On 4/19/2026, patrol deputies contacted and arrested (S) David Chavez for possession of an assault weapon, after vigilant community members called and reported loud and suspicious activity by Chavez.
On 04/19/2026, at about 1:39 AM, patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station contacted (S) David Chavez, a 36-year-old Moorpark resident reference a noise complaint on River Street in Fillmore. A subsequent patrol investigation led to the discovery of an unregistered/serialized, fully automatic, ghost gun concealed inside David’s vehicle. This ghost gun also met the criteria classifying the firearm as an assault weapon. The term “ghost gun,” is used to describe firearms which lack serial numbers or markings. Additionally, ghost guns are illegally transferred without the use of a federal firearms license dealer, which makes the firearms untraceable by law enforcement and are preferred by criminals. The prevalence of these firearms has been on the rise in recent years.
Since David is a felon who has served time in state prison, he was arrested for several felony offenses to include, Penal Code § 29800(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of a Firearm], Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], and Penal Code § 32310(a) – [Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine]. David was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where he was booked without incident. He later posted bail and remains out of custody pending court proceedings.
Following David’s arrest, Fillmore station detectives identified a source for his illegally manufactured assault weapon and another family member likely involved with unlawful firearm activities.
On 05/08/2026, personnel from the Fillmore Detective Unit, Gun Violence Reduction Program, Camarillo SEU, West County SEU, Thousand Oaks SEU, and Moorpark SEU executed search warrants at three locations within the cities of Moorpark and Northridge.
During the warrant service in Northridge, detectives discovered (S) Danis Perdomo concealed a loaded handgun inside his 6-year-old’s school backpack as they exited the residence in an effort to prevent its discovery by law enforcement. Danis was arrested for child endangerment and possession of a stolen firearm. Danis’ wife, (S) Katelyn Perdomo Miller was believed to have knowledge of the handgun inside their child’s backpack and was arrested for child endangerment and conspiracy. Danis and Katelyn were later released pending a case submission and charges being filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The search warrants resulted in the seizure of several illegally possessed firearms, a stolen firearm, illegal assault weapons, illegally manufactured suppressors, hundreds of illegally manufactured swift links, and firearm manufacturing equipment.
A Swift Link is a firearm component for AR-15 rifles that can function as a drop-in auto sear, enabling fully automatic fire when installed, and is legally classified as a machine gun.
Ultimately, (S) Elpidio Chavez was arrested for Penal Code § 32 – [Aider and Abettor] and (S) Joshua Michel was arrested for Penal Code § 27545 – [Unlawful Firearm Transfer], Penal Code § 29810(d)(1) – [Manufacturing Firearms Without a License], Penal Code § 30400(A) – [Sell Unserialized Firearm Parts], Penal Code § 30600(a) – [Manufacturing an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Penal Code § 32625(b) – [Converting a Firearm to a Machinegun], and Penal Code § 33410 – [Possession of a Silencer].
Both Elpidio and Michel were transported and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility where they later posted bail and remain out of custody pending court proceedings.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Gun Violence Reduction Program is an investigative unit funded by a grant from the California Department of Justice. The grant funding supports the efforts of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to reduce gun violence by conducting investigations related to the seizure of firearms and ammunition from persons who are prohibited from possessing them.
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: 05/11/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Illegal Firearm Possession & Manufacturing Operation
Report Number: 26-49806
Location: 17000 block of Vintage Street, Northridge
300 block of Second Street, Moorpark
15000 block of Doris Court, Moorpark
Date & Time: 05/08/2026, 7:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit, Gun Violence Reduction Program, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), West County SEU, Thousand Oaks SEU, Moorpark SEU
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age:
(S) David Chavez, Moorpark, 36
(S) Elpidio Chavez, Moorpark, 46
(S) Joshua Michel, Northridge, 31
(S) Danis Perdomo, Northridge, 25
(S) Katelyn Perdomo Miller, Northridge, 27
***
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).

Memorial Day Service will be held at Bardsdale Cemetery, Monday, May 25th at 11a.m. The public is cordially invited to attend to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026, at 6:30 PM CITY HALL
City Council Final Vote Items:
4. Approval of the Agenda Motioned by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Carrie Broggie - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
8. Consent Calendar Items 8a Through 8e Motioned by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Mario Rodriguez - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
9a. Approval of Introduction of An Ordinance Amending Fillmore Municipal Code Chapter 7.12, “Vendors, Sidewalk Vendors, And Solicitors” To Allow Sidewalk Vendors to Operate Without Obtaining A Permit - Motioned by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Mario Rodriguez - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
9b. Appointment to the Cultural, Arts, And Recreation Commission - Motioned by Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Carrie Broggie - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
9c. Adoption of Plans, Specifications, And Cost Estimate for Project Specification No. 25-12, Catch Basin Retrofit Project, And Authorization to Advertise Construction Bids - Motioned Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Mario Rodriguez - 4 Ayes 1; Absent (Pass).
9d. Approval of Contract Services Agreement For 2026-27 Engineering Consultant Services with David Burkhart - Motioned by Mario Rodriguez, Seconded Christina Villaseño- 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
9e. Approval of The Third Amendment to the Willdan Engineering Services Contract For 2023 City Engineering Services - Motioned by Carrie Broggie, Seconded Christina Villaseño - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
9f. Approval Of The Public Hearing To Consider The Adoption Of Resolutions (26-4108, 26-4109, 26-4110, 26-4111,) Approving The Engineer’s Annual Levy Report For Fiscal Year 2026-27 And Ordering The Annual Levy And Collection Of Assessments For Fiscal Year 2026-27 Within The City Of Fillmore Heritage Valley Landscaping And Lighting District No. 2007-1 And Landscape And The City Of Fillmore Landscaping And Lighting Assessment District No. 02 - Christina Villaseñor, Seconded Carrie Broggie – 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Pass).
***
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PRESENTATIONS
5.A PROCLAIMING BUILDING SAFETY MONTH - MAY 2026 PROCLAIMING BUILDING SAFETY MONTH - MAY 2026
5.B PROCLAIMING PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 15, 2026
PROCLAIMING PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL DAY - MAY 15, 2026
5.C PROCLAIMING PUBLIC WORKS WEEK - MAY 17-23; 2026
PROCLAIMING PUBLIC WORKS WEEK - MAY 17-23; 2026
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
7. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS, RECOMMENDATIONS, COMMENTS, COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, AND BOARD REPORTS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDATION FOR ITEM 8A. THROUGH 8E. IS TO APPROVE BY VOICE VOTE.
8.A APRIL 28, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES APRIL 28, 2026 - REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
8.B APPROVE THE 2026-2027 AGREEMENT WITH THE FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT TO FUND TWO SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS SR - 2026 SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER AGREEMENT(2119774.1)
8.C ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 26-994 GRANTING A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE TO CRIMSON CALIFORNIA PIPELINE, L.P.
SR-CRIMSON PIPELINE ORDINANCE 26-994 (2088059.2).PDF
8.D FILING OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR THE FILLMORE AQUATICS CENTER EXHAUST FANS PROJECT
SR - NOTICE OF COMPLETION FOR AQUATIC CENTER EXHAUST FANS_FINAL.PDF
8.E CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MAY 12, 2026 CITY OF FILLMORE WARRANT REGISTER-MAY 12, 2026.PDF
9. NEW BUSINESS
9.A INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 7.12, & LDQUO;VENDORS, SIDEWALK VENDORS, AND SOLICITORS” TO ALLOW SIDEWALK VENDORS TO OPERATE WITHOUT OBTAINING A PERMIT
SR- ORD 26-996 SIDEWALK VENDORS (2115716.2)
9.B APPOINTMENT TO THE CULTURAL, ARTS, AND RECREATION COMMISSION SR - CAR COMMISSION APPOINTMENT VACANCY
9.C ADOPTION OF PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND COST ESTIMATE FOR PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 25-12, CATCH BASIN RETROFIT PROJECT, AND AUTHORIZATION TO ADVERTISE CONSTRUCTION BIDS
SR - ADOPT AND ADVERTISE CATCH BASIN RETROFIT PROJECT (SN25-12)
9.D APPROVAL OF CONTRACT SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR 2026-27 ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES WITH DAVID BURKHART
SR - APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH DAVID BURKHART 2026-27. FINAL
9.E THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE WILLDAN ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR 2023 CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES
SR - THIRD AMENDMENT TO WILLDAN ENGINEER SERVICES CONTRACT. FINAL
9.F PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S ANNUAL LEVY REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 AND ORDERING THE ANNUAL LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 WITHIN THE CITY OF FILLMORE HERITAGE VALLEY LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 2007-1 AND LANDSCAPE AND THE CITY OF FILLMORE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 02
SR- FILLMORE LLD - PUBLIC HEARING TO LEVY ASSESSMENTS FY 26-27
10. CITY MANAGER
CITY MANAGER VERBAL REPORT
11. CLOSED SESSION
11.A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - THE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A CLOSED SESSION, PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 54956.9(D)(2), BECAUSE THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT EXPOSURE TO LITIGATION IN ONE CASE.  CLOSED SESSION - MAY 12, 2026.PDF
12. ADJOURNMENT
MAYOR ALBERT MENDEZ ADJOURNS TO THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING AT 6:30 P.M. ON TUESDAY MAY 26, 2026, CITY HALL, 250 CENTRAL AVENUE, FILLMORE, CA 93015.

During the month of April 2026, The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Detectives initiated an investigation into a group of individuals targeting Freightliner trucks in the unincorporated area of Ventura County commonly known as El Rio. The suspects would approach the vehicles during nighttime hours, break a window to gain entry, and steal the onboard Common Powertrain Controller (CPC) computers before fleeing the scene. These computers are essential for vehicle operation and cost approximately $3,300 to replace them, leaving victims unable to use their trucks until a replacement is installed and programmed.
Detectives learned that similar crimes had occurred in neighboring jurisdictions of the Oxnard Police Department and the Simi Valley Police Department. Through the investigation, detectives identified the suspects as Lenin Leyva and Ryann McMurtrey of Los Angeles.
On April 29, 2026, Headquarters Detectives located McMurtrey’s 2019 Jaguar in the 1400 block of East Harvard Boulevard in the city of Santa Paula. Detectives coordinated with the Fillmore Police Department and a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. Detectives responded to the scene and conducted a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the recovery of stolen CPC computers. The vehicle was subsequently seized as evidence.
Leyva and McMurtrey were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for violations of Penal Code sections 459 - Burglary, 487(a) - Grand Theft, 594(b)(2) - Vandalism, 182(a)(1) - Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and are being held in lieu of bail. Leyva is also currently on Post Release Community Supervision for a prior burglary conviction out of Los Angeles County.
Prepared by: Sergeant Ryan DeBlauw
News Release Date: April 30th 2026
Approved by: Captain Robert Davidson
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Burglary Suspects Arrested
Report Number: 26-47404, 26-54338
Location: 1400 Block of East Harvard Boulevard, Santa Paula
Date & Time: April 29th 2026, at 0845 Hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Headquarters Investigations, Fillmore Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(S) Lenin Leyva, Los Angeles, 46
(S) Ryann McMurtrey, Los Angeles, 39