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

On the morning of 12-29-10, at about 10:25 a.m., a Chase Bank employee reported that a man entered the business and was attempting to pass a fraudulent check. The bank refused to cash the check due to the suspicious nature of the check. The man began to argue with the bank manager and Thousand Oaks patrol deputies arrived moments later. Deputies subsequently contacted Michael Cho, the person who had attempted to pass the check in the bank. They also contacted Erick Palafox, who was waiting in a vehicle for Michael Cho. While at the location, Il Jae ran away from Palafox’s vehicle as deputies conducted their investigation. Deputies chased Il Jae and detained him.

During the investigation, deputies learned there were non-sufficient funds in the bank account to cover the check presented by Michael Cho. In addition, several other items related to this crime were found in the suspect’s vehicle.

Deputies arrested Michael Cho, Il Jae, and Erick Palafox for conspiracy to commit the crime of burglary and passing a non-sufficient funds check. In addition, Il Jae was arrested for resisting arrest. The three men were booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Location: 400 block of Reino Road, Newbury Park, CA
Date & Time/ RB#: 12-29-10/10:25 a.m./10-31313
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks PD Forgery/Fraud Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Chase Bank Newbury Park, CA
(S) Michael Cho Los Angeles, CA 27
(S) Il Jae Los Angeles, CA 56
(S) Erick Palafox Lynwood, CA 25
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Ed Ilano
Follow-up Contact: Detective Ed Ilano (805) 494-8231
Date of Release: December 30, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

 


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

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind those celebrating New Years Eve that firing a gun in celebration is a felony. Discharging a firearm into the air is a felony punishable by one year in state prison. Researchers report that a bullet fired into the air can climb two miles into the air and remain in flight for more than a minute. As it falls, the bullet reaches a velocity of 300 to 700 feet per second. A velocity of only 200 feet per second is sufficient to penetrate the human skull. Shooters will be prosecuted for negligent discharge of a firearm. If you see or hear shots being fired dial 911immediately.

Date & Time: December 29, 2010
Unit Involved: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Ojai Police Department
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Maureen Hookstra
Follow-up Contact: Sgt. Maureen Hookstra (805) 646-1414
Approved By: Captain Chris Dunn

 


 
Shootout ended in hail of bullets, diamonds

Written By Laurel J. Sweet, O’Ryan Johnson and Christine Mcconville

When a career cop on the verge of retirement crossed paths with a paroled thug aiming to restart his criminal career at Kohl’s jewelry counter Sunday night in Woburn, it ended with splatters of blood, scattered diamonds and two men dead in the wind-driven snow.

It was the first and last time in 34 years of public service that Woburn police officer John “Jack” Maguire, 60, a married father, had fired his gun on the job. He planned to retire in October.

Shooting, heists were already on con’s rap sheet

“It was like the Wild West,” Woburn Police Chief Philip Mahoney said, his voice cracking as he fought to maintain his composure. “We do not have shootings in Woburn. We do not have that kind of community. Officer Maguire lost his life defending it.”

The town’s post-Christmas... http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20101228chief_woburn_cop_...

 

The swearing in of Sheriff-elect Geoff Dean as the 19th Sheriff of Ventura County will take place on Monday, January 3, 11:45 am. The ceremony will be held in the Board of Supervisors' hearing room at the County Government Center. The Sheriff-elect will be sworn in by our County Clerk Mark Lunn. Following his swearing in, he will swear in his two new Assistant Sheriffs, Gary Pentis and John Crombach.

 
Dr. Barry Lefkovitch, 56, Thousand Oaks, CA.
Dr. Barry Lefkovitch, 56, Thousand Oaks, CA.

A Thousand Oaks doctor was arrested at his home Wednesday morning for sexually assaulting one of his patients during a recent appointment at his medical practice.

Detectives arrested Dr. Barry Lefkovitch, 56, at his home in the North Ranch area of Thousand Oaks after an investigation revealed he had assaulted one of his patients during a routine visit at his medical practice on Dec. 13, 2010.

Investigators with the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit and the Medical Board of California executed search warrants at Lefkovitch’s home and medical offices Wednesday morning.

Lefkovitch’s medical practice is part of the Arroyo Oaks Medical Group, which is located at the corner of Lynn Road and Janss Road in Thousand Oaks. He has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years.

Lefkovitch was booked at the East County Jail on two counts of forced sexual penetration and one count of sexual battery. Lefkovitch is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Investigators are concerned there may be other patients who have been victims of similar acts by Dr. Lefkovitch and encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Jason Robarts at (805)494-8229.

Location: 2200 block of Lynn Road, Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: Dec. 13, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m. / 10-30089
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Sexual Assault Unit / Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit / Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit / Medical Board of California
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow
Follow-up Contact: Detective Jason Robarts (805)494-8229 / (805)947-6532
Date of Release: Dec. 23, 2010
Approved By: Capt. Bruce Watlington

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

The Ventura County Emergency Planning Council honored seven organizations and one individual for their contribution to emergency services in 2010 on Thursday, December 16, 2010. The presentation of awards was held before a group of fifty individuals representing local fire departments, law enforcement agencies, non-profit and volunteer organizations, schools, military, special districts, cities and county agencies.

The following is a list of the 2010 Emergency Planning Council Award recipients:

 Best Emergency Preparedness Public Information Campaign – Ventura County Emergency Planning Council Public Information and Education Committee for promoting the 2010 Great California ShakeOut
o Award accepted by Lysa Urban, City of Ventura

 Best Emergency Preparedness Drill / Exercise – Naval Base Ventura County for the Air Show Mishap Drill
o Award accepted by Captain James McHugh, Naval Base Ventura County

 Best Emergency Preparedness Plan – Ventura County Emergency Coordinators Council for the 2010 Ventura County Hazard Mitigation Plan
o Award accepted by Gil Zavlodaver, Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services

 Best Emergency Preparedness Training – Ventura County Health Care Agency for the Nuclear Point Symposium
o Award accepted by Kelley Friedland, Ventura County Health Care Agency

 Best Emergency Implementation / Enhancement – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services Grant Unit for the implementation of the Oxnard/Thousand Oaks Urban Area Security Initiative Grant Program
o Award accepted by Susan Duenas, Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services

 Best Emergency Community Program – Ventura County Emergency Medical Services for the new trauma plan and designation of two trauma hospitals
o Award accepted by Steve Carroll, Ventura County EMS Agency

 Best Emergency Volunteer Program – American Red Cross of Ventura County
o Award accepted by Ava Avedissian, American Red Cross

 Disaster Service Worker Achievement Award – Marty Robinson, Ventura County Executive Officer

The Emergency Planning Council presents the awards annually to acknowledge the support, dedication and commitment of local organizations to disaster preparedness, response and recovery in Ventura County.

For more information on the Ventura County Emergency Planning Council or 2010 Awards Presentation, please contact Laura Hernandez at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at 805-654-2552 or via email at laura.hernandez@ventura.org.

Date & Time: December 16, 2009 11:30 AM
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services
Administrator Preparing Release: Cynthia Elliott, Program Administrator (805) 654-3655
Follow-up Contact: Laura Hernandez, OES Assistant Director (805) 654-2552
Approved by: Captain Dave Murray
Date of Release: December 17, 2010

 
Fernando Luis Ortega, Thousand Oaks Resident, 39
Fernando Luis Ortega, Thousand Oaks Resident, 39

Over the last several months, soiled female undergarments were being found in a ravine at Wildwood Park. The garments were left on the same rock or in the same location on a daily basis. During a recent surveillance of the area, the Thousand Oaks Sexual Assault Unit arrested Thousand Oaks resident Fernando Ortega after he was seen leaving the area where the garments were located. A check of the area after Ortega left revealed that items had just been arranged on the rock. Ortega admitted he had been leaving the items at the location and that he was committing sexual acts with the dirty undergarments.

The Thousand Oaks Sexual Assault Unit is concerned that the clothing Ortega possessed could have been stolen from laundry rooms, laundromats, or during residential burglaries. If anyone suspects they could have been a victim of the thefts, please contact the Thousand Oaks Sexual Unit at the listed number.

Location: Wildwood Park- Avenida De Los Arboles / Big Sky Drive, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 12-14-10/ 0700
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Sexual Assault Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
Ortega, Fernando Luis Thousand Oaks Resident 39
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt. Barbara Payton
Follow-up Contact: Detective Greg Tougas/ 805-371-8397
Date of Release: 12-17-10
Approved By: Capt. Watlington

 
John Steven Atkinson
John Steven Atkinson

Ventura County Deputy Sheriff Traci Salmon was violently attacked Friday morning after responding to a 911 hang-up call in the 4900 block of Casitas Pass Road. When Deputy Salmon arrived at the location, the circumstances of what prompted the 911 call were unknown. The Sheriff’s Communications Center attempted to obtain further details by calling back to the residence, but could not get information from anyone inside.

When Deputy Salmon approached the front door she was immediately attacked by 32-year-old John Steven Atkinson and a very violent struggle ensued. Atkinson assaulted Deputy Salmon and was able to gain control of her Taser. Atkinson then tazed Deputy Salmon in the upper body. Deputy Salmon fired her service weapon striking Atkinson in the lower extremity. Atkinson continued fighting with Deputy Salmon until she eventually was able to withdraw from the residence and call for backup. Atkinson armed himself with a firearm and remained inside the residence as additional deputies and other law enforcement officers arrived.

The incident came to an end at approximately 11:30 am when Atkinson exited the residence and surrendered. Other adults inside the residence were uninjured.

The incident prompted a multi-agency response that included the California Department of Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department and Ventura Police Department. The Ventura County Sheriff’s response included personnel from the Air Unit, SWAT Team, Negotiations Unit,
Major Crimes Bureau, CSI, Patrol, as well as other investigators and tactical units.

Deputy Salmon, 31, has been employed as a deputy sheriff for five years and previously served in Iraq as a member of the United States Army. She was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Deputy Salmon was later released.

Steven Atkinson was arrested and transported to VCMC where he was treated for his injuries. Atkinson was later released from the hospital and booked into the Ventura County Jail for Attempted Murder on a Peace Officer and the Taking of a Peace Officer’s Weapon. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.00. The Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau is investigating the incident.

Date & Time: December 10, 2010 @ approximately 10:00 a.m.
Location: 4900 block of Casitas Pass Road, Ojai Valley
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
(S) John Steven Atkinson Ojai 32
Officer Preparing Release: Captain Rick Barrios
Follow-up Contact: Captain Ross Bonfiglio (805) 654-2417
vcsd.media@ventura.org
Approved By: R.Hindman
Date of Release: December 11, 2010

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

A vehicle driven by the male and female adult victims was traveling westbound on E. Janss Road approaching the stop sign at El Monte Drive. (S-1) Roman Munoz ran into the street waving at the vehicle to stop, while one hand was in his jacket pocket simulating a weapon. The male driver put his window down and (S-1) Munoz said he needed help. (S-1) Munoz then reached into the vehicle and opened the driver’s side door and demanded the male driver to get out of the vehicle. At this point, the female adult passenger saw (S-2) Miguel Yerena running toward the passenger side of the vehicle. The female passenger quickly put up her window as the male driver sped away fearing for his safety and the safety of his passenger.

Both victims reported the incident to the Thousand Oaks Police Department. Within minutes of reporting the carjacking, patrol deputies located (S-1) Munoz and (S-2) Yerena walking on E. Janss Road near the 23 Freeway. After being identified by the victims, both (S-1) Munoz and (S-2) Yerena were arrested and booked into custody. (S-1) Munoz and (S-2) Yerena were booked for 215(a) P.C. / carjacking and 186.22(a) P.C. / street terrorism, because (S-1) Munoz and (S-2) Yerena are associated with a local gang in Thousand Oaks.

Location: E. Janss Road @ El Monte, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360
Date & Time/ RB#: December 5, 2010 @ 11:52 p.m. / 10-29424
Unit Responsible: East County Sheriff’s Major Crimes
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Male adult / Driver Thousand Oaks, CA 25
(V) Female adult / Passenger Oak Park, CA 22
(S-1) Roman Munoz Thousand Oaks, CA 19
(S-2) Miguel Yerena Thousand Oaks, CA 18
Officer Preparing Release / Follow-up Contact: Detective Jon R. Smith (805) 494-8216
Date of Release: December 7, 2010
Approved By: Capt. Bruce Watlington

 
Award is California’s Highest Public Servant Honor
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger
California State Governor

Sacramento – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today awarded the distinguished Governor’s Medal of Valor to 17 CAL FIRE employees for acting above and beyond the call of duty. The employees received the Medal of Valor as part of a ceremony recognizing 38 state employees.

“The men and women we are honoring today have all demonstrated extraordinary courage and risked their safety, and even their lives, without hesitation to save another,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “On behalf of all Californians, I extend our gratitude and appreciation for their selfless service.”

“These individuals represent the high caliber of men and women we have working for CAL FIRE,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, acting director of CAL FIRE. “I take great pride knowing they responded above and beyond the call of duty, upholding the most sacred principle of this honorable profession in risking their lives to try to save others.”

Ron Eldridge of Auberry and Craig Tolmie of Prather

On February 25, 2010, CAL FIRE Fire Captain Specialist Ron Eldridge and Assistant Chief Craig Tolmie were serving an interagency search warrant when the suspect opened fire from inside his residence, wounding and trapping a detective on the front porch.

Captain Eldridge put his life on the line when he saw the wounded detective was caught on a fence as another officer attempted to drag him to safety. Eldridge left his position of cover and helped free the injured detective, then medically assessed him while still under fire from the suspect. Sadly, the detective’s wounds were fatal.

Chief Tolmie was positioned behind a vehicle parked directly in front of the suspect’s residence when he heard a Deputy call out for a bandoleer of shotgun ammunition that was located inside a patrol car. At great risk to himself, Tolmie left his position of cover to retrieve the bandoleer and another shotgun, and delivered them to the Deputy.

Alfredo Danny Suarez of Atwater

On May 1, 2010, while responding to a residential structure fire, CAL FIRE Fire Captain Danny Suarez was informed by a bystander at scene of a person’s possible whereabouts inside the burning structure. Without hesitation Suarez advanced into the structure and navigated through the residence into a back bedroom where he found a female lying on the floor. Suarez dragged her back to the front door and initiated patient care until an ambulance arrived.

Frank Abril of Hemet, Eric Connolly of Riverside, Adam Ricketts of Carlsbad, Dave Deleon of Los Angeles, Antonio Medina of Delano, Chuck Santone of Canyon Lake

On September 19, 2009, the crew of CAL FIRE Copter 301 was assigned to battle hotspots on a rapidly spreading brushfire in Riverside County when they learned of a lady nearby who was trapped in her home and surrounded by fire. The crew quickly located the 84-year old fire victim and provided her with blankets to shield her from the flames. At great personal risk to themselves, the firefighters lead the victim through the fire and nearly blinding smoke conditions to a safer location where she was passed to a United States Forest Service fire engine.

Rickey Lee Gibble of Reedly, Steven Wayne Blythe, Jr of Newman, Kyle Joseph Efflandt of Santa Clarita, Ryan John Hollowell of Sacramento

On May 22, 2008, while assigned to the Summit Fire in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties, the engine crew onboard CAL FIRE Engine 1675 was requested to search for a previously evacuated resident who was last seen running up the driveway to his residence. When the crew arrived at the driveway, the flames were so intense that they could not drive any further. Exposed to intense heat and smoke, and with nearby propane tanks blowing up in ground-shaking explosions, the crew retreated only after a thorough search of the area and repeated attempts to locate the resident.

Rhett Imperiale of Hydesville, Kurt McCray of McKinleyville, Len Nielson of Fortuna, Mark Rodgers of Loleta

On July 25, 2010, while on a routine fire prevention patrol, CAL FIRE Forester Rhett Imperiale observed fresh skid marks on a section of Highway 96 known as “The Gorge.” With the help of a responding United State Forest Service Officer, Imperiale descended the treacherous slope and located an upside-down vehicle with two badly injured victims approximately 200 feet below the roadway. Imperiale extricated the trapped victim from the vehicle, moved both victims a safe distance away and administered first-aid until other help could arrive.

When CAL FIRE Foresters Kurt Mccray and Len Nielson, and Fire Captain Specialist Mark Rodgers arrived at the scene of the accident, they had to act fast due to the seriousness of the victim’s injuries and the potential danger of the oil leak. They descended the dangerously steep slopes and used their own bodies to protect the victims and other rescue personnel from falling and rolling rocks. It took approximately 2 hours to secure the patients and move them up to the highway.

The Medal of Valor, which started in 1959, is the highest honor that California bestows on its public servants and is awarded to California state employees who have performed an extraordinary act of heroism above and beyond the normal call of duty, at great risk to their own personal safety or life, to save the life of another.

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

A Thousand Oaks juvenile was arrested on 12/06/2010 for entering two separate occupied residences during the middle of the night and accessing the victims’ Internet and television services.

During the last three weeks, the suspect entered two separate residences between the hours of midnight and 4:00am. The suspect entered the residences through unlocked doors and windows. Once inside the residence, the suspect would access the homeowners’ Internet and television services. During both incidents, the residents were home and asleep in their bedroom.

During an interview with the suspect, he admitted to the crimes, and further stated he attempted to enter two additional homes. The suspect was unsuccessful in entering the additional homes because all the doors and windows were locked.

This case illustrates the importance for people to be diligent in remembering to lock all doors and windows to their house when going to bed and when leaving their residence.

Location: 3200 block Spring Meadow Ave. – Thousand Oaks, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: November 22, 2010 @ 2:00am / RB#10-28339
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Male Juvenile Thousand Oaks 15
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Mike McConville
Follow-up Contact: Detective Mike McConville (805)494-8219 / (805)947-8109
Date of Release:12/06/2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

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

On 12-2-2010, the Sheriff’s West County Narcotics Street Team concluded a month long methamphetamine sales investigation into Antonio “Tony” Nava who resides in the 100 block of Whipple Road, Santa Paula. Investigators served a search warrant at Nava’s residence and discovered a methamphetamine laboratory in a metal shed approximately 30 feet from the primary residence. Nava’s 80-year-old disabled mother lives in the primary residence. There was evidence that confirmed two individuals caught themselves on fire while making methamphetamine in the metal shed approximately two weeks ago. Due to the normal hazards of a methamphetamine laboratory, a specialized methamphetamine lab team along with forensic scientists from the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement responded to the residence to process the hazardous materials. Nava was taken into custody for sales of methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine, firearm charges and elderly abuse. Nava’s bail was set at $250,000. He is due to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on 12-6-2010.

Location: 100 block of Whipple Road, Santa Paula, California
Date & Time: December 2, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff Department’s West County Narcotic Street Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
Antonio “Tony” Nava Santa Paula 60
Officer Preparing Release: Sgt Robert Thomas
Follow-up Contact: Sgt Robert Thomas 805-383-8710
Approved by: Captain Dave Murray

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

Two local men were arrested Wednesday evening shortly after committing a robbery at a dry cleaning business in the 1600-block of Newbury Road in Newbury Park.

Members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit located Rene Montes and Javier Ramirez in a nearby residential area just minutes after the robbery occurred.

Investigators found evidence that indicated Montes and Ramirez were responsible for a string of recent armed robberies that began on Nov. 17, 2010 at the same dry cleaning business on Newbury Road.

Montes and Ramirez committed a carjacking and kidnapping of a Newbury Park man the day before Thanksgiving. The two suspects confronted the victim at gunpoint and knifepoint outside the Guadalajara Market on Hillcrest Drive. The suspects robbed the victim and drove him to Moorpark where they released him in a residential area. Shortly afterward, Montes and Ramirez robbed two businesses in Moorpark.

On Nov. 29, 2010, Montes and Ramirez used the same vehicle they carjacked to commit another robbery at a different dry cleaning business in Newbury Park.

Montes and Ramirez were booked for carjacking, kidnapping, five counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted robbery, grand theft auto, possession of stolen property, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Montes also had an outstanding $50,000 warrant from Los Angeles County. Montes is being held in lieu of $1,050,000 bail. Ramirez’ bail is $1 million.

Location: 200-block of Heather Ridge Avenue, Newbury Park
Date & Time/ RB#: Dec. 1, 2010 @ 5:27 p.m. / 10-29062
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Bureau / Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(S) Montes, Rene Francisco Newbury Park 24
(S) Ramirez, Javier Francisco Thousand Oaks 25
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow
Follow-up Contact: Detective Eric Buschow (805)494-8226 / (805)947-8129
Date of Release: Dec. 2, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

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

An unidentified man robbed a Newbury Park dry cleaning business late Monday morning and was seen leaving the area in a vehicle driven by an accomplice.

No one was injured during the heist, and the suspect simulated a weapon. The suspect was described as an Hispanic male in his late 20’s with a medium build. He had dark hair and was wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and black baggy pants.

The suspect was seen getting into a tan Toyota Camry that was driven by another unidentified person. Deputies later found the Camry parked at a shopping center at the corner of Avenida De Los Arboles and North Moorpark Road. Investigators confirmed the Camry was the same vehicle that was stolen by two suspects during a carjacking and kidnapping that occurred in Newbury Park on Nov. 24, 2010.

During that incident, the suspects confronted the victim at gunpoint and knifepoint at the Guadalajara Market in Newbury Park. The suspects robbed the victim and then drove him to Moorpark, where they released the victim but kept his vehicle.

Investigators believe the same suspects were responsible for two additional robberies that occurred at businesses in Moorpark on the evening of Nov. 24, 2010.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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: Newbury Cleaners 2000 block of Newbury Road
Date & Time/ RB#: Nov. 29, 2010 @ 11:38 a.m. / 10-28851
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Major Crimes Bureau
Officer Preparing Release: Detective Eric Buschow
Follow-up Contact: Detective Eric Buschow (805)494-8226 / (805)947-8129
Date of Release: Nov. 29, 2010
Approved By: Captain Bruce Watlington

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

Claudia Tolmie joined the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department on July 19, 1987 and was promoted to shift trainer on October 14, 1990. In this capacity, she was the recipient of the local Dispatcher of the Year Award in 1991, 1993 and 1996. In 1998, Claudia was selected as the runner-up for the California Public-Safety Radio Association’s (CPRA) Dispatcher of the Year Award.

On January 23, 2000, Claudia was promoted to supervising public safety dispatcher and became one of the first civilian supervisors, thereby replacing the sergeants that were previously responsible for overseeing the Sheriff’s Communications Center (SCC). This was a significant accomplishment and the successful transition to civilian supervision was largely due to Claudia’s leadership, commitment to excellence and esprit de corps.

Claudia’s exemplary job performance was highlighted when she was selected as CPRA’s Supervisor of the Year for 2005. Among other things, Claudia was recognized for her amazingly strong work ethic, her enthusiasm and her flawless attendance. Plus, it was noted that she is “the type of supervisor that every manager hopes for, but rarely encounters.”

Claudia’s strong work ethic is legendary and is supported by her attendance record, along with the fact that, for many years, she worked more than 500 hours of overtime each year. More importantly, Claudia is known for truly caring about her team members and the people we serve. She is a “can-do” role model who leads by example and always takes the time to go the extra mile for her team.

Over the years, Claudia has participated in many projects that have enhanced the efficiency and professionalism of the SCC. She was a member of the computer aided dispatch (CAD) committee and helped select the CAD system that is in use today. She has participated in the subsequent upgrades to the CAD system, as well as upgrades to the phone system and a major move of the SCC to its current “temporary” location.

Claudia’s contributions extend beyond her role as a supervisor, as she consistently participates in activities that benefit the community. She enthusiastically assists the dispatchers by creating crafts for the annual SCC Christmas Boutique. The proceeds of the Boutique are used to provide a full Christmas for one or two needy families that are selected by the SCC each year. She was a member of the 9K 4 K9 fundraising committee and helped raise more than $160,000 for the Sheriff’s Canine Unit over a seven year period. She has raised thousands of dollars for various charities by completing marathons and other events. Claudia has also coordinated the Lee Denim Day within the SCC for the past several years and has raised several thousand dollars, while also matching contributions on a dollar for dollar basis.

Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Claudia moved to Whittier, CA in 1952 and grew up with six brothers and sisters. Having met her husband, Jim, through a friend in 1967, Claudia and Jim married in 1969 and moved to Ventura in 1977. They have five children and four grandchildren.

Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Department, Claudia worked for Pacific Bell for ten years as a long distance operator and in directory assistance. This gives her the distinction of retiring from 411 and 911.

In retirement, Claudia plans to spend more time with her children and grandchildren, while continuing her active lifestyle. This includes more golf and more marathons, as well as more time at the family vacation home in Montana.

Location: Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura
Date & Time: November 30, 2010
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center
Officer Preparing Release: Danita Crombach, Sheriff’s Communications Manager
Follow-up Contact: Danita Crombach, Sheriff’s Communications Manager (805) 654-5157
Date of Release: November 30, 2010

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

During past two weeks, people have been getting lost in the Ventura County backcountry on a regular basis. At least 13 people have gotten lost or stranded and needed to be rescued at night by the Sheriff’s Department helicopter crew or the volunteer search and rescue teams.

Starting on Friday, November 12th, two men from the Modesto area became lost while riding their off-road motorcycles in the Hungry Valley area near Gorman. With the aid of the State Park Rangers and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department rescue helicopter the two men were found in the Los Padres National Forest huddled next to a campfire on the east side of Frazier Mountain near midnight and rescued.

Several days later when a strong storm moved into the county a man became lost near the Santa Barbara county line in the Los Padres National Forest while hiking near Divide Peak. He became disoriented in the clouds and fog that enveloped the mountaintop and was unable to find the trail to return to his vehicle. He wandered for several hours in the dark and rain until he was able to use his cellular phone to call for help.

Due to the cloud cover the Sheriff’s helicopter could not be flown so the search was conducted using the volunteer members of the Sheriff’s Department’s Upper Ojai SAR team. Hiking in the rain through mud the searchers located the lost hiker near midnight, cold and exhausted. He was escorted off the mountain by the team members and returned to his vehicle.

The following weekend a family of five, while hiking in Santa Paula canyon, became lost when the hike took longer than they anticipated. In the darkness they lost the trail and made a brief 911 call for help before the signal was lost. Again, the Sheriffs helicopter responded and was able to find the family. A crewmember was hoisted down and escorted them to safety.

A second storm developed this past weekend and stranded 3 rock climbers in the Santa Monica Mountains near the Los Angeles County line close to Echo Cliffs. A friend of the group telephoned the Sheriff’s Department at 1:00 a.m. and reported the group over due and missing. The Sheriff’s helicopter was dispatched and located the climbers stranded in an impassable ravine, lost, wet and cold. The helicopter was able to drop off a crewmember who hiked to the stranded climbers and escorted them back to the helicopter where they were hover loaded and flown back to their vehicle.

The next evening on Sunday, just after dark the department received yet another phone call from a lost couple in the Santa Monica Mountains near Sandstone Peak. They reported they were also lost and unable to see in the dark and requested assistance. The helicopter again responded and located the two people hiking with their dog not far from where the rock climbers had been rescued the previous night. Once again the helicopter was able to land and fly the couple back to their vehicle.

The helicopter was then requested for mutual aid by Kern County Sheriff’s Department to look for two overdue snow boarders on Mount Pinos. Their helicopter was grounded due to poor weather in the Bakersfield area. The temperatures on Mount Pinos were below freezing and the snow boarders were feared to be lost on the mountain with a limited amount of cold weather clothing. Fortunately, prior to launching our helicopter the pair was located unharmed by Kern County Search and Rescue.

The listed cases are a reminder of how quickly an outing in the backcountry can go wrong and require the activation of the counties dedicated search and rescue personnel. In order to avoid these potentially dangerous situations there are several tips to help minimize or avoid getting lost.

1. Be prepared to spend the night out if you are going hiking. Take a waterproof jacket, water, food and a flashlight or headlamp.
2. Take a map of the area and let someone know where you are going and when you intend to return.
3. Don’t over estimate your abilities to hike quickly or under estimate the difficulty of the terrain to traverse. It can take two to three times as long to hike a given distance in the mountains.
4. Get a reliable and up to date weather forecast for the area you will be hiking in. If the weather is bad, don’t go, or at least be prepared for cold or wet weather. Remember the weather in the local mountains is typically much more severe than along the coastline. Enjoy the outdoors, but be prepared.

Location: Ventura County backcountry

Date & Time: 11-12-2010 to 11-27-2010

Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff Search and Rescue / Aviation Unit

Victims:
Edward Brian - 47 years – Modesto
Nicholas Quinn – 20 years – Merced
Quinton Schubmehl – 57 years – Santa Barbara
Teresa Sanchez – 35 years – Port Hueneme
Fernando Herrera –24 years – Port Hueneme
Juvenile -14 years- Port Hueneme
Juvenile – 13 years – Port Hueneme
Juvenile – 12 years – Port Hueneme
Rich Chen – 24 years – Los Angeles
Hugh Wong – 27 years – Santa Monica
Willy Wong – 31 years – Santa Monica
David Tighe – Unknown Age – Los Angeles
Christa Tighe – Unknown Age – Los Angeles

Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Frank Underlin

Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Frank Underlin 388-4212

Date of Release: 11-29-2010

Approved By: Captain Dave Murray

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

On 11/24/2010, Moorpark Deputies responded to the Moorpark Police Department to contact a female reporting her husband having been kidnapped at knifepoint. The female stated she had received a phone call from her husband who told her two males had entered his car and forced him to take them to a bank where they had withdrawn money using his ATM card. The suspects then dropped him off in a residential area in the City of Moorpark. The female then drove to Moorpark in an attempt to locate her husband.

At about 9:40 P.M. the victim, Aurelio Olvera was located uninjured in the area of Peach Hill and Mill Valley Road, Moorpark by deputies. Aurelio Olvera told deputies that he had gone to the Guadalajara Market in the City of Thousand Oaks to shop. Two male Hispanics, one with a handgun and one with a knife, confronted him as he exited his vehicle. The suspects forced Olvera into his vehicle and drove him to an unfamiliar bank, possibly in the City of Moorpark, where the suspects used Olvera’s ATM card to obtain an unknown amount of cash. The suspects then drove to the residential area off of Peach Hill where they dropped Olvera off and drove away with his vehicle. Olvera was able to contact a citizen in the area who allowed him to use his phone. Olvera called his wife who later called the police.

Thousand Oaks Detectives were called and the investigation is continuing.

Report Number:
10-28571
Location:
2454 W. Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks and Unknown location, Moorpark
Date & Time:
11-24-2010 / Approximately 7:30 P.M.
Unit Responsible:
Thousand Oaks Police Department, Moorpark Police Department, & Ventura County Sheriff’s East County Major Crimes Bureau.
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Male Hispanic Unknown Early 20’s
(S) Male Hispanic Unknown Early 20’s
(V) Aurelio Olvera Newbury Park 44
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sgt. W. Hammer #1370
Media Release Date:
11-25-10
Follow-Up Contact:
Sgt. M. Gillette, 805-494-8200
Approved by:
Captain Stephen Wade
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).

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

On 11-8-2010, deputies were dispatched to a call of an armed robbery at the intersection of Kenny St and Stroube St in the unincorporated community of El Rio. When they arrived, they found that victim Laura Martinez had been robbed at gunpoint. Martinez works for a local jewelry company that buys used gold. Shortly before the robbery, Martinez was sent to the intersection of Kenny St. and Stroube St. to contact a client who was going to sell used gold. When Martinez arrived, a male subject entered her car. The male presented several items that appeared to be gold jewelry to Martinez. When Martinez tested the items, she found it was fake gold. Martinez informed the suspect that the gold was fake and she was not going to buy the items. The suspect then pulled a gun out of his waistband and pointed it at Martinez. The suspect demanded money and the victim’s cell phone, then fled the area on foot. The suspect was able to get away with approximately $3,000 in cash and the victim’s cell phone.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Unit and Headquarters patrol station investigated the robbery and were able to positively identify 29 year old Alejandro Hernandez as the suspect. Detectives put out a want for Hernandez who remained at large for about two weeks.

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit began surveilling several locations that Hernandez was thought to frequent. Today, at about 8:30 AM, gang investigators saw Hernandez leave a business with another subject in 900 block of Mountainview Ave, Oxnard. The two got into a car and drove away. Plainclothes gang investigators stopped the pair a short time later and arrested Hernandez for the armed robbery. The driver of the car, Jesus Chavez, 32 years, was arrested for being under the influence of methamphetamine. Both were booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Gang Investigators found that Hernandez was living at the business they saw him leaving and obtained a search warrant. Later in the day, investigators served the search warrant looking for stolen items taken during the robbery.

Hernandez remains in custody on $205,000 dollar bail.

Report Number:
(RB #) 10-27199
Location:
Ash & California, Oxnard. Ca.
Date & Time:
11-24-2010 / 8:30 A.M.
Unit Responsible:
Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S-1) Hernandez, Alejandro Oxnard 29
Deputy Preparing Media Release:
Sergeant Bill Schierman
Media Release Date:
11-24-2010
Follow-Up Contact:
Sergeant Bill Schierman (805) 654-2856
Approved by:
Captain O’Hanlon

 

By Cassandra Levine

I am sure you’re aware of the death of Riverside Officer Ryan Bonaminio a couple weeks back and I wanted to share something very important with you. It doesn't matter what area you live or work in, this is an issue that affects the entire state of California as a whole. Below is a letter, written by LAPD Officer Joe Marx (a friend of mine and close friend of Ryan). He posted this on his facebook a few days after Ryan was killed and I was so moved by it that I’ve been sharing it with everyone I know, family/friends/co-workers, etc.

I attended Ryan’s services last Tuesday and am very close friends with those that knew him, thus making this a much more personal situation for me. The letter Joe wrote is incredibly powerful and well put together. I hope you will take the time to read it and share it with everyone you know as well. I would love for you to share this in your paper, online, over the air, any way you possibly can so thousands of other people are able to see the true impact this situation had on so many people. Ryan has since been laid to rest, and the news videos and articles have stopped, but it is so very important to not forget what happened to this young man, and to continue to stand up against a justice system that is truly broken. Please consider putting this piece into your show, however you see fit. I am going to continue my efforts in getting this letter out there by any means possible.

I would really appreciate you taking the time on this matter, for Ryan and his family, so that an awful situation like this never ever happens again. Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Cassandra Levine (Community Services Officer, Orange County Sheriff's Department- Dana Point, CA.)

--------------------------------------------------------

November 11, 2010
Mr. Robert Ambroselli Director, Adult Parole Operations
California Department of Corrections
1515 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95811

Dear Mr. Ambroselli,

On the cold rainy night of Sunday, November 7, 2010, Riverside Police Officer Ryan Bonaminio; a decorated two time Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran and United States Army reservist was cruelly and savagely murdered in cold blood while in foot pursuit of a hardened criminal that was granted parole by your board.

While Ryan spent his youth volunteering in the ROTC, playing sports, graduating high school, and becoming an exemplary young man; Earl Ellis Green joined a set of the Crips criminal street gang, perfected his criminal ability, and proved beyond any doubt that he had no respect for the general public or the rule of law.

While Ryan made the honorable and noble decision to serve our country in a time of war and valiantly place his very life in the line of fire, Green stole cars, sold drugs, assaulted police officers, and terrorized his family with egregious violence.

While Ryan prepared to come home from the battlefield after surviving the war on terror for a second time, and resume his career as a Riverside police officer, Green proclaimed his atonement to your board and begged for parole, which was granted. I cannot imagine the maudlin plea Green concocted to obtain your pity.

While Ryan was greeted at the airport by his friends and family and embraced by his doting mother and loving father, Green quietly walked through the revolving door of the CA prison system and reentered society - only to return to a life of violent crime.

Nobody truly knows what further crimes Green intended to commit that fateful Sunday night, or how many more countless victims he would create during the remainder of his pathetic, lonely, miserable life. If it had not been for Ryan’s bravery and valor and his tenacity to apprehend one of California’s dangerous parolees; Green would have undoubtedly victimized the citizens of Riverside County for decades.

The juvenile notion that a state prison system, or any other system, can reform or rehabilitate a hardened criminal gang member with a proven track record of felonious crimes is preposterous. How many more police officers have to be gunned down in cold blood before your board will come to its senses? How could your board conceive of the notion that Green is a “non-violent” offender when his past behavior of violence is so well documented? Why was Green granted parole when he should have been locked up until 2012? Prisons were built for the likes of felons like Green.

For the past two decades Ryan proved himself to be a dedicated, giving, honorable man; while Green has done nothing but committed crime, terrorized the community, and created victims. I cannot fathom the rationale behind the parole board granting parole for a proven criminal with a violent past. Ryan is the epitome of a hero, and his blood is on your hands.

You have the ability to stop this senseless violence and unquestionably save hundreds of lives by denying parole to felons like Green. I implore you to deeply consider and heavily weigh the risks inherent in unleashing criminal gang members back into our peaceful community.

While you sit in the hearing room and listen to these criminals recite sob stories and plead for release, remember that they earned their place in the prison system and deserve nothing but to be locked up. Remember the victims they created and the reason they were sentenced to prison in the first place. Remember that over 70% of the convicts that appear in front of your board will ignore the warnings to live a law-abiding life, and will reoffend. Remember the broken hearts of the victim’s friends and family. Remember the families that will have an empty chair at the dinner table because their loved one was stolen from them by a parolee. Most importantly, remember Ryan and the dozens of other police officers who have been murdered in the line of duty by convicts who were granted parole by your board.

Truly yours,
Joseph D. Marx

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

On November 8, 2010, narcotics detectives from the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, West County Street Team, arrested Javier Perez for possession of methamphetamine for sale. Follow-up investigation by detectives revealed that Perez’s methamphetamine supplier was Francisco Flores, a resident of the 1200 block of Arrowhead Ave, Ventura. A search warrant was obtained for the residence on Arrowhead Ave, his vehicle and a business in the city of Oxnard where Francisco Flores is employed.

On November 17, narcotic investigators contacted Francisco Flores and his brother, Geraldo Flores, also of the Arrowhead Ave residence. A hidden compartment was located in the vehicle where 4.2 grams of cocaine and 1.7 grams of methamphetamine were located. Both subjects were arrested for possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for sale. Detectives served the search warrant at the residence and the business in Oxnard. At the residence, detectives arrested Valadez for destroying evidence after she flushed cocaine down the toilet as detectives arrived.

The search warrant at the business revealed 4 ¾ ounces of methamphetamine and over 1 ounce of cocaine. All subjects were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail for conspiracy to sell cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for sale, and possession of a hidden compartment in the vehicle.

Location: 1200 Block of Arrowhead Ave, Ventura
Date: November 17, 2010
Unit Responsible: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of Residence Age
Francisco Flores Ventura 32
Geraldo Flores Ventura 29
Alicia Valadez Ventura 31
Officer Preparing Release: Sergeant Mike Horne
Follow-up Contact: Sergeant Mike Horne / (805) 383-8700
Approved by: Captain Mike De Los Santos #0730