Suspect in gang-related shooting arrested

SANTA PAULA — Lucas Macias Sr., 40, was arrested Thursday as the prime suspect in the gang-related shooting of two younger Santa Paula men earlier this month.

Gang Shooting

Macias was apprehended at his residence, said Santa Paula police Sgt. Ismael Cordero, “with full SWAT and county sheriff gang unit support” in the early morning hours of Sept. 30, pursuant to the service of a search warrant.

A known gang member, Macias was booked into Ventura County Jail on multiple charges of attempted murder and street terrorism in connection with the Sept. 12 nighttime assault on a pair of men, aged 19 and 20. Seriously injured with gunshot wounds to the torso and legs, both victims were admitted to Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition on the night of the shooting.

Santa Paula police and Ventura County sheriff’s gang investigators pursued witness statements and “received some very helpful anonymous tips from the community,” which led to the arrest of Macias, said Cordero.

Along with Macias, two juveniles were arrested pending further investigation.