Simi Valley, CA — The Simi Valley Police Department’s Detective Bureau and Off-Road Team, in partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a planned law enforcement drone operation this morning, April 1, 2026, in the Texas Tract area of Simi Valley. The operation has now concluded.
This activity was related to a missing person investigation originating from 2025. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department deployed a newly acquired, high-tech unmanned aircraft system capable of covering large areas in a short period of time while simultaneously capturing thousands of data images in a surveyor-style format. The collected images were processed using artificial intelligence to identify potential anomalies for further review.
The Simi Valley Police Department was assisted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s UAS (drone) team, along with their Search and Rescue personnel, who were prepared to respond to any areas of interest identified in the mountains and brush terrain.
After an extensive five-hour search, several potential anomalies were examined; however, no new evidence or investigative leads were discovered.
This search was conducted in relation to the disappearance of Raushaun Aitpayeva, who went missing in July 2025. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Simi Valley Police Department at 805-583-6950.
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to thank the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department for their partnership and for providing this advanced technology in support of the investigation.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation.
Media Contact: Simi Valley Police Department Sergeant Rick Morton
