Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Fillmore Police Station, Fillmore
Date & Time: Friday, March 20, 2009. 12:00 pm
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Graffiti Investigations Unit

Suspects, City of Residence, Age,
Juvenile Male, Fillmore, 17
Juvenile Male, Fillmore, 16
Juvenile Male, Fillmore, 16

Fillmore and Piru residents have recently suffered damage to their property as a result of youth gang and graffiti tagging “Krews” who target public and private property.

As a result, Detective Gene Torres is a deputy on a mission. Gene has become our expert in graffiti investigations. On Friday, March 20, 2009, Gene arrested 3 juvenile “tagging” suspects who are Krew leaders and responsible for thousands of dollars of damage.

The three “taggers” were responsible for damaging the Piru Post Office and other private property, over and over again in the Fillmore area. All three juveniles were caught with graffiti tools and evidence. They were released to their parents pending court trials. When prosecuted, they will be required to provide financial restitution to the victims and typically commit to 30- 50 hours of community service. All three were arrested for 182(a)(1) PC / conspiracy, 594(b)(2)(A) PC / Vandalism, and 594.2(a) PC possession of graffiti tools.

Individuals involved in the commission of these graffiti crimes continue to plague our community. We need your help in reporting acts of vandalism and if you have any information related to graffiti crime, please call the Senior Deputy Detective Taurino Almazan at 805-524-2233.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Tri-County Dismantlers, 900 Block Mission Rock Road, Santa Paula, CA
Date & Time / RB#: March 22, 2009 @ 9:45 P.M. / 09-7226
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Bomb Unit and Fillmore Patrol Deputies

Suspects, City, Age
Suspect-1 Male Juvenile, Santa Paula, 16
Suspect-2 Unknown Male

On March 22, 2009 at 9:58 p.m., Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to an explosion that damaged a soft drink vending machine located in front of Tri-County Dismantlers in the 900 block of Mission Rock Road near Santa Paula.

When deputies arrived, they found the vending machine severely damaged with debris from the explosion strewn across the street from the business. Evidence suggested some type of bomb constructed with industrial chemicals was used to blow up the machine. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. Two witnesses came forward and reported that two male subjects were observed leaving the scene.

A short time later, deputies identified a suspect vehicle in the 200 Block of Laurie Lane in Santa Paula. Deputies stopped the suspect vehicle and subsequently arrested the driver, a sixteen year-old male, and charged him with felonious possession of a destructive device, felony use of a destructive device to destroy property, and vandalism. The sixteen year-old was released to his parents and will appear in juvenile court at a later time.

The Sheriff’s Bomb Unit responded to the initial scene and is leading the investigation. An effort to identify and locate the second suspect is on going. If you have any information about this crime, call Crime Stoppers at 805-524-0970. The call is not recorded. Rewards are offered.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Locations:

1. 400 Block Collins Street, El Rio
2. 1900 Block Socorro Way, Oxnard
3. 2200 Block San Marino Street, Oxnard
4. 300 Block Salem Avenue, El Rio
5. 600 Block Lemon Way, Fillmore
6. 2400 Block Eric Way, Bakersfield
7. 2600 Block Mount Vernon, Bakersfield

Date & Time: 3-19-2009 to 3-20-2009
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit

(S)uspects, Charge, City of residence, Age

1. Luis Valenzuela, Oxnard, 20
Attempt robbery
Street terrorism

2. Eddie Velasquez, El Rio, 38
Felon in possession of ammunition
Violation of parole CONTINUED »

Chief Deputy David Tennessen

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the appointment of David Tennessen to the position of Chief Deputy effective April 5, 2009. David has over 30 years with the Sheriff’s Department and is currently serving as Commander of the Human Resources Bureau. Upon his appointment, David will assume leadership of the Special Services Division, which includes Major Crimes, Narcotics, Technical Services, Intelligence, and the Aviation Unit. “David has the diverse knowledge and experience needed to perform at the executive level and has consistently displayed strong leadership abilities throughout his career,” stated Sheriff Brooks.

During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Department, David has worked a multitude of assignments and possesses vast and diverse law enforcement experience. He has worked in every division of the Department at the management level and has been in the management ranks since 1991. David’s previous assignments include Chief of Police for the contract city of Camarillo and Commander in the Special Services Division. During the four years David was assigned as a Commander in Special Services, he had a significant role within Ventura County’s Terrorism Working Group, which addresses homeland security issues on a countywide level. He also has special expertise in public safety aviation issues by virtue of his position as Special Services Unit Commander and during an earlier assignment where he was directly responsible for the Aviation Unit at the rank of Captain.

David holds a bachelor of arts degree in organizational management from Ashford University in Iowa and is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Administration Program at California State University, Northridge. He resides in Camarillo with his wife Valerie. His adult daughter, Jessie, is a schoolteacher in Camarillo.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 1204 Portola St, Ventura
Date: 03-19-09
Unit Responsible: West County Police Services Detectives and Sheriff’s Gang Unit

Arrestee: Esteban De Los Santos, DOB: 6-16-77

This case originated as a residential burglary, which occurred in the Saticoy Country Club area in February 2009. During the burglary, the victim’s checkbook was stolen and some of the checks were forged shortly afterwards. Surveillance tapes and videos were recovered from several different businesses in Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo and the suspect was identified as Esteban De Los Santos. During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered De Los Santos was wanted for a parole violation. Following an extensive investigation De Los Santos was discovered to be at a residence in the City of Ventura. On February 11, 2009, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested De Los Santos at the home without incident. During the arrest, De Los Santos was in possession of methamphetamine and a handgun. De Los Santos was arrested and charged for the forgery of the victim’s checks as well as felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Date & Time: March 18, 2009 @ 7:23 a.m.
Location: 2500 Block Roosevelt Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit

Involved Parties, City of residence, Age
William Frederick McInerney, Oxnard, 45

Sheriff’s deputies and medical personnel responded to a residence in 2500 block of Roosevelt Blvd. on Silver Strand Beach for a report of a possible dead body. After entering the residence, deputies found 45-year-old William McInerney deceased on the floor. Investigation at the scene by Sheriff’s detectives revealed no evidence of foul play.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Officer conducted an autopsy that attributed Mr. McInerney’s death to a head injury most likely due to a fall, with alcohol as a contributing factor. The Medical Examiner has ruled the death as accidental.

On 3-7-09 at about 1130 AM, a citizen of Santa Paula was approached by a Hispanic male in a silver Dodge van, who claimed to be from Mexico and that he had won $400,000 from the lottery. The male suspect stated that he needed $30,000 to “put in the lottery machine in Fillmore” in order to get the $400,000 that he had won. While talking to the male suspect another female suspect approached and engaged in the conversation between the male and the victim. The victim was convinced by the suspects to surrender the money she had with her and go to her bank to withdraw more money in order to secure part of the “winnings” for herself. The suspects drove the victim to her bank where she withdrew $3,000 from her account. The suspects then drove the victim to her house to get more money, but fled when they saw the victim’s daughter come out of the residence.

This is yet another case of a lottery scam in which victims are approached and convinced by suspects that they will be given a large amount of money in return for a smaller amount of money. The suspects in theses cases have been of Hispanic origin and usually the victims are older Hispanics, usually speaking Spanish. Please, do not fall victim to these criminals. The lottery does not operate in this manner. A winner does not have to present money to receive any winnings and it does not matter if the “winner” is a resident of the US. If you are approached by anyone saying they need money in order to claim money, they ARE scamming you. If you have any information regarding suspects in this or other lottery scam cases, you are encouraged to contact your local police department.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 323 A Street, Fillmore
Date & Time/ RB#: Friday, March 20, 2009. 12:10 a.m. / 09-006988
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Patrol

Victim, City of Residence, Age:
Ramon Izarraraz, Fillmore, 23

Fillmore resident Ramon Izarraraz reported that he was the victim of a carjacking on Friday, March 20, 2009. Just after midnight, Izarraraz was sitting alone in his car in front of the Taco Llama restaurant at 323 A Street in Fillmore. As he was preparing to drive off, two male adult suspects approached on foot and began smashing out one of the windows of Izarraraz’s tan colored 1996 Toyota Camry, California license 4WZT410. The male suspects then forced their way into the car and assaulted Izarraraz. During the attack, the two suspects forcibly pulled Izarraraz from the car, and they drove off in his vehicle eastbound on Old Telegraph Road in Fillmore.

Deputies searched Fillmore and the outlying communities for the vehicle but were unsuccessful in locating it. Detectives are actively working towards identifying the suspects. Any tips from the public concerning the identity of the suspects and/or the whereabouts of the victim’s vehicle would be greatly appreciated and held in confidence. The individuals involved in the commission of this crime are considered dangerous and should not be approached. If you have any information related to this crime, please call the Sheriff’s Department at 805-654-9511 or Detective Taurino Almazan at 805-524-2233. In case of emergency, always dial 9-1-1.

POLICE BLOTTER
SEARCH WARRANT
03/04/09
1400 block Ventura St.
03/04/09
1100 block El Paseo St.

HIT & RUN NON-INJURY
03/04/09
900 block Central Ave.
03/05/09
N. C St./Meadowlark Dr.
03/08/09
900 block 3rd. Street

VANDALISM
03/04/09
500 block Mountain View
03/09/09
A St./Old Telegraph Rd.
03/09/09
800 block Oliver St.
03/10/09
500 block Kensington Dr.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
03/04/09
1000 block Elmhurst Lane

BURGLARY – VEHICLE
03/08/09
300 block Rhodes Ct.

THEFT - OTHER
03/05/09
500 block Saratoga St.
03/06/09
400 block Foothill Drive
03/07/09
Ash Circle/Goodenough Rd.
03/07/09
Central & Santa Clara St.
03/10/09
200 block Mountain View

THEFT – IDENTITY
03/06/09
500 block Via Rodeo St.

BATTERY
03/06/09
400 block Main St.
03/07/09
900 block Blaine Ave.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 800 Block of Mission Rock Road, Santa Paula, Ca.
Date & Time/ RB#: March 17, 2009 1:50 P.M. / 09-6745
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Station

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

McMaster, Chad, 800 Block Mission Rock Road Santa Paula, Ca., 35

The Fillmore Sheriff’s Deputies interact with over 276 persons on criminal probation. In 2008, our patrol deputies conducted over 284 probation searches.

On March 17, 2009 at about 1:50 P.M., Sheriff’s Patrol Deputies were conducting a week-long probation sweep, searching locations occupied by convicted felons. During one of the sweeps, deputies arrested Chad McMaster at his mobile home on a drug related arrest warrant.

In conjunction with the drug arrest, deputies searched McMaster’s trailer and found a loaded handgun and a large quantity of ammunition. Deputies also charged Mc Master with felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Mc Master was booked at Ventura County Main Jail with bail set at $60,000.00.

If you know of a felony probationer or gang member in the Santa Clara Valley that is violating his or her probation, contact the Fillmore Police Station at 805-524-2233. All tips are confidential.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 17500 block of Maple Trail, Lockwood Valley, CA
Date & Time: March 2, 2009 / 0100 hours Unit Responsible: Major Crimes Bureau

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
Victim - Schimmel, Steven 17500 Maple Trail, Lockwood Valley 2 1/2 months
Suspect - Schimmel, Jayson 17500 Maple Trail, Lockwood Valley 32 years

On March 2, 2009, both resident deputies at the Lockwood Valley substation were dispatched code-3 (lights and siren) to a “baby not breathing” call at 17501 Maple Trail in the northern unincorporated area of Ventura County known as Lockwood Valley. Dispatchers gave the infant’s parents CPR instruction as deputies were responding. When deputies arrived, they immediately began CPR. Kern County Fire and AMR Ambulance also responded and continued life saving efforts. The infant, later identified as Steven Schimmel, was transported by ambulance to a nearby ranger station and airlifted to Kern Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies interviewed Steven’s 19-year-old mother and Steven’s 32-year-old father, Jayson Schimmel. Steven’s mother and father are not married, but have lived together for a couple of years, in a guesthouse behind Jayson’s parents’ house. Initial information provided to investigators indicated that Steven awoke crying during bottle feeding and then went limp and subsequently stopped breathing for unknown reasons. At that point a 911 call was placed. The autopsy was performed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. The autopsy revealed that Steven Schimmel died of “blunt force head injuries due to Battered Child Syndrome.” Steven also had multiple bruises on other portions of his body, as well as multiple fractures.

The investigation determined that Jayson Schimmel was responsible for the crime and probable cause existed to arrest him for murder. Sheriff’s Detective Scott Peterson arrested Jayson Schimmel for the murder of his biological son, Steven Schimmel, on March 5, 2009 at about 3:20 PM in Frazier Park, CA.

Anyone with information about this crime should call the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit at (805)
477-7000.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Moorpark Avenue @ Second Street, Moorpark, Ca.
Date & Time/ Case #: Mar. 5, 2009 @ 6:08 p.m. / 09-005666
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
(V) Avalos, Jose Moorpark 47
(S) Ponciano, Martin Moorpark 24

A 47-year-old Moorpark resident remains at Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, after he was stabbed multiple times in front of a business on Moorpark Avenue on Thursday evening. Jose Avalos had been involved in an earlier dispute with 24-year-old Martin Ponciano. The dispute culminated in the stabbing, which occurred in front of a laundromat as Avalos exited the business.

As Avalos fled the scene he was stabbed on the arm. Although he sustained a severe injury, Avalos is expected to recover.

Deputies have been searching for Ponciano, but have been unable to locate him since the incident. Anyone with information about Ponciano’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Javier Chavez at (805)494-8223.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: U.S. Bank, 2048 East Avenida De Los Arboles, T.Oaks
Date & Time/ RB#: Mar. 3, 2009 @ 6:50 p.m. / 09-5475
Unit Responsible: East County Major Crimes Unit

Three masked men robbed the U.S. Bank inside Vons on Avenida De Los Arboles Tuesday evening, but left without any money after being confronted by an off-duty law enforcement officer.

The three suspects stormed inside the crowded grocery store and confronted the bank employees, demanding money. In a nearby aisle, the off-duty officer heard the commotion and confronted one of the suspects with his handgun. The suspect dropped a bag of money, and all three of the robbers fled the scene.

The men left in a stolen car that they abandoned behind another store nearby. Deputies, assisted by two K-9’s, searched the surrounding neighborhood for the suspects, but did not locate them.

All of the money taken from the bank was recovered inside the store. There were no shots fired and no injuries during the robbery. The suspects wore dark, baggy clothing, full ski masks, and gloves. The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this incident are asked to call detectives at (805)494-8201.

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 (805) 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or (805) 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Ventura County Fire Department

Daylight Savings Time begins on March 8 this year, and changing your clocks is a good reminder to change the batteries in your smoke alarms according to the Ventura County Fire Department.

The evidence is clear: smoke alarms save lives, but they must be properly installed and in working order to do that. The U.S. Fire Administration reported that, in the four-year period 2000-2004, 65 percent of the deaths in home fires occurred in homes that either had no smoke alarms, or had smoke alarms that were not working.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” said Ventura County Fire Department Captain Ron Oatman. “Having working smoke alarms in your home greatly increases your chances of surviving a fire. It’s as simple as that.”

Keeping fresh batteries in your smoke alarms can save lives, but there are other ways to make sure your smoke alarm is working efficiently:
•
Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years; aging smoke alarms don’t operate as efficiently and are frequently responsible for “nuisance” alarms.
•
Test units at least once a month. Use the “test” button on the device or an approved smoke substitute, never use an open flame. CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Fieldcrest and Quailridge, Camarillo CA
Date & Time/ RB#: 2-23-09 at 7:45 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Camarillo Detectives / Patrol

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses Address Age
Suspect: White Male, 30-40 years old, heavy -set, possibly bald or shaved head, “straggly “ black goatee type beard with no mustache, 1 ½ - 2 inches in length. Suspect Vehicle: White SUV, similar to a Ford Expedition or Explorer.

Victim: 11 year old Female

On 2-23-09, an eleven-year-old female was walking in the 5500 block of Fieldcrest to Las Colinas School when a man, sitting in his parked vehicle, said something to her. As she was not able to understand what he was saying, she approached the vehicle to get clarification. When she got to the passenger side of the vehicle she looked into the vehicle and saw the man pull down his pants and expose himself to her. She immediately ran away from the area. The victim reported the crime that afternoon.

For the next two days the Camarillo Police Department conducted plain-clothes surveillance in an attempt to locate the suspect. As of today’s date, we have not been able to locate the suspect and are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating him. We are also asking anyone whom the suspect might have approached in a similar manner to report the incident to the police department.

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 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or WebTip at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org, or Text "tip375" plus
your message to CRIMES (274637).

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 2800 block East Vineyard Ave., Oxnard
Date & Time: 02-27-09 / 6:00 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit / West County Patrol Services

(S)uspects, Charge, City of residence, Age
Victor Dearcos, Attempt robbery, Oxnard, 26
Brandishing
Street Terrorism
Jonathan Aguilar, Attempt robbery, Oxnard, 19
Brandishing
Street Terrorism

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit arrested El Rio gang members Victor Dearcos and Jonathan Aguilar for their part in an attempted robbery that occurred at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 2/27/09.

Three suspects confronted the three male victims in the 2800 block of East Vineyard Avenue. One of the suspects indicated they were going to rob the three victims. As another suspect removed a handgun from his waistband, the three victims fled on foot. The suspects chased the victims for a short time before fleeing the area. During the incident, the three suspects made statements that identified them as El Rio gang members. The incident went unreported for several hours until a friend of one of the victims notified a passing Sheriff’s patrol deputy.

Patrol deputies located two of the suspects in front of a residence in the 2700 block of Colonia Place. The Sheriff’s Gang Unit assisted in the investigation and gathered enough evidence to arrest both suspects. Victor Dearcos and Jonathan Aguilar were arrested for Attempted Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm, and Street Terrorism. Dearcos was also arrested for violation of his parole terms. Dearcos is being held with out bail and Aguilar is being held on $115,000 bail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 3300 Block Orange Ave., Nyeland Acres
Date & Time: 01-08-09 / 12:00 p.m.
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Gang Unit

(S)uspects, Charge, City of residence, Age
Reyes, Donald, Felon Possess Firearm, Oxnard, 36
Brandishing of a firearm
Criminal threats

Reyes, Dominic, Criminal Threats, Oxnard, 32

The Sheriff’s Gang Unit concluded a two-month investigation into a group of gang members who were threatening telecommunications workers in the Nyeland Acres area of Oxnard. The investigation ended with the arrest of Donald and Dominic Reyes.

On 01-08-09, a telecommunications employee was working in the 3300 block of Orange Avenue. A male approached the worker and told him there had been several drive by shootings in the area. The suspect brandished a firearm and told the telecommunications worker to leave the area. A week later another telecommunications worker was similarly threatened. Gang investigators identified the suspect as Ventura Avenue gang member Donald Reyes.

On 1-21-09, undercover gang investigators posed as telecommunications workers in the 3300 block of Orange Avenue. A male subject approached the undercover officer and intimated the undercover officer was going to be the victim of a drive by shooting. The male was immediately arrested and identified as Dominic Reyes. Reyes was booked into the Ventura County Jail for criminal threats. He was later released pending further investigation.

On 2-28-09, Gang Investigators located Donald Reyes in the 100 block of South Grant St. He was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm, Criminal threats, and brandishing a firearm. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail and is being held on $50,000 bail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: Agoura Hills, CA
Date & Time: February 28, 2009 / 11:00 a.m.
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff's Department Administration

Name, City of residence, Age
Michael Murray, Agoura Hills, 30

Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy Michael Murray was found dead on Saturday morning inside his Agoura Hills home by sheriff's deputies checking his well-being after he failed to report to work. His passing was unexpected, and there was no obvious cause of death or evidence of foul play. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Coroner’s Office are investigating.

Deputy Murray joined the Sheriff's Department in July 2002. Upon graduation from the Regional Training Center, he worked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura and later at the East County Jail. Deputy Murray began his field-training in patrol in Thousand Oaks in November of 2008 and was in that assignment at the time of his passing.

Funeral services are yet to be determined. The Ventura County Sheriff's Department and Thousand Oaks Police Department are deeply saddened by this event. The Department thanks the community for its ongoing support, particularly during this difficult time.