HLU Unit Makes Arson Arrests After Reports of “Illegal Encampments”
Photo: Stock Image
By F. Scott Faulkner
Ventura County, CA
On the morning of December 3, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Homeless Liaison Unit (HLU)
conducted a critical intervention that exposed significant environmental and public safety
vulnerabilities within an unauthorized encampment just off to the side of a major area public
thoroughfare.
According to Ventura County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. James Douglas, on the
morning of December 2, the HLU received a report of “illegal encampments” on private
agricultural and industrial properties. The following day, HLU deputies “conducted a site
survey” of the area and immediately “discovered an active fire situated within a high-risk
landscape characterized by extensive dry brush and dead vegetation.”
Two residents of the encampment, Roberto Banuelos, 43, and Alejandro Ruiz, 29, were
identified as the primary subjects responsible for starting the fire. Investigators determined the
pair had intentionally ignited the fire using a propane torch within their encampment, creating “a
potentially catastrophic” environmental scenario.
Deputies successfully extinguished the fire using on-scene resources, following which they took
Banuelos and Ruiz into custody and promptly transported them to Ventura County Jail. Both men
were booked on multiple charges of arson, reckless fire initiation, and conspiracy. Banuelos was
additionally charged on outstanding arrest warrants.
