SPPD arrests suspected bicycle thief,
urge owners to mark property
November 27, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The arrest of a suspected bicycle thief Monday led to the discovery of narcotics and possibly stolen construction tools, according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.
The owner of the bicycle said SPPD Sgt. Jeremy Watson was able to supply police with the serial number, which made it easy to get her mountain bike back, one of three reported stolen.
And someone might want to check their tools: there is a name on the equipment other than the manufacturer’s so it should be easy for the owner to claim them.
According to Watson a SPPD Officer responded to a theft of bicycles November 23 in the 200 block of North 7th Street.
The female victim told the officer, “Three of her family’s bicycles, which were chained and locked to a fence, were taken sometime overnight.”
The victim provided a detailed description of one of the bicycles, an orange Diamondback mountain bike, as well as its serial number.
About 3:38 p.m. another SPPD Officer on patrol who was aware of the theft and the description of the bicycles including the Diamondback, saw a man, “Known to him as Jess Meraz,” 35, of Santa Paula, “riding an orange mountain bike in the area of the 200 block of South 8th Street.”
Watson said although Meraz, “attempted to elude the officer,” he was contacted a short time later in the area and the bicycle confirmed to be the one reported stolen.
The bicycle, noted Watson, was returned to the owner.
Meraz was arrested for suspicion of receiving stolen property and transported to the SPPD Station for booking.
But, during the booking process, “A methamphetamine pipe and a loaded hypodermic syringe were located,” in Meraz’s property.
“The syringe,” said Watson, “contained a substance later determined to be heroin.”
Meraz was also charged with suspicion of possession of narcotic paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.
Once the booking process was completed Meraz was transported to Ventura County Jail; bail for Meraz was set at $35,000.
Meraz was also found to be in possession of two construction tools that Watson said police believe were stolen recently, “however we have not identified a victim as of yet.”
The tools are marked with what is believed to be the last name of the owner, who may not be aware the tools are missing.
If you have construction tools missing contact Detective Shane Norwood at 525-4474 x 287 or snorwood@spcity.org
Said Watson, “The SPPD would like to stress the importance of documenting the serial numbers of all property which contain one. It is also a good idea to take photographs of high value property in the event that such property is stolen.”
Officers taking theft reports “commonly ask for the serial numbers for the property taken so that the information can be entered into a database which is accessible to all law enforcement personnel throughout the state. Documenting such information assists law enforcement in the recovery of stolen property and its return to the rightful owner.”
If you have information on this or other criminal activity and 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 a reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for certain 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
