A violent confrontation in Santa Paula has left six juveniles hospitalized and two adult men facing a litany of felony charges. On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Santa Paula Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting a man attacking a group of boys with a baseball bat in the 900 block of East Santa Paula Street. Officers arrived within one minute of the calls, but the suspects had already fled the scene in a vehicle.
Details of the Targeted Attack
The victims, all of whom are minors, sustained various injuries during the assault. While none of the injuries were deemed life threatening, the severity of the attack required all six to be transported to local hospitals for medical treatment. One juvenile was kept overnight for observation. Investigators quickly determined that the incident was not a random act of violence but a targeted attack. Based on preliminary evidence, the Santa Paula Police Department believes the assault was gang related.
By Tuesday night, detectives identified and apprehended the two suspects: 19 year old Adam Hernandez and 42 year old Angel Garcia, both residents of Santa Paula. Both men have been booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, child endangerment, and conspiracy.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
Bail for both Hernandez and Garcia has been set at 500,000 dollars each. They were scheduled for their first court appearance in Ventura County Superior Court on Thursday, January 15. The Santa Paula Police Department is continuing to serve search warrants as part of the broader investigation into the motive behind the beating.
Detective Sergeant Dan Potter is leading the case and has urged anyone with video footage or additional information to contact the department. This incident has sparked concern among local residents regarding youth safety and gang activity in the area, and police have promised an increased presence in the neighborhood to prevent further retaliation.