SPPD: Citizens asked to help in search for carjackers, minivan
November 27, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Police Department
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
A brazen daytime carjacking left a man without the minivan he was starting to clean Sunday morning at a do-it-yourself carwash.
The November 24 incident occurred at about 7 a.m. in the 400 block of East Harvard Boulevard.
According to Santa Paula Police Sgt. Cody Madison, when SPPD Officers responded to the scene they learned that a man was bent over washing his vehicle when he was “approached from behind by a male subject.” The victim, noted Madison, “Only observed a black semi-automatic handgun,” held by the suspect who demanded the keys to the vehicle and told the victim to “walk away, not looking back.... “
The unidentified victim then watched as his vehicle was driven away westbound on Harvard Boulevard by three male subjects.
“Due to being approached from behind,” Madison said the victim was unable to offer further description of the gunman who demanded the keys. The victim was also unable to provide a description of the other men in the vehicle.
Police are asking that citizens watch for the victim’s vehicle, a three-door, green 1997 Nissan Quest minivan, license # 4LGY919 that has damage to the hood.
Madison cautioned people not to approach the vehicle if they see it but to call 911 immediately to report the sighting.
If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691.
In addition, tips can be emailed to the SPPD at tipline@spcity.org
Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). The caller may remain anonymous and the call is not recorded.
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
Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for a tip that leads to a felony arrest as confirmed by the arresting agency.