Gang Vandalism Arrests 

July 1, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on June 29, 2023, Fillmore patrol deputies contacted and arrested three Fillmore gang members for vandalizing property with spray paint.

On June 29, 2023, at approximately 3:45PM, Fillmore patrol deputies responded to a report of vandalism in progress occurring in the alley of the 200 block of Main Street.  A community member observed three suspects spray painting graffiti in the alley and called 911 to report the crime. This diligent community member provided valuable information to our dispatch center, which was relayed to responding deputies.  

Deputies responded and determined the graffiti was gang related in nature.  Deputies conducted an investigation and obtained additional evidence that led to the identification of all three suspects.  The three suspects were identified as Efrain Reyes, Gonzalo Miranda, and a male juvenile.  Deputies assigned to a bicycle detail deployed and conducted a search of the surrounding areas.  Deputies located all three suspects in Fillmore Central Park and seized additional evidence linking all three suspects to the vandalism.

All three suspects were taken into custody.  Reyes and Miranda were booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of Graffiti Vandalism and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang.  Reyes and Miranda both remain in custody.  Reyes’ bail is set at $200,000 and Miranda’s is set at $110,000. The male juvenile was lodged into the Juvenile Justice Center and later released to his guardian.     

Graffiti vandalism is an eyesore that directly affects the quality of life in our communities. If left unchecked, graffiti can decrease property values and lead to the deterioration of entire neighborhoods.  Gang graffiti may also be the catalyst for additional, more serious conflicts between rival gangs. The removal of graffiti costs homeowners, business owners and taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.

The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any graffiti they come across by calling the Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511. After police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed.  Anyone with information pertaining to crimes are urged to contact the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the below listed detective. The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal

The city removes all graffiti by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti. If graffiti is on private property, the city secures a signed agreement from the property owner giving them permission to do the work. Call the city at (805) 524-1500, (option 4,3) if you see graffiti within the city and they will take steps to remove it.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining the safety of all residents by continued community partnerships.  The Fillmore Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles, and to promptly report any crime they come across by calling our dispatch center.  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.

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

Gang Vandalism Arrests

Nature of Incident: Gang Vandalism Arrests

Report Number: 23-82865

Location: 200 block of Main Street, Fillmore

Date & Time: June 29, 2023 @ 3:45 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services

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).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office