SPPD investigating what could be accidental shooting
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Published: November 09, 2012
Santa Paula Police are investigating an Election Day shooting that left one person wounded, an incident that could have been accidental but so far has been hard to determine.
According to SPPD Detective Ken Clark, the shooting occurred Tuesday, November 6, right before 2:15 p.m. when SPPD officers were dispatched to the 200 block of South Olive Street regarding a report of shots fired. Dispatch further advised the female reporting party observed a subject on the ground in her backyard.
Once officers arrived on scene, it was confirmed that Joseph Arrellano, 23, a resident of Santa Paula, had sustained a gunshot to his left leg. Clark said the gunshot wound did not appear to be life threatening, and Arrellano was treated on scene by Santa Paula Fire EMTs before he was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for further treatment.
“From the initial investigation it appears the gunshot may have been accidental,” but Clark said the incident is still being examined by detectives. One firearm was recovered at the scene, and witnesses told officers there were several subjects who fled the scene prior to the officers’ arrival.
Clark noted Arrellano “is somewhat uncooperative, so to find the truth has not been easy.” Although the incident appears to have been accidental, “the investigation is continuing based on some witness statements.”
If anyone has any information about this incident, they are asked to call SPPD Detective Paul Spencer, 805-525-4474 Ext. 221. 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.
