Photo: Stoll’s handiwork
February 5, 2022 – Ventura County, Ca.
While it’s certainly accepted by dog owners and pet lovers worldwide that certain species possess an undeniable urge to “mark” their territory, that same tendencies among homo sapiens is far less appreciated or accepted as normal in the conduct of our daily lives.
It’s doubtful, however, that the notion of “marking one’s territory” is something of a perversion in the wide range of human behaviors was given even a moment’s thought by 27- year-old Ojai resident Rufus Stoll. According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman, the colorfully named law-enforcement professional Detective Gunnar Dike, Stoll came to the attention of detectives pursuant to an investigation into a series of vandalism events at the Ojai Unified School District’s Nordhoff High School campus that began in mid- November of 2021.
In those instances, the vandalism included multiple spray-painted graffiti examples throughout the campus “causing several thousand dollars in damage.” Investigation at that time produced security camera video recordings that “captured the suspect” in the act. After several months of research, investigation, and interviews of area residents, Stoll “was identified as a suspect” in the graffiti vandalisms.
On February 2 nd , a search warrant of Stoll’s Ojai residence was served and “evidence linking him to the vandalisms was discovered.” He was then taken into custody and transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on a count of felony vandalism exceeding $400 in damage and one count of misdemeanor vandalism. He remains in custody with his bail set at $10,000.
Photo: Courtesy www.ojaivalleynews.com
