Full Notification

About one week ago, on 4/19/19, The Simi Valley Police Dept. Patrol Bureau conducted a Vehicle Theft investigation in which the victim's car was stolen from the "park n ride" located at Tapo Canyon Rd. and the 118 Fwy. The vehicle taken was a white Honda Accord and, at the time, there were no suspect leads. Later on that evening, SVPD officers were dispatched to an unrelated call for service in the 1500 block of Deanna Ave. Upon arrival on Deanna Ave., officers noticed a white Honda Accord that matched the description of the stolen vehicle from earlier. Further investigation confirmed it was the stolen vehicle. The officers contacted the resident of the house where the Honda was located. The resident stated that he had a "Ring Doorbell" video of a person pulling up in the white Honda and exiting the vehicle to the front of his house. Using the "Ring Doorbell" video, Officers were eventually able to identify the suspect as Dustin Leming, a Simi Valley resident. Today, 4/26/19, it was learned that Dustin Leming was staying at a home in the 1600 block of Ona Cir. A plan was put together and SVPD units responded to the location. Upon searching the residence for Leming it was discovered that he was hiding in the attic. After some persuading , Leming exited the attic and was placed under arrest. He was booked at the Ventura County jail for 10851 VC, Vehicle Theft and 148 a PC, Delaying or Obstructing an officer.

Strong relationships between police agencies and the communities they serve are critical to maintaining public safety and effective policing. Police officials rely on the cooperation of community members to provide information about crime in their neighborhoods. This incident is a prime example of the community helping to get a felon off the streets.

Booking photos are authorized for release