July 25, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that three male juvenile’s and two adults were arrested for numerous charges including participation in a criminal street gang, possession of a loaded firearm, and evading police.

On July 21, 2023, at approximately 10:38 P.M., a concerned resident called the Sheriff’s Communication Center (SCC) to report suspicious activity at Delores Day Park located at 880 Goodenough Road in the city of Fillmore.  The concerned resident reported seeing numerous subjects associated with three different vehicles chasing each other near the park.  The concerned resident also reported seeing a male subject holding what appeared to be a firearm during the altercation.

Deputies assigned to the Fillmore Station responded to the area.  Upon arrival, a deputy identified one of the vehicles involved in the incident and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle. The driver, Emma Soderstedt, failed to stop and accelerated her speed for several blocks before stopping.  Once stopped, Alberto Sanchez, a known gang member, exited the vehicle and ran while holding a firearm.  Sanchez was apprehended and arrested after a brief foot pursuit.  Deputies recovered the loaded and unregistered firearm in the driveway of a nearby residence.      

Deputies detained three additional male juveniles who were also occupants in the vehicle.  All three juveniles were identified as known gang members. All three were subsequently arrested for disturbing the peace, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang.  All three were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center.                 

Soderstedt was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and evading arrest. She has since been released from custody on her promise to appear at a future court date.

Sanchez was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for participation in a criminal street gang, disturbing the peace, and unlawful possession of a loaded firearm, where he remains in custody in lieu of his bail set at $100,000.     

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. The information provided by the diligent community member helped deputies seize an illegal firearm, and no doubt helped prevent firearm violence in our community.  

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued 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.

Nature of Incident: Firearm and Gang Arrests

Report Number: RB # 23-93665

Location: Delores Day Park
880 Goodenough Road
Fillmore, CA

Date & Time: July 21, 2023, @ 10:38 P.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services / West County Special Enforcement Unit

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 & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office