Five Arrested Following New Years Eve Shooting in Thousand Oaks

A chaotic New Years Eve in Thousand Oaks ended with gunfire and a high stakes police investigation that has resulted in the arrest of five suspects. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 31 in the 1900 block of Los Feliz Drive. Witnesses reported hearing a flurry of gunshots and seeing several individuals fleeing the area, including one person who was visibly brandishing a handgun.

Gang Units and Special Enforcement Strike Back

While no injuries or property damage were reported at the scene, patrol deputies recovered several shell casings that proved a shooting had indeed taken place. Detectives from the Sheriffs East County Investigations Bureau took over the case and quickly identified five potential suspects. On the evening of January 2, members of the Special Enforcement Unit spotted the suspects traveling together in a single vehicle through the heart of Thousand Oaks.

With the help of the Directed Enforcement Unit, the vehicle was stopped and all five occupants were taken into custody without incident. A search of the car revealed a handgun that detectives believe was used in the New Years Eve shooting along with various items of gang related paraphernalia. The Thousand Oaks Police Department has reiterated its zero tolerance stance against gang violence in the wake of these arrests.

Juveniles and Adults Facing Serious Charges

The group of suspects includes three male juveniles, all 17 years old, and two young adults. The three teenagers were booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center on a laundry list of charges, including carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and committing a crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Because they were also acting in concert, they are facing conspiracy charges that could lead to significant time in juvenile detention.

The two adults, 19 year old Cologio Bernal and 18 year old Leonardo Baas, were booked into the Ventura County Pre Trial Detention Facility. They are currently facing charges for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Law enforcement officials are encouraging anyone with additional information about this shooting or local gang activity to contact the Sheriffs Dispatch as they continue to work toward keeping the streets of Thousand Oaks safe for everyone.