Cops make arrests after drive-by shooting

Eight individuals ages 16 to 23 were arrested in connection with a recent gang-related shooting and other criminal activities.

A 17-year-old Newbury Park resident was shot in the leg twice as he stood outside his home in the 600 block of Bella Drive. The victim is an alleged gang member and the suspects allegedly belong to a rival gang, according to police.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department received multiple calls at about 7 p.m. Aug. 13 from witnesses who said they saw the drive-by shooting take place.

Based on information provided, deputies located the car suspected of being used in the shooting. A 17-year-old female was driving it on Olsen Road. She was arrested for participating in criminal street-gang activity.

Subsequently, police arrested two 16-year-old males and a 17year-old male in connection with the shooting.

As authorities searched for additional suspects, they saw three people running from the 900 block of Warwiek Avenue and pursued them across Moorpark Road and onto Sheffield Drive.

The subjects, Daniel Animas, 23, of Thousand Oaks; Luis Centeno, 18, of Thousand Oaks; and a 17-year-old male, were eventually apprehended. Authorities also recovered a gun at a nearby apartment.

Animas and the four juveniles were arrested for attempted homicide, conspiracy and for committing a crime for the benefit of a gang.

Animas is also being held on charges unrelated to the shooting. His bail is $295,000.

Centeno was arrested for possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.

He had property that was connected with a recent burglary of the Conejo Recreation and Parks District Community Center on Hendrix Avenue.

On Wed., Aug. 17 gang officers arrested Ambrosio Navarette, 23, of Thousand Oaks for supplying a gang member with a gun used in the shooting and committing a crime for the benefit of a gang. Navarette is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.