On September 18, a tense encounter unfolded on South Moorpark Avenue where law enforcement officials were met with resistance during a search warrant and eviction operation. According to a media release by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the incident led to the arrests of three individuals: Edwige Mondesir Sr., Maritza Miranda, and Edwige Mondesir Jr., all residents of Moorpark.
Attempting to serve the warrant at 1300 hours, officers faced a barricade situation when the occupants allegedly refused to comply with orders. Deputies resorted to using a battering ram to force entry into the residence. In the chaos that ensued, Edwige Sr. reportedly "charged at deputies while holding a metal object over his head," as stated in the media release. The standoff continued with Edwige Sr. retreating after being struck with a less lethal projectile and then barricading himself in another room, at one point live-streaming the event on social media.
Edwige Jr. was apprehended after a purported altercation with a detective, while Miranda was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. Efforts to coax Edwige Sr. out from his barricade were initially met with resistance, with the suspect apparently terminating communication attempts with the Tactical Negotiations Unit, the media release detailed.
With negotiations reaching a deadlock, Sheriff's SWAT deployed chemical agents to induce compliance. Following the introduction of the agents, Edwige Sr. ultimately surrendered. He faces charges including assault with a deadly weapon on peace officers, child endangerment, and a felony warrant. His son, Edwige Jr., was booked for allegedly obstructing/resisting an executive officer and battery on a peace officer, while Miranda's litany of charges includes contempt of court, criminal conspiracy, and eavesdropping.
All three suspects were booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility, awaiting their respective court appearances. In an effort to ensure community safety and justice, Ventura County Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to a criminal complaint against those responsible for we assume unrelated crimes. The public can report anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), reinforcing the community's role in aiding law enforcement efforts.
