Camarillo man helps police nab violent vandal

WITH THANKS- Camarillo Police Chief Steve DeCesari, left, and Camarillo Mayor Jan McDonald, right, present a certificate of recognition to Terry Williams for his help in catching a shoplifter at a local supermarket. The suspect was later identified as a vandal who has caused thousands of dollars in damage to city property.

Little did Terry Williams know that when he stopped to help a grocery store security guard wrestle a shoplifter to the ground that he'd helped police put away a vandal who has caused thousands of dollars in damage to city property.

Camarillo police and city leaders recognized Williams with a certificate of appreciation for his good deed during last week's City Council meeting.

Williams, a Camarillo resident, said he and his 6-year-old daughter, Katelynn, were exiting the Kmart store on Arneill Road when they passed in front of the neighboring Vons supermarket on Feb. 16 around 7 p.m. and saw the security guard wrestling with 19year-old Galen Ricewood.

Williams said it was his daughter who saw the altercation and that he stepped in to help the security guard because he didn't want anyone else to be hurt in the fight.

According to police, Ricewood had stolen two bottles of liquor from the grocery store and began fighting with the security guard when he was stopped trying to leave.

In late January, Ricewood was caught along with four other teenagers suspected of causing thousands of dollars in damage along Coe Street between Seybolt and Harris avenues.

Last month, court records show, Ricewood was found guilty of second degree robbery charges and will be sentenced next month.