Here’s a rundown of recent incidents and agency announcements in Ventura County:
Half-mast flags honor late firefighter Ventura
VENTURA – Flags in Ventura remain at half mast this week following the recent death of an experienced city firefighter off duty.
Matthew Clapsaddle, 59, died Aug. 20 of a sudden medical emergency while in Hawaii, firefighters said, where a procession was being held in his honor.
The firefighter paramedic has served with the Ventura Fire Department since 1994.
His body was expected to return to Ventura on Friday, Ventura County fire chief Brian McGrath said, with funeral arrangements for Thursday.
Ventura fire chief David Endaya said in a statement it was “truly heartbreaking” to lose a teammate and friend.
“Matt was a positive and committed leader who brought so much joy and energy to our firefighting family,” said Endaya. “We hold Matt’s family in our hearts and will continue to lift them up as they walk this unexpected path.”
Firefighters from Ventura City wear mourning bands on their badges.
Clapsaddle had been part of the department’s ocean rescue, urban search and rescue team, and ladder truck company at Fire Station 5, 4225 E. Main St.
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and son, Tanner, department officials said.
County shelters organize free adoptions on Saturday
VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Animal Services Department is holding a “clear the shelter” event Saturday at county shelters in Camarillo and Simi Valley.
The one-day event waives adoption fees for dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles and other animals. In addition, no prior registration is required for animal adoption.
The event is back after two years of COVID-related cancellations.
Animals go home spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and treated against fleas. Families will also receive a voucher for a free first vet visit, the agency said.
The event is part of a nationwide day of pet adoption.
The Camarillo Animal Shelter is located at 600 Aviation Drive. The Simi Valley Animal Shelter is at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave.
You can view available animals online at vcas.us/search-our-animals.
Victim named in Oxnard murder case
OXNARD – Authorities have identified the Kern County man killed by gunfire Monday night in a parking lot in south Oxnard.
Austin Hall, 22, was a resident of Tehachapi, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and the manner in which was murder.
The shooting was reported around 8 p.m. Monday in the parking lot at 125 W. Pleasant Valley Road. The site is in the shopping center anchored by a Tresierras supermarket on the northwest corner of the intersection with Saviers Road.
Oxnard Police Department officials said Hall became unresponsive and was taken by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Police officials said their initial investigation indicated the shooting was the result of a chance encounter, with no known relationships between the victim and possible suspects.
No arrests had been made as of Thursday afternoon and the case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is requested to call Detective Justin Songer at 805-385-7680.
Suspect wielding knife arrested
VENTURA — A 28-year-old Ventura woman was arrested Wednesday after she allegedly brandished a knife at a business owner.
The incident was reported around 11:20 a.m. in the 3900 block of East Main Street, according to the Ventura Police Department.
A man was at his business when he heard something was being thrown against the outside wall, authorities said.
When he confronted the suspect, she reportedly pulled a kitchen knife with a fixed blade and slashed the victim several times, according to police. The victim was not injured.
The suspect, who fled, was found by patrol officers at a nearby shopping center with the knife used in the attack hidden in her clothes, officials said.
She was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed knife. She remained in Todd Road Prison Thursday in lieu of $40,000 bail, prison records show.
Items can be updated as new information becomes available.