News Release:
During the months of March through May 2022, detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit conducted an investigation where Suspect Justin Villa was believed to be involved in the unlawful narcotics and firearm activities. Villa is a convicted felon and known gang member from a criminal street gang in Oxnard.
On May 6th, 2022, at about 7:15 AM, detectives with the Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit along with assistance from the Sheriff’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team and Sheriff’s Gang Unit executed a search warrant at Villa’s residence located in the 1400 block of Casa San Carlos Lane in Oxnard.
Initially, Villa barricaded inside the garage and refused to exit. Nearby residences were evacuated as a precaution while a variety of tactics were used to gain Villa’s compliance. After about an hour standoff, Villa exited the garage and was taken into custody without further incident.
As a result of the search warrant, detectives located and seized evidence indicative of drug sales. Additionally, an unregistered short-barreled assault weapon, a handgun, body armor, and dozens of live rounds of ammunition were located and seized. Unregistered firearms such as the short-barreled assault weapon is commonly referred to as a “Ghost Gun” because it is a privately made firearm that lacks serial numbers or markings.
Based on his criminal history, Justin Villa is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms and ammunition. He was arrested for resisting and various firearm/narcotics offenses, including Penal Code § 148(a)(1) – [Obstruct, Delay, or Resist Peace Officer], Penal Code § 29900(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of Firearm with Prior Violent Crime Conviction], 30305(a)(1) – [Felon in Possession of Ammunition], Penal Code § 30605(a) – [Possession of an Assault Weapon], Health & Safety Code § 11378 – [Possession for Sales of a Controlled Substance], and Health & Safety Code § 11370.1(a) – [Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with Firearm]. He was booked at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with a $120,000 bail pending court proceedings.
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) or at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org
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