SANTA PAULA : 3 Youths Held Over Vandalism Spree

Three Santa Paula teen-agers have been arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism in connection with a recent spree in which more than 200 car windows in Ventura were shot out, authorities said Sunday.

One 14-year-old and two 17-year-olds were arrested by Ventura police early Sunday in connection with the incidents, which have been going on at least since early November, Sgt. Larry White said.

The youths are also suspected of manufacturing and possessing an explosive device, police said. The teen-agers were being held Sunday at juvenile hall.

Sgt. Bob Anderson said police were led to the youths by tips from residents.

Officers in an unmarked car were following one of the suspects Saturday night in Santa Paula when the youth picked up the other two teen-agers and drove to Ventura, police said.

Police stopped the youths in the Wells Road area on suspicion of reckless driving and found three small explosive devices made from carbon dioxide cartridges in their car.

White said the devices can be used to fire pellets or BBs.

After further investigation indicated that the youths may be linked to the vandalism incidents, officers searched the suspects’ homes, where they found BB guns, police said.

The height of the vandalism spree was on a Saturday night in late November, when side windows of 120 cars and trucks parked in Ventura were shot out by BB or pellet guns, White said.

In a separate case, Ventura police arrested five other Santa Paula juveniles Friday night after a local motorist reported seeing the youths with a gun.

Police stopped the youths and found they were carrying a BB gun. The juveniles admitted to shooting out 10 vehicle windows, although police found only two.