Roundup: Fatality near Punch Bowl, more Ventura County news
Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:
Fatality reported near Punch Bowl trail
SANTA PAULA CANYON – Authorities responded with a Ventura County Sheriff's helicopter and other resources to investigate a fatality in the remote Punch Bowl trail area above Thomas Aquinas College Thursday afternoon.
Shortly after 1 p.m., a caller had reported someone dead in a tent near the Cross Campground north of the punch bowls, according to sheriff's Capt. Marta Bugarin. The bowls are a popular hiking destination on Santa Paula Creek in Los Padres National Forest land.
Copter 4 had flown in to assist with a possible rescue operation after the initial call. Shortly before 2 p.m., Ventura County firefighters confirmed the male patient was dead at the scene, turning the incident into a recovery effort.
The helicopter ultimately flew the body from the site, a sheriff's official said.
Initial reports didn't indicate any evidence of foul play, Bugarin said, although sheriff's officials will investigate the death.
On Dec. 2, a sheriff's official said the death was a suicide.
If you're feeling despondent, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for both English and Spanish speakers, can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
Stolen horse trailer spurs pursuit
SIMI VALLEY – A vehicle theft involving a horse trailer led police on a chase Tuesday afternoon that ended with two arrests.
Shortly after 3 p.m., a resident reported their truck and horse trailer stolen from the Home Depot parking lot at 575 E. Cochran St., according to the Simi Valley Police Department.
Shortly after dispatchers broadcast the information, patrol officers spotted the stolen vehicle on eastbound Highway 118, heading toward Los Angeles County.
No horses were in the trailer at the time.
The driver reportedly refused to pull over. In addition, an SUV following the stolen truck and trailer was trying to interfere with the traffic stop, according to the police account.
Officers performed a high-risk stop on both vehicles near the Stearns Street exit, meaning multiple units assisted and were prepared to encounter a potentially dangerous situation.
A 31-year-old man who had been driving the stolen truck and trailer was arrested, as was a woman, 25, who had been driving the SUV. Both suspects were from Los Angeles. Officers determined the two had been working together, authorities said. The pair were booked into Ventura County jail.
Fillmore theft victims sought
FILLMORE – Police in Fillmore are trying to find owners of stolen items recovered after a stolen truck crashed into a wall this week.
Early Monday morning, deputies responding to a suspicious vehicle report near Carnation and Buttercup streets ended up in a short pursuit, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which is contracted to provide police services in Fillmore.
The flatbed truck, which was later found to be stolen out of Sylmar, hit a block wall. All of the occupants fled on foot and weren't found.
An array of equipment was found in the bed of the truck, including roofing material, sledgehammers, an air compressor, toolbox, pressure washer, sander, crawfishing kit, potted plants and other items.
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Several items not on the list had already been recovered by Fillmore residents who had been victims of theft. The remaining items are being held at the Fillmore Police Station.
If you have information about the thefts or think any of the items are yours, you can contact Detective Ben Lopez at 805-947-9391 or Detective Shawn Pewsey 805-947-9128.
Four displaced by fire
FILLMORE – An adult and three adolescents were displaced by a structure fire in Fillmore Thursday.
The incident was called in around 11:50 a.m. near the intersection of Market Street and Sespe Avenue, according to Ventura County Fire Department reports. Crews at the scene described a blaze in an apartment that was ultimately contained to the residence where it originated.
Officials requested Red Cross assistance for the displaced residents.
Info sought on suspicious blazes
MOORPARK – Authorities in Moorpark are seeking the public's help with a string of small fires that appear to have been set intentionally.
The fires have cropped up since September, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which provides police services in Moorpark.
In September, a cluster of fires were set in the arroyo near Spring Road and Los Angeles Avenue. In October, someone set a tree on fire at Mission Bell Plaza on Los Angeles Avenue.
More recently, in late November, a restroom and trash cans were set ablaze at the Waterstone Apartments on Moorpark Avenue and a trash can was lit at Magnolia Park on Charles Street.
Authorities suspect the incidents may be related based on how they were set.
With fire dangers elevated due to recent Santa Ana wind events, authorities issued the request for help identifying a potential suspect.
Anyone with information can call Detective Sgt. Kevin Lynch at 805-532-2716.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Fatality near Punch Bowl, more Ventura County news
