August 27, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on August 17, 2023, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) detectives arrested two juveniles during a traffic stop in Oxnard for multiple firearm and ammunition possession offenses. On August 21, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony illegal firearm charges against both juveniles in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.
On August 17, 2023, at approximately 6:52 P.M., WC-SEU detectives conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 500 block of Geranium Place in Oxnard for a traffic violation and probation search. The suspect vehicle did not immediately yield to the traffic enforcement stop but was eventually stopped by detectives. The driver, Saul Barajas, was subsequently arrested for vehicle evading, contributing to the delinquency of minors, firearm, and conspiracy violations.
A juvenile passenger was removed from the vehicle and detectives determined he was in possession of a loaded, semi-automatic firearm with an extended ammunition magazine. This juvenile fled from detectives and was apprehended, without incident, in the 600 block of Foxglove Place.
A second juvenile passenger was removed from the vehicle for a probation search. Detectives located another loaded, semi-automatic firearm in the vehicle.
Barajas was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility while the two juveniles were lodged at the Juvenile Justice Center Facility.
On August 21, 2023, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed multiple felony firearm charges against both juveniles in the Ventura County Juvenile Court.
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.
Nature of Incident: Juveniles Arrested for Illegal Firearm Possession
Report Number: 23-106160
Location: 500 block of Geranium Place, Oxnard
Date & Time: August 17, 2023 @ 6:52 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: West County Special Enforcement Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age |
(S) Saul Barajas |
Oxnard |
18 |
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