Burglary Suspect Arrested After Breaking Into Ojai Private School

A 34-year-old Ojai man is facing felony charges after allegedly breaking into a school dormitory. Houston Scott was arrested on the morning of January 24, 2026.

The incident occurred at Villanova Preparatory School on East Villanova Road. Deputies were called to the campus around 6:30 a.m. following reports of a suspicious trespasser.

Investigators say Scott forced his way into a secured dormitory building while students were present. He was reportedly seen attempting to break into a closet to steal property.

Staff and students were alerted to the intrusion and immediately contacted law enforcement. Scott fled the property on foot after being confronted by school personnel.

Deputies used surveillance footage and witness descriptions to identify the suspect. Scott, described as a local transient, was located and arrested later that same morning.

He was booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura on charges of residential burglary. He also faces a charge for the possession of burglary tools.

Scott is currently being held on $100,000 bail. Authorities noted that no students were harmed during the break-in, thanks to the quick response of school staff.

The Ojai Police Department is asking anyone with further information to contact Detective Joseph Sharif. Community members can also provide tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.