Full Notification

Nature of Incident:
Suspect Arrested with Illegal Firearms

Report Number:
25-106584

Location:
600 Block of Dena Drive, Newbury Park, CA

Date & Time:
08/22/2025 @ 0830 AM

Unit(s) Responsible:
VCSO Gun Violence Reduction Program, Thousand Oaks Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Community Resource Unit / School Resource Officers
 

(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent
City of ResidenceAge

(S) - Nicholas Bell
Newbury Park
42

Narrative:

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program (GVRP) completed an investigation, leading to the arrest of Nicholas Bell of Thousand Oaks, for unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm and possession of several illegal firearms.  The operation led to the seizure of 62 firearms, including a short-barreled shotgun, a wallet gun, and nine firearms deemed to be assault weapons under California law. 
 
During the month of July 2025, an alert citizen called the Sheriff’s Office and reported that Bell was carrying a concealed firearm.  The case was referred to GVRP detectives for follow-up.  Detectives learned that Bell had applied for, but was denied, a permit to carry a concealed firearm.  Through surveillance and other investigative means, detectives learned Bell was likely in possession of firearms deemed to be assault weapons as listed in California Penal Code Section 30515.  A warrant was issued through the Ventura County Superior Court to search Bell, his vehicles and his residence. 
 
On 8/22/2025, Detectives from the GVRP, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit, and Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit detained Bell in Newbury Park and searched him pursuant to the search warrant.  At the time of the detention, Bell was unlawfully carrying a loaded firearm and an extra loaded magazine.  Due to the residence being near an elementary school, the Thousand Oaks Community Resource Unit and School Resource Officers were present and communicated with school officials, who determined it was necessary to place the school into a lockdown.  The search warrant was executed at Bell’s residence, and 61 additional firearms, firearms parts, and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition were located.  Many of the firearms were unregistered, several were classified as assault weapons, one short-barreled shotgun, one wallet gun, and approximately one hundred thousand rounds were seized.  Additional evidence was recovered indicating that Bell may be manufacturing firearms or firearm parts.  Bell was arrested for PC 25400(a)(1), PC 24610, PC 27545, PC 30605(a).  Bell was released later that evening after posting bail and has an arraignment court date scheduled for September 5, 2025, at 8:15 a.m.    
 
While detectives are actively investigating the motive behind the suspect’s possession of seized firearms, there is currently no evidence of a broader threat to public safety.
 
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Gun Violence Reduction Program is a collaborative effort aimed at reducing gun violence in Ventura County through the enforcement of firearms laws and the seizure of illegally possessed weapons.  In partnership with state, federal, and local agencies, the program targets unlawful possession and manufacturing of firearms within Ventura County.  A key focus includes facilitating the safe surrender of and/or seizing firearms and ammunition from individuals prohibited from owning or possessing them, with actions guided by entries in the State’s Armed Prohibited Persons System (APPS).  The VCSO GVRP unit is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the California Department of Justice, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  Together, these agencies work to enhance public safety and prevent gun-related crimes in the community.
 
 

Prepared by:
Sergeant Adam Garnier
 

News Release Date:
9/4/2025
 

Media Follow-Up Contact:
Detective Weston Price
805-947-8113
[email protected]
 

 
Approved by:
 
 
Booking Photo Release:
 
Captain Matthew Young
 
 
YES     NO  
 

 
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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