Authorities arrested six teenagers and one 23-year-old suspected in a damaging graffiti war between rival criminal street gangs in Thousand Oaks.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that the arrests were made during a combined effort between various law enforcement agencies throughout March.
The sheriff’s office said in a release that last month saw a rise in graffiti vandalism between rival street gangs, costing the city of Thousand Oaks thousands of dollars in damages.
“This graffiti encompassed multiple areas throughout the city, resulting in damage totaling over $5,000,” stated the release.
Details are limited, and officials did not immediately provide further information regarding the type of graffiti seen or if any type of structures or locations were targeted.
Officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office East County Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Moorpark Special Enforcement Unit and Thousand Oaks Patrol Services participated in this operation.
The combined personnel and resources were able to identify and arrest seven suspects on charges of graffiti vandalism and participation in a criminal street gang.
Officials said the two adults were booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. They were identified as Cesar Gonzalez, 18, of Moorpark, and Joselin Lopez, 23, of Thousand Oaks, according to the sheriff’s office.
The other suspects were only identified as one 13-year-old, two 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds, all male residents of Thousand Oaks.
Officials said four of the juveniles were lodged into the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Facility, and one juvenile was released to his parents with a written promise to appear in court.
The Thousand Oaks Police Department said it encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles by calling 911 or the non-emergency line 805-654-9511.
“If you see something, say something,” urged the department. “The reporting party may remain anonymous.”
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