On June 30, 2026, at approximately 8:41 a.m., Ventura Police Department Patrol Task Force officers arrested Brad Greene during an illegal dumping and trespassing enforcement operation in the river bottom area in the 3700 block of Harbor Boulevard in Ventura.
The Patrol Task Force has been working to address ongoing illegal dumping in the area, where large amounts of trash, debris, appliances, furniture, and other discarded items are regularly dumped. Over the past year, the City has conducted monthly cleanups in the area. Despite these consistent efforts, significant amounts of trash continue to accumulate, resulting in environmental impacts, elevated fire risks, and restricted access for emergency responders.
On the morning of the arrest, officers secured a gate that restricts vehicle access to the area and conducted surveillance because prior locks had been repeatedly cut off shortly after being replaced. Officers observed Brad Greene (48) drive a truck to the gate, exit the vehicle, cut the lock with bolt cutters, and drive through the gate. Greene was detained and arrested for vandalism and trespassing.
At the time of his arrest, Greene was carrying a concealed loaded .380 caliber handgun under his shirt. He also showed signs of being under the influence of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
During the investigation, officers located the bolt cutters used to cut the lock. Officers also located large quantities of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and psilocybin mushrooms, along with evidence consistent with possession for sales of controlled substances. A loaded 12-gauge shotgun was found in the back seat of Greene’s truck.
Greene was arrested for multiple offenses, including vandalism, trespassing, possession of controlled substances for sale, drug-related offenses, and firearm violations. Greene is also a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The Ventura Police Department remains committed to addressing illegal dumping, protecting environmentally sensitive areas, maintaining emergency access, and balancing enforcement with ongoing outreach and service efforts in the river bottom area.