Search for Wanted Subject Shuts Down Main Thoroughfare 

September 21, 2024 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a large contingent of law enforcement resources shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in Santa Paula for the continued search for an armed and dangerous subject.

Deputies and Officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and Oxnard Police Department shut down the 400 block of Harvard Boulevard in the City of Santa Paula, in the continued search for Maximo Hernandez.  Hernandez is wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on September 18, 2024, in the unincorporated area of Santa Paula near the 12^th Street Bridge.  Multiple deputies searched the Santa Clara riverbed that day but did not locate Hernandez.

On Friday, law enforcement learned Hernandez had been staying at the Harvard Motel located at 482 Harvard Boulevard.  It was also believed Hernandez was still in possession of the firearm used on September 18.  Specialized units from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Oxnard Police Department responded and began efforts to evacuate residents and motel patrons in and around the Harvard Motel.  This large contingent of resources included the SWAT team, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Tactical Negotiations Unit, Ventura County Sheriff’s K9 Unit, and the Ventura County Aviation Unit.  A room-by-room search was conducted of the Harvard Motel, but Hernandez was not located.

At the time of this incident, Isbell Middle School, located across the street, was in session.  Law enforcement officials from the Santa Paula Police Department were in contact with staff and the school was placed in lockdown as a precautionary measure.  Isbell School was removed from lockdown protocols at around 1:00 p.m. and normal operations resumed.

Hernandez is currently wanted in connection with the shooting that occurred on September 18.  Hernandez should be considered armed and dangerous.  Hernandez is a Hispanic male, about 5’-4” inches tall, about 150 pounds, and has a tattoo on his neck that says “BC”.  He also has a tattoo on the right side of his head that says, “Jonathan”, and a tattoo on his left forearm that says, “Hecho en Mexico” with an eagle.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Hernandez is asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511, 911, or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), callers can remain anonymous.  Tips can also be sent by email to Detective Dustin Heersche at dustin.heersche@ventura.org or Detective John Grunhold at john.grunhold@ventura.org.

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