Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The County of Ventura has announced the official launch of the REVERSE 911® Interactive
Community Notification System. The system may be used to deliver alerts when there is a threat to the health or safety of residents in the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County.

REVERSE 911® is a telephonic community notification system which may be used for time-sensitive, mass distribution of emergency messages. The system is particularly effective in times of crisis when rapid communication to a targeted group of citizens or emergency responders is critical. Citizens may be given information regarding evacuation notices, hazardous material releases, community-policing activities or alerts to boil water if necessary. Therefore, when residents receive a REVERSE 911® message, it is important to listen carefully and follow all instructions provided in the alert.

It is also important for residents not to rely on REVERSE 911® notifications as their only means of emergency information. The system may be used in conjunction with information provided to the media, directions given by emergency responders, and information posted on official city, county and government websites.

The REVERSE 911® system is able to send notifications to landline telephones, TTY phones, cellular phones, Voice Over Internet Protocol phones, and e-mail / text addresses. Currently, the Ventura County REVERSE 911® database includes both listed and unlisted landline phone numbers for AT&T and Verizon customers. Residents who want to receive notifications on their cellular, TTY or VoIP phones will need to register online or call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services at (805) 648-9283.

For more information on REVERSE 911® in Ventura County or to register phone numbers online, residents can click on the “Disaster Information” link on the County of Ventura homepage
(www.countyofventura.org) and select the REVERSE 911® icon.

Sheriff Bob Brooks is pleased to announce the graduation of the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center’s Academy Class #2008-1. The graduation ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2008, at the Camarillo Community Church Auditorium, Camarillo, California. The guest speaker for the graduation ceremony will be Supervisor Kathy Long.

Please see the attached pages for the names of the graduating recruits and their respective agencies.

The recruits have completed 22 weeks of instruction provided through the combined efforts of local law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice entities. The intense training and education prepares these officers for the responsibilities of serving the community.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department/Ventura County Sheriff’s Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
(S) Julian Camarillo Santa Paula 18
(S) Amador Leal Santa Paula 18

On June 23, 2008, deputies assigned to the Santa Clara Valley station were extra patrolling the area of the 12th Street Bridge and the Santa Clara River in an effort to enforce the “zero tolerance” of graffiti vandalism in and around the Santa Clara Valley. The deputies happened upon Julian Camarillo and Amador Leal, both from Santa Paula, in the act of spray painting and writing their local “tagging crew’s” moniker on the Santa Clara River bridge. Both subjects were arrested for vandalism and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with information about graffiti vandalism, or any other crime, are urged to call Crime Stoppers at (805) 524-0970 (Fillmore) or the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-2233.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
(S) Amaro, Paul Nyeland Acres 30
(S) Lessel, Scott Camarillo 22
On 6-20-2008, members from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted a parole search on the residence of Paul Amaro. Amaro lives in 3400 Block of Nyeland Avenue and is currently on parole for robbery and possession of narcotics while in possession of a loaded firearm.
While at the residence, members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit detained Amaro and a second subject named Scott Lessel. Lessel was on probation for narcotic related offenses. A search of the house revealed a loaded handgun, a .22 cal rifle that has been altered to make it more compact, and marijuana that appeared to be packaged for the purpose of sales. Both Lessel and Amaro were arrested for being felons in possession of a firearm. Lessel was booked into the Ventura County Jail and is being held on $60,000 bail. Amaro was additionally charged with possession for sales of marijuana and violation of his parole. He was booked into Ventura County Jail and is being held without bail.
The Sheriff’s Gang Unit is responsible for gang enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Since its inception in 2007, they have seized more than 45 guns. The Sheriff’s department is committed to reducing gang violence and aggressively investigates gang related crimes.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
(S) Ramos, Jose Oak View 19
(S) Ramos, Sergio Oak View 27
On 6-19-2008, gang investigators arrested Jose Ramos and Sergio Ramos at their residence for participating in a gang related shooting. The shooting occurred on 5-18-08 in the community Oak View.
On 5-18-08,at about 0320 hours, Ojai patrol deputies responded to a shots fired call in the area of Short Street and Ventura Ave. The deputies were unable to find any evidence of a crime at that time. At about 0800 hours, Deputies were called back to an address on Short Street where they discovered a car that had two bullet holes in it. A search of the area found shell casings more than 350 feet away. Deputies also located a victim who stated he was shot at during the early morning hours. He did not report the incident at the time of the shooting.
Gang investigators developed information that Jose and Sergio Ramos were involved in the shooting and obtained a search warrant for their residence. Both subjects are active OSL gang members.
On 6-19-2008, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, along with deputies from the Ojai station, served a search warrant at the Ramos’ residence. Both Sergio and Jose were present and were arrested. A search of the residence found ammunition similar to the shell casings found at the scene.
Jose Ramos and Sergio Ramos were booked into the Ventura County Jail for Assault with a firearm, and Street Terrorism. Sergio, who was out on bail for possession of heroin at the time of the shooting, was additionally charged with the commission of a felony while out on bail. They are both being held on $100,000. bail.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On June 21st, 2008 at approximately 1245 hours, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit was dispatched to Lake Piru for a reported burn victim. Sheriff’s Helicopter Air Squad 8 responded to the scene to assist. Upon arrival, Air Squad 8 was able to land in the parking lot near the lake’s main boat launch ramp.

Ventura County Fire Department personnel were on scene and escorted the 2 year old male burn victim to the helicopter. The information to the flight crew was that the infant male had accidentally fallen into a fire pit at one of the campgrounds. The child suffered second and third degree burns to his abdomen and hands. The child and his mother where loaded onto the helicopter and flown to Simi Valley Hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the child’s care was transferred to emergency room personnel. Courtesy of Ventura County Sheriff.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 209 W. Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, Target Center
Date & Time: June 12, 2008, 1420 hours

A disabled man, who happens to be deaf (and wants to remain anonymous), had his $2500 motorized electric bicycle stolen from in front of the Camarillo Target Store. The man, who is unable to drive, used the bicycle as his main source of transportation to commute the streets of Camarillo.

The theft occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2008, at about 2:20 PM, when the victim went to the Camarillo Target. When he arrived, he locked his bicycle with a heavy duty lock near the front of the store, but failed to secure it to a stationary object. When he returned from shopping, he discovered his bicycle missing. The bicycle is a black, 18” Tidal Force M-750 High Performance unit.

PUBLIC HELP:
Video surveillance captured a dark, possibly green, 2-door, compact car with a bike rack attached to the rear stop in front of the store. A suspect resembling a heavy set female is seen casing the area just before she is seen carrying the eighty pound bicycle to the waiting car and placing it onto the bike rack. Once the bicycle was secured to the bicycle rack the vehicle drove away.

Anyone who saw the suspect steal the bicycle or has information on the vehicle or suspect(s) is encouraged to call the Camarillo Police Department or call Detective Luna with information.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 4000 Block Hitch Blvd., Moorpark, Ca
Victim: 19 year old adult male (Release of name pending notification of family)

On 6-14-2008, at approximately 0130 hours, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a fight and possible stabbing victim at a residence in the 4000 block of Hitch Boulevard, in the unincorporated community of Home Acres, which is near Moorpark.

On their arrival they found a 19-year old adult male lying in the driveway of the residence who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. Deputies assisted with first aid and CPR until paramedics arrived. The victim was transported to Pleasant Valley Hospital in Camarillo where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Interviews with witnesses indicated that the residents were hosting a small high school graduation party. At some point during the party a fight broke out between partygoers and the victim was stabbed. It is unknown at this time what prompted the fight.

No arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
1. Timothy Paredes Moorpark 23
2. Henry Solorzano Panorama City 24
3. Juvenile 17
In early May 2008, Narcotics Investigators received information of heroin sales occurring in the City of Moorpark. Through investigation, detectives identified Timothy Paredes, 23 years of age, as the heroin dealer. On 6-13-08, detectives followed Paredes to the area of Laurel Canyon Blvd and Rinaldi St in the City of Sylmar. Detectives observed Paredes and another subject, later identified as Henry Solorzana, conducting what they believed to be a narcotics transaction. Paredes, Solorzana, and a 17-year old juvenile with Paredes were detained. Detectives found 48 individual packets of suspected heroin and several hundred dollars in cash. Detectives believe Solorzana is Paredes' source of supply. Paredes was arrested for possession of heroin for sale, and destruction of evidence. Solorzana was arrested for sales of heroin and possession of heroin for sale. The juvenile was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Paredes and Solorzana were booked into the Sheriff's Pre Trial Detention Facility.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Shooting / Attempt Murder
Location: 4500 block of North Ojai Road, Santa Paula
Date & Time: June 7, 2008 / 3:00am
Unit Responsible: Special Services Division / Major Crimes Bureau

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses City of residence Age
(S) James Fillingame Santa Paula 32
(V) Jeremy Guess Santa Paula 18
(V) Joseph Bradley Santa Paula 24

In the early morning hours of June 7th, the above named individuals attended a party in Santa Paula. After a brief dispute, (S) Fillingame left the party and drove to a residence in the 4500 block of N. Ojai Road in Santa
Paula. (V) Guess and (V) Bradley followed Fillingame to the residence, where Fillingame produced a firearm and fired multiple shots at the other men. (V) Guess sustained gunshot wounds and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was admitted in stable condition. Bradley was not injured.

(S) Fillingame was found later and arrested by Sheriff’s deputies after a brief vehicle pursuit involving the Ventura Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for Attempted Murder.

California Highway Patrol

Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.

Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. The second law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or a hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a hands- free device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. According to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, with the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.
Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.

DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?
A: NO. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free. EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: NO. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?
A: No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.

Fillmore Fire Department

The City of Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura County Sheriffs Department would like to remind citizens of our Illegal Fireworks Ordinance.
In 2006 the Fillmore City Council adopted ordinance 15.39.010 of the Fillmore Municipal code making it illegal to possess, discharge, or sell any type of non-approved firework within City of Fillmore city limits. The fine imposed upon violators is $1,000.00.

It is the goal of the City of Fillmore to eliminate any unnecessary hazards generated by the use of illegal fireworks. By enforcing this ordinance the City of Fillmore hopes to curtail the widespread problem. Citizens are reminded that there will be zero tolerance for subjects found in violation of this law.

Citizens should expect to see increased patrol efforts by Deputies and Fire Department Personnel beginning the first week of June continuing through the Fourth of July Holiday Season. A fireworks task force has been established and will be responsible for the investigation and enforcement pertaining to fireworks related activities in Fillmore. In addition to increased patrol, illuminated sign boards will be placed alongside highway
126 as well as posters throughout the city, reminding citizens Fillmore is not the place to discharge illegal fireworks.

If you witness any illegal activity please call the Fillmore Police Department at (805) 524-1500 ext 350. All reports may remain anonymous.

California Highway Patrol

(SACRAMENTO) The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) “Statewide Driving under the Influence (DUI) Reduction Effort” grant has concluded. A new grant-funded campaign is about to begin. Under this $5 million project, CHP personnel were deployed on an overtime basis with the mission of removing impaired drivers from California’s roadways. The grants were awarded by the state Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

During the project’s enforcement period 233 DUI/Driver License Checkpoints and 66 DUI Task Force Operations were conducted, and nearly 40,545 overtime hours were expended providing proactive DUI Roving Patrol. As a result of these enforcement efforts, 2,971 DUI arrests were made by CHP officers.

The goal of the “Statewide Driving under the Influence (DUI) Reduction Effort” project was to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol-involved collisions. Through the enforcement efforts this grant provided, the CHP was able to eliminate these DUI drivers from our roadways, keeping our highways safer.

The CHP is urging motorists to help reduce the incidence of DUI fatalities and injuries by not drinking and driving. The CHP has received another grant for a similar anti-DUI campaign during the 2008-2009 fiscal years.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Suspects, Residence, Age:
Omar Ivan Cervantes, Oxnard, 18 years
Juan Elvis Larios, Oxnard, 18 years
Juan Manuel Perez Jr., Oxnard, 19 years
Raymond Reyes, Oxnard, 18 years
Braulio Velasco, Oxnard, 18 years
4 Male Juveniles, Oxnard, 16 years

On January 6, 2008, Arturo Sotelo was walking on Friedrich Road in Nyeland Acres at about 2115 hours. As Sotelo continued to his destination, a male suspect, who was wearing dark clothing, approached him. The suspect yelled “Colonia!” and shot Sotelo several times in the head with a .25 caliber handgun. Sotelo, who survived, was taken to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center for treatment of his wounds.

On February 17, 2008, unknown suspects committed a drive-by shooting on Dolores Court in the City of Oxnard. The intended targets of the shooting were Colonia gang members. Shortly after the shooting in Oxnard, investigators learned that several Colonia gang members were planning to retaliate for the shooting on Dolores Court by driving to El Rio to hunt for a rival gang member.

Deputies in El Rio, who had been alerted by department investigators, located and stopped the car the gang members were riding in and recovered a 9mm handgun, a .45 caliber handgun and a shotgun. The four gang members in the car were arrested and later released pending further investigation.

On June 5, 2008, after an extensive investigation, investigators from the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and Sheriff’s Gang Units arrested Omar Ivan Cervantes, Juan Manuel Perez Jr. and a male juvenile for the attempted murder of Arturo Sotelo. Juan Elvis Larios was arrested for a weapons charge related to this case. Cervantes, Larios, Perez and the male juvenile were also booked under the "California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act" for their participation in a gang related crime.

The male juvenile mentioned above was arrested while attending school at the Camarillo airport. As deputies drove up to the front of the school, a friend of the suspect’s alerted him to the presence of the police by way of a text message on the suspect’s cell phone. The juvenile attempted to elude arrest by running away from the campus. An alert teacher saw the student running away and that information was relayed to the deputies. A containment perimeter was quickly established and a Sheriff’s Department helicopter was deployed. After a brief search of the area, the suspect was found hiding in the bathroom of a restaurant located on the airport grounds.

Investigators also arrested Raymond Reyes, Braulio Velasco and three male juveniles for conspiracy and various weapons possession charges related to the arrests on February 17, 2008.

All nine Colonia gang members were arrested without incident. The adults were booked in the Sheriff’s Pre-Trail Detention Facility and the juveniles were booked at the Juvenile Justice Center on Vineyard Road in El Rio.

VENTURA – State Senator George Runner (R-Antelope Valley) and Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks today announced that Secretary of State Debra Bowen has qualified a statewide anti-gang initiative for the November ballot.
"The Safe Neighborhoods Act is a comprehensive and extremely well thought-out initiative designed to combat some of the most serious aspects of criminal behavior plaguing our society," Brooks said. "Among other areas, it enhances our ability to fight criminal street gangs, methamphetamine related crimes, and felons who use guns."
In order to qualify for the ballot, the initiative needed 433,971 valid petition signatures, which is equal to 5 percent of the total votes cast for governor in the November 2006 General Election. The initiative proponents submitted 789,668 signatures in late April.
"Now California voters have a chance to do what the liberal Legislature has failed to do: Pass true gang reform," said Runner, one of the initiative's authors.
Brooks added: "On a daily basis, officers in our communities are confronted with these serious problems. They deserve all the help they can get in making our communities safer for all residents, including the children who would be further protected by the laws strengthened under this initiative. I fully support the Safe Neighborhoods Act."
Some of the provisions of the initiative would do the following:
• Increase penalties for felons and gang members with guns;
• Create the Early Intervention & Rehabilitation Commission;
• Prohibit bail for illegal aliens charged with violent or gang crimes;
• Heighten penalties for criminal accomplices;
• Strengthen Section 8 Housing compliance;
• Protect witness testimony;
• Create a statewide gang registry;
• Punish smugglers of prison contraband
• Toughen laws for methamphetamine distribution and sales;
• Establish the "Use a gun and lose a car" law;
• Allow counties (that are under federal court order to release jail inmates) to operate temporary jail facilities;
• Impose felony penalties on serial graffiti offenders.
The Safe Neighborhoods Act also has support from Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten, State Senate Candidate Tony Strickland (Camarillo) and former Gov. Pete Wilson.

It is supported by every elected California sheriff, the California Police Chiefs' Association, the California District Attorneys Association, Chief Probation Officers' of California and nearly every other law enforcement group including rank and file law enforcement organizations like the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

The initiative is co-authored by Mike Reynolds (father of Three Strikes) and San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt.

Learn more at www.safeneighborhoodsact.com

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

During the Months of April, May and the first week of June, personnel from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department conducted sex registrant compliance sweeps. California Penal Code Section 290 requires persons convicted of specified sexual assault crimes to register their address with the responsible local law enforcement agency. These compliance checks are to verify the location where the registrant states they reside and to conduct probation and or parole searches of their residence. During the first phase of these sweeps, 117-sex registrant’s addresses have been verified. 3 arrests have been made for violations of Penal Code Section 290 and 2 arrest warrants have been sought for violations of Penal Code 290. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will continue to conduct these sweeps randomly throughout Ventura County.

On June 2, 2008, the Santa Paula Police Department in cooperation with over 55 officers from the California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Ventura Police Department, Ventura County District Attorney's Investigations Unit, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.), Ventura County Probation Department, Department of Homeland Security, Ventura County Parole Department, John Paul Getty Museum K.-9 Unit, Guadalupe Police Department, Santa Barbara Sheriffs Department, and the City of Santa Paula Building & Safety Department, conducted citywide probation and parole searches. These searches targeted gang members and narcotic offenders who are on probation or parole to ensure they are in compliance with the terms and conditions of their probation or parole.
There were a total of 40 residences searched and as a result, 17 subjects were arrested for various charges including Possession of dangerous weapons, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, resisting arrest, probation violations and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Additionally, one subject who was found to be in the United States illegally was detained by the United States Customs and Immigration Enforcement and is awaiting deportation.
Of these 17 subjects arrested, 15 were adults and 2 were juveniles all who reside in the City of Santa Paula. Arrested was: Pascual Escoto 33 years, John Rochelle 20 years, Maria Montiel 43 years, Mayra Montiel 18 years, Armando Garcia 24 years, Donovan Bustillos 35 years, Anthony Nevarez 21 years, Rene Vasquez Jr. 20 years, Daniel Alaniz 54 years, Moises Alaniz 58 years, Robert Alaniz 52 years, Comelio Perez Jr. 23 years, Miguel Reyes 27 years. Juvenile male 16 years, and Juvenile male 17 years.
All of the subjects found to be under the influence of a controlled substance were evaluated by Drug Recognition Experts. A "Drug Recognition Expert" Certification Site was established to certify CHP officers and Ventura County Sheriff deputies as Drug Recognition Experts (D.R.E.'s). D.R.E.'s are court recognized experts of persons under the influence of narcotics. This was the 12th successful certification site organized by the Santa Paula Police Department and CHP. There are approximately 20 D.R.E.'s within Ventura County. Of those 20 D.R.E.'s, the Santa Paula Police Department has 4 certified officers.
This operation was extremely successful and sends a strong message to criminals within Santa Paula. The Santa Paula Police Department will not tolerate these subjects committing crimes and/or violating the terms and conditions of their probation or parole. This is a great example of city, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to combat gang and narcotic related crimes within the County of Ventura.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: “Punch Bowls” area of Santa Paula Canyon, Ventura County, Ca.
Date & Time: 6-3-08 / 3:30 p.m.
(V)ictim: Manzano, Tony City of residence: Santa Paula, Ca. Age: 22 years old

On 6-3-08 at approximately 1430 hours, (V) Tony Manzano was hiking with friends in an area of Santa Paula Canyon known as the “Punch Bowls.” While swinging on a rope over one of the pools of water, he fell and became injured. His injuries were serious enough that his friends hiked out of the canyon to an area where they could call 911 on their cell phone.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department sent its rescue helicopter, Air Squad 9, to the location. Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 searched the area and located Tony. Due to the remote location, a crew chief was hoisted down to Tony. The crew chief briefly assessed Tony and bandaged his injuries. He was then fitted into a rescue harness and hoisted up to Air Squad 9 where a flight nurse was waiting to further treat Tony.

After hoisting the crew chief back on board, Air Squad 9 flew to St. Thomas Aquinas College and landed. Tony was transferred to an AMR ambulance for transport to a local hospital.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department would like to remind the public, as summer approaches, to be extra careful as they hike in the backcountry. A general hiking plan should be completed and given to someone who is not going on the trip. The hiking plan should include the number of people hiking, where the hike begins and the planned destination. It should also include estimated time of return so family or friends know when to call the Sheriff’s Department for help.

In addition to a hiking plan, the Sheriff’s Department would like to remind those hiking to take plenty of water, food and supplies in case someone does become injured or stranded.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 6-1-2008 at approximately 4:17 am, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department was notified that there were two stabbing victims at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard and that the crime possibly occurred in the Sheriff’s jurisdiction. Patrol deputies and detectives responded to the hospital.

The investigation revealed that on 6-1-2008, at approximately 2:30 am, a fight occurred at a party being hosted at a private residence in the 3700 Block of Santa Clara Avenue in Nyeland Acres. Witnesses said that the party was initially a small gathering of friends that eventually grew to approximately 30 or 40 people. An argument started between unknown guests, which led to physical fight outside in the street and involved multiple partygoers.

At some point during the fight, an unknown suspect or suspects stabbed victims Michael Marin and the unnamed juvenile. Marin and the juvenile were transported by private vehicle to St John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard. Both Marin and the juvenile were stabbed in the upper torso. Marin had to undergo surgery but is expected to survive. The juvenile was treated and released from the hospital.

The fight does not appear to be gang related but detectives are investigating the possibility that the fight occurred between rival graffiti tagging crews.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Location: 988 Walnut Drive, El Rio
Date & Time: 5-22-08 / 10:30 a.m.
Unit Responsible: West County Headquarters Detectives & Sheriff's Gang Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses, Address, Age
(S) Jerediah Mata, El Rio, 19
(S) Jorge Flores, Oxnard, 21

Headquarters Detectives, along with the Sheriff's Gang Unit, served a search warrant at 988 Walnut Drive in El Rio in reference to a recent residential burglary investigation where a gun was stolen. During the execution of the search warrant, a gun was recovered that was unrelated to the initial investigation. The serial numbers had been removed from the recovered gun and the investigation is continuing regarding this matter.

Two adult males were arrested at the location: Jerediah Mata was arrested for residential burglary and being under the influence of a controlled substance; Jorge Flores was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

There was a toddler and an infant with the two subjects when the search warrant was served. A family member responded to the location and removed the children from the residence.

Both Mata and Flores are documented gang members.