Suspect Arrested in County-Wide Crime Spree
August 23, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that Camarillo Investigation Bureau, in collaboration with the 
Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) have arrested a suspect connected to a series of property crimes across Ventura County. The crimes include a residential burglary in Thousand Oaks, grand theft at an agricultural site in Camarillo, and both auto and property theft in Oxnard.
On July 13, 2025, a vehicle was reported stolen in the city of Oxnard. Following an investigation, detectives identified Leonel Cruz as a driver of the stolen vehicle.
On July 22, 2025, the WSS Retail Store in Oxnard reported the theft of clothing. Cruz was identified as the suspect and used the stolen vehicle as his getaway car.
On July 24, 2025, a resident in the 4400 block of Paseo De La Paz in Thousand Oaks reported a burglary in progress. Surveillance footage captured Cruz entering an open garage, stealing property, and fleeing in the stolen vehicle.
On July 26, 2025, a grand theft occurred at a ranch facility in an unincorporated area of Camarillo. Surveillance video showed Cruz and the stolen vehicle unlawfully entering the locked property and stealing approximately $4,000 worth of equipment.
On August 21, 2025, VenCATT Detectives and Camarillo Detectives located and arrested Cruz outside a business on Saviers Road in Oxnard. At the time of his arrest, Cruz was driving a different vehicle.
The stolen vehicle was located at a separate time and recovered.
Cruz was booked at Ventura County Main Jail on the following charges: Penal Code 459 – First Degree Residential Burglary, Penal Code 487(a) – Grand Theft, Vehicle Code 10851(a) – Auto Theft, Penal Code 496d(a) – Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle. Additionally, Cruz had an outstanding felony arrest warrant issued by Ventura County.
The Camarillo Police Department wants to emphasize the importance of community awareness and cooperation in combating crime. We greatly appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting suspicious activities and working alongside officers to bring criminals to justice. Together, we can help keep our neighborhoods safe and ensure those who break the law are held accountable.
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Nature of Incident: |
Suspect Arrested in County-Wide Crime Spree |
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Report Number: |
25-93179, 25-94451, 25-96534, 25-90001482, |
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Location: |
Camarillo, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks |
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Date & Time: |
8/21/2025 |
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Unit(s) Responsible: |
VCSO Camarillo Investigation Bureau |
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(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
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(S) Leonel Cruz |
Oxnard |
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Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
