Two suspects were taken into custody following a brandishing incident in the Oak View area of Ventura County, according to a news release from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Abram Chavez Ortiz and Betzayra Rios Valencia were arrested on August 27th following an investigation related to a mid-August event where it was reported that a firearm was brandished at an adult male victim.
The incident took place on August 12, 2024, when at around 1:14 PM, the Sheriff's Dispatch received a call from the 600 block of N. Ventura Avenue in Oak View, deputies from Ojai Patrol Station were dispatched and upon arrival they learned that Ortiz confronted the victim with a semi-automatic handgun then fled in a vehicle driven by Valencia, the vehicle was later located near Solimar Beach in Ventura, though only Valencia was present. In the weeks that followed, detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit (WC-SEU) identified Ortiz, who had an outstanding felony warrant since January and had recently fled police during a traffic stop.
On the day of the arrest, the duo was apprehended in a parking lot on W. Esplanade Drive in Oxnard, noted Sergeant Beau Rodriguez in the press release. A subsequent probation search and a search warrant at residences associated with the duo in Ventura led to the discovery of a replica firearm and live ammunition in a room linked to them; possession of which Ortiz is legally prohibited due to his criminal history. He has been booked on multiple charges including for the brandishing incident, and Valencia faces brandishing and accessory violations.
"Ortiz was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura for the outstanding arrest warrant, brandishing, conspiracy, and ammunition violations," noted the release, signaling a court battle ahead for him with bail set at $30,000 while Valencia has been released on bail, her court date pending. The West County Special Enforcement Unit team, who played a pivotal role in this investigation, is an ensemble of eight detectives dedicated to assisting in investigations of violent crimes including illegal firearm activities the unit relies on community support and partnerships which have proved significant in solving crimes, wrapping the story of collaboration between law enforcement and the community at large.
Detective Austin Whittaker is leading the ongoing investigation and those with information are encouraged to reach out at 805-654-3509 or via email at [email protected] as remarked by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, which also expressed its gratitude to the public for aiding in these efforts. The public can stay informed about local law enforcement activities by following the Sheriff's Office on social media or signing up for Nixle alerts.
