SP gang member wanted on felony warrant escapes capture
July 27, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A Santa Paula man considered to be armed and dangerous was pursued on land and by air Wednesday when he was spotted in the East Harvard Boulevard area between Olive and 4th streets.
SPPD Sgt. Ryan Smith said the man, 24-year-old Jose Salas, who was wanted on a felony warrant escaped capture. The incident occurred July 25 in the late afternoon when Officer Hector Ramirez was on patrol in the East Harvard Boulevard area and spotted Salas.
“As Officer Ramirez made a U-turn Salas took off,” jumping fences in a residential area through backyards, said Smith. A perimeter was established from East Harvard Boulevard to East Ventura Street and from Olive to 4th streets while officers - including a K-9 Unit - searched for Salas. A Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter also joined in the search.
Smith said the search lasted about half-an-hour before it was called off, but not before officers found items of clothing in several backyards. “It appears,” said Smith, “that he was throwing clothing as he was running.“
A known gang member, Smith said, Salas is considered armed and dangerous “based on past arrest history.“ Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474. If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.
Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.
Tipsters can be eligible to receive a $1,000 reward.
