity of Sycamore Road near Young Road, with the assistance of multiple department resources, including Copter 3 West County Special Enforcement Unit and Lockwood K-9 unit. Deputies were able to recover the stolen vehicle as the suspect fled into an orchard. He was spotted by workers at a local nursery heading towards Boulder Creek. The search was expanded and lasted several hours; the suspect was not located. Inset, Deputy Bautista and K-9 Sam with the suspect’s Croc shoe located in the area. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the incident should contact Fillmore PD’s Detective Heersche at 805-524-2233. Photo credit Angel Esquivel Esquivel-AE News.
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Police Request Assistance Identifying Rite Aid Theft Suspects
By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, February 1st, 2024
The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in Organized Retail Thefts from numerous Rite Aid locations throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. On December 29th, 2023, employees from the Fillmore Rite Aid discovered three females and one male had strategically entered the establishment and stole several thousand dollars of high-end skin care products from the shelves. The investigation revealed the same suspects were responsible for numerous similar crimes at Rite Aid establishments located in the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. Attached are the suspect photos. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspects and crimes. https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/?img_index=3; https://www.instagram.com/p/C15OC1RyoFj/?img_index=2.
The Fillmore Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying suspects involved in Organized Retail Thefts from numerous Rite Aid locations throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. On December 29th, 2023, employees from the Fillmore Rite Aid discovered three females and one male had strategically entered the establishment and stole several thousand dollars of high-end skin care products from the shelves. The investigation revealed the same suspects were responsible for numerous similar crimes at Rite Aid establishments located in the cities of Camarillo, Ojai, and Santa Barbara. Attached are the suspect photos. Please call the Fillmore Police Station at 805.524.2233 if you have any information pertaining to these suspects and crimes. https://www.instagram.com/fillmorepd/?img_index=3; https://www.instagram.com/p/C15OC1RyoFj/?img_index=2.
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