City of Residence

On 11/06/2021, Camarillo Patrol deputies were dispatched to Staircase Beach located at 40000 Pacific Coast Highway regarding three suspicious subjects.  A vigilant witness observed three subjects sitting in their vehicle at the location.  The witness noted the subjects were watching citizens in the parking lot.  The witness remained in the area and observed the three suspicious subjects approach a vehicle parked at the location.  Fearing the subjects were involved in nefarious activity, the witness approached the suspects and confronted them about their actions.

Deputies arrived shortly thereafter and contacted the three subjects who presented two Chilean identification cards and one identification card from Spain.  Through the investigation, deputies learned the suspects were working collectively to commit vehicle burglaries in the area.  The suspects were connected to removing a key fob from a vehicle tire with the intent to commit a vehicle burglary.  The victim was later contacted and confirmed the key fob was missing from where he left it prior to surfing.  The key fob was located in the bushes where the suspects were standing.

The subjects were arrested and transported to the Camarillo Police Station.  It was later determined the subjects presented forged identification and were identified as Chilean Nationals Cristian Leyton, Angel Escobar and Claudio Arenas.

On 11/09/2021, all three suspects were arraigned for PC 664/459 – attempt vehicle burglary and PC 182 – conspiracy to commit a crime.  All three suspects remain in custody in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Ventura County has seen a rise in South American Theft Groups (SATG).  SATG have developed into a transnational criminal network with profound effects on our community.  These SATG teams generally consist of three or four members with specific skills and responsibilities. SATG teams are known to commit residential burglaries, commercial burglaries, home invasion robberies and vehicle burglaries using very specific methods in order to maximize success at their crimes and evade capture by law enforcement.

The Camarillo Police Department would like to remind citizens to lock up their residences and vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Office.

Booking Photo Release:

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