SPPD Officers involved in fatal shooting identified, returned to duty

Santa Paula Police Wednesday released the names of two officers involved in a fatal shooting late last month, and both were returned to duty last week according to a SPPD spokesman. Interim Chief Ishmael Cordero said the officers involved in the shooting, Officer Hector Ramirez and Reserve Officer Chad Peplinski, were cleared to return to duty last week after exchanging gunfire with Edgar Garcia, 25, of Santa Paula, on July 28.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Police had already responded once to report of a family disturbance in the 1100 block of New Street when they were summoned again at about 7: 45 p.m. because a man had reportedly been brandishing a weapon and threatening family members. Although Garcia had left the area after the first call, when Ramirez and Peplinski arrived on scene for the second call they saw Garcia run inside the garage and into the home.

As the officers approached the garage Garcia appeared from inside the house and fired at the officers, striking Peplinski - a four-year reserve veteran - in the mid-torso. Garcia then ran through the house to the backyard, where he confronted Ramirez, a 12-year SPPD veteran. Garcia brandished a handgun at Ramirez, who fired at him, striking him once in the upper-torso. 

Garcia was pronounced dead at the scene. Peplinski, whose gear prevented serious injury, was treated and released from Santa Paula Hospital.

Per protocol the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the Professional Standards Bureau were called in to assist Santa Paula Police in the investigation, which is ongoing.