VENTURA COUNTY — In yet again another clear indication that those sought on felony arrest warrants are rarely beyond the reach of local law enforcement, on the morning of September 14th, Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team West District Officers found the subject of their interest “hiding in the rafters of a detached garage” in a neighborhood residence, according to Oxnard Police spokesman Officer David Castillo.
Jose Salas, a 26-year-old Oxnard resident, had been sought by OPD detectives for a week when he was tracked down to the South H Street home.
Salas, known to law enforcement throughout the city as a “documented gang member” with a pair of earlier felony convictions, is not allowed to possess or own a firearm or any ammunition as terms of his felony parole.
During the course of their investigation of the residential premises, cops entering the garage looked up and discovered Salas stretched out above their heads in an apparent attempt to avoid discovery.
Unlike similar tactics used by Hollywood movie action heros eluding the bad guys, Salas’ ruse failed to fool anyone and he was summarily brought down to earth and taken into custody.
The immediately ensuing search of the garage led officers to the discovery of a loaded revolver “behind a bed where Salas’ 1-year-old child” sleeps. Within close proximity to the pistol, police found a plastic bag containing an undisclosed amount of methamphetamine.
Sporting his gang’s logo sportily tattooed atop his shaved skull, Salas was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on charges multiple felony warrants, felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, felony child endangerment, and misdemeanor drug violations.
Photos: Courtesy Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County Jail Booking
