SPPD continues to investigate shootings, report of shots fired
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
Published: January 16, 2013
Santa Paula Police investigated a weekend report of shots fired even as they continue to investigate two shootings that occurred last week.
The SPPD and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department investigated separate reports of shots fired Saturday, but there were no victims and there is some question if the reports actually were gunfire.
Santa Paula Police responded to a report of shots fired in connection with a white jeep January 12 at about 5:20 p.m. in the 300 block of Steckel Drive. According to SPPD Senior Detective Ken Clark, the incident is still being investigated although police found no victims.
About 10 minutes later at 5:30 p.m. VCSD deputies responded to the area of Briggs Road and Highway 126 to a report of shots being fired. Deputies were unable to locate any suspects or victims.
Clark said the SPPD remains busy investigating two shootings that occurred last week.
On Monday, January 7 at about 8:41 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots being fired and four men - two armed with handguns - fleeing the 100 block of East Ventura Street. Officers followed a trail of blood, which led to a shooting scene.
Police learned the 31-year-old victim had been privately transported to Santa Paula Hospital and was being treated for a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his lower body. Clark said the victim of the shooting - which “appears” to be gang related - has been released from the hospital.
A second shooting occurred the next evening at about 9:25 p.m. on East Virginia Terrace and left a 33-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman wounded after they were confronted in an alleyway. The victims were fired on numerous times and the male received serious injuries.
Clark said that incident is also believed to be gang related. The male victim, he added, is still being treated.
Clark said the SPPD is relying on the public to help provide tips and leads in the shootings. Anyone with information on either incident is asked to contact Clark at the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474 ext 277. 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.
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