On March 17, 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit (PCU) concluded an investigation into Neal Niewzal after it was determined he was illegally possessing firearms.
On May 8, 2021, deputies assigned to the Moorpark Patrol Station were dispatched to the 3000 block of Black Avenue in the unincorporated area of Simi Valley for a subject who was deceased as the result of a fentanyl overdose. PCU detectives took over the investigation and later arrested the suspect who sold fentanyl to the victim that caused the fatal overdose.
Based on evidence obtained during that investigation, detectives determined that Neal Niewzal was associated with the suspect of the overdose investigation. Evidence revealed that he was also in possession of several firearms. Niewzal is a convicted felon and prohibited by California law to own or possess firearms and ammunition.
Detectives served a search warrant at Niewzal’s residence in the 1900 block of Metz Court in Simi Valley. During a search of the residence, detectives observed Niewzal in a room that was later found to contain several firearms. Niewzal refused commands and attempted to hide from detectives. He was eventually taken into custody without incident. Detectives seized an assault rifle, three handguns, and ammunition.
Niewzal was booked into the Ventura County Jail for 29800(a)(1) PC- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, 30305(a)(1) PC, Possession of Ammunition by a Felon and 148(a) PC- Resisting or Obstruction of a Peace Officer. Niewzal’s bail was set at $110,000 and he is scheduled for arraignment on March 21, 2022, in Ventura County Superior Court.
The public may contact investigators from the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or [email protected] with additional information about this case, or any other information related to narcotics.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is an active member of the County Opioid Abuse
Suppression Taskforce (COAST). We have partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health in
a campaign to reduce overdoses and educate the public about the dangers of opioids and other
drugs. Comprehensive information can be found at www.VenturaCountyResponds.org.
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