Suspect Arrested for Vehicle Theft and Possession of a Loaded Firearm 

July 17, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Members of the Moorpark Investigations Bureau, Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit, Moorpark Patrol, and Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit arrested three suspects for various gun and drug related charges, as well as possession of a stolen vehicle.

On July 4, 2024, Italia Sosa and Cindy Aguirre were arrested in Moorpark for being in possession of a stolen vehicle.  The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Los Angeles area days prior.  Sosa and Aguirre were booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for violations of CVC 10851(a) – Vehicle Theft.  Sosa and Aguirre were released from custody after their court appearance on July 8, 2024.

On July 12, 2024, Moorpark Detectives identified a third suspect, Christopher Gonzales, who was also involved in the theft of the vehicle.  Detectives located Gonzales, who was the passenger in a vehicle, in the 14000 block of Stanford Street in Moorpark and conducted an enforcement stop.  Gonzales was contacted and arrested for vehicle theft.  Also in the vehicle with Gonzales were Italia Sosa and Timothy Johnson.  Sosa and Johnson were contacted and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and subsequently arrested.  

During a search of the vehicle, Detectives located a loaded semi-auto P80 ghost gun in the center console.  Detectives determined Sosa and Johnson had knowledge and access to the handgun, therefore they were arrested for several additional firearm related charges.

Johnson was arrested for violations of PC 25400(a)(1)-Carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, PC 29800(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 29900(a)(1)- Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 25850(a)- Carrying a Loaded Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of Ammo, PC 27545- Unlawful Firearms Transfer, PC 30605(a)- Possession of an assault weapon, and HS 11550 (e)- Under the Influence of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm. Johnson was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail. Johnson’s next court date is July 16, 2024.

Gonzales was arrested for CVC 10851(a) - Vehicle Theft. Gonzales was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $20,000 bail. Gonzales’ next court date is July 16, 2024.

Sosa was arrested for PC 25400(a)(1)-Carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, PC 29800(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm, PC 25850(a)- Carrying a Loaded Firearm, PC 30305(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of Ammo, PC 27545- Unlawful Firearms Transfer, PC 30605(a)- Possession of an assault weapon, and HS 11550 (e) - Under the Influence of a controlled substance while armed with a firearm. Sosa was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail. Sosa’s next court date is July 16, 2024.

The Moorpark Police Department would like to thank members of the public for their ongoing support and assistance by providing information that aids in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight against crime by following us on X and Instagram @MOORPARKPD, Facebook at Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, 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 & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office