Officers were able to identify both suspects from the surveillance tape, as they “were known to police,” said Saviers. One of the suspects was identified as Juan Valenzuela, 23 years of age and a resident of Santa Paula. Smith said that the second suspect is a 15-year-old male juvenile whose identity is being withheld due to his age.SPPD officers searched the area for Valenzuela and the juvenile, and a short time later they were located the in the alleyway of the 400 block of Ojai Road. Both fled on foot from the officers, but were apprehended during the foot chase.Although both Valenzuela and the juvenile were charged with robbery, burglary, and resisting arrest, the “juvenile was also charged with vandalism for kicking and damaging the rear window of a police vehicle,” noted Smith. Saviers said that the cost of replacing the patrol car window is “about $200, but we get that back through restitution.”The juvenile was lodged at the Ventura County Juvenile Hall. Valenzuela was lodged at the Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.
SPPD: Market clerk knocks beer thief to the ground, two arrested
December 28, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department
A Santa Paula market clerk knocked a suspected thief to the ground during a beer theft and the two suspects were arrested after they returned to the store to fight with the clerk, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesA Santa Paula market clerk knocked a suspected thief to the ground during a beer theft and the two suspects were arrested after they returned to the store to fight with the clerk, according to a Santa Paula Police Department spokesman. Senior Officer Ryan Smith said that incident occurred on December 22 at approximately 9:14 p.m. when SPPD officers responded to a report of a theft at Junior’s Market, located in the 500 block of North Oak Street.“Upon arrival the officers learned that a robbery had occurred,” and officers were able to see it themselves on surveillance tape, said Smith. The suspects entered the store, and each attempted to take a six-pack of beer without paying. As the store clerk attempted to stop them, a physical confrontation ensued.“They both came in, each grabbed a six-pack of beer and the store clerk caught one of them,” said Lieutenant Mike Saviers. “They struggled and the clerk pushed one of the subjects, causing him to fall... then he got up and ran.”The suspects left, noted Smith, but they returned a short time later and “tried to start a fight with the store clerk. Both suspects left prior to the officers arriving at the scene.”
