Ventura County Crime Blog

Are you for or against the legalization of marijuana?

Submit your thoughts for our upcoming editorial regarding the pros and cons.

Are you sleeping with the enemy?

Malaika Cohen, author of SHACKLES- Overcoming Domestic Abuse a Modern Day Taboo, shares her experience as a domestic abuse survivor and how you can help others in similar situations.

Unsolved Murder: Mike Grair

On October 10, 2008, Michael Grair's body was found inside his white Cadillac Escalade behind a vacant commercial center he owned. The engine was still running. His murder has yet to be solved and his family is offering $100,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the killer or killers.

Ventura County Crime Library

Our newest feature Includes gang information, unsolved murders and high profile cases.

Ventura County's Cold Cases Magazine

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 0 Responses

Ventura County's Cold Cases Magazine

Free to the readers!

Although our blog has taken a small break, we are launching a new magazine to complement the crime blog.

Our new magazine, Ventura County's Cold Cases, will feature unsolved cases in print!

If you are a small business owner, you ad will help pay for printing and distribution.

If you are a reader, your support will help get renewed interest in these cases. This magazine is FREE to the readers!

Contact us for more information or if you would like to carry our magazine, write for our magazine, or just have general questions or suggestions.

Elidet Reyes Bordon
Editor@VenturaCountyCrimeBlog.com

cold cases, magazine | Links to this post |

Find a Child Today Petition

Reporter: Find a Child Today 1 Response

The mission of this petition is to place a TV set at the order counters of fast food restaurants and checkout counters of supermarkets.

Broadcast photo's of missing Children with a Reg# and a call in number.

When a child is with his/her parent and recognizes a child's photo, they will say to their parent(s) "Mom/Dad that Boy/Girl goes to my school or is in my class or lives on our street".

If this locates one child, then the system worked.
After this Pilot program, it could be utilized in all public places.
This would be a minimum charge with a huge result.

For more information, check out the following link on Change.org.
http://www.change.org/petitions/all-tv-and-media-networks-cable-satellite-companys-start-a-fact-program-find-a-child-today

You could make a difference. Thank You ~~
Diane Maheux

missing children | Links to this post |

Update: Murder of David Laut

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 1 Response

September 3, 2009

Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach and District Attorney Gregory Totten announced today that detectives are making significant progress in the investigation into the August 27th killing of Oxnard resident David Laut. Evidence collected by Oxnard police investigators indicates that Mr. Laut was not the victim of random violence by a prowler.

Investigators are pursuing several leads and are confident that an arrest will be made in the case. Mr. Laut (DOB 12-21-56) was serving as the Hueneme High School athletic director at the time he was killed.

While we understand there is a great deal of interest in this case - it is important to note that there will be no further information about the case released at this time. We respectfully ask that the community understand that this investigation is at a very sensitive point right now, and be patient with us as this case proceeds to an arrest .

david laut, homicide, oxnard | Links to this post |

Ventura: Fatal Pedestrian Traffic Accident: Susan Jeanne Herman (Victim)

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 3 Responses

August 24, 2009

Incident: Fatal Pedestrian Traffic Accident
Location: Shoreline Drive west of Figueroa Street, Ventura, CA
Date/Time Occurred: August 24th, 2009 / 6:05 p.m.
Officer(s) Involved: Traffic Sergeant Ryan Weeks, Numerous Patrol Officers
Victim(s): Susan Jeanne Herman (deceased), 60 years, Casitas Springs
Suspect(s): None
Report #: 09 - 11511

Narrative:

On August 24th, 2009 at about 6:05 p.m. Ventura Police received an emergency 911 call of an injury traffic accident that had just occurred on Shoreline Drive west of Figueroa Street in Ventura. Witness statements indicate that the pedestrian (Herman) was walking her dog across Shoreline Drive from the Derby Club area of the Fairgrounds toward the promenade beach area. As she began crossing the street she was struck by a westbound vehicle driven by a 16 year old male juvenile.

When Officers arrived the female pedestrian was in critical condition and her dog was deceased, Ventura Fire Department and AMR personnel attempted to save the victim but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

VPD Traffic Sgt. Ryan Weeks and additional traffic investigators responded to the scene and are continuing to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Weeks said that an independent witness at the scene said it appeared that the 16 year juvenile was traveling at a safe speed just prior to the collision.

Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office was also contacted and they made notification to the victim’s family, they also said that the cause of death is still under investigation. Ventura County Animal Control Units responded and took possession of the deceased dog which appeared to be a mixed collie breed black in color.

Any other witnesses that may have observed this collision are encouraged to contact the Ventura Police Department Traffic Division at (805) 339-4309.

Federal Jury Clears Oxnard Police Department Sergeant in Trial of Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 5 Responses

August 18, 2009

Occurrence/Event:
Federal Jury Clears Oxnard Police Department Sergeant in Trial of Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Day/Date/Time:
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:20am
Location:
United States District Court
Los Angeles, CA

Involved Parties:

Plaintiff Tomas Barrera
Represented by:

Gregory A. Yates, Encino, CA (310) 858-6944

Plaintiff Maria Lazos
Represented by:

Jenny Scovis and Kim Scovis, Thousand Oaks

Defendant Sgt. Andrew Salinas
Represented by:

Alan E. Wisotsky and Dirk DeGenna, Oxnard

Prepared By:
Alan E. Wisotsky

Narrative:

A Los Angles federal jury unanimously found in favor of Sgt. Andrew Salinas on Tuesday following a week-long trial of a Civil Rights/Wrongful Death lawsuit brought by the parents of Thomas Barrera, Jr. who was shot and killed on October 3, 2007 in Oxnard, CA.

Barrera, a 22 year-old Oxnard resident, was believed to have been burglarizing a truck in the early morning hours on Fifth Street near Hobson Way. Salinas stopped to investigate and engaged in a foot pursuit of Barrera when he fled the scene.

During the pursuit, Barrera threw a wrench set at Salinas which struck the officer. Moments later, Barrera turned again and brandished a 6-inch knife, swinging at Salinas from a distance of 5-8 feet. Faced with this imminent threat, Salinas fired four shots from his department-issued handgun, striking Barrera three times. Barrera died at the scene.

Salinas presented testimony from Dr. William Lewinski, a Minnesota State University professor who has conducted research and studies in “Force Dynamics” for the past 25 years. Dr. Lewinski addressed the action/reaction, turning movements and “stop-shooting” dynamics which play a role in lethal force encounters.

The jury began deliberating late Monday afternoon and returned with its verdict Tuesday morning.

Ventura: 911 Services not affected by phone outage

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 0 Responses

July 6, 2009

Incident: Widespread telephone outage affects emergency calls throughout Ventura County
Location: Ventura County
Date: July 6, 2009, 12:05 p.m.

Narrative:

A widespread telephone outage has occurred throughout many portions of Ventura County which has affected many local 9-1-1 services.

Currently, telephone systems within the City of Ventura, including the 9-1-1 emergency call center, are operational. Should you experience an emergency within the City of Ventura please call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency calls and information please call 805-650-8010.

In the event of an emergency outside of the Ventura City limits please go directly to your nearest police or fire station to report the emergency.

Oxnard: Massive Phone Outage

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 0 Responses

July 6, 2009

The city of Oxnard is experiencing a massive telecommunications outage. This includes the Oxnard 9-1-1 system and cellular service to some carriers. Initial reports indicate the outage is throughout a major portion of California .

Citizens needing assistance are asked to come to the Oxnard Police station at 251 South “C” Street, or any local fire station for help in Oxnard.

Emergency Numbers:
(805) 210-0474
(805) 210-0475
(805) 210-0476

The city of Oxnard has established an email address for the temporary reporting of emergencies in Oxnard only: 911info@OxnardPD.org.

emergency, oxnard, phone outage | Links to this post |

Oxnard: Fireworks by the Sea Update

Reporter: Elidet Bordon 0 Responses

July 5, 2009

Large, Calm Crowds were reported by officers assigned to the Fireworks By the Sea fireworks show in the Channel Islands Harbor. Officers noted much larger crowds from the previous year. Parking was at a premium near Oxnard State Beach and along Harbor Boulevard as people arrived early to barbeque, play catch, and take walks on the beach. Many of the beach-goers were out-of-towners. There were few disturbances with the only arrest made being for a theft of a traffic cone. Officers did cite persons for drinking in public and possessing fireworks (which are illegal in Oxnard).

11 officers were assigned for crowd control in and around Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard Shores. These officers were supported by a large traffic contingent which was charged with providing an orderly arrival and departure for the fireworks spectacular.

“All-in-all we were pleased with the results this year,” commented Special Projects Commander Marty Meyer, “But we were disappointed with what seemed to be an increase in the use of fireworks at this year’s event.”

PREPARED BY:
Marty Meyer, Special Projects Commander

oxnard | Links to this post |

Oxnard: Homicide Victim: Melissa Rodriguez

Reporter: Elidet Bordon 0 Responses

July 4, 2009

INCIDENT:
187 PC Homicide
DATE/TIME:
07-03-2009 / 2330 Hrs
LOCATION:
1700 Block Ironbark Ct
VICTIM:
Melissa Rodriguez, 19 yrs
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor

DETAILS:

On 07-03-2009 at approximately 11:30 pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of an injury traffic accident in the 1700 block of Ironbark Ct. While officers were en-route to that location, dispatch received additional calls of possible shots fired heard in the same area.

Upon the officer’s arrival they located the victim, 19 year old Melissa Rodriguez lying in the roadway next to her vehicle. The car had crashed into a tree at the scene. Officers and paramedics performed CPR on the victim who was not breathing. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. It was determined a short time later that the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to her head which was not initially visible.

Investigators are asking anyone that may have heard or seen the incident to contact Detective Adam Wittkins at Adamwittkins@Oxnardpd.org or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 982-7070.

Ventura: Angel Alamilla: Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Vandalism/Pursuit

Reporter: Elidet Bordon 0 Responses

July 4, 2009

Incident: 245 PC-Assault with a Deadly Weapon/ 594 PC-Vandalism/Vehicle Pursuit
Location: Rite Aid parking Lot, 131 W Main St Ventura
Date/Time Occurred: 7/4/09 0210
Officer(s) Involved: Patrol Officers
Victim(s): 27 yr old Oxnard Resident
Suspect(s): Angel Alamilla 34 year old Ventura resident

Narrative:

Officers responded to a stabbing victim in the parking lot of Rite Aid at 131 W Main Street. Investigation revealed the victim and his friends were walking to their parked car after visiting a nearby nightclub. The suspects confronted the victim and friends in the parking lot and an argument ensued.

Three subjects including Alamilla got out of their car and slashed the tires to the victim's vehicle. The victim intervened on the tire slashing when Alamilla stabbed him in the leg. Alamilla fled in a vehicle that was spotted by responding officers. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, however it fled.

Officers pursued the vehicle as it fled on streets in the Downtown and Ventura Ave area. Alamilla and the two other subjects fled on foot after abandoning the suspect vehicle near Olive St. and W. Simpson Street. Alamilla was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

Investigation identified Alamilla as the stabbing suspect and he was booked at the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. The victim was transported to VCMC where he received treatment for a stab wound to his leg. The victim's injuries were not life threatening.

Ventura County Crime Blog

Remain Anonymous: 1-800-222-TIPS

Are you for or against the legalization of marijuana?

Are you sleeping with the enemy?

Unsolved Murder: Mike Grair

Ventura County Crime Library

The Parent Toolbox

Davina & Brock Husted

Employment Opportunities

Oxnard PD's Guide to Twitter

Ventura County's Cold Cases Magazine

Find a Child Today Petition

F.A.C.T.: Find A Child Today

Update: Murder of David Laut

Ventura: Fatal Pedestrian Traffic Accident: Susan Jeanne Herman (Victim)

Federal Jury Clears Oxnard Police Department Sergeant in Trial of Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Ventura: 911 Services not affected by phone outage

Oxnard: Massive Phone Outage

Oxnard: Fireworks by the Sea Update

Oxnard: Homicide Victim: Melissa Rodriguez

Ventura: Angel Alamilla: Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Vandalism/Pursuit

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