A 34-year-old Santa Barbara man found himself behind bars after a high-tech surveillance system flagged his vehicle. The arrest took place around noon on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Simi Valley’s citywide video surveillance system triggered an alert for a stolen vehicle. The car had been reported stolen just one day prior.
Officers quickly located the vehicle near the intersection of Sycamore Drive and Cochran Street. They conducted a traffic stop and detained the driver without incident.
During the investigation, police discovered additional stolen property inside the car. They believe the man was on his way to sell these items to a local business.
A search of the vehicle also turned up burglary tools and illegal drugs. The suspect now faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges.
He was booked into the Ventura County jail on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle and possession of stolen property. He also faces charges for drug possession.
The man is currently being held on $20,000 bail. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in Ventura County Superior Court on January 27, 2026.
Simi Valley police noted that the quick recovery was a direct result of their automated alert system. These cameras are designed to scan for license plates linked to active crimes.
The identity of the man has not yet been released to the public. However, jail records indicate he is a resident of Santa Barbara.
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Published: Jan 26, 2026. Last updated: Jan 26, 2026.
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