Ventura Patrol Officer Tackles Fleeing Suspect Armed with Loaded 9mm Handgun and Meth After Vehicle and Foot Pursuit

VENTURA, Calif. — A proactive evening patrol operation in Ventura escalated into a high-speed vehicle pursuit and a foot chase on Friday, September 25, 2026, ultimately resulting in the arrest of a local driver caught with a loaded handgun concealed in his pocket.

Click here to view the official Ventura Police Department Facebook post regarding the pursuit and firearm arrest.

The enforcement action was carried out by patrol officers assigned to the Ventura Police Department. Authorities identified the arrested suspect as 29-year-old Rolando Palafox, a resident of Ventura.

Palafox was taken into custody following the incident, which began at approximately 6:50 p.m. near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Valentine Road.

Traffic Violation, Industrial Area Chase, and Foot Tackle

According to an official incident release issued by the Ventura Police Department, a patrol officer observed a traffic violation committed by a motor vehicle driven by Palafox.

The officer activated the emergency lights and siren on his marked patrol car to conduct a routine traffic enforcement stop. Rather than pulling over, Palafox accelerated, initiating a high-speed vehicle pursuit.

Palafox led the officer westbound on Valentine Road before swerving into a nearby commercial and industrial park. Upon reaching the area of Palma Drive and Ortega Street, Palafox brought his vehicle to a sudden stop, abandoned the car, and fled into the industrial complex on foot.

The pursuing officer immediately exited his patrol car and gave chase on foot.

The officer closed the distance, caught up to Palafox, and tackled him to the ground, securing him in handcuffs. Department representatives confirmed that neither Palafox nor the arresting officer sustained injuries during the takedown.

Loaded Concealed Firearm, Methamphetamine, and Booking Status

During a search of Palafox following his detention, officers located and seized a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun tucked directly into his clothing pocket.

Additionally, officers discovered a quantity of methamphetamine in his possession.

Palafox was transported to the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, where he was booked on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges:

• VC § 2800.2: Felony Evading a Peace Officer with Wanton Disregard for Safety
• PC § 25400 / PC § 25850: Unlawful Carrying and Possession of a Loaded Firearm
• HS § 11377(a): Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
• PC § 148(a)(1): Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Peace Officer
• VC § 14601.1(a): Driving with a Suspended or Revoked License

"Instead of yielding to the officer’s patrol car lights and siren, the driver led the officer on a pursuit westbound on Valentine Rd and then down into the industrial area... Once the suspect was detained, he was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm in his pocket," the Ventura Police Department detailed in an official public advisory.

"Neither the driver nor officer was injured as a result of the incident... Rolando Palafox (29y/o, Ventura resident) was booked into the Ventura County Jail," public safety representatives added.

Members of the public with additional information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Ventura Police Department non-emergency line at (805) 654-7800. Official updates can be reviewed on the Ventura Police Department Official Facebook Page. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Sources

• Ventura Police Department Official Facebook Release