Full Notification

Nature of Incident: Alcohol “Shoulder Tap” Operation
Report Number: N/A
Location: Various Retail Locations - City of Camarillo
Date & Time: March 14, 2015 / 2-10 p.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: Camarillo Police Department- Community Resource Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, City of Residence/Age
(S) Mason Marquez Camarillo 25
(S) Ryan West Camarillo 22
(S) Gustavo Ceballos Camarillo 52

Narrative:
On 3-14-15, the Camarillo Police Department’s Community Resource Unit conducted an alcohol “Shoulder Tap” enforcement operation. Underage minor decoys, under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, as well as an ABC agent, were used to solicit adults outside California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed stores to purchase alcohol for the minors. The goal of this operation was to limit minors’ access to alcohol.

Two underage decoys were used in an attempt to solicit others to purchase alcohol for them in different locations throughout the City of Camarillo. Approximately 23 subjects at 9 locations were solicited during the operation. Three adult males purchased alcohol for the minor decoys. The three male subjects were arrested for BP 25658(a) / furnishing alcohol to a minor. The Camarillo Police Department wants to thank the other 20 subjects who refused to purchase alcohol for the minors.

The Camarillo Police Department’s Community Resource Unit will continue to conduct periodic operations in an effort to prevent minors’ access to alcohol.

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind the public that selling alcohol to, or purchasing alcohol for minors is illegal. Alcohol is a factor in many homicides, suicides, and other unintentional injuries which, along with car crashes, are the four leading causes of death in 15-20 year olds. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public to report incidents of underage drinking and illegal purchasing of alcohol.

Prepared by: Sergeant John Franchi
Media Release Date: March 14, 2015
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant John Franchi (805) 947-9363 [email protected]

Approved by: Captain Romano Bassi

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $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).