August 2, 2023 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on July 12, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested a juvenile for a gang-related shooting that occurred in the City of Fillmore in early May 2023. On July 25, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed a felony Assault with a Firearm charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.       

On May 2, 2023, at approximately 7:20 P.M., Fillmore Patrol and other Sheriff’s Office investigative units, responded to the 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive for a “shots fired” call. Investigators determined an adult male had been shot during a gang-related confrontation.

West County Special Enforcement Unit and Major Crimes detectives began investigating multiple gang incidents that involved Fillmore gang members and associates. Additionally, detectives served multiple search warrants, conducted multiple probation/parole searches, and increased enforcement patrol in Fillmore and other areas of Ventura County. Between May 2023 through July 2023, WC-SEU detectives made several arrests (18) and recovered three firearms, ammunition, and narcotics that were in possession of Fillmore gang members. Multiple subjects were arrested for crimes that included, but were not limited to, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Carrying a Concealed Firearm in a Vehicle, Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, Accessory After the Fact, and Street Terrorism.

During a traffic stop on July 12, 2023, at approximately 2:50 P.M., WC-SEU detectives arrested a juvenile for the May shooting. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office subsequently filed a felony charge against the juvenile in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.  

The investigation is on-going and additional arrests are expected. If you have any information about the shooting or Fillmore gang activities, please contact Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.       

Nature of Incident: Multiple Fillmore Gang Members Arrested

Report Number: 23-54794, 23-55655, 23-56574, 23-63566

Location: 1100 block of Meadowlark Drive, Fillmore

Date & Time: May 2, 2023 @ 7:20 P.M.

Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Fillmore Patrol and Fillmore Investigations Unit

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 violent crimes and 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 Senior Deputy Detective Matt Smith at 805-677-8771.

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).

Source & photos: Ventura County Sheriff's Office