Five individuals have been detained following a gang-related assault inside a business in Thousand Oaks, according to authorities. The incident, involving a group chase and the employment of a sharp-edged weapon, occurred on April 17th and resulted in three non-life-threatening injuries, as stated in the media release issued by Sergeant Dillan Alvarez of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. The clash was documented on the night of April 17th at around 9:30 p.m. on the 400 block of N. Moorpark Road.
The hostilities within the business were sparked when one of the victims sought refuge inside, pursued closely by five suspects. It was during this incident that an employee attempting to intervene sustained injuries, alongside the victim and one of the suspects. In a statement provided by the Thousand Oaks Police Department, patrol deputies and detectives arrived swiftly on the scene to uncover the details of the attack, arresting the individuals reportedly tied to a local criminal street gang over the next day.
Jefferson Lima and Jeremy Platz, both 18 from Thousand Oaks, were apprehended along with three juvenile suspects, with the latter's ages ranging from 16 to 17. Lima was taken into custody at his residence, where a search warrant led to the discovery of further evidence linked to the assault. Platz and one juvenile were caught after a brief on-foot pursuit by detectives on the 200 block of E. Wilbur Road.
Charges levied against Platz and Lima include 245(a)(4)PC – Assault with Force Likely to Produce Great Bodily Injury, 182(a)(1)PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, and 186.22(a)PC – Street Terrorism. They are currently held in custody at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at $500,000, and the minors are booked at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center, awaiting their court date.
In response to the incident, the Thousand Oaks Police Department has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance against gang violence and urges the community to report any criminal or gang activity. Information can be conveyed anonymously through various channels, and collaborations with Ventura County Crime Stoppers are in place, which may offer up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest. The public is encouraged to engage with local law enforcement alerts and advisories via social media or by texting their zip code to 888777.
