VENTURA, Calif. — A late-night proactive community patrol conducted by officers with the Ventura Police Department resulted in the arrest of a convicted felon after he attempted to hide a loaded semi-automatic firearm near a parked car, public safety officials reported.
The incident occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, August 9, 2026, within a residential neighborhood located in the 10800 block of Del Norte Street, situated along the eastern end of the City of Ventura.
According to official public safety reports published by the Ventura Police Department, a patrol officer was conducting routine, proactive surveillance through an apartment complex property shortly after midnight when the officer observed a small gathering of individuals standing together in one of the community parking lots.
As the patrolling officer approached the group on foot, the officer noted that several individuals were actively engaged in the illegal consumption and inhalation of toxic chemical inhalants.
Upon realizing that law enforcement was advancing toward the gathering, one member of the group, later identified as 32-year-old Phillip Garcia of Ventura, immediately attempted to discard and conceal an object beneath or near a parked vehicle in the lot.
Proactive Patrol Intercepts Concealed Firearm on East End
The patrolling officer immediately called for backup support while maintaining visual surveillance on Garcia and securing the surrounding parking lot area.
When additional backing units arrived at the Del Norte Street complex, officers conducted a thorough sweep of the vehicle's perimeter and recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun hidden near the tires.
Investigating officers conducted a background record check on Garcia and determined that he is a convicted felon who was currently on active felony probation stemming from prior firearm and weapons violations across Ventura County.
Because California state law strictly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions or active probation status from possessing, purchasing, or handling firearms and live ammunition, officers placed Garcia under arrest at the scene without further incident.
"On August 9, at about 12:17 a.m., we arrested a convicted felon for possessing a loaded firearm. An officer was proactively patrolling an apartment complex in the 10800 block of Del Norte Street in Ventura’s east end. The officer observed several people illegally using inhalants in one of the parking lots," the Ventura Police Department detailed in an official public statement released following the arrest.
"As the officer approached the group, one person attempted to conceal a firearm near a parked vehicle. Additional officers arrived and determined that Phillip Garcia had been in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol and tried to conceal it upon the presence of an officer," police officials added in their public report.
Booking Details, New Felony Charges, and Community Safety
Following his arrest on Del Norte Street, Garcia was transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. He was formally booked into county custody on multiple new felony counts:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Felon in Possession of Ammunition
- Carrying a Loaded Firearm in Public
Law enforcement officials emphasized that routine proactive patrols through high-density residential developments and commercial centers remain a vital component of neighborhood crime prevention. By maintaining a visible presence in local communities, patrol officers can deter illegal activity, intercept prohibited weapons before violent incidents occur, and hold repeat offenders accountable.
Members of the public who observe suspicious gathering spots, open drug activity, or potential weapons violations in their neighborhoods are encouraged to contact the Ventura Police Department non-emergency line at (805) 654-1551.
Emergency situations or crimes in progress should always be reported immediately by calling 911, stay safe and always be alert everyone!
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