EL RIO : Youth, 17, Arrested in Robbery, Car Theft

A 17-year-old El Rio boy was arrested Thursday for allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint, stealing his car and stripping parts from the vehicle, authorities said.

The incident began about 11:15 a.m. when the youth approached Jesus Ahumada, 22, of Nyeland Acres and asked him for a ride. Once in the car with Ahumada, with whom the youth was previously acquainted, the suspect jammed a gun against Ahumada’s ribs and ordered him to drive to Simi Valley, Ventura County sheriff’s deputies said.

The suspect then changed his mind, took $33 from Ahumada and ordered him out of the car. Ahumada returned to his home and called for help.

When deputies went to the youth’s home in El Rio, the boy ran to a nearby home, where he was found hiding in a closet. He was arrested after deputies subdued him with pepper spray.

Ahumada’s car was found later in Nyeland Acres. It had been stripped of its stereo, amplifier, speakers and wheels.

Through the investigation, deputies also identified and arrested a second suspect for his alleged role in the thefts. Fernando Candido, 18, of El Rio was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of possessing stolen property.