On Tuesday, 12/22/2020, at 6:29 PM, a deputy assigned to patrol the Ojai Valley conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of North Ventura Avenue and Woodland Avenue in the community of Oak View. During the stop numerous open containers of alcohol were seen inside the vehicle which prompted a search of the vehicle. During the search, deputies discovered a moderate amount of marijuana, a handgun and ammunition.
At the conclusion of the investigation, deputies arrested James Cruz, 18 years, a passenger and resident of Ventura, for being in possession of the firearm. He was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail. He has a pending court date of 12/24/2020, at 1:30 PM. His bail is set at $50,000. The driver of the vehicle was cited for the marijuana violation.