Gang Graffiti Vandalism Arrest 

January 10, 2024 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a 19-year-old Fillmore resident was arrested for spray painting gang graffiti on Fillmore City property and causing hundreds of dollars of vandalism damage within the city of Fillmore.

During the month of December of 2023, detectives assigned to the Fillmore Police Station noticed an increase in graffiti vandalism crimes throughout several locations in the City of Fillmore.  Detectives coordinated resources and collected evidence in several “Hot Spot” areas that had been vandalized.  Detectives were able to identify specific spray paint related to gang writings and monikers.

Over the course of the investigation, detectives identified Bryan Vega as the suspect involved in several vandalisms.  On January 8, 2024, Fillmore patrol deputies and detectives contacted and arrested Vega in the 1900 block of Old Telegraph Road.  Vega was in possession of additional evidence linking him to these vandalism crimes.  Detectives obtained and served a search warrant at Vega’s residence located in the 1900 block of Old Telegraph Road.  During the search warrant, detectives seized additional evidence related to the vandalisms.

Vega was subsequently booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for violations of Graffiti Vandalism and Participation in a Criminal Street Gang.  Vega remains in custody with his bail set at $100,000.

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 our dispatch center at (805) 654-9511.  Following a police investigation, all graffiti should be immediately removed.  Anyone with information pertaining to any crimes is urged to contact The Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233 or the listed detectives below.  The reporting party may remain anonymous.

Graffiti Removal

The city removes all graffiti in public areas by either painting over it or by using a power washer, depending upon the location of the graffiti.  Residents are encouraged to call the city graffiti hotline at (805) 524-1500 prompt number 4 then 3.  Additionally, private property owners are encouraged to help combat vandalism by removing any graffiti visible on their properties.   

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.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $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