Sexual Assault suspect arrested with the assistance of local transit company.
On Friday March 7, 2025, a thirty-seven-year-old female notified the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office she had been sexually assaulted by a stranger while riding on a local public transit bus. The victim told deputies, she boarded a bus in Camarillo and exited in Ventura. The bus company immediately began reviewing transaction history as well as video footage from inside the bus and assisted the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation. Detectives were able to identify the suspect and his common route of travel.
On Sunday March 9, 2025, patrol deputies from the Headquarters Station observed the suspect at a bus stop in the 2700 block of Johnson Drive in Ventura. The suspect was contacted by deputies and identified as Miguel Angel Salgado Rodriguez. During the initial contact with Rodriguez, he delayed the investigations by refusing to stop at the direction of the deputies. Rodriguez was arrested for the sexual assault on the bus and resisting and delaying an investigation. A search of Rodriguez’ person and property revealed evidence linking him to the sexual assault days prior.
The victim in the above incident was brave in reporting this crime to the bus driver and then by notifying law enforcement. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is diligent in the apprehension of these types of predators. Additionally, both major bus transit operators in Ventura County are also dedicated to you having a safe ride. By notifying them of incidents on the buses, it will help in keeping these vital modes of transportation safer for everyone.
Rodriguez was booked into the Ventura County Jail for violations of California Penal Code 289(a)(1)(A), Sexual Penetration with Force and California Penal Code 148(a)(1), Resisting, Obstructing, Or Delaying a Peace Officer. His bail was set at $500,000.00 and his next court appearance will be March 11, 2025, in Ventura County Superior Court.
Detectives suspect Rodriguez may have assaulted other people while on the bus or in and around bus stops. Though he had a normal route of travel to work, it was discovered he also used the bus to travel around Ventura County. If you or anyone you know may have been assaulted by Rodriguez, please call your local law enforcement agency or the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office at (805) 654-9511.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the ability to request emergency services through text messaging. By texting 911, you can communicate with a Ventura County dispatch center and give real time information in silence. Though this was not utilized during the above incident, it serves as a reminder of the availability of this useful feature.
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