Karina Munoz,

SPPD: Second arrest made in party
bus shooting that left five injured

August 12, 2015
Santa Paula News

Santa Paula Police made a second arrest in connection to the party bus shooting that left five people injured in the early morning of July 18 at Ojai Road and High Street.

Karina Munoz, 23, of Santa Paula was due in court Monday to be arraigned on a charge of attempted murder; she was arrested by Santa Paula Police August 6 and transported to Ventura County Jail where the bail was set at $1 million.

Eric Medrano, 22, also of Santa Paula, was arrested earlier and remains in jail on $1.3 million bail; he is due back in court on September 18.

Medrano was one of the five injured in the exchange of gunfire that occurred about 2:47 a.m. after the driver of the party bus dropped 40 to 50 people off at the intersection.

Neighborhood residents reported hearing numerous shots fired and screaming at the scene described as chaotic by police and Santa Paula Fire EMTs who had difficulties treating the wounded due to the hysteria of some in the crowd.

One person was critically injured but all—men between the ages of 20 and 35—have been released from the hospital, according to SPPD Sgt. Cody Madison.

Munoz was “identified by witnesses on scene as being involved in the shooting,” said Madison.

The SPPD requested that her bail be upped from the original $500,000 to the $1 million now required; Munoz is reportedly the mother of young children.

Medrano has been arrested numerous times in the past on weapons and gang related charges. 

Police do not believe the shooting was gang related but rather stemmed from an argument that began on the bus.

Munoz, said Madison, is a gang associate known to police; she had not been on the party bus, which had visited Universal Studios.

One of the two vehicles involved in the shooting, a gold Toyota 4-runner has been located but police are still looking for a silver Ford Explorer in connection with the incident.

No weapons have been recovered.

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, Detective Walter Harper at (805) 525-4474 x 221.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477); the call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous.

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   





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