A county-wide crime spree that spanned several cities came to a close with the arrest of Oxnard resident Leonel Cruz, as reported by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. Cruz was implicated in multiple property crimes around Ventura County, including a residential burglary and grand theft incidents. The arrest was a combined effort of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Camarillo Investigation Bureau, and the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT).
The string of crimes began with a vehicle theft on July 13 in Oxnard. Following the theft, Cruz was identified as the suspect. Subsequent offenses included the theft of clothing from the WSS Retail Store in Oxnard, a burglary at a house in Thousand Oaks, and the theft of equipment from a ranch in Camarillo. These incidents, spanning from July 13 to July 26, involved Cruz using the stolen vehicle as his mode of transport and escape, as per the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
On Thursday, Cruz was finally apprehended by detectives on Saviers Road in Oxnard while he was driving a different vehicle. According to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, the arrest led to the recovery of the previously stolen vehicle at a separate location. Upon his arrest, Cruz faced multiple charges, including residential burglary, grand theft, and auto theft, in addition to having an outstanding felony arrest warrant.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Office detailed in a news release that Cruz is slated to face charges such as: "Penal Code 459 – First Degree Residential Burglary, Penal Code 487(a) – Grand Theft, Vehicle Code 10851(a) – Auto Theft, Penal Code 496d(a) – Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle." Collaboration and tips from the community played a vital role in the resolution of the case. In the words of the Camarillo Police Department, "We greatly appreciate the public’s assistance in reporting suspicious activities and working alongside officers to bring criminals to justice."
For further information about this case, Detective Kenneth Ledesma can be contacted at (805) 388-5115.
