Full Notification

On May 20, 2023, at about 07:18 AM, SVPD Officers responded to a trespassing subject acting erratically and refusing to leave a gated community located at Long Canyon Road and Canyon View Drive. As officers arrived on scene the subject fled in his white SUV. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the vehicle fled at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour down Long Canyon Road. Officers lost sight of the vehicle in the area of First Street and Fitzgerald Road.

While checking the area, SVPD Dispatch received a call from the security guard at Assumption Catholic Cemetery (1380 Fitzgerald Road) reporting a male subject had rammed the gate with his SUV, drove into the middle of the cemetery, parked his vehicle on top of grave sites, exited his vehicle, and was now sitting near one of the grave sites. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the subject, later identified as 39-year-old Simi Valley Resident Rafael Calderon III. Calderon initially refused commands by officers, but was ultimately taken into custody without incident.

Calderon was arrested for 594(b)(1) PC – Felony Vandalism, 148(a)(1) PC – Resisting, obstructing, or delaying a peace officer, 2800.1 VC – Misdemeanor Evading, and 23247(e) VC – operating a motor vehicle without a functioning ignition interlock device. Calderon was later booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for the listed charges.