During the early months of 2022, the City of Camarillo began experiencing a significant increase in graffiti vandalism throughout the city. In response to the ongoing vandalisms, detectives assigned to the Camarillo Police Department’s Special Enforcement Detail initiated an investigation into the crimes in hopes of identifying the suspects responsible.
On February 13, 2022, deputies assigned to Camarillo Patrol Services responded to a call for service regarding vandalism in progress in the area of the public bike path located at Mission Oaks Boulevard and US 101 Highway. Upon arrival, deputies observed and attempted to detain multiple subjects engaged in graffiti vandalism. Unfortunately, the suspects fled on foot in several directions and a foot pursuit ensued. Ultimately, Edgar Valleche, a 34 year-old Oxnard resident and two juveniles were apprehended and arrested for various vandalism charges. The age of the juveniles ranges from 14 to 17 years-old and they reside in Oxnard and Ventura.
Detectives assigned to the Camarillo Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted follow-up to the arrests. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residences of the subjects arrested, as well as an additional residence for a fourth subject identified as a suspect in the ongoing vandalisms.
During the second week of March, detectives assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail and Directed Enforcement Unit executed search warrants at various locations throughout Ventura County.
As a result of the search warrants, a large amount of evidence was located that linked the suspects to the vandalisms throughout the City of Camarillo and surrounding areas. Additionally, Valleche and a male juvenile were arrested for various vandalism charges. Detectives are continuing the investigation and additional arrests are expected.
The Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail is comprised of six plain clothes detectives who focus on efforts that negatively affect the quality of life of the law-abiding citizens of Camarillo. The goal of Camarillo SED is to reduce property and violent crime through investigations and directed enforcement.
The Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit is comprised of two uniformed deputies. It is the mission of the Camarillo Directed Enforcement Unit to reduce theft crimes, including Organized Retail Theft, through high visibility and directed enforcement in affected areas.
With the increase of graffiti vandalism, the Camarillo Police Department is seeking the assistance of members of the community to help combat these crimes. Anyone with information about criminal activity occurring within the City of Camarillo is encouraged to contact the Camarillo Special Enforcement Detail (SED) at (805) 388-5100. Callers can remain anonymous. Information can also be provided by email at Camarillo.sed@ventura.org.