Full Notification

For Immediate Release

February 10th, 2024

Suspect Arrested for Possession of a Handgun

Santa Paula, Calif. – A suspect was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail for resisting/obstructing Santa Paula Police officers after exiting a vehicle. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle which was registered to the suspect, identified as Alex Sanchez, age 40, of Santa Paula. During the search of the suspect’s vehicle, a
loaded handgun was seized. In addition, over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, about an ounce of suspected methamphetamine, and a supply of opiate medications that were not prescribed were also seized. Sanchez was supplementally booked at Ventura County Jail for the handgun and narcotics charges.

On January 24, 2024, at about 9:35 a.m., patrol officers were conducting foot patrol in the area of 4th St. and Ventura St. when they observed Sanchez exit his vehicle and approached them in an aggressive manner, and refused to comply with verbal commands. Sanchez continued to approach the officers and attempted to physically harm them. He resisted arrest before being taken into custody. After the arrest, detectives obtained the search warrant for the vehicle. Sanchez is currently in custody for an unrelated handgun possession case that has been filed by Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

The Santa Paula Police Department continues to focus on firearms related offenses and urges residents who possess firearms to secure them in safes or install gun locks. For more options on safe gun storage visit:

https://projectchildsafe.org/securing-your-firearm/

The Santa Paula Police Department, collaborating with Project ChildSafe, is offering complimentary gun locks to increase gun safety in the community. Gun locks are available upon request at Police Department Public Lobby, Monday-Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.