Nature of Incident: Suspect Arrested for Attempted Bike Theft, Vandalism, and Narcotics Violations
Report Number: 2020-162075
Location: Rincon Parkway Campground – 4600 Block of the Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura
Date & Time: November 22, 2020 @ 03:38 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Headquarters Patrol Station
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Gutierrez, Christian
Ojai 34
Narrative:
Over the last several months, there has been a significant increase of thefts from the beach areas of Ventura County, including the Rincon Parkway Campground, Faria Beach Park, Emma Wood State Beach, and La Conchita. The thieves have primarily targeted the property of campers, including high-end bicycles and portable generators, during the late night or early morning hours during darkness. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office has been working with the other local law enforcement agencies to combat the theft problem, including extra patrol.
On 11-22-2020, at approximately 3:38 AM, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Patrol Deputy Axel Morales was patrolling the Rincon Parkway Campground in the 4600 block of the Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. Deputy Morales noticed an electric bicycle on the ground next to a cut bike rack cable. Deputy Morales then found (S) Christian Gutierrez hiding under a nearby vehicle. Gutierrez was searched pursuant to his probation search terms and he was determined to be in possession of methamphetamine. Deputies also located bolt cutters in the immediate area of Gutierrez. Deputies confirmed campers had secured their electric bicycle and the bike cable lock had been cut. Deputies determined Gutierrez was associated to a nearby truck that had two additional high-end bicycles inside the truck’s bed.
Gutierrez was arrested for violations of PC 664/487 – attempted grand theft, PC 466 – possession of burglary tools, PC 594 – vandalism, and HS 11377(a) – possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail and his bail was set at $50,000. Gutierrez is scheduled to appear in Court on 11/24/2020 at 1:30 PM.
Sheriff’s Office detectives believe the other high-end bicycles are possibly stolen and the investigation is on-going.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages campers to continue to lock-up valuables to prevent thefts and to call police if theft or suspicious activity is observed.
Prepared by: Sergeant Beau Rodriguez
News Release Date: November 23, 2020
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective Eric Arteaga, 805-797-6373
[email protected]
Approved by:
Booking Photo Release: Captain Randy Downard
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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).
