Firearm and Marijuana Violations Arrest 

June 7, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on June 2, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives arrested Richard Loza for willfully discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, unlawful transfer of a firearm, and marijuana violations after serving a search warrant in the unincorporated area of Oxnard known as Nyeland Acres.

On May 29, 2023, a Headquarters patrol deputy responded to the scene of a suspected unlawful discharge of a firearm and recovered several spent shell casings as evidence.  West County SEU detectives conducted an investigation and identified Richard Loza as the suspect.

On June 2, 2023, SEU detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Loza and his residence located in the 3200 block of Nyeland Avenue. Detectives located Loza and conducted a search of his residence pursuant to the search warrant.  Detectives located approximately forty pounds of processed marijuana, an unregistered firearm, and .40 caliber ammunition.  Loza was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

On June 6, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony firearm violations and a misdemeanor marijuana sales violation against Loza. He remains in custody on $50,000 bail with a pending future court date.

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to the investigations of illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891.   

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

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).

Nature of Incident: Firearm and Marijuana Violations Arrest

Report Number: 23-69422 and 23-70150

Location: 3200 block of Nyeland Avenue, Nyeland Acres

Date & Time: 6/2/2023 @ 6:00 P.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Special Enforcement Unit – West County Headquarters Patrol

Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office