Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On October 02, 2011, Camarillo deputies responded to a residential burglary in progress in the 2700 block of Magnolia Street in the city of Camarillo. Detectives assigned to the Camarillo Police Station followed up with the case, which resulted in the development of probable cause to arrest Camarillo resident Shawn Deffenbaugh for the burglary. However, several attempts to locate Deffenbaugh were unsuccessful due to the fact he has been avoiding law enforcement ever since the crime occurred.

On October 06, 2011, investigators assigned to the Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail determined Deffenbaugh was hiding at a residence in the 2000 block of Magnolia Street in the city of Camarillo. At approximately 11:45 a.m., patrol deputies, including a canine unit, assisted the Special Enforcement Detail in an effort to locate Deffenbaugh at the Magnolia Street address.

As the deputies made their approach, Deffenbaugh was observed fleeing the area in a parking lot adjacent to the backyard of the residence. The on-scene canine handler immediately confronted Deffenbaugh and ordered him to stop. Deffenbaugh refused to comply and proceeded to run away from the area. A brief foot pursuit ensued and the canine eventually subdued Deffenbaugh.

Deffenbaugh was arrested for residential burglary and resisting arrest. Camarillo detectives continued the investigation and soon determined Deffenbaugh was also responsible for a vehicle theft that occurred on September 28, 2011. Deffenbaugh was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention facility for burglary, vehicle theft, and resisting arrest. Deffenbaugh’s bail is currently set at $65,000.

Report Number: RB# 11-22417
Location: 264 S. Dawson Drive, Camarillo, Ca.
Date & Time: October 06, 2011 @ 1145 hours
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Shawn Deffenbaugh Camarillo 33
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant John J. Gleason
Media Release Date: October 07, 2011
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Scott Norris (805) 388-5100
Approved by: Captain Bruce Macedo

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).

 


 
National Fire Prevention Week October 9 - 15, 2011

Sacramento, CA – Every year in California firefighters respond to residential structure fires that take lives and inflict millions of dollars in damage. From Oct. 9-15, 2011 CAL FIRE is teaming with the National Fire Prevention Association for Fire Prevention Week to educate Californians on the simple steps they can take to help protect their family from fires.

“Too many lives are lost in home fires in California,” said CAL FIRE Director Chief Ken Pimlott.. “Everyone should take steps to help prevent home fires and ensure their family is protected.”

On average, seven people die in residential structure fires every day nationwide. So far in 2011, CAL FIRE and fire departments across the state have responded to over 3,500 residential structure fires, which have resulted in 191 injuries, 32 deaths and $184 million in property loss.

CAL FIRE is taking this opportunity during Fire Prevention Week to remind all Californians of the importance of having working smoke alarms, the advantages of practicing family fire escape drills twice a year, and the benefits of installing home fire sprinklers.

Below are some important fire prevention tips:

SMOKE ALARMS:

· Test smoke alarms once a month

· Replace batteries in all smoke alarms twice a year

· Replace smoke alarms every 10 years

· Smoke Alarm Fact Sheet

EXIT DRILLS:

· Develop a fire escape plan

· Practice family fire drills at least twice a year

· More on “Exit Drills In The Home”

HOME FIRE SPRINKLERS:

· Provides your family extra time to safely escape

· Helps to contain a fire to the room it started in

· Will often extinguish the fire before the fire department arrives

· NFPA Home Fire Sprinklers Fact Sheet

For more fire safety tips, visit the CAL FIRE website at www.fire.ca.gov.

 


 
California Launches Buy It Where You Burn It Campaign

Sacramento, CA – As part of a nationwide effort to encourage the public to buy and burn firewood locally, CAL FIRE and the California Firewood Task Force kicked off a public outreach campaign in September to inform campers, wood cutters, arborists, and the general public about the risks of long-distance movement of firewood.

“Firewood can carry insects and pathogens that may or may not be visible, making it impossible to know if you are transporting an invasive pest from one location to another when moving it, said CAL FIRE’s Don Owen, chair of the California Firewood Task Force. “Once an invasive species is established in a new area, it can do a lot of damage environmentally and economically as the trees in those areas have no natural defenses to fight off pest attack.”

The multi-pronged campaign includes surveying camper knowledge about invasive species and firewood in areas affected by the goldspotted oak borer (an invasive beetle in San Diego County likely brought into the state on firewood), providing firewood posters to campgrounds and parks for posting in public locations, mailing information to industry professionals, and offering educational Frisbees and playing cards to campers as a way to facilitate one on one interaction with campers while also providing them with useful information.

“As we increasingly become a global community, the movement of invasive pests and pathogens is becoming more frequent. Buying and burning wood locally is a simple way to help minimize the chances of spreading invasive species, and it is something everyone can do with little impact,” continued Owen, “The feedback gathered through the surveys will be useful for developing our long-term outreach campaign, helping us insure that we reach out to our audience as effectively as possible.”

Made up of state, federal, and local agencies as well as non-profit organizations, the California Firewood Task Force* was established in November 2010 by the California Forest Pest Council.

For more on the Buy It Where You Burn It campaign visit www.firewood.ca.gov.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9-28-2011, the Sheriff’s East County Narcotic Street Team and the City of Thousand Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit concluded a month long heroin distribution investigation. A person identified as Ronaldo Hernandez was distributing large quantities of heroin from the Los Angeles area into the Conejo Valley. On 9-28-2011, Hernandez was arrested in Sun Valley after he sold heroin to an undercover agent. Hernandez knew the heroin was destined for the Conejo Valley where it would be resold to customers. Hernandez had approximately a quarter kilo of heroin in his vehicle, which has a potential street value of $16,000. Hernandez was booked into the Ventura County Jail for heroin sales and his bail was set at $250,000. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on 9-30-2011.

Report Number: 11-20351
Location: City of Thousand Oaks and Surrounding Communities
Date & Time: 9-28-2011
Unit Responsible: East County Narcotics Street Team - City of Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Ronaldo Hernandez Los Angeles 26
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Robert Thomas
Media Release Date: 9-29-2011
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Robert Thomas (805) 383-8710
robert.thomas@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Dave Murray

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The victim’s berry farm on Wood Rd in Oxnard was targeted for theft on 9/23/2011-9/24/2011. Suspect(s) stole various types of bagged fertilizer from a storage area. The fertilizer products stolen were 25-pound bags of Peters Professional 15-3-25, Peters Professional 10-30-20, Peters Professional 20-10-20, and Plant Marvel “Nutriculture” 0-37-37.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers
Hot Line: 1-800-222-TIPS (Se habla Espanol)
Text: BUSTED plus message to CRIMES (274637)
WebTips: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.com
Or
Detective Dominguez
(805) 477-7029 or (805) 797-6424 For full details

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9-27-11, the Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit responded to multiple calls for service in Ventura County. In addition, they responded to Santa Cruz Island in Santa Barbara County at the request of the Coast Guard for mutual aid.

The calls began early in the day when a medivac was requested in remote Quatal Canyon. An elderly female at a ranch in the canyon was having a medical emergency and Air Squad 9 was requested. The nearest hospital is about two hours away by vehicle. Air Squad 9 responded and transported the victim to the Ventura County Medical Center in about 15 minutes.

Shortly afterward, the Coast Guard called and asked for assistance. They had a vessel that had sunk on the backside of Santa Cruz Island and they were concerned about a fuel leak. Their aircraft was unavailable as were the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department helicopters. Air Squad 9 flew out to the island, located the vessel, and took photos for the Coast Guard so they could assess the scene and evaluate how to clean up the area.

On the way back from Santa Cruz Island, Air Squad 9 was dispatched to an injured mountain biker on “Lizard Rock” in Wildwood Park. They arrived and located the biker on a steep trail. Air Squad 9 was able to hover off load a paramedic and a crew chief in the area. In addition, Ventura County firefighters responded to the area on foot. Together, they tended to the victim’s injuries and prepared him for transport. Air Squad 9 was able to hover near the steep slope so the victim could be loaded in. The victim sustained moderate injuries and was transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center.

Later, Air Squad 9 was called back to Wildwood Park for a hiker with heat exhaustion. At the same time, Copter 6 was launched to a robbery at Chase Bank in Camarillo. Once Air Squad 9 was on scene, Ventura County Firefighters were able to access the victim and walk her out.
Air Squad 9 then flew to Camarillo and relieved Copter 6 at the robbery call. An aerial search was conducted for one hour, but the suspect(s) were not located.

The Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit is the only air resource for public safety in the County. The Sheriff and the Ventura County Fire Department work together to make sure this valuable resource is available and ready to respond to emergencies. The crew members are both Sheriff’s Deputies and Firefighters. All are trained in law enforcement, search and rescue, medivac and firefighting.

Location: Ventura County
Date & Time/ RB#: 9-27-2011 @ 6:15 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura Co. Sheriff’s Office – Aviation/SAR Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Dep. Shane Matthews
Follow-up Contact: Sr. Dep. Shane Matthews (805) 388-4212
Date of Release: 9-27-11
Approved By: Captain Don Aguilar

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Wednesday morning, September 21st, at approximately 11:20 AM, the Ojai Valley Station patrol deputies responded to a call for service reference a suspicious subject in the1200 Block area of Foothill Road. This is the unincorporated area of Ventura County just north of the Ojai city limits. A concerned resident observed a man, later identified as Ryan Torres, loitering near her house. The resident greeted Torres and asked if he lived in the neighborhood. Torres started shouting profanities at her in response to her inquiry. The alert resident also witnessed Torres enter several properties in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of Foothill Road. At one point, Torres was riding a purple BMX style bicycle. Concerned that Torres was casing her neighbors’ properties, she immediately called the Sheriff’s Office to report the suspicious activity.

Ojai Valley Station deputies met with the resident, who pointed out the last place Torres was seen on Foothill Rd. During that conversation, Torres appeared back on the Foothill roadway a short distance away. Deputies detained Torres and quickly identified that he was under the influence of an illicit drug and in possession of possible stolen property. Torres was arrested for misdemeanor charges of Prowling and being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance.

After further investigation with the assistance of the Ojai Station Detectives, deputies were able to determine Torres was in possession of a stolen wallet containing another victim’s identification and credit cards. Detectives later determined Torres stole the wallet from an unlocked car at a location on Lyons Street in downtown Ojai.

Torres was subsequently arrested for an additional charge of Possession of Stolen Property and then booked into the County Jail on all three charges.

Ojai Station Detective Mark Burgess is requesting help from anyone with information regarding several other possible stolen items found in Torres’ possession: The purple BMX style bicycle, a unique handcrafted bracelet, and an old nickel coin. Please contact Detective Burgess directly for follow-up on this case at (805) 646-1414.

As a reminder, this incident highlights the importance of locking your car and residence doors to prevent loss of your valuables.

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).

Location: 1200 Block of Foothill Road, Ojai
Date & Time/ RB#: September 21, 2011 / 8:42 PM Report#11-21455
Unit Responsible: Ojai Valley Patrol Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Torres, Ryan Christopher Oak View 35
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Randy Watkins
Follow-up Contact: Detective Mark Burgess
Date of Release: September 22, 2011
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 8/30/2011, deputies from the Moorpark Police Department responded to a call of a residential burglary in the 12000 Block of James Weak Avenue, in the City of Moorpark. A large amount of property was taken from the residence and a report was generated. Two days later, a vehicle was taken from the same residence. Again, deputies responded and a report was generated.

Several days after the vehicle was taken, it was spotted by deputies, parked and unoccupied in a residential neighborhood in the City of Moorpark. The vehicle was recovered by deputies and processed for evidence. Based on evidence located within the vehicle, detectives conducted an investigation and identified two suspects who were associated with the stolen vehicle. This information was relayed to Moorpark patrol deputies.

On 9/17/2011, Moorpark patrol deputies made a routine traffic stop on a vehicle within the City of Moorpark. Based on information provided by detectives, the deputies recognized the occupants as being associated with the stolen vehicle from the James Weak residence and were arrested. Detectives investigated and located additional evidence linking these suspects with the stolen vehicle, as well as the burglary from the James Weak residence. Detectives also developed evidence associating the suspects with two other residential burglaries that occurred in the City of Simi Valley.

Based on evidence located at the scene, detectives developed sufficient probable cause to arrest a third suspect who assisted the other suspects in the commission of their crimes. During the ensuing investigation, detectives recovered a significant amount of stolen property, estimated to be in excess of $10,000.00 from the three burglarized residences, as well as narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Detectives also located several counterfeit bills and related equipment used in their creation.

The three suspects were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and have been charged with a variety of offenses, including residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of counterfeit currency and possession of stolen property, as well as several narcotics and weapons related charges.

Lonney Hansen was booked in lieu of $60,000.00 bail.
Mishel Pinzon was booked in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.
Fernando Medina was booked in lieu of $105,000.00 bail.

Location: 12000 Block of James Weak Avenue, Moorpark
Date & Time/ RB#: 8/29/2011 5:00 pm
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol and Detective Units
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Hansen, Lonney Simi Valley 48
Pinzon, Mishel Simi Valley 23
Medina, Fernando Simi Valley 19
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Kevin Lynch
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jerardo Gomez (805) 532-2715
Date of Release: 9/21/2011
Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 8/30/2011, deputies from the Moorpark Police Department responded to a call of a residential burglary in the 12000 Block of James Weak Avenue, in the City of Moorpark. A large amount of property was taken from the residence and a report was generated. Two days later, a vehicle was taken from the same residence. Again, deputies responded and a report was generated.

Several days after the vehicle was taken, it was spotted by deputies, parked and unoccupied in a residential neighborhood in the City of Moorpark. The vehicle was recovered by deputies and processed for evidence. Based on evidence located within the vehicle, detectives conducted an investigation and identified two suspects who were associated with the stolen vehicle. This information was relayed to Moorpark patrol deputies.

On 9/17/2011, Moorpark patrol deputies made a routine traffic stop on a vehicle within the City of Moorpark. Based on information provided by detectives, the deputies recognized the occupants as being associated with the stolen vehicle from the James Weak residence and were arrested. Detectives investigated and located additional evidence linking these suspects with the stolen vehicle, as well as the burglary from the James Weak residence. Detectives also developed evidence associating the suspects with two other residential burglaries that occurred in the City of Simi Valley.

Based on evidence located at the scene, detectives developed sufficient probable cause to arrest a third suspect who assisted the other suspects in the commission of their crimes. During the ensuing investigation, detectives recovered a significant amount of stolen property, estimated to be in excess of $10,000.00 from the three burglarized residences, as well as narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia. Detectives also located several counterfeit bills and related equipment used in their creation.

The three suspects were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail and have been charged with a variety of offenses, including residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of counterfeit currency and possession of stolen property, as well as several narcotics and weapons related charges.

Lonney Hansen was booked in lieu of $60,000.00 bail.
Mishel Pinzon was booked in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.
Fernando Medina was booked in lieu of $105,000.00 bail.

Location: 12000 Block of James Weak Avenue, Moorpark
Date & Time/ RB#: 8/29/2011 5:00 pm
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Patrol and Detective Units
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Hansen, Lonney Simi Valley 48
Pinzon, Mishel Simi Valley 23
Medina, Fernando Simi Valley 19
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Kevin Lynch
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jerardo Gomez (805) 532-2715
Date of Release: 9/21/2011
Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 09-19-2011, at about 6:01 A.M., Camarillo patrol units were dispatched to an injury traffic collision on Pleasant Valley Road, ½ mile west of Southfield Road in Camarillo. Patrol units arrived and discovered a two-vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 1997 Toyota Camry, driven by a male adult was eastbound on Pleasant Valley Road when it was broadsided by a 2002 Cadillac sedan as the driver of the Toyota began to pass another car, lost control, and turned in front of the Cadillac traveling in the opposite direction. The collision occurred after the hours of darkness, with limited visibility due to foggy weather conditions.

The impact caused fatal injuries to four of the five occupants in the Toyota. Three were pronounced dead at the scene while a fourth man, whom was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Regional Medical Center, was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The fifth victim in the Toyota is expected to survive and suffered numerous injuries including head injuries. The driver of the Cadillac was transported via ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura. He is currently in the Intensive Care Unit, with a broken foot, broken ribs, and other internal injuries.

The collision is still under investigation. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in the accident. As a result of the accident Pleasant Valley Road was closed for approximately seven hours while the collision was being investigated. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident and has not been contacted by the police is urged to do so by calling (805) 662-6755.

The Ventura County Coroner’s Office will be the responsible agency for releasing information related to the deceased victims.

Location: Pleasant Valley Road, ½ mile west of Southfield Road, Camarillo CA

Date & Time/ RB#: September 19, 2011 at 6:01 A.M. / RB# 2011-21264

Unit Responsible: Camarillo Traffic Investigation Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age

V1 Hispanic Male Adult Oxnard 20’s
V2 Hispanic Male Adult Oxnard 20’s
V3 Hispanic Male Adult Oxnard 20’s
V4 Hispanic Male Adult Oxnard 20’s
V5 Hispanic Male Adult Oxnard 20’s
V6 Kimbell, William Thomas Camarillo 78

Officer Preparing Release: Traffic Sergeant Harold Hanley (805) 388-5132

Follow-up Contact: Senior Deputy John Popp (805) 388-5146

Approved By: Captain Bruce Macedo

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9-17-11, at approximately 8:00 PM, two juveniles called 911 to report that they were lost in Santa Paula Canyon. The Ventura County Fire Department dispatchers called the Sheriff's Office to report the circumstanses to them. The Upper Ojai Search and Rescue Team was activated and responded to the location.

At the time of the call, the boys had cell phone reception and were on the main trail at the bottom of the canyon. They also informed deputies that their hiking companions had gone on ahead of them out of the canyon. Darkness had fallen before they could get out. They were uninjured, but cold and lost.

Upper Ojai SAR members arrived at the trailhead and spoke to two hikers waiting there. As it turns out, they were not the friends that had hiked ahead of the lost juveniles. They too were waiting for a friend that had not returned before darkness fell. The SAR members hiked up the trail calling out to anyone that could hear them. After about ten minutes, they located the two friends that had hiked on ahead of the missing juveniles. They were on the main trail, but could not hike out due to the darkness. They were escorted out to the command post.

As the SAR members continued on they found two more hikers who were lost and stranded due to the darkness. They were also escorted out. After about 45 minutes of hiking, SAR members were able to make voice contact with the original juveniles who were missing. The SAR members discovered that the juveniles had climbed up onto a cliff area when they became scared of possible wild animals. The SAR members climbed up onto the cliff edge approximately 200 feet above the creek bottom to assist the juveniles. Once there they realized they could not get the juveniles down because of the steep terrain, loose rock and darkness. The SAR members called for the Sheriff's Office rescue helicopter.

Copter 9 responded to the location. Using night vision goggles, they were able to hoist down a rescuer to the juveniles. The juveniles were fitted into a rescue device and hoisted off the cliff face. The copter flew them to the command post and dropped them off. It returned and hoisted the remaining SAR members from the cliff.

Copter 9 then conducted a search of the canyon for the last missing hiker. While using the night vision goggles, one crew member saw a faint flicker of light farther up the main canyon. Again, a rescuer was hoisted down. The rescue confirmed that the flicker of light was from the last missing hiker. He had used the ambiant light from his cell phone as a signal device. This hiker had fallen in the darkness and had sustained moderate injuries. He was fitted in a harness and hoisted from the location. He was then flown to a waiting ambulance.

What started out as two lost hikers turned out to be much more than that. In all, four hikers lost hikers were found and escorted out of the canyon. Three more were rescued by Copter 9 bringing the total number of hikers rescued to seven.

The Upper Ojai SAR team is a volenteer rescue team made up of members of the community. They provide a valuable public service at no cost to taxpayers."

Location:
Santa Paula Canyon

Date & Time RB#:
09-17-11 @ 8:00 PM

Unit Responsible:
Ventura County Sheriff Search and Resue Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence
7 Unnamed hikers All Residents of Ventura County

Officer Preparing Release:
Senior Deputy Shane Matthews

Follow-up Contact:
Sergeant Frank Underlin / 805-388-4212

Date of Release:
09-18-11

Approved By:
R.Hindman

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On September 14, 2001, an elderly Spanish-speaking woman was walking along Moorpark Avenue. She was approached by two Spanish speaking Hispanic females that claimed to have a winning lottery ticket. The suspects claimed they were unable to claim the prize and asked for the victim’s assistance. The suspects even offered to share the prize with the victim if she would claim it on their behalf. The suspects then convinced the victim to provide cash and jewelry as collateral against the suspects’ portion of the prize. Once the suspects obtained the victim’s property, they fled the scene.

The victim indicated that both suspects were Hispanic females. They were both about 5’3” to 5’6” tall and about 30 years old. Distinguishing features regarding the suspects included that S-1 had a noticeably light complexion and S-2 had a round shaped face.

Scams such as these prey upon people’s desire to “get rich quick.” Unfortunately, we have seen several similar scams that tend to target people of Hispanic descent. The Moorpark Police Department encourages the public to be careful about the choices they make, especially when presented with any sort of situation that “appears too good to be true.”

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).

Location: 100 block of Moorpark Avenue, Moorpark, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: September 14, 2011 @ 11:40 am / 11-20901
Unit Responsible: Moorpark Police Department Investigations Unit
(V)ictim, (S)uspects: City of Residence Age
(S-1) Hispanic Female Unknown 30
(S-2) Hispanic Female Unknown 30
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Jeff Miller
Follow-up Contact: Detective Kevin Lynch / (805) 532-2714
Date of Release: September 15, 2011
Approved By: Captain Ron Nelson

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9/8/2011, the Thousand Police Department received an anonymous tip that explosives and narcotics were possibly being sold out of a residence in the 100 block of Maple Road in the City of Thousand Oaks. Within the same day, the T.O.P.D. Special Enforcement Unit discovered that Francisco (Frankie) Herrera was involved. Herrera also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

The Special Enforcement Unit contacted Herrera outside of his residence and took him into custody for the warrant. During a probation search of the residence, large quantities of dangerous, illegal fireworks were discovered in the garage. Herrera was arrested and booked for possessing the illegal fireworks, HS 12305 / Felony Possession of an Explosive Device.

Location: 100 Block of Maple Road, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time/ RB#: September 8, 2011, 7:10 p.m. / 11-20464
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department – Special Enforcement Unit
(A) Arrestee City of Residence Age
Francisco Rene Herrera Thousand Oaks 26 yrs
Officer Preparing Release: Detective. L. Oriee, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit
Follow-up Contact: Detective Richard LaSecla (805) 371-8335
Date of Release: September 9, 2011
Approved By: Captain Bill Ayub

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Wednesday evening September 7, Ojai Valley Station patrol deputies responded to a call for service reference an in-progress domestic disturbance and arson. An unknown male and female stopped their car in a turn-out adjacent to the Wiggy Ranch in the 5900 block of Casitas Pass Road. The couple was arguing when nearby residents checked on the disturbance. The female drove away towards Carpenteria in a brown Toyota sedan (possible Camry) and left the male near the entrance to the ranch. The male was contacted by local residents due to the disturbance.

The male then walked westbound on Casitas Pass Road towards the nearby Santa Barbara County line. Additional witnesses further observed the male lighting several fires in the 5000 block of Casitas Pass Road just after the domestic disturbance. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male in his 30’s, 6’0”, blonde or red hair, wearing a white t-shirt and dark shorts.

Ojai Valley Station deputies, Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers arrived to search for the suspect. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office helicopter also supported the search. Witnesses last saw the suspect in the 7000 block of Gobernador Road. The search was called off after an extensive ground and air search for the suspect.

Firefighters responded and extinguished the small fires. A Ventura County Sheriff’s Arson Investigator responded to the scene. The cause of the fires was determined to be arson related.

On Thursday morning, deputies from the Ojai Valley Station returned to the 7000 block of Gobernador Road to search the immediate area for suspect and additional evidence during the daylight hours. This is an on-going investigation and the Ojai Valley Station detectives request that anyone with information regarding this case call their office at (805) 646-1414.

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).

Location: 5000 Block of Casitas Pass Road, Ojai Area
Date & Time/ RB#: September 7, 2011 / 8:42 p.m. RB # 11-20396
Unit Responsible: Ojai Valley Patrol Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) Unknown
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Randy Watkins
Follow-up Contact: Detective Steve Michalec
Date of Release: September 8, 2011
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9-3-11, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted 51 compliance checks of registered sex offenders as part of the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE) grant. Section 290 of the California Penal Code requires persons convicted of specified sexual assault crimes to register with the agency where they reside.

44 of the 51 registered sex offenders were in compliance with their registration requirement. Seven of the registrants were not home and detectives will follow-up to determine if the registrants have moved or are out-of-compliance. During the compliance checks, two adult males were arrested for unrelated charges.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps randomly throughout the county to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residence along with conducting probation and/or parole searches of registered sex offenders who are on probation and/or parole.

Location: Unincorporated areas of Oxnard and Ventura
Date & Time/ RB#: 9-3-2011
Unit Responsible: Headquarters Stations, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, and Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Ian Laughlin
Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Ian Laughlin (805) 477-7000
Date of Release: 9-6-11
Approved By: Captain Brent Kerr

 

On Monday, September 05, 2011, at approximately 5:13 p.m. uniformed police officers responded to a report of a man with a gun/possible armed robbery in progress in the area of the 300 blk. of Sycamore St.

Officers arriving in the area observed the suspect driving a vehicle. Officers followed the vehicle to the area of Santa Paula St. and Ojai Rd. where a “High Risk” stop was conducted. The driver and a female passenger were detained. The driver was identified as Jaime Aguiniga, 34 years of age, and a resident of Santa Paula. The passenger was identified as Gladis Ambriz, 23 years of age, and a resident of Oxnard. Located in the vehicle was a replica semi-automatic pistol and a substantial quantity of methamphetamine.

Further investigation revealed Aguiniga committed multiple crimes. He was arrested for the following charges:
Assault with a Deadly Weapon,
Brandishing a Replica Firearm,
Child Endangerment,
Attempted Carjacking,
Criminal Threats,
Possession and Transportation of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Sales.

Ambriz was arrested for tampering with evidence, and being an accessory to Aguiniga’s crimes. Both subjects were lodged at the Ventura County Jail. Anyone who witnessed this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department at (805) 525-4474

Ryan Smith # 1021
Police Sergeant

 

On 08-27-11, Thousand Oaks Police Department sent patrol deputies to a 911 call of female victim screaming for help and possible gunshots being fired. Upon arrival, deputies contacted suspect Luis Lopez and his girlfriend. An investigation determined that Lopez had battered his girlfriend, causing injury. In addition, Lopez used a handgun and fired it into the air in an attempt to scare his girlfriend. No one was struck by the gunshot. Lopez was arrested for domestic battery and the discharge of the firearm.
He is currently in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail on $70,000.00 bail.

Location: 400 block of Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: August 27th, 2011 / 11-19443
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
Arrestee City of Residence Age
Luis Daniel Lopez Thousand Oaks 18
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Matthew Young
Follow-up Contact: Detective Matthew Young (805) 494-8227/ (805) 947-8282
Date of Release: September 2, 2011
Approved By: Captain Tim Hagel

 

Sacramento, CA – To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, California will join the nation in remembering those who lost their lives. Starting at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 on the West Steps of the Capitol, firefighters, police officers and members of the military will gather to pay tribute to those who were killed in the terrorist attacks in 2001. The public, and all firefighters, peace officers and military members are invited to join public safety and military members during the remembrance vigil.

At exactly 5:46 a.m. a moment of silence will be observed to mark the time the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Immediately following, the crowd will be ushered to one of three memorial sites on the Capitol grounds. Law enforcement officers will head to the Peace Officers Memorial at 10th St and Capitol Avenue, where the CHP and CalEMA will host the reading of the law enforcement officer's names. Firefighters and military servicemembers will head to Capitol Park and their respective memorial locations, where CAL FIRE will host the reading of the firefighter's names and the California National Guard and Veteran's Affairs will host the reading of the names of those killed at the Pentagon.

Between the three memorial locations, all 3,014 names of those who died in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, or who were aboard American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Airlines Flight 93 will be read.

The event is being organized by CAL FIRE, CHP, California National Guard, California Veteran’s Affairs and CalEMA, with assistance from many other employee, local government and private groups.

WHO: California public safety agencies and members of the military

WHEN: 5:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011

WHERE: West Steps of the State Capitol

WHAT: Remembrance event and reading of the names of the men and women who died in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

NOTE: 10th Street between N and L will be closed to traffic from 5:15 to 6:15 a.m.

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 9-5-11, at approximately 1445 hours, the Coast Guard called the Ventura County Fire Department with an emergency call. They advised the dive boat “Spectre” had a passenger on board with a serious medical emergency and that their crew was performing C.P.R. on the victim. The Coast Guard helicopter had an extended response time and they requested Ventura County air rescue resources.

The Ventura County Fire Department dispatched the Sheriff’s Office rescue helicopter Air Squad 9 to the location. Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 crewmembers discovered the Spectre approximately five miles off the coast of Anacapa Island. They were able to fly over the moving dive boat and hoisted down rescuers to the deck.

The victim was secured and moved to the stern of the vessel. Air Squad 9 crewmembers hoisted the victim from the boat into the helicopter and rescuers provided medical treatment to the victim.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where his care was transferred to awaiting hospital staff. Despite efforts, the victim passed away at the hospital.

Location: Near Anacapa Island, Ventura County, CA
Date & Time: 9-5-11 / 2:45 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit – Search & Rescue
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(V) Binion, Vernon Santa Barbara, CA 63
Officer Preparing Release: Sr. Deputy Shane Matthews
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Frank Underlin (805) 388-4212
Date of Release: 9-5-11
Approved By: Captain Dave Murray

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Ojai Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting an open house for the public on Saturday September 24th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The open house is a perfect opportunity to learn more about your local police services. We especially encourage parents to bring their young children to meet McGruff, the Crime Fighting Dog, and our talking robot.

Representatives from our Ojai Valley Station and other specialized units will be on hand to answer questions and display their unique equipment. These specialized teams include SWAT, K-9, Mounted Horse Patrol, Bomb Squad, Search & Rescue, Crime Scene Investigations, Bicycle Patrol, and Volunteers in Policing. We will also have on display several patrol vehicles, an inmate transportation bus, and a mobile command post.

The open house is free to the public and refreshments will be available at the station. There will be plenty of great photo opportunities and recommend you bring a camera. For additional information, please contact Sergeants Steve Arthur or Randy Watkins at (805) 646-1414.

Location: 402 South Ventura Street, Ojai, CA 93023
Date & Time/ RB#: Saturday, September 24, 2011, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Ojai Police Department
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Randy Watkins
Follow-up Contact: Sergeants Steve Arthur and Randy Watkins
Date of Release: September 3, 2011
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn