Suspect Arrested with Illegal Firearms 

November 24, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that detectives from the Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program (GVRP) completed an investigation, leading to the arrest of Luke Bancroft of Simi Valley, for unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm and possession of several illegal firearms.  The operation led to the seizure of over 125 firearms, including 14 firearms that qualify as assault weapons in California, a short-barreled shotgun, firearm suppressors, and possession of a controlled substance. 

During the fall of 2024, GVRP detectives began to investigate Bancroft for possibly purchasing weapons out of state and importing them into California.  Detectives gathered evidence in their investigation, leading them to obtain a search warrant for Bancroft, his vehicles, and his residence located in the 1800 block of Wallace Street in Simi Valley. 

On 11/4/2025, Detectives from the Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle being driven by Bancroft in the city of Simi Valley, CA.  Bancroft was detained pursuant to the search warrant, and two loaded pistols were recovered inside the vehicle.  Neither pistol had been registered in the State of California, and Bancroft did not hold a concealed weapons permit in California.

Following the traffic enforcement stop, Special Agents from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, served a search warrant at Bancroft’s residence. During the search, GVRP detectives, ATF, and DOJ Special Agents found over 100,000 rounds of ammunition, which were seized, along with more than 125 firearms, dozens of which had not been registered in California, two firearm suppressors, psilocybin mushrooms, hundreds of firearm magazines, and evidence showing Bancroft had purchased firearms and ammunition out of state to try to avoid or bypass California firearm laws.

Bancroft was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility, where he later posted bail and was released from custody.  GVRP detectives presented the case to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, which elected to file 14 counts of possession of an assault weapon, 2 counts of possession of a silencer, 2 counts of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, 1 count of possession of a short-barreled rifle, and one count of possession of a controlled substance.

While detectives are actively investigating the motive behind the suspect’s possession of the firearms that were seized during this case, there is currently no evidence of a broader threat to public safety.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program is a collaborative effort aimed at reducing gun violence in Ventura County through the enforcement of firearms laws and the seizure of illegally possessed weapons.  In partnership with state, federal, and local agencies, the program targets unlawful possession and manufacturing of firearms within Ventura County.  A key focus is facilitating the safe surrender of, and/or the seizure of firearms and ammunition from individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them, with actions guided by entries in the State’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS).  The VCSO GVRP unit is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Justice, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Together, these agencies work to enhance public safety and prevent gun-related crimes in the community.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that 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).

Nature of Incident: Suspect arrested with illegal firearms

Report Number: 25-141987

Location: 1800 Block of Wallace Street, Simi Valley, CA

Date & Time: 11/4/2025

Unit(s) Responsible: VCSO Gun Violence Reduction Program, Bureau Of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Moorpark Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent      City of Residence            Age

(S) – Luke Bancroft                                        Simi Valley                  45

Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office