“Officer Watson found out that it was an air pistol that the man had pulled out of his waistband,” said SPPD Lieutenant Mike Saviers.Mauricio Perez, 20, of Santa Paula was arrested for resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer, and brandishing a replica firearm at a police officer. He was transported to Ventura County Jail pending a court appearance.“The Santa Paula Police Department would like to remind all citizens that replica firearms are dangerous and often cause alarm to officers and citizens that may observe them,” said Fogata. “These firearms are difficult to differentiate from that of a real firearm... please, be responsible when engaging in the use of these firearms.”Considering the circumstances of the incident - including Watson “pulling his own weapon” when Perez produced the replica firearm - it could have led to tragedy, said Saviers. “It would have been a sad situation for a 20-year-old Santa Paulan” if Watson had not shown restraint when confronted with the replica firearm and during the time that Perez tried to retrieve it.
Police shooting averted when officer confronted with replica gun
August 15, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department
An incident of a replica gun could have led to a police shooting after a Santa Paula Police Department officer showed restraint when confronted by a man Sunday on Encino Place, according to a SPPD spokesman.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAn incident of a replica gun could have led to a police shooting after a Santa Paula Police Department officer showed restraint when confronted by a man Sunday on Encino Place, according to a SPPD spokesman.Sergeant Jimmy Fogata said that the incident occurred on Aug. 12 at approximately 11:15 p.m. when SPPD Officer Jeremy Watson responded to a report of a disturbance reportedly taking place in the area of the 700 block of Encino Place. When Watson arrived on scene and attempted to contact two subjects, “One fled on foot,” said Fogata.Watson pursued the subject, and while in a residential driveway the subject pulled a firearm from the waistband of his pants. “Officer Watson ordered the subject to drop the firearm” and, although he initially complied, he “began to make moves towards the firearm which was on the ground,” said Fogata. Fearing for his safety, Watson used his Taser to subdue the subject and SPPD officers arrested him without further incident.
