SP gang member arrested for suspicion of various charges

    March 10, 2010
    By Peggy Kelly
    Santa Paula News

    A Santa Paula gang member and wanted fugitive was arrested Friday after an almost month-long search by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies who had received information that he was selling drugs outside city limits.


    According to a VCSD statement, David Castro of Santa Paula, a documented gang member, was already wanted for violating his parole and was the subject of a “no bail” arrest warrant.

    Castro was listed as an “armed and dangerous” fugitive.

    Late last month VCSD gang investigators received information that Castro was selling narcotics in the VCSD’s jurisdiction.

    On Friday, March 5 at about 6 p.m., investigators located Castro as he got into a car in the 900 block of Santa Barbara Street and followed Castro to a fast food drive-through on Harvard Boulevard where they approached him on foot.

    According to the VCSD statement, “As officers approached Castro’s vehicle, he removed a loaded handgun,” from his waistband and attempted to hide it from officers.

    Castro was taken into custody without incident.

    In addition to the loaded handgun Castro was found to be in possession of 3 1/2 ounces of methamphetamine and over $1,000 in cash.

    The handgun in Castro’s possession, according to the VCSD statement, was found to have been reported stolen during a burglary of a Ventura residence.

    Castro was arrested on a number of charges including suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, transportation of methamphetamine, possession of narcotics while armed, and possession of a firearm by a narcotic addict.  

    Castro was booked into the Ventura County Jail and remains in custody without bail.  

    As part of the Sheriff’s Departments efforts in reducing gang violence they maintain the VCSD GANG TIP HOTLINE.  Residents can call “1-888-58GANGS” and anonymously report criminal gang activity in their neighborhoods.  

    Residents of the City of Santa Paula is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474 to report criminal gang or other activity in their neighborhoods.

    If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.

    Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers remain anonymous and can collect a $1,000 reward if information offered results in an arrest.





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