Two juveniles from Oxnard and Camarillo have been nabbed in connection to a school burglary that caused thousands of dollars in damage. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office, in a news release, claimed that deputies were called to University Preparation Charter School in response to an audible alarm on September 13. A subsequent inquiry revealed forced entry and vandalism across multiple classrooms, with an estimated damage toll hovering around $3,700.
Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig explained in a statement obtained by Nixle that the breakthrough came courtesy of surveillance footage, which helped authorities zero in on the two suspects. After executing a search warrant at a residence in the 1800 block of Gaucho Way in the city of Oxnard on October 8, further evidence was uncovered, cementing their connection to the break-in and ensuing chaos.
The duo, aged 15 and 16, faced charges for burglary, vandalism, and conspiracy to commit a crime, and were subsequently released to their parents as per instructions from Ventura County Probation. The case is now poised for review by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office and the Ventura County Probation Department.
Ventura County Sheriff's Office took the opportunity to extend gratitude towards community members for their vital role in assisting law enforcement. In reference to this sense of community-sourced justice, the office encouraged the public to remain vigilant and proactive by following updates across various social media platforms and subscribing to local enforcement and public safety alerts through Nixle.
The statement by Senior Deputy Matthew Koenig underscores the sheriff's department's appreciation for civic engagement: "We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships." Meanwhile, Ventura County Crime Stoppers has advertised a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and criminal complaint for those responsible for such crimes. Confidentiality and anonymity are ensured for tipsters, signaling a clear incentive for community members to assist in maintaining law and order.
