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Alberto Perez |
SPPD: Suspects still sought in weekend shooting incidents
September 27, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Although a teenager suspected of being involved in an attempted murder related to a shots fired incident over the weekend, Santa Paula Police are still looking for others that could have been involved.
Perez was arrested Monday while in a Ventura County courtroom on an unrelated charge; the Santa Paula resident had just turned 18 the previous Friday, the same day the shootings incidents started.
The incidents began Friday, September 20 at 6:55 p.m. when SPPD Officers responded to the 1200 block of Say Road for a report of shots fired.
Other Oaks’ residents on Cliff Drive, Roger Road and Richmond Road also reported multiple shots being exchanged between two vehicles racing through the area.
Then at about 1:35 a.m. Saturday, SPPD Officers responded to the 500 block of Sycamore Street, again for a report of shots fired.
Although officers located multiple shell casings and items struck by the rounds fired, it is not believed anyone was injured.
During the investigation the SPPD found that the two incidents were tied together and gang related; evidence gathered from Perez’s Guiberson Road residence early Sunday morning tied the wanted suspect to a Santa Paula criminal street gang.
Perez was detained and then arrested by SPPD Monday when he appeared in a Ventura County courtroom on an unrelated probation violation.
Santa Paula Police Chief Steve McLean noted that the first shooting Friday was also Perez’s 18th birthday so he can be charged as an adult in the attempted homicide tied to the shooting incidents.
With four area homicides in as many months committed by suspected gang members, McLean said members of criminal street gangs should expect more visits from police.
“Within hours of the weekends shootings we had our SWAT team sitting in Perez’s living room,” said McLean. “That’s what gang members should expect from now on.”
Anyone with information about these or other crimes 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, 933-5691.
In addition, residents can email tips 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 information that leads to an arrest and criminal complaint against those responsible for crime.
