While at the scene, an off-duty peace officer called the SPPD and reported observing the second burglary suspect running in the mountain area north of Santa Paula Cemetery.Upon arrival the SPPD Officers found “that the brush was so thick the dogs couldn’t even access it,” and requested an air search by a Ventura County Sheriff’s Department helicopter.In spite of a lengthy search the subject was not located.Meanwhile, Escobedo, a 21-year-old Santa Paula resident, was identified by a city resident as the burglar that the victim had encountered more than a week before inside a residence.“He was positively identified as the suspect” by one of the burglary victims, said Sgt. Fogata.Escobedo was taken to Ventura County Jail without bail for felony first-degree burglary and a “No bail” parole warrant.There was no jewelry recovered.Sgt. Fogata credited residents of the area that “told us where they saw the suspects running really gave us a good starting point, the public assistance pinpointed where they ran, and due to their efforts we were able to make the arrest faster. The SPPD appreciates the public’s help...the suspect might not have been arrested without their assistance.”Such input is vital: “Sometimes the fast response makes all the difference in the world and it’s great that the public gets involved and assists” the SPPD said Sgt. Fogata.Anyone with information regarding the second suspect is urged to call the SPPD, 525-4474.
Citizens’ help leads to arrest of burglary suspect in sewage tunnel
June 06, 2007
Santa Paula Police Department
One man was arrested and another still being sought after Santa Paula Police and several K-9s cornered one suspect hiding in a sewage tunnel thanks to helpful witnesses, according to a SPPD spokesman.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesOne man was arrested and another still being sought after Santa Paula Police and several K-9s cornered one suspect hiding in a sewage tunnel thanks to helpful witnesses, according to a SPPD spokesman.The incident started on Thursday, May 31 at approximately 3 p.m. when the SPPD received reports that two residential burglary suspects were “possibly selling stolen jewelry” in the area of Ventura and Olive streets, said SPPD Sgt. Jimmy Fogata.SPPD Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the subjects.At 4:50 p.m. another 911 report was received that two men “matching the descriptions of the first call” were trying to sell possibly stolen jewelry in the area of Dean Drive and Santa Barbara Street and SPPD Officers were dispatched to the area.Upon arrival witnesses told the officers that the two men had taken off on foot northbound in the Fagan Barranca and pointed out where the suspects were last seen.After a search of the area Rex, Officer Ryan Smith’s K-9 partner, “alerted him to a 4-foot diameter sewage tunnel” and, along with Officers Paul Spencer and Jeremy Watson, they entered the tunnel.“We also dispatched fire and public works to assist us in pulling manhole covers from the street in an attempt to stop them in their tracks,” said Sgt. Fogata.After traveling about 500 yards into the tunnel the officers and Rex located the suspect who was attempting to hide.“The suspect, Jacob Escobedo” surrendered and was arrested without incident said Sgt. Fogata.