Two suspects have been arrested in connection with a recent shooting in Oxnard that left a 22-year-old man critically injured. The Oxnard Police Department reported that Victor Lara, 19, from Oxnard, and Joel Ruiz, 22, from Camarillo, are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
The incident occurred on the evening of November 30, 2024, when police were called to the 100 block of Fontana Drive after receiving reports of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, they found the young man with a wound to his upper torso. He was quickly transported to a trauma center to undergo emergency surgery. The victim is now listed in critical but stable condition. In the subsequent investigation, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) was able to quickly identify and arrest the two suspects. The VCU, aided by various specialized units including the Special Enforcement and Canine Units, managed to safely apprehend Lara and Ruiz.
According to the Oxnard Police Department's news release, Victor Lara was arrested at his home last Wednesday. Lara discarded a loaded firearm during the arrest and now faces additional firearms-related charges alongside charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy. Joel Ruiz was taken into custody from his Camarillo residence on Friday and is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.
Both suspects have also been charged under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act due to their documented affiliation with a criminal street gang. Detectives leading the investigation are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist the case. Members of the community can reach out directly to Detective Diego Estrada at 805-385-8291 or by email at [email protected]. Furthermore, the Oxnard Police Department encourages individuals to report anonymously, should they prefer to do so, offering several avenues including their website and the Ventura County Crime Stoppers hotline and website for anonymous tips.
