Following reports of a gunshot in Fillmore earlier this month, a local man has been arrested after authorities found illegal firearms and potentially explosive materials in his home. Earlier this month, after receiving a tip about a gunshot fired on September 15, law enforcement searched David Lavine's residence in Fillmore and made a disturbing discovery. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, Lavine, age 54, was found in possession of ammunition, a suspected homemade destructive device, and other materials believed to be components for making explosives.
The initial incident, triggering the investigation, involved a male subject loitering and reportedly discharging a firearm near East Telegraph Road and Texaco Road. Despite an exhaustive search by deputies on the day of the report, the subject managed to elude capture. Lavine, who lives within close distance of the area, was later identified as the suspect in question, and it was soon confirmed that his criminal record barred him from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition.
Detectives, alongside members of the West County Special Enforcement Unit and the Sheriff’s Bomb Squad, were involved in the search and investigation. When they located the suspicious items in Lavine's room, they didn't take any chances. "The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad is primarily responsible for the safe disposal of explosives and improvised explosive devises and are the agency’s experts at identifying substances and materials of destructive devices," stated the official report. Bomb squad technicians, applying their specialized training, safely neutralized the threats discovered in the residence.
Caught red-handed with the illegal materials, Lavine now faces multiple charges including Penal Code § 30305(a)(1) – Felon in Possession of Ammunition, Penal Code § 18710 (a) – Felony Possession of a Destructive Device, and Penal Code § 18720 – Felony Possession of Destructive Device Materials. His bail has been set at $200,000.00, as detailed by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
