April 7, 2023 -  Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials reported that an investigation by the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) led to the arrest of a Thousand Oaks criminal street gang member for possession of illegal firearms and narcotics.

During the month of March 2022, detectives began an investigation of Edward Kolodziej for suspicion of possessing illegal firearms. Kolodziej had a previous conviction for violating 29800(a)(1)PC, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.      

On April 5^th, 2023, pursuant to a signed search warrant, detectives contacted and detained Kolodziej in a shopping center located in the 500 block of N. Ventu Park Road in Thousand Oaks.  A subsequent search of Koldzeij’s vehicle led to the seizure of a quarter pound of methamphetamine, approximately two ounces of fentanyl, and an expandable baton.  Detectives later searched Kolodziej’s home located in the 900 block of Birch Hill Street in Thousand Oaks, and located a loaded handgun with an extended magazine, one semi-automatic rifle, multiple loaded magazines and three silencers.

Kolodziej was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail with a bail amount of $500,000. Charges include 11378 HS, Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance, 11351 HS, Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance, 11379(a) HS, Transportation for Sale of a Controlled Substance, 29800(a)(1)PC, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 33410 PC, Possession of a Silencer, and 23900 PC, Alter or Remove a Serial Number.  Kolodziej is scheduled to be arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on April 7^th at 1:30 p.m.

The Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit consists of seven detectives who focus their efforts on protecting citizens of Thousand Oaks by actively investigating crime and pursuing suspects.  Anyone with information regarding criminal activity in the City of Thousand Oaks is encouraged to notify the Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 654-9511.  Callers may remain anonymous.  We value and appreciate our community partnerships and are more effective with your support.                                                                 

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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).

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office