March 11, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on March 7, just after 5:00 P.M., deputies from the Fillmore Station responded to the 800 block of Edison Lane in Fillmore reference 15 to 20 individuals fighting.  

Upon arrival, deputies learned the suspects were affiliated with a Fillmore criminal street gang and had fled the area prior to law enforcement arrival.  During the preliminary investigation, deputies determined there was probable cause to arrest multiple suspects for gang-related crimes including assault with a deadly weapon. Fillmore Station Detectives collaborated with patrol personnel on the investigation and quickly identified several suspects.

At about 6:14 P.M., Fillmore detectives and Sheriff’s K9 Unit located four gang members involved in the incident in the unincorporated area of Fillmore known as Bardsdale. As deputies approached, the suspects fled on foot. Two suspects, (S) Joel Alonzo, who is on parole, and a juvenile male were quickly apprehended while the other two suspects fled into nearby orchards.    

An extensive search was conducted for the two outstanding suspects involving personnel from the Sheriff’s Air Unit, West County Special Enforcement Unit, Fillmore Patrol, Headquarters Patrol, and Moorpark Patrol.

At about 6:52 P.M., deputies located one of the outstanding suspects hiding under a chicken coop. The suspect, a juvenile male, was taken into custody without incident.  

Despite coordinated efforts of ground and aerial assets, the fourth suspect was able to evade apprehension due to rugged terrain combined with thick vegetation and darkness. 

Following the arrests, detectives located additional evidence linking the suspects to the assault on Edison Lane.  

A parole hold was placed on Alonzo, and he was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.  One juvenile male was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 417(a)(2) – [Brandishing Firearm], Penal Code § 417(a)(1) – [Brandishing Deadly Weapon], Penal Code § 186.22 – [Street Terrorism], and Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Obstruct, Resist, or Delay a Peace Officer].  The other juvenile was arrested for violations of Penal Code § 242 – [Battery], Penal Code § 186.22 – [Street Terrorism], and Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Obstruct, Resist, or Delay a Peace Officer]. Both juveniles were given citations and released to their parents/guardians. 

This investigation is ongoing, and detectives are asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the gang-related assault. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Axel Morales (805) 477-7011 or Detective Dustin Heersche at (805) 477-7012. Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous.

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office