Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested three suspects for attempted murder after investigating a shooting that occurred last Sunday, March 21, 2010, in the community of Saticoy. The three are believed to belong to a local street gang.

On Sunday night, at about 10:30 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a call of a shooting victim in the 11000 block of Aster. When they arrived, they found a male victim suffering from a laceration to his ear. An investigation by the deputies found that as the victim and his girlfriend were sitting in a car, three or four males approached them. One of the males threw a rock through the driver’s window striking the victim in the head. Another male retrieved a handgun from his waist and fired two rounds into the car. One of the bullets struck the metal window pillar where the victim was seated. Neither round struck the victim. The male victim was transported to a local hospital where he received several stitches. The female passenger was unhurt.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit took over the investigation and was able to identify 25-year-old Christopher Cervantez as a possible suspect. They obtained a search warrant for Cervantez’ residence in the 11000 block of Violeta, Saticoy. On Wednesday, March 24, 2010, gang investigators served the search warrant at Cervantez’ residence. During the service of the search warrant, investigators contacted Cervantez and arrested him for attempted murder. A 17-year-old male was also at the residence during the search warrant and was detained for narcotic related offenses. During the investigation, the 17-year-old male was identified as a second suspect in the shooting and was arrested.

By Thursday morning, gang investigators had obtained enough evidence to link 20-year-old Jose Puga to the shooting. Puga had been arrested and booked into jail a day earlier by gang investigators after a routine stop found he was under the influence of methamphetamine. Puga was still in custody on Thursday morning. Gang investigators arrested Puga on the additional charge of attempted murder.

Cervantes remains in custody on $505,000 bail. Puga remains in custody on $525,000 bail. The 17-year-old male remains in juvenile hall without bail.

Gang investigators will continue to investigate the shooting in an attempt to locate the firearm used in the crime and to determine if a fourth suspect was involved.

RB#: 10-6880
Location: 11000 Block Aster Street, Saticoy
Date & Time: 3-21-10 / 10:30 p.m.

Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit

(S)uspects Charge City of residence Age
1) Christopher Cervantez Attempted Murder Saticoy 25
2) Jose Puga Attempted Murder Saticoy 20
3) Male Juvenile Attempted Murder Saticoy 17

Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Schierman

Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Schierman 654-2856

Date of Release: 3-25-2010