Gang Member Arrested for Stabbing
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, July 30th, 2026

On 07/22/2026, 21-year-old Fillmore resident and gang member, (S) Victor Palazuelos, was arrested for stabbing an adult male in the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore back in February 2026.
On 02/06/2026, at about 10:37 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 500 block of Santa Clara Street in Fillmore reference an assault with a deadly weapon.
Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male suffering from a stab wound. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for medical care.
The Fillmore Detective Unit assumed the investigation. Over the course of the next several months, detectives were able to work leads and ultimately identified the suspect as (S) Victor Palazuelos. Palazuelos is currently on probation for a gang-related crime.
On 07/22/2026, during the morning hours and with the assistance of patrol personnel, deputies contacted Palazuelos during a probation search and took him into custody for the stabbing. He was later booked at Pre-Trial Detention Facility for a violation of Penal Code § 245(a)(1) – [Assault with a Deadly Weapon] where he remains in custody pending court proceedings.
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: 07/22/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO
***
Nature of Incident: Gang Member Arrested for Stabbing
Report Number: 26-17115
Location: 500 block of Santa Clara Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/06/2026, 10:37 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Detective Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Adult Male. Fillmore,
(S) Victor Palazeulos, Fillmore, 21
***
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).
 


 
Juvenile Arrested for Sierra High School Arson Had Prior Arson Arrest
Pictured above, the construction material fire located at Fillmore High School that took place on July 4, 2026. A juvenile male has been arrested for arson. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Pictured above, the construction material fire located at Fillmore High School that took place on July 4, 2026. A juvenile male has been arrested for arson. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Thursday, July 30th, 2026
Inset, the scene of the August 2024 arson at the railway tracks where the same juvenile was arrested. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
Inset, the scene of the August 2024 arson at the railway tracks where the same juvenile was arrested. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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On 07/22/2026, a juvenile male was contacted and arrested for his involvement with the Fillmore High School construction fire.
On 07/04/2026, at about 11:42 PM, deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to a mutual aid request with the Fillmore Fire Department at Sierra High School reference a fire to construction material.
Upon arrival, deputies located construction material for the new Fillmore High School gymnasium fully engulfed in flames. The damage caused by the fire was well over $100,000.00.
Over the next week, the Fillmore Detective Unit worked with Fillmore School Resource Deputies and patrol personnel to identify a suspect who was determined to be a juvenile male from Fillmore. During the investigation, surveillance video captured the suspect igniting what is believed to be a dangerous firework just prior to fleeing the area on foot. The firework exploded in the immediate area of the construction equipment and caught it on fire.
On 07/22/2026, during the afternoon hours, the juvenile was contacted and arrested for violations of Penal Code § 451(d) – [Willful & Malicious Burning of Property] and Health & Safety Code § 12677 – [Possession of Dangerous Fireworks]. He was cited and released to his parent/guardian.
This same juvenile was previously arrested in August 2024 along with three other juveniles for their involvement with arson at the Fillmore Historical Museum.
On 07/23/2026, the Fillmore Detective Unit executed a search warrant at the juvenile’s residence located in the 200 block of Santa Clara Avenue. During the warrant service, detectives located additional evidence linking the juvenile to the construction equipment arson, including illegal fireworks.
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: 07/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
Booking Photo Release: NO 1
***
Nature of Incident: Juvenile Arrested for Sierra High School Arson
Report Number: 26-86208
Location: Sierra High School, 615 Shiells Drive, Fillmore
Date & Time: July 4th, 2026, 11:42 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unit, Fillmore School Resource Deputies, Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent, City of Residence, Age
(V) Fillmore Unified School District
(S) Juvenile Male, Fillmore
***
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).
 


 
Truck Crashes Into Parked Trailer
On Thursday, July 23, at 7:22 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of Los Serenos Drive and El Paseo Street. Upon arrival, deputies located a pickup truck that had collided with a parked trailer attached to a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Thursday, July 23, at 7:22 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision at the intersection of Los Serenos Drive and El Paseo Street. Upon arrival, deputies located a pickup truck that had collided with a parked trailer attached to a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the collision is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 30th, 2026
 
2 Car Collision Near El Dorado Estates
On Monday, July 27, at 4:49 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Highway Sr126 and El Dorado Mobile Estates. Arriving deputies located two vehicles with minor injuries reported. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Monday, July 27, at 4:49 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore City Fire were dispatched to a reported traffic collision on Highway Sr126 and El Dorado Mobile Estates. Arriving deputies located two vehicles with minor injuries reported. The cause of the crash is under investigation. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 30th, 2026
 
Car Rollover in SC River Near Piru
On Sunday, July 26, at 11:12 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the Santa Clara River bottom near Torrey Road in Piru. Upon arrival, firefighters located a vehicle that had rolled over with one injured occupant. Firefighters provided medical care at the scene before transporting the patient to a waiting ambulance that was staged off Torrey Road. The patient was then transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Sunday, July 26, at 11:12 p.m., the Ventura County Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and AMR Paramedics were dispatched to a reported traffic collision in the Santa Clara River bottom near Torrey Road in Piru. Upon arrival, firefighters located a vehicle that had rolled over with one injured occupant. Firefighters provided medical care at the scene before transporting the patient to a waiting ambulance that was staged off Torrey Road. The patient was then transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 30th, 2026
 
City of Fillmore Hosts Ribbon Cutting
The City of Fillmore hosted a ribbon cutting for Fillmore’s newest business, Health & Wellness Spa. The ribbon cutting took place on Monday, July 27 at 11am. The spa is located at 329 Central Avenue. They offer facials, men’s cuts & shave, cupping & reflexology, foot massage, and more. Health & Wellness Spa, welcome to Fillmore!
The City of Fillmore hosted a ribbon cutting for Fillmore’s newest business, Health & Wellness Spa. The ribbon cutting took place on Monday, July 27 at 11am. The spa is located at 329 Central Avenue. They offer facials, men’s cuts & shave, cupping & reflexology, foot massage, and more. Health & Wellness Spa, welcome to Fillmore!
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 30th, 2026
 
Car Hits Parked Vehicles, Flips Injuring 3
On Monday, July 20, at approximately 11:37 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported single-vehicle traffic collision at Third Street and Central Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle on its side with three occupants inside. The vehicle had also struck two parked vehicles, causing damage. Due to the number of patients, a second ambulance was requested to assist at the scene. All three occupants were transported to a local hospital. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Monday, July 20, at approximately 11:37 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department, Fillmore City Fire Department, and AMR Paramedics responded to a reported single-vehicle traffic collision at Third Street and Central Avenue. Upon arrival, deputies located a vehicle on its side with three occupants inside. The vehicle had also struck two parked vehicles, causing damage. Due to the number of patients, a second ambulance was requested to assist at the scene. All three occupants were transported to a local hospital. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
 
Fillmore FD Knocks Down Bedroom Fire
On Thursday, July 16, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 800 block of Edison Way. Upon arrival, firefighters observed light smoke coming from a bedroom inside the residence. Crews quickly located the fire and extinguished it, preventing further damage to the home. No injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
On Thursday, July 16, at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Fillmore Police Department and Fillmore City Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire in the 800 block of Edison Way. Upon arrival, firefighters observed light smoke coming from a bedroom inside the residence. Crews quickly located the fire and extinguished it, preventing further damage to the home. No injuries were reported. Photo credit Angel Esquivel.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
 
National Night Out 2026
On Tuesday, August 4, from 5pm to 7pm, the Fillmore community is invited to come out for National Night Out, an annual crime prevention and community-building campaign to promote police- community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0yl-uvZSm/.
On Tuesday, August 4, from 5pm to 7pm, the Fillmore community is invited to come out for National Night Out, an annual crime prevention and community-building campaign to promote police- community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Courtesy https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0yl-uvZSm/.
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By Fillmore Police Department — Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
The Fillmore Police Department Encourages Residents to Participate in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

Fillmore, California – Fillmore neighborhoods are invited to participate in National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to engage in relationship building with deputies, firefighters, and other selected representatives.
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. National Night Out is a community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. Roan Mills Bakery, 7-Eleven, and Fillmore Starbucks has been kind enough to donate snacks and drinks 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 policing is more critical than ever before. It’s important for our residents and students 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 continued community partnership.
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 4th, 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.
Prepared by: Sergeant Jarrod Foote
News Release Date: 07/23/2026
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon
***
Nature of Incident: National Night Out / Touch-a-Truck Event
Location: Fillmore Police Station, 524 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore CA, 93015
Date & Time: August 4th, 2026, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, Ventura County Sheriff’s Swat Team, Ventura County Search and Rescue Team, Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, Fillmore Police Volunteers/Explorers, Ventura County Probation Agency, and McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog.
***
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).
 
St. Francis Reveals Mission Remodel & Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary
Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church held their Centenary Celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The church also revealed its new “California Mission” look, pictured right. The building was dedicated on February 1, 1976. In 1914 Fillmore was a mission of St. Sebastian Parish in Santa Paula, ten miles west of Fillmore. The priests from Santa Paula offered Holy Mass in backyards and classrooms and helped the small but growing number of Catholics raise funds through fiestas, bazaars and raffles. In 1924 they petitioned Bishop John J. Cantwell to supply a priest and church for Fillmore. The bishop had a great concern for the spiritual welfare of his people. Over a period of 30 years, Bishop Cantwell created 50 parishes and missions as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1926, by God’s grace, the tiny church located at the corner of First Street and Central Avenue in Fillmore was one of them, serving the community as a beacon of faith. Numerous baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations and first communions were celebrated there, as well as daily and Sunday Mass for the growing number of the devout. Photo credit Gazette staff.
Saint Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church held their Centenary Celebration on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The church also revealed its new “California Mission” look, pictured right. The building was dedicated on February 1, 1976. In 1914 Fillmore was a mission of St. Sebastian Parish in Santa Paula, ten miles west of Fillmore. The priests from Santa Paula offered Holy Mass in backyards and classrooms and helped the small but growing number of Catholics raise funds through fiestas, bazaars and raffles. In 1924 they petitioned Bishop John J. Cantwell to supply a priest and church for Fillmore. The bishop had a great concern for the spiritual welfare of his people. Over a period of 30 years, Bishop Cantwell created 50 parishes and missions as the seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1926, by God’s grace, the tiny church located at the corner of First Street and Central Avenue in Fillmore was one of them, serving the community as a beacon of faith. Numerous baptisms, weddings, funerals, confirmations and first communions were celebrated there, as well as daily and Sunday Mass for the growing number of the devout. Photo credit Gazette staff.
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By Gazette Staff Writers — Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
 
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