In March and April of 2024, an unidentified individual unlawfully entered a commercial business located in the unincorporated area of Oxnard, which backs to the Santa Clara River bottom. The subject stole multiple toolboxes containing numerous tools and an acetylene torch set. The items taken were valued at over $2,500.00.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Homeless Liaison Unit (HLU) was consulted and eventually able to identify the subject as Ryan Langley, a known transient. The Homeless Liaison Unit has contacted Langley numerous times during various operations within the Santa Clara River bottom including Outreaches, Education, and Clean-up Operations.
Detectives from the Headquarters Patrol Station Investigations Unit conducted an extensive investigation into the commercial burglary and developed probable cause to arrest Langley for burglary related charges.
On April 9th and April 10th of 2024, Headquarters Detectives, with the assistance of members from the HLU team, conducted a multi-day operation in an attempt to locate Langley. HLU’s extensive knowledge and expertise of the area and location of encampments allowed detectives to direct their efforts accordingly. During the multi-day operation, detectives utilized all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which were recently obtained through grant funds, to navigate some of the remote terrain. The ATVs proved to be a valuable asset, allowing detectives to access and search remote areas and waterways which were previously inaccessible. The ATVs also provided increased officer safety while canvasing the area.
On April 10th, at approximately 1400 hours, detectives located and arrested Langley. Langley was booked into custody at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-Trail Detention Facility in Ventura for a violation of PC 459 - Burglary. Langley’s bail was set at $10,000.
Detectives also located and recovered over $2,500 worth of stolen property. The recovered stolen property included the acetylene torch set, toolboxes, and other stolen items. The stolen property was returned to the victim.
The Santa Clara River bottom has numerous transient encampments that have been set up over an extended period of time. The transient encampments are located within a flood zone and are highly susceptible to fires and flooding. Additionally, various protected animals and vegetation live within the Santa Clara River bottom.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of forming a full-time Homeless Liaison Unit. The full-time team has already been approved by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. When fully staffed, the unit will be comprised of 2 Sergeants and 8 Deputies, who are tasked with addressing issues related to people experiencing homelessness throughout the county. The team regularly assists unhoused individuals within the Santa Clara River bottom by connecting them with services and resources in an effort to reduce homelessness. The services and resources that are provided include services through the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Ventura County Continuum of Care, Ventura County Behavioral Health, Ventura County Human Services Agency, and numerous other agencies. HLU is committed to engaging with the community to educate and build relationships with the most vulnerable populations within Ventura County.
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