Saturday:
0844 hrs: Fillmore: call #S091710175 - Injured Hikers - called from a ranch in the 3000 Goodenough Rd.Fill. Ojai adult residents Brian Casey and Ben Malkin hiked from Rose Valley thru Sespe Gorge for three days. Both were injured by falls while on the hike. Casey was able to reach a local ranch where he summoned aid. Sheriffs Helo- Air 9 responded back into the wilderness. Both hikers were extracted by helo and transported to VCMC and Santa Paula hospital. Sgt Aguirre on scene. 09-15121.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Citibank 2170 Newbury Road, Newbury Park, Ca, 91320
Date & Time/ RB#: June 20, 2009 / 1:20 p.m. 09-15137
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit / FBI.

An unidentified man used a demand note during a bank robbery Saturday afternoon.

The robber walked into the Citibank branch at the corner of Newbury Road and Michael Drive wearing a blue baseball cap, blue zippered sweatshirt, and metal-framed prescription glasses. He calmly walked up to one bank employee and presented a note demanding money.

The robber received an undisclosed amount of cash and fled on foot into the parking lot. He was described as being approximately 5’9” to 5’10” and weighing 165 to 170 lbs. No one was injured during the robbery.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit or their local FBI office.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 2000 Block Wheelwright Lane, Newbury Park, Ca 91320
Date & Time/ RB#: 6/18/09 2030 hours / #09-14706
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Sexual Assault Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
Fagre, Michael Lloyd, 2000 Block Wheelwright Lane, Newbury Park Ca 91320, 38

On 6/16/09, Ventura County Sheriff Detectives arrested Newbury Park resident, Michael Fagre, outside his residence after he allegedly installed cameras in his neighbor’s residence and recorded daily activities of the two female residents. It is believed that the recording may have taking place for more than 2 years.

Fagre, who has no known criminal background, also owned and operated a massage business called “Relax,” in the Thousand Oaks area in 2006.

If anyone has any relevant information about this, or other similar cases involving Fagre, please contact Detective Anthony Aguirre with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Sexual Assault Unit at (805) 371-8309.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Santa Paula Canyon, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: June 21, 2009 / 1:00 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department – Aviation / SAR Unit

On 6-21-09, at approximately 1300 hours, (V) Eric Murillo called the Ventura County Sheriff's Department. He told the dispatchers that he and his friend, (V) Brandon Finchen, had been hiking up Santa Paula Canyon in an attempt to reach the “Punch Bowls.” At some point during their hike, they made a wrong turn and were now lost and stranded on a steep hillside. They could not find their way back down and could not continue their hike up due to the thick brush.

The dispatcher called the Aviation Unit and relayed the information to the aircrew. The aircrew called Murillo directly and got additional information about the general area where they were. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department’s rescue helicopter, Air Squad 9, responded to the location. As the helicopter flew into Santa Paula Canyon, they called Murillo from the satellite phone. Within minutes, Air Squad 9 was able to locate Murillo and Finchen at the top of a steep ravine. CONTINUED »

Recently friends and community leaders encouraged me to run for a fourth term to maintain the positive momentum of the sheriff’s department during these troubling economic times. I was determined to delay making any decision about my future until I could work with the CEO and Board of Supervisors to secure a budget that would protect our current deputy sheriffs from layoffs as we adjusted to shrinking revenues.

I realize that there is never a convenient time to leave a profession and people you love, but I have now made my decision and can respond to the patient reporters who are following the upcoming election. I will not run for re-election in the June 2010 primary, but instead will recommend that voters select Chief Deputy Dennis Carpenter to be your next sheriff.

I have been honored to serve with the Ventura County Sheriff’s department for 36 years, 11 of them as your Sheriff. This career has allowed me to work with some of the most talented, and dedicated men and women that can be found anywhere. We have a resilient organization populated by dedicated, ethical deputies and civilian staff. Our leaders and team members are second to none. I am confident that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will continue to be one of the best law enforcement agencies in California, and that our community will remain one of the safest regions in the country. CONTINUED »

California Highway Patrol

On June 17, 2009 at approximately 2:55 p.m. a solo vehicle roll-over collision involving a 2005 Hummer H2 occurred on SR-1 (Pacific Coast Highway) just north of the Hueneme Road under crossing. The collision resulted in the death of a brother and sister identified as Luis Guzman, 27 years of age, and Cecilia Guzman, 22 years of age, both from Carpinteria, CA.

Anthony Borrello, 24 years of age from Carpinteria, along with his four passengers, was traveling northbound on PCH in Borrelo’s 2005 Hummer H2, at an undetermined speed. For unknown reasons, the vehicle drifted off of the roadway and onto the right shoulder of PCH, just north of Hueneme Road. The vehicle then traveled out of control back into the traffic lanes and into the center median where it rolled over several times. The vehicle eventually came to rest on its wheels within the median. Luis and Cecilia Guzman, both of whom were sitting to the rear, were ejected from the vehicle as it was rolling over. It is suspected that neither one of them was wearing their seatbelt at the time. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

POLICE BLOTTER
PROWLER
05/21/09
747 Block Edison Lane
THEFT OTHER
05/21/09
300 Block A Street
05/22/09
500 Block Sespe Ave.
05/22/09
300 Elkwood Court
05/23/09
200 Block Cherrywood St.
05/23/09
700 Block Ventura St.
05/26/09
1000 Block El Paseo St. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 200 Block Waite Street, Ojai
Date & Time: 6-13-2009 / 2:00 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Gang Unit

Suspects, Charge, City of residence, Age
Duran, Fidel, Attempted Murder & Street Terrorism, Ojai, 20

On Saturday, 06/13/2009, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested Fidel Duran for a gang-related
attempted murder that occurred in the City of Ojai on New Years Eve. Duran was in custody at
the Ventura County Mail Jail on other unrelated charges at the time of his arrest.
On the morning of 01/01/2009, at about 1:45 a.m., Joshua Powers, 28 years-of-age, was walking
home from a party in the 200 block of Waite Street. Powers was confronted by individuals who
were attending a nearby party. Powers was attacked and stabbed 17 times. The suspects fled
leaving Powers lying unconscious on the street. A short time later, an anonymous person called
emergency personnel and reported that Powers was lying in the street. Powers was transported
to Ojai Hospital where he narrowly survived his wounds. Powers was in the hospital for several
days before being released.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted a 5-month investigation and identified Ojai
gang member Fidel Duran as the person who stabbed Powers. Gang investigators believe Duran
did not act alone and they expect to make more arrests. Duran is being held at the Ventura
County Jail on $505,000 bail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 200 block of Calle De La Rosa, Camarillo
Date & Time: 6-11-09/3:26 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, Address, Age
(S) David Boggs, Camarillo, 52 yrs.

On 6/11/09, at 1:26 p.m., deputies responded to the 200 block of Calle De La Rosa, which is a mobile home park, in Camarillo. Several Camarillo deputies, detectives, and 2 members of the Sheriff’s Civil Unit arrived to serve a “Move-Out Order” and a “Temporary Restraining Order “T.R.O.), against a man identified as David Boggs, who lives with his mother at the address. Boggs was also being investigated by Camarillo Police for suspected elder abuse. No one would answer the door, however deputies saw movement inside the mobile home. Deputies identified themselves and advised they were there to serve civil papers and a restraining order only. Deputies began to leave after several attempts were made to contact anyone inside. Deputies then heard several gunshots from inside the mobile home. Deputies quickly retreated and set up a perimeter asking for additional resources. Numerous other deputies responded and helped secure the area, which included evacuations from neighboring mobile homes. Deputies were also assisted by the Sheriff’s S.W.A.T. Team, Tactical Negotiations Unit (TNU), Bomb Squad, Major Crimes Unit, Air Unit, K-9 Unit, and a K-9 officer from the Southern California University at Channel Islands Police Department.

Shortly, deputies noticed smoke coming out of the mobile home and immediately requested assistance from the Ventura County Fire Department as well as American Medical Response (A.M.R.) personnel. As the standoff continued, S.W.A.T. deputies worked closely with fire personnel by moving in to protect neighboring mobile homes from catching fire. Soon flames could be seen coming out of the suspect’s mobile home. Deputies could not enter the suspect’s home due to information provided that the suspect was in possession of numerous weapons and the fact shots were fired. As fire fighters put out the fire, deputies were able to enter the suspect’s mobile home and began an investigation. A deceased male was located in a bathroom, holding a long rifle. Near the subject was an assault rifle, shotgun, and a handgun. Deputies also discovered several gasoline canisters inside the front door. One of the canisters had a gunshot hole in it. It appeared the suspect shot the gasoline canister in an attempt to kill any officers who may have entered the front door.

As a result of this incident, no deputies or other emergency personnel were injured. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and did identify the subject in the bathroom as David Boggs. Residents of the park stayed in their homes throughout the incident, which lasted about 6 hours. David Boggs’ mother, who is the homeowner, was not in the mobile home at the time of the incident.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 16,000 block Lockwood Valley Road, Frazier PArk
Date: June 4, 2009
Unit Responsible: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
Steven Kall, Granada Hills, 54

During the first week of June, Sheriff’s resident deputies at the Lockwood Valley sub-station received reports of suspicious circumstances surrounding a property in the 16,000 block of Lockwood Valley Road. On several occasions, an electrical transformer adjacent to the property had malfunctioned, causing power outages to the surrounding area. A deputy responded and detected an over powering odor of marijuana coming from the residence.

Narcotics Detectives served a Search Warrant for the property on June 4, revealing a sophisticated hydroponics marijuana cultivation operation. The entire main house, garage, and an outbuilding were dedicated to growing marijuana. Each room was equipped with large plastic growing containers, special grow lights, and an array of electrical connections and extension cords to power water pumps and fans. Ventura County Building and Safety officials responded for the many electrical and Building Code violations. Over 1000 marijuana plants were found growing in the three buildings, although total capacity is estimated to be several thousand more. No one was living at the residence at the time of the Search Warrant.

On June 9, detectives met with the owner of the property, Steven Kall, and arrested him for cultivation of marijuana. He was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail.

Mark Ball

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Ball to the position of Undersheriff effective June 14, 2009. The rank of Undersheriff is second highest in command within the Sheriff’s rank structure. “Being succeeded by someone of the caliber of Mark Ball is the best thing I could ask for. He epitomizes the values of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the law enforcement profession,” stated Craig Husband, the Department’s current Undersheriff who will retire on June 5th after 32 ½ years of service.

Mark is a 29-year veteran with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and has over 33 years of law enforcement experience. He is currently assigned as Chief Deputy of the Detention Services Division, which includes the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, Todd Road Jail, and Court Services Bureau. It is the largest of the Department’s four divisions.

During his 29 years with the Sheriff’s Department, Mark has worked in every division within the Department. He has considerable expertise in the management of detention facilities and has previously been directly responsible for operations at the Branch Jail Honor Farm and the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Mark also possesses a great deal of expertise in matters related to internal affairs. He has been teaching ethics and leadership courses to academy cadets for over a decade and recently has expanded that training to include all new field-training officers. He has a strong desire to influence both new recruits and seasoned officers about the importance of ethics and conduct within the law enforcement profession.

Mark’s greatest strength is his cooperative nature. He exemplifies the Department’s core value of service in everything he does. Regarding the appointment, Sheriff Brooks recently commented, “Mark is a skilled and trusted leader who uses a strong ethical base for making decisions. This coupled with his outstanding record of service and performance over many years in a variety of assignments makes him the ideal selection to a position as important as Undersheriff.”

Mark lives in Ojai with his wife Michele and his daughter Morgan.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 6583 Casper Road, Oxanrd (Agricultural Area)
Date & Time: May 31, 2009 / 10:00 AM

Suspects, Address, Age:
Santiago M Gomez, Oxnard, California, 29

On May 31, 2009, Camarillo patrol deputies responded to a call of a domestic disturbance in the Oxnard Plains, off of Hueneme Road. The victim reported that she received a call from Santiago Gomez, stating that he was going to damage her vehicle and kill her. A short time later, he arrived at the victim’s place of employment. The victim hid and watched Gomez break all the windows out of her vehicle and ram it with his Ford Expedition. After causing the damage, he fled the area in his vehicle.

Deputies went to Gomez’ place of employment and found him driving the Expedition near the 6500 block of Casper Road. As they attempted to stop him, he fled south on Casper Road. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and he attempted to evade police by driving through planted fields. When his vehicle became stuck in a celery field, Gomez abandoned it and ran on foot. Deputies were able to overtake him and forcibly take him into custody.

Gomez’s actions not only caused significant damage to the victim’s vehicle, but he damaged crops and agricultural equipment while fleeing from the police. He was arrested for criminal threats, felony vandalism, evading police, resisting arrest, driving while intoxicated, and driving with a suspended license. There was also a felony warrant for his arrest for spousal abuse-related issues. He was booked at the Main Jail, and his bail totals $60,000.

Location: Calle Turquesa @ Paseo La Perla, Newbury Park
Date & Time: May 30, 2009, 2:20 P.M.
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Traffic

Involved Parties City of residence Age
Reina Linares Newbury Park 49
Male Juvenile Newbury Park 7

On May 30, 2009 at approximately 2:20 p.m., Riena Linares was driving her 1995 Nissan Altima westbound on Calle Turquesa at Paseo La Perla. A male juvenile, who was riding his bicycle northbound, darted out from between two parked vehicles. Linares was unable to avoid a collision. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet.

The juvenile suffered serious head injuries in the collision and was transported via ambulance to Los Robles Hospital for treatment. Linares did not sustain any injuries.

The investigation is continuing.

Chief Deputy Gary Pentis

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Pentis to the position of Chief Deputy effective June 14, 2009. Gary, a 30-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Department is currently assigned as commander of the Special Services Division with oversight of the Major Crimes Bureau, Aviation Unit, Narcotics, Intelligence, and SWAT team. Upon his promotion to Chief Deputy, Gary will remain in Special Services and take on additional responsibilities of overseeing the Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Property Room and Information Services Bureau. “Throughout Gary’s career, he has been recognized as a high achiever and continues to serve the Department with distinction while building positive partnerships with the residents of Ventura County. His expertise in complex criminal activity make him the ideal person to lead the Special Services Division, stated Sheriff Brooks.”

Throughout Gary’s career, he has worked in virtually every division and brings vast experience from all functional and geographical areas of the Department. During his 30 years with the Sheriff’s Department, Gary’s assignments have included Detention Services, East County Patrol/Special Enforcement Unit, SWAT team member, and served ten years in Narcotics both as a Senior Deputy and Sergeant. During this time, Gary was recognized for his excellence in narcotics investigations and was named Narcotic Officer of the Year in 1986 and 1992, respectively.

In 1995, Gary was promoted to Lieutenant (now titled Captain) and worked as the Facility Manager at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, patrol Watch Commander, East County Patrol Services Manager, and the Administrative Captain for the city of Camarillo. In 2000, Gary was privileged to serve as the Acting Chief of Police for the city of Ojai for five years. This assignment was particularly rewarding in that Gary was instrumental in helping form what was called the SAFE Coalition, a community based forum aimed to assist the at risk youth population. Along those same lines, Gary helped create the Social Host Ordinance that eventually was modeled for all Sheriff’s jurisdictions. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Orchard East of Rustic Cyn Golf Course
Date & Time: May 24, 2009 8:30am
Unit Responsible: 2A11, 2B11, 4F11, 4F12

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, Address, Age
(S) Ruben Joseph Becerra, Littlerock, CA., 56
(S) Roberto Padilla Ramirez, Bakersfield, CA., 51
(S) Valentine Chocoteco Jr, Bakersfield, CA., 26
(S) Daniel Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA., 42
(S) Joseph David Becerra, Littlerock, CA., 26

On the listed date, at approximately 8:30 am, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and City of Moorpark Police Department responded to a cockfight in the orchard off of Campus Park and George Rd, east of Rustic Cyn Golf Course. Responding deputies observed numerous persons fleeing into the orchard and several cars leaving the immediate area. Upon arrival, deputies detained 5 men, and after a brief investigation, deputies discovered approximately 75 live roosters (with cropped wattle and blade), scales, tables, wooded arenas, and various cockfighting implements. Ventura County Animal Control responded and removed the roosters from the orchard. The property owner responded and caused the removal of approximately 27 unauthorized vehicles from the property. The listed suspects were subsequently arrested and booked on various charges related to cockfighting.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Matilija Canyon, Ojai
Date: May 22, 2009
Unit Responsible: Special Services Bureau / Narcotics Unit

Suspects, City of residence, Age
Doroteo Hernandez, Rialto, 30
Carmelo Hernandez, Rialto, 34
Custodio Ramirez, Lancaster, 34

In April of this year, Sheriff’s narcotics detectives discovered two large marijuana cultivation sites in Matilija Canyon above the city of Ojai. One site, located south of Matilija Lake, was being used as a nursery where several hundred seedlings were found. The second site was found approximately 3 miles west of the entrance to the canyon and one mile south of Matilija Canyon Road.

On May 15, detectives were conducting surveillance of Matilija Canyon Road and Highway 33 and witnessed a vehicle stop at the Cozy Dell Trailhead. Two subjects ran from the brush and got into the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then sped away. The vehicle was stopped and through the subsequent investigation, it was determined the two subjects and the driver were involved with the marijuana growing sites in Matilija Canyon. All three were arrested for conspiracy to cultivate marijuana. Detectives believe the three subjects were responsible for supplying those in the gardens with equipment and other necessary supplies. All three were booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail. CONTINUED »

Senior Deputy Michael Marco, Senior Deputy Ehren Nehira, Deputy Shannon McElveen, Deputy Tim Ragan.
Enlarge Photo

Crime Analyst Amanda Carr.
Enlarge Photo

Location: L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Headquarters-Monterey Park, CA
Date of Event: May 12, 2009
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department Community Oriented Police and Problem Solving Unit

Recipients
Thousand Oaks Bike Patrol Team
Senior Deputy Michael Marco
Senior Deputy Ehren Nehira
Deputy Shannon McElveen
Deputy Tim Ragan

Thousand Oaks Police Department Crime Prevention Unit
Crime Analyst Amanda Carr

Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies and a crime analyst were awarded the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s prestigious Star Scroll for their work in matching a critical link to suspects involved in a regional elder abuse financial fraud ring. The Thousand Oaks Police Department Bike Patrol Team and Crime Analyst Amanda Carr made an instrumental identification of two suspects who orchestrated the large theft ring, which amounted to over $130,000 in victim losses over a period of several months.

On July 9, 2008, Thousand Oaks Police Department Crime Analyst Amanda Carr received a crime alert flyer from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department. The flyer described a female suspect involved in the elder abuse “pigeon drop” scheme and included a surveillance photo of the unidentified suspect. Crime Analyst Carr then distributed the flyer throughout the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to alert patrol deputies using mobile data computers. On July 24, 2008, the Thousand Oaks Police Department Bike Patrol Team stopped two females in Thousand Oaks. The investigation resulted in one of the subjects, a local drug dealer, being arrested for possession of a significant quantity of methamphetamine and cash. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 400 block of Calle Converse, Camarillo, CA.
Date & Time: May 21, 2009 / 11:10 A.M.
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, (P)arties(arties Age
(S1) William Acosta, Reseda Resident 19 years
(S2) Male Juvenile, Simi Valley Resident 17 Years
(S3) Female Juvenile, Camarillo Resident 16 Years

On May 21, 2009, at about 11:10 A.M., an alert citizen reported a possible burglary in progress on the 400 block of Calle Converse. Responding units arrived as two suspects fled out the back of the home. One suspect (S1) was caught near the intersection of Calle Converse and Calle Higuera, with stolen property from the victim’s home in his pocket.

The second suspect (S2) was chased by deputies, on foot, to the 1600 block of Avineda Del Manzano where he was caught. While this suspect was being pursued, he was throwing jewelry, later identified as the victim’s, into the street and bushes.

The third suspect was found nearby and detectives were able to confirm she was the lookout.

S1 was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for residential burglary and conspiracy. Bail was set at $50,000.00. The two juveniles were subsequently booked at Juvenile Hall for the same charges.

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind all citizens in the county not to ignore someone knocking at their door. They may be better served to equip themselves with a phone and, without opening the door, acknowledge the persons presence.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 4200 Block of Faria Road, Ventura (Unincorporated Area)
Date & Time: May 20, 2009 @ approximately 10:30 PM
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

Victim, Witnesses, Suspects, Age, City of residence
Suspect: Male/Dark Complexion, Unknown, Unknown
Victim 1: Brock Husted, 42, Ventura
Victim 2: Davina Husted, 42, Ventura

An unidentified intruder entered a Faria Beach residence late Wednesday night and brutally stabbed to death a husband and wife inside. The couple has been identified as Brock and Davina Husted of Ventura. Information obtained from family members indicates that Davina was approximately four months pregnant at the time. Based on this information, Sheriff’s investigators believe the case is a triple homicide due to the death of the fetus. An autopsy is pending and the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office will make the official determination.

The single family beach residence is situated adjacent to the ocean, and the rear French doors on the ocean side of the property were open at the time allowing the suspect immediate access. The Husted’s nine-year old son was in the family room watching TV as the suspect passed by him and confronted Davina who was in the kitchen. Davina moved to the front portion of the house where the suspect followed and brutally stabbed Davina and Brock to death in one of the other rooms inside of the house. Immediately after the attack, the nine-year old son found his parents lying on the floor and summoned his eleven-year-old sister who was asleep in another room. The Husted children left the residence and contacted a neighbor who called 9-1-1. CONTINUED »