Zero tolerance: SPPD arrests four in crackdown at condo complex
May 11, 2016
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A “strict zero tolerance” policy for lawbreakers at an area condominium complex led to the arrest of four people Friday evening according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.
According to Sr. Officer Dan Potter the May 6 incident occurred at 9:30 p.m. when SPPD Officers were on foot patrol in the Lobero condominium complex in the 100 block of Ventura Street, just west of Palm Avenue.
The foot patrol noted Potter was “due to SPPD receiving numerous recent complaints of increased gang and drug activity in the complex…”
As officers walked along a sidewalk corridor between two of the buildings they contacted two adults and three juveniles.
The officers found “a presence of alcohol and all of the subjects were under 21 years of age.”
It was learned that one of the adults contact, 18-year-old Guillermo Arguello of Santa Paula, and two of the juveniles were on probation.
“Upon checking Arguello for weapons, he became physically resistant with officers and a brief struggle ensued…after Arguello was physically controlled,” it was found he had a loaded revolver in the front pocket of his sweatshirt.
Arguello was arrested for multiple charges including suspicion of possession of a loaded concealed handgun, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, gang enhancements, and resisting arrest.
Potter noted that two juveniles were “also arrested for violation of probation, as they had special curfew probation terms,” and the other juvenile was arrested for suspicion of being in possession of a marijuana pipe.
After an investigation the other adult who was contacted with the group was later released without charges.
Arguello was transported to Ventura County Main Jail in Ventura where he was booked and bail set at $145,000.
Noted Potter: “Gang members, as well as residents in the complex, should be aware of increased uniformed and undercover police personnel presence that will be conducted until the problem subsides. SPPD officers will have a strict zero tolerance on enforcement.”
