Nature of Incident: Illegal Firearms Manufacturing Arrest
Report Number: RB# 17-160989
Location: B Street at Second Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: October 21, 2017 4:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Station Deputies/ Sheriff’s Gang Unit /
Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Castillo, Jose
(S) Pavich, Gabriel
Oxnard
Fillmore
34
52
Narrative:
On October 21, 2017, Fillmore Patrol Deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by
Jose Castillo for vehicle code violations. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered two
operational “zip guns,” including one that was loaded. A “zip gun” is a home-made firearm
crudely constructed with miscellaneous parts. These types of firearms are extremely dangerous
due to their lack of safety mechanisms and standard firearm parts such as a trigger. Zip guns
can also be easily concealed or smuggled into restricted areas. A search of the vehicle also
yielded methamphetamine and an unregistered shotgun.
Jose Castillo and his passenger, Gabriel Pavich, were arrested for narcotics and weapon
charges. Pavich is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms. Castillo is
being held in Ventura County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail and Pavich was released on a bail bond.
Prior to Pavich’s release, detectives seized an illegal rifle from Pavich’s home in the City of
Fillmore.
On the morning of October 28, 2017, members of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit and the Camarillo
Special Enforcement Detail executed a search warrant at Castillo’s residences in the City of
Oxnard. An illegal AR-15 assault rifle, two illegal gun silencers, and evidence of illegal firearm
manufacturing were located and seized.
Investigators believe that Castillo and Pavich may have manufactured or sold other illegal and
dangerous firearms. Anyone with further information regarding this investigation or any gang and
illegal firearm information is encouraged to contact Detective Erik Hernandez at 805-654-2856.
HEADQUARTERS STATION
CAPTAIN TODD INGLIS
SHERIFF
GEOFF DEAN
Page 2 of 2
Prepared by:
Det. Erik Hernandez #4533
News Release Date: 11/03/17
Media Follow-Up Contact: Det. Erik Hernandez #4533
Office: 805-677-8734
[email protected]
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis
