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March 2013
April 2013
May 2013
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Frontier League Finals

May 8, 2013

       FHS hosted the Frontier League Swimming Championships at the Fillmore Aquatic Center on Thursday, May 2, 2013.  Prelims were held on Tuesday, April 30. There were 233 swimmers from nine high schools from Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and LA County. The aquatic center was filled to capacity with swimmers, families and friends.

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May Yard Of The Month
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Vision 2020 selected the yard of Edward Rodriguez and Margaret Cortez as Yard of the Month for May 2013. The yard is located in the 500 block of Kensington Drive and decorated with palms, pigmy palms, ferns and calalilly. The main part of the front part has lush green well maintained grass which comliments the nice looking residence. The parkway is filled with colorful low maintenance rocks to prevent and solve the problem of traffic damage. This yard and residence adds a classy look to the neighborhood and is well worth seeing.
Structure Fire
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May 2, 2013

On Friday, April 26, 2013, Ventura City Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of S. Brookshire. The first arriving crew discovered a single-family residence with smoke emitting from the structure. Firefighters determined the source to be a fire in the kitchen area. Firefighters quickly ensured extinguishment and checked for extension of the fire into the cabinets, framing, attic etc. Positive pressure ventilation was used to evacuate smoke from the home.

An adult male was evaluated at the scene for a minor injury. He decline treatment or transport.

Vehicle Rollover
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May 3, 2013

On Friday, April 26, 2013 about 5:25 p.m., Ventura City Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle rollover with entrapment on southbound 101 south of Telephone Road. The first arriving engine crew discovered a single vehicle rollover with the solo occupant out of the vehicle. Additional responding resources were released from the response and Paramedics on scene treated the adult male. The victim was transported to VCMC. Scene hazards were mitigated and the incident was left in care of the CHP.

Vehicle Fire Upgraded To Structure Fire

May 3, 2013

On Sunday, April 28, 2013 4:14 p.m. fire units were dispatched to a reported large vehicle fire in the 200 block of Thompson Blvd in the City of Ventura. First arriving companies found a large class-C motor home on fire spreading to an adjacent commercial building. Quick actions by firefighter’s limited the spread of the fire to the exterior of the building and prevented spread to a nearby-occupied apartment building. Police officers assisting at the scene helped ensure residents safety by evacuating the apartment building. The fire was quickly extinguished and a search of the motor-home and building was performed where no occupants were located. No injuries were reported. The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation. After the fire was controlled, the occupants of the apartment building were allowed to safely return to their homes.

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Assault With A Deadly Weapon

May 3, 2013

      On Sunday, April 28, 2013 at 1238 a.m., Ventura Patrol Officers responded to the 100 block of S Palm Street in response to a report of a large fight involving numerous subjects.

     Ventura patrol officers arrived on scene and were directed to the victim in a nearby parking lot. The victim, Spencer Turner, 23, of Ventura had sustained a minor stab wound to his arm.

      The investigation determined that this incident began outside of a bar in the 200 Blk of E Santa Clara St where several subjects, including the victim, were involved in a physical fight that continued to the area of Palm St.

      Additional Responding patrol units detained a subject on Main Street who may have been involved in the initial altercation. This subject, Carl Ponzio, 19, of Ventura was later identified by witnesses as one of the individuals involved in the fight on E Santa Clara St.

      Turner was treated for his injury and released. Ponzio was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail on the charge of 415 (1) PC – Disturbance of the Peace, fighting in public.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4441, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Hot Prowl Residential Burglary

May 3, 2013

      On Monday, April 29, 2013 1:25 p.m., victim Andrew Rorke, 50, was home in the upstairs area of his residence in the 8800 block of Tacoma Street, when he heard a sound of glass breaking downstairs. When the victim went to investigate the noise he saw that the suspect a male 6 foot, 200 pounds, wearing a gray hoode sweat shirt, had just thrown a large brick through his rear glass patio door, causing glass to be spread all over his kitchen floor.

      The victim noticed that the previously locked patio door was now standing open, and when he looked towards the front entryway of his residence, he observed the suspect fleeing out his front door. He then called 9-1-1 and reported the crime. Responding officers arrived quickly and searched the entire area for the suspect.  Several subjects matching the description were contacted in the area, but it was determined none of them were involved. 

      The investigation revealed that the suspect climbed over a locked gate on the side of the victim’s residence to access the backyard. The suspect then used a brick that was already in the backyard to break the victim’s glass patio door and gain access into the house.

     Nobody was hurt as a result of this incident. The Ventura Police Department classifies this type of burglary as a “hot prowl” due to the resident being home during the commission of the crime. The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4493.                     

Community Crime Alert

May 3, 2013

       Ventura Police Department is issuing a Community Crime Alert due to the increase we’ve recently seen in vehicle burglaries. Over a thirteen-hour period we investigated eight (8) vehicle burglaries, most of which were forced entry via by smashing a vehicle window.

Vehicle Crimes:

       As far as vehicle burglaries, the average number is approximately eleven (11) per week.  The suspect(s) may be casing vehicles and targeting items that are left in plain view inside a vehicle.  If a vehicle is locked but an item of value left in plain sight the suspect(s) quickly smash a window to access the items and the crime is completed in just seconds.  Computers, purses, luggage, wallets, phones, documents, electronics, etc., are often the targets. 

      As far as the individuals committing these crimes they often vary from re-offending parolees, juveniles, drug offenders, or even individuals who live in other cities that come into Ventura to commit these types of crimes.  In some cases there may only be one suspect responsible for the commission of the crime; however, often times the individuals work in groups of two to four people with one to two serving as the lookout.

Of course nobody is immune to crime but there are steps you can take to help make a substantial difference. 

      First and foremost, we urge everyone to be vigilant and responsible neighbors and community members.  Please immediately report any and all suspicious activity to us at 805.650.8010 (24 hour non-emergency number) or 911 in the event of an emergency. 

      Always lock and close your doors and windows (whether it’s your vehicle or residence).  Yes, even when you're home we encourage you to keep your garages and doors/windows locked. 

      Remove items of value from your vehicle.  If you must keep an item in your car at least make an effort to hide it from plain view or place it in your trunk (make sure nobody watches you do this of course). 

      Do not leave your garage door open or unlocked if you are not in the immediate area.

      Set your vehicle alarm if you have one.  

      Lighting is one of the best deterrents to burglary - indoor and outdoor lighting is important.

     Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors and get involved in a Neighborhood Watch program. In an effort to facilitate a virtual Neighborhood Watch program and help foster neighbor-to-neighbor communications, our department has partnered with Nextdoor.com, a private social network for neighborhoods. Information on Nextdoor.com is available at www.venturapd.org

     Connect and keep up with our department as we issue crime alerts, press releases, crime maps, and other valuable crime and safety information by following us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/venturapd, or visit our website at: www.venturapd.org.

Working together we can make a difference in our community

 

 

Strong Arm Robbery

May 5, 2013

On Friday, May 3, 2013 about 11:30 p.m., a 50-year-old man was walking on Telephone near the 1300 block of Saratoga in Ventura when three unknown white males about 20 years old approached him.  One of the men asked the victim to help him and almost immediately thereafter all three of the suspects began attacking the victim.  The victim was knocked to the ground and was punched and kicked by the suspects. During the attack one of the suspects took the victims money. 

After the assault, the victim was aided by a witness who called the police.  Police officers responded and contacted the victim and searched the area for the suspects.  The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention at the scene.   The suspects are still outstanding. 

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4343, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

 

Assault With A Deadly Weapon

May 5, 2013

      On Friday, May 3, 2013 at 6:18 p.m., Ventura Patrol Officers responded to the 3700 block of Harbor Blvd re: a report of an assault with a deadly weapon that occurred at a vagrant campsite adjacent to Harbor Blvd.

      Responding officers contacted the victim, Thomas Shuffield, 33, of Ventura, who told the officers that he had attempted to contact a 52 year old male family member living in the vagrant camps off of Harbor Blvd when this family member brandished a shotgun at him and threatened to kill him. The suspect then stuck Shuffield in the face with the butt of the shotgun causing visible injuries.

      Shuffield fled the campsite and ran to a nearby business to call police. He sustained minor injuries in the assault but refused any medical treatment at the scene.

      The officers obtained a physical description of the suspect and with the assistance of a K-9 Officer attempted to locate the suspect at his campsite.

      The suspect’s campsite was located however other vagrants hear this campsite told the officers that the suspect had already fled the area still in possession of the shotgun.

     Officers canvassed the surround area as well as several other campsites but did not locate the suspect  who should be considered armed and dangerous.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this crime is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4441, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477

Hazardous Materials
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May 6, 2013                                                                                                                
     
The Ventura City Fire Department responded to a report of a possible Hazardous Material leak in the 5400 block of Woodbury Street on Friday, May 3, 2013 at 10:43 a.m..  Upon arrival they met with a resident who stated that there were several bottles of chemicals in a bag, some of which were not labeled.  One of the containers was leaking causing a localized chemical type odor according to the resident.

      Ventura City Fire Hazardous Materials team made entry in a side yard where the material was located, tested the atmosphere for hazards, obtained a sample of the spilled liquid, repacked the leaking container in bags, and ensured other hazardous chemicals were not leaking as well. The leaking liquid was determined to be "Parathion"(by Hazcat system on scene).  Parathion, also called parathion-ethyl or diethyl parathion, is an organophosphate compound. It is a potent insecticide and acaricide; IG Farben originally developed it in the 1940s.  The chemicals will be taken to a local hazmat collection day event for proper disposal.  No injuries were reported as a result of this incident.

Attempted Burglary Arrests

May 7, 2013

      On Saturday, May 4, 2014 at 6:36 p.m., the Ventura Police Command Center received a 911 call from a nearby resident in the area of Pacific High School, 501 College Drive, reporting a possible burglary in progress to the cafeteria of the school.  The resident reported seeing one of the suspects, later identified as a 17 year old male juvenile, cutting a screen to the window of the cafeteria and attempt to open the window.  When he was unsuccessful, both the male juveniles began looking into other windows and trying to open them.  Prior to officers arriving on scene, the juveniles were seen climbing onto the roof of the cafeteria.  Officers responded to the scene and quickly set up a perimeter around the cafeteria.  Both of the male juveniles from Ventura were found hiding on the roof and detained by officers.         

      Officers determined no entry was made into the school and the only damage was to the screen of the cafeteria window.  The second juvenile was 16 years old.

      Ventura City Fire had to respond to the scene to assist in removing the suspects from the roof.  Both suspects were arrested and lodged into Ventura County Juvenile Hall for attempted commercial burglary.       

Prowling Arrest

May 7, 2013

      On Monday, May 6, 2013 about 5:40 a.m., the Ventura Police Command Center received a 9-1-1 call from a concerned resident in the 300 Block of Appian Way stating that an unknown person had just gone into their neighbor’s backyard. As officers were being dispatched, the caller could see this person  looking into the rear windows of their neighbor’s house. Just prior to officer’s arrival, the prowler walked out of the victim’s backyard yard and got into an awaiting vehicle that was previously left running in front of the residence. The prowler then drove away in the vehicle.

      Responding officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it was attempting to leave the area and contacted the driver Steven Knight, 25, of Frazier Park, who was the solo occupant. Knight did not have a reason for being in the area, and witnesses later identified him as the same person being seen in the victim’s back yard, looking into the windows. Knight was booked at Ventura County Jail for prowling. No one was injured during this incident.              

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4441

Vegetation Fire
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May 9, 2013

      On Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 5:07 a.m., Ventura City Fire Department was dispatched to Chapel Drive and Dean Drive, a reported dumpster fire spreading to surrounding vegetation. The first arriving fire company discovered a vegetation fire with a palm tree involved in a homeless encampment adjacent to a city skate park with no dumpster involved. A fire cause investigator responded and found no natural causes for the fire. It remains under investigation by Ventura City Fire and Police Departments. The Ventura City Parks Department, Safe and Clean Debris Removal and Graffiti Hotlines were all notified.

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

May 9, 2013

            On Wednesday, May 8, 2013 1:12 a.m., a Ventura Police officer was driving northbound on Portola Rd approaching the entrance of the Kohl’s center. The officer observed a maroon Altima starting to exit the Kohl’s center parking lot onto Portola Rd with no headlights on. When the driver of the Altima saw the police officer he immediately stopped the vehicle and exited it. Once out of the vehicle he ran back into the parking lot. The officer watched as the subject ran to a white Altima that was stopped in the driveway directly behind the maroon Altima. The white Altima was occupied by  other subjects.

          The subject got into the white Altima which then exited the parking lot, driving around the abandon maroon Altima as it left. The officer believing that the maroon Altima may be stolen made a traffic stop on the white Altima. The drive of the white Altima stopped in the middle of the street and as additional officers arrived on scene all of the occupants were called out of the vehicle. 

          During the course of the investigation it was determined that the maroon Altima was a stolen vehicle out of Oxnard. It was later determined that the white Altima was an unreported stolen vehicle. As a result of the stop the two juveniles were arrested for 10851 VC, Stolen vehicle and were booked into Ventura County Juvenile Hall. Southwood was also arrested for 10851 VC, Stolen vehicle as well as a parole hold.

         The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4441

Armed Robbery

May 11, 2013

      On Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 1:03 a.m., a male Hispanic 20 to 30 years old entered the Circle K, located at 1007 E. Main Street.  The suspect purchased items at the register and as the clerk was getting his change the suspect produced a handgun and demanded money.

      The clerk complied with the demand and turned over an undisclosed amount of money.  The suspect took the money and the merchandise and exited the store.  He was last seen fleeing north on Laurel.

      Ventura Police officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.  No one was inured during the commission of this crime.

      The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Ventura Police Department at 339-4441, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. If your information leads to an arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

 

Ventura County Health Officials Warn Residents To Avoid Wildfire Smoke

May 3, 2013

       Smoke and ash from the Camarillo Springs fire are affecting air quality in Ventura County. Due to the combination of high winds and the spreading blaze, smoke and ash are currently present in the air and may pose a health threat for some individuals.

       Smoke and ash irritate the eyes, nose and throat and may be harmful to breathe but, according to Ventura County Public Health (VCPH) officials, not everyone who is exposed to thick smoke will have health problems.

       “The level and duration of exposure, age, individual susceptibility, including the presence or absence of pre-existing lung or heart disease, and other factors play significant roles in determining whether or not someone will experience smoke-related health problems,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Ventura County Public Health Officer.

       In areas near or downwind from the fire that are impacted by blowing dust, smoke and/or ash, VCPH officials urge people to exercise caution and remain indoors. Residents should stay inside their homes, bring pets inside, keep windows and doors closed, use air conditioners on the recycle or re-circulate mode and avoid vigorous physical exertion both indoors and outdoors. At the first sign of discomfort, individuals should relocate to another area that is smoke-free.

       Residents who develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, exhaustion, lightheadedness or chest pain with decreased activity are advised to stop all activity and seek medical attention. This is important not only for people with chronic lung or heart disease, but also for individuals who have not been diagnosed previously with such illnesses. Smoke can “unmask” or produce symptoms of such diseases.

       The onset of the California fire season reminds us that it is important to have enough food, water and medication on hand to last five days. Foods stored for use during the fire season should not require cooking, since cooking can add particles to indoor air.

For more information about the health impacts of wildfire smoke, go to: http://bit.ly/17zRtXm and for Ventura County air quality reports, go to: http://www.vcapcd.org/

 

Thousand Oaks Robbery

May 1, 2013

      On Friday, April 26, 2013 at about 7:57 p.m., Thousand Oaks patrol deputies responded to a robbery just occurred at Auctions In Motion, located at 889 Mitchell Road. Four unknown Hispanic male suspects were involved in the robbery. During the robbery two suspects displayed weapons prior to taking property from the victims. The victims were employees that were parked outside to the front of the business.

      Two suspects approached the victims, who had just exited their vehicle, and demanded money. The first two suspects each displayed a weapon; a handgun, and possibly a baton or canister of pepper spray. The first two suspects were then followed by a third suspect who assisted the first two in taking the victim’s property from their vehicle.

      The property taken was US currency and personal property of the victims.  

      The suspects had a getaway driver (fourth suspect) waiting. They fled in what appeared to be an older model black BMW. No one was injured during the robbery.

      The Thousand Oaks Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in solving this case.  We request anyone with information to contact investigators 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 800-222-TIPS (8477).

 Robbery Arrests
May 2, 2013

      On Monday, March 29, 2013 about 3 p.m., patrol deputies, Sheriff’s Major Crimes detectives, and the Sheriff’s Gang Unit responded to a robbery that just occurred at Lupita’s Wireless  in the 1500 block of Los Angeles Avenue in the unincorporated community of Saticoy.  The suspects in the robbery brandished a handgun at the store employee and stole several expensive cell phones.  Witnesses described a white female and two Hispanic males as the suspects in the robbery.

      The Sheriff’s Gang Unit conducted an investigation into the robbery and identified Krista Munoz, Ruben Desoto and Eric Mahoney as the suspects in the robbery. Through the investigation, Detectives learned that the subjects had also committed several commercial burglaries in which power tools and other items were stolen.        On Wednesday, April 24. 2013, Sheriff’s Gang Unit detectives conducted surveillance on a residence in the 3600 block of A Court in Oxnard.  Krista Munoz, 45, and Ruben Desoto, 27, were taken into custody after they were seen leaving the residence. Detectives returned to the residence with a search warrant.  Evidence from the robbery was recovered.

     Munoz and Desoto were booked at the Main Jail for 211 PC – Robbery and 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy to commit a crime.  Eric Mahoney, 26, was already in custody in Santa Barbara County on charges unrelated to the robbery and a warrant was submitted for his arrest.  All the persons arrested were residents of Oxnard.

 “SHARING THE ROAD”

May 5, 2013

      With more people choosing a motorcycle as their mode of transportation, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are embarking on a month-long endeavor to encourage all motorists to safely share the road. This month’s traffic safety campaign follows a significant increase in the number of people killed in motorcycle-involved collisions in California.

      “Law enforcement and traffic safety organizations throughout the nation are working to reverse this unfortunate trend,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow of the increase in the number of people killed and injured in motorcycle-related collisions. “This month, and every month, motorists are reminded to safely share the road with motorcycles, and to be extra vigilant to help keep motorcyclists safe.”

      According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, there are more than 1.3 million licensed riders in the state; and with California’s nearly year-round ideal climate, you will almost always encounter a motorcyclist while on the highway.

      Because they are one of the smallest vehicles on the road, motorcycles are often hidden in a car’s or truck’s blind spot. Every driver needs to diligently look for them before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Motorcyclists are reminded to follow the rules of the road and make sure they are visible to motorists. Everyone on the highway is reminded to eliminate distractions.

      According to preliminary figures from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, more than 400 people were killed and nearly 12,000 people were injured in motorcycle-involved collisions in 2011, representing a nearly 20 percent increase in the death rate in California from the previous year. Preliminary estimates from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association indicate a slight decline in motorcycle fatalities in California for the first nine months of 2012.

      “After two years of dramatic declines, motorcycle deaths are heading up again,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “A training course can make a big difference for rider safety. In addition, much can be accomplished when both riders and motorists share the road safely and watch out for each other.”

      The CHP administers California's official safety training program for motorcyclists through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). As of March 2012, more than 800,000 motorcycle riders have received training at one of the CMSP's 134 training sites since the program began in July 1987.

      The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), a national non-profit organization, is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations for the CMSP. The MSF not only emphasizes the importance of training and licensing for all motorcyclists, but stresses a rider’s critical need for proper safety gear.

      “Not only should motorcyclists wear protective gear, all of the time, including a helmet manufactured to the standards set by the U.S. Department of Transportation; they should ride unimpaired by alcohol or drugs,” said MSF Vice President Robert Gladden. “If you follow these simple steps, lives can be saved.”

The CHP, DMV and OTS offer the following tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

  • Remember, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle. The person under that helmet could be a mother, brother, doctor, or friend.
  • Perform a regular visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, at intersections, and pulling out of driveways and parking lots. Always look twice before pulling out.
  • Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
  • Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
  • Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle to give the motorcyclist time to maneuver around obstacles in the roadway or stop in an emergency.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

  • Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet.
  • Never riding while impaired.
  • Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
  • Signaling intentions by combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
  • Assuming drivers can’t see them. Wearing brightly colored protective gear and using reflective tape and stickers to make sure they are seen.
  • Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
  • Not accelerating too quickly, since drivers turning ahead might not notice until too late.

The CHP, DMV and OTS join with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in sharing the following message: Help share in the responsibility of keeping all road users safe, and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

 

Pharmaceutical Narcotics Arrest

May 5, 2013

      On Tuesday, April 30, 2013, about 5 p.m., deputies responded to the 100 block of Ventura Way, in Chatsworth, for a reported stolen handgun. Once on scene of the residence, deputies were concerned about a large amount of pharmaceutical medications, including highly addictive schedule II and III opiates, being stored there. The reporting party of the stolen handgun, John Shafer, 65, of Chatsworth, was a licensed pharmacist. The investigation revealed that Shafer had been storing the large amounts of prescription medication for a friend, Gregg Endless, 60, of Sherman Oaks, whose pharmacy was shut down several years ago. The investigation also revealed that Shafer was detoxing at least one patient by providing medication to her in his home in violation of the California Health and Safety Code. After a thorough search of the residence, the originally reported stolen handgun was located.

      On Thursday, May 2, 2013, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit arrested Endless in Los Angeles for 11352 of the California Health and Safety Code for transferring the medication to Shafer in an unapproved and illegal manner. Endless was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

      On Friday, May, 3, 2013, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit and Moorpark Police Department arrested Shafer at the East County Sheriff’s Station where he turned himself in. He was booked for 11350 and 11377 of the California Health and Safety Code for storing the medication in an unapproved and illegal manner, in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The California Board of Pharmacy is assisting in the investigation.

Additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Traffic Collision On Private Property

May 6, 2013

On Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at about 9:45 a.m., a traffic collision occurred on private property located a 5810 Bennet Road. Adan Baro Sanchez, 46, of Pacoima was driving a 1996 Peterbilt dump truck on an easement within the property. 

He stopped his vehicle just past a gate.  The driver appeared to have exited his vehicle and may have been in the process of closing the gate when his vehicle began rolling forward.  The driver truck driver then attempted to get inside his vehicle as it continued to roll forward. The truck ran over the driver as it traveled approximately 200 feet. 

The truck collided with a fence and came to rest on its wheels in a dirt field.  The driver was pronounced deceased on scene by emergency personnel.  The traffic collision is still under investigation by the Moorpark CHP.

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

May 9, 2013

      On Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 10 a.m., Camarillo patrol responded to a call of suspicious activity along the 101 freeway at Springville, in the City of Camarillo. Officers located Christian Munoz, 18, and Marlon Solares, 21, both of Ventura, in the area and were eventually associated with a stolen vehicle parked on the shoulder of the freeway with a flat tire.

     Officers arrested Munoz and Solares after tying them to the vehicle that was confirmed to be stolen out of the Thousand Oaks area. Detectives interviewed both suspects and determined they were responsible for another stolen vehicle out of the Camarillo area.

     Munoz and Solares were booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges 10851VC, 11550HS, 148.9PC and warrants. Bail was set at $75,000.

 

Thousand Oaks Bank Robbery

May 11, 2013

      On Friday, May 10, 2013 about 2:35 p.m., one suspect robbed the First Bank and Trust located at 2797 Agoura Road in Thousand Oaks.  The suspect entered the bank and jumped over the counter.  He proceeded to open the cash drawers and took an undisclosed amount of cash.  The suspect exited the bank and got into a white four-door sedan that was driven by an unknown accomplice.

      No one was injured during the robbery.  The suspect is described as being a black male, wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and dark pants.

      Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact detectives with the Sheriff’s Office 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 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Police And Fire Day Celebration

May 7, 2013

      On Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 7 p.m., the VC Fusion Soccer Club will celebrate a “Police and Fire Day” as they welcome fans of all ages to their opening day game at Ventura College’s Stadium, 4667 Telegraph Rd., honoring the City of Ventura’s Police and Fire Departments.  Proceeds from the game will also go to help support the Ventura Police Department’s (VPD’s) Corporal David Ruggiero who will embark on a year-long effort to help combat human trafficking in Asia.

      Prior to the game’s kickoff (from approximately 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.), those in attendance will have a chance to not only meet and interact with members of the Ventura Police and Fire Departments but they can also check out and explore many of the vehicles and equipment utilized by each department.  VPD will have on hand a patrol vehicle, K9 Officer(s) and their partners, the SWAT Team’s “BearCat (tactical armored vehicle), Motor Officer(s), DUI Crash Trailer, members from the department’s Volunteers In Policing (VIP) program will be conducting child fingerprinting, and the department’s non-profit foundation, the Ventura Police Activities league (PAL), will have their mobile recreation trailer on site.  Additionally, some of the youth involved with Ventura PAL, and the after-school programs PAL helps to support, will be on hand to take part in the opening ceremonies by walking out with individual players from each team during team introductions.  Ventura City Fire will have firefighters on hand displaying some of the equipment they use, a fire engine, and other support vehicles. 

      Ventura’s Deputy Mayor Cheryl Heitmann will get the game started by conducting the ceremonial coin toss.  Then at halftime Deputy Mayor Heitmann, Police Chief Ken Corney, Corporal Ruggiero, and officials from the VC Fusion, will take part in a check presentation from the VC Fusion to Corporal David Ruggiero. The money presented will help fund Corporal Ruggiero’s trip to Asia to help combat human trafficking. 

      Corporal Ruggiero has helped lead the department’s efforts for stricter regulations of local massage parlors; with the more unrepeatable establishments often having links to prostitution rings and in turn human trafficking.  In September of 2012 Ruggiero received an 11-month fellowship to help fight human trafficking from the International Justice Mission; a Christian nonprofit human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. As a result, he will be taking an unpaid leave of absence, and at his own expense, in June of 2013 as he moves himself (and family) to Asia in an effort to help combat human trafficking. 

      After hearing of Corporal Ruggiero’s inspirational story  Ajay Dhebar, Director Marketing for the VC Fusion  approached the department  with the idea of having a Police and Fire day to not only honor Ventura’s public safety heroes but to provide proceeds from ticket sales of the game towards Corporal Ruggiero’s trip to Asia.

Tickets for the event are on sale now and are $10.  Additional details about the game, VC Fusion, and Corporal Ruggiero’s trip can be found via the following links.

 

 ·       Tickets: http://shop.wspagency.us/ 

 

 

  • Article from the VC Star (February 3, 2013) regarding Corporal Ruggiero’s Human trafficking Asia Trip:

www.vcstar.com/news/2013/feb/03/ventura-police-officer-aims-to-combat-human-in/ 

 

 

Kiwanis' Annual “Law Day” Event

May 16, 2013

      The Kiwanis Club of Ventura is hosting its annual “Law Day” event on May 17, 2013 at 6 p.m., at the Four Points Sheraton, 1050 Schooner Drive in Ventura.  The service club will be presenting Officer of the Year awards to recipients who have demonstrated excellence and outstanding achievement in serving their communities.  Recipients include peace officers from law enforcement agencies throughout Ventura County.

      The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is proud to announce the following deputies who will be receiving Officer of the Year honors at the event:

 

Deputy Carlos Cendejas – Ojai Station

Deputy Douglas Gojkovich – Moorpark Station

Deputy Russell Grant – Fillmore Station

Deputy Christian Freede – Pre-Trial Detention Facility

Deputy Shannon King– Thousand Oaks Station

Deputy Thomas Miller – Camarillo Station

Deputy Ricardo Turrubiartes – Headquarters Station (Ventura)

 

      Congratulations to these sheriff’s deputies and all of the peace officers who are being recognized at the “Law Day” event.  The Kiwanis Club of Ventura continues to support local law enforcement and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is grateful for their contributions in recognizing these exceptional community leaders.

 

 

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