On the afternoon of December 5, authorities were called to a scene where 32-year-old Michael Weisman had reportedly made threats to both harm himself and others. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Deputies arrived at the 5100 Block of Pesto Way in Oak Park to respond to the incident, as detailed in a press release distributed via Nixle.
Weisman had left the area by the time deputies appeared, but was said to have made alarming statements, like threatening to kill his parents and even going so far as to deliberately strike responding deputies with his vehicle. He was accused of having the intent to also randomly target innocent civilians and issued a false bomb threat against a Thousand Oaks business filled with patrons at the time. In the ensuing chaos, Ventura County officials were quick to act to ensure that no one would be harmed.
The case took on a heavier weight when it involved not just criminal threats but also the safety of a crowded business. Security was provided to the establishment as people inside were instructed to shelter in place. According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office release, the allegations against Weisman included two counts of elder abuse, given the age of the victims—75 and 70, respectively—a further testament to the gravity of his transgressions.
The whereabouts of Weisman were shortly thereafter discovered at a shopping center in Agoura by deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. After being detained, custody was then transferred to Ventura County Sheriff's deputies, who arrested Weisman. The list of charges filed by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office included three counts of Criminal Threats, two of Elder Abuse, two counts of Threatening a Peace Officer with Great Bodily Injury or Death, one count of False Bomb Threat, and one count of False Report of Emergency. Despite the swift action taken by law enforcement, Weisman was able to post bail after being booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura.
Ventura County emphasizes its dedication to public safety, and as such, Ventura County Crime Stoppers has offered up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and criminal complaint against Weisman. Tipsters can safely remain anonymous, and the calls are not recorded. The public can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) if they have any additional information regarding this case.
