Police arrest 11 suspected gang members
By Daniel Wolowicz camarillo@theacorn.com

Police announced earlier this week the arrests of 11 suspected Camarillo gang members in connection with a yearlong dispute between two Camarillo teens.

The suspects, ages 14 to 22, were arrested following three separate confrontations at the home of a Camarillo youth in the 400 block of Fulton Street.

The last incident occurred Nov. 9 when the suspects allegedly drove to the Fulton Street home, stood outside the house and yelled threats at the family living there, said Sgt. Robert Thomas, head of the Camarillo Police Department's special enforcement unit.

The gang members, armed with bats and bricks, smashed the windows of the family's car before driving away, Thomas said.

The teenage victim targeted by the 11 alleged gang members, police said, is not affiliated with a gang.

"We're sending a message to the gang members that we aren't going to tolerate any intimidation," Thomas said.

In addition to four minors, ages 14 to 17, those arrested included 18yearold Roberto Morales, 19-year-olds Raul Islas, Bruno Ornelas, Raul Galvan, and Christian Duran and Martin Sanchez, both 22.

Charges against the Camarillo residents include disturbing the peace, witness intimidation, possession of a deadly weapon, vandalism and resisting arrest.

The suspects also face special gang enhancement charges, allowing prosecutors to seek additional penalties against them. The additional charges may result in longer jail sentences if the suspects are convicted.

According to police, the Nov. 9 confrontation was the third incident since Oct. 29 between the suspected gang members and the Camarillo teen, who was involved in a fight last year with one of the suspects.

Thomas said Ornelas was arrested Nov. 6 for an earlier confrontation with the teen but was freed Nov. 9 on a $115,000 bail.

On Nov. 11, Thomas said Ornelas went to the teenage victim's work and threatened him there. Arrested Nov. 14, Ornelas is being held without, according to court records.

Thomas said Ornelas is known to police as a "shot caller" within the gang.

"Our policy when it comes to gang involvement is we have a zero tolerance," Thomas said.

The sergeant said the arrests have led to a "calming down" between the teenage victim and the gang.

With the exception of Duran, who was released on a misdemeanor citation, all of the adults were booked into the Main Jail in Ventura.

The juveniles were booked at the Juvenile Justice Facility, police said.