Argument in Hotel Leads to Melee; Police Arrest 4

A loud argument at a seaside hotel Wednesday morning turned into a free-for-all involving police and guests that resulted in four arrests.

The incident began about 11:20 a.m. when police were called to the Seaward Inn on Harbor Boulevard to investigate loud voices on the third floor, said Ventura Police Lt. Carl Handy.

Two officers found county resident Jose Luis Vasquez Jr., 26, standing in the hall and attempted to pat him down for a possible gun, Handy said.

“He started screaming for help, and three hotel rooms cleared out,” with occupants coming to the aid of the man struggling with police, Handy said.

As one of the officers pepper-sprayed the hallway, Vasquez broke free and reached for his pockets, where he allegedly had two handguns, Handy said.

After being struck with a police baton, Vasquez ran down a flight of stairs and into the Doubletree Hotel next door, Handy said. He was arrested in a guest room and guns were recovered by officers, Handy said.

Vasquez was taken to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was treated for exposure to the pepper spray. He then was released into police custody.

“There are about a half-dozen different charges they can use against him,” Handy said. “We’re still trying to sort the whole thing out.”

Officers also arrested two other men and a juvenile allegedly involved in the melee. Arrested were Slade Luken, 24, and Kevin Brown, 22, on suspicion of probation violations, outstanding warrants and drug use, authorities said. Brown was released pending further investigation, officials said. The juvenile was arrested on an outstanding warrant, Handy said.

County firefighters were called in to clear the hallway of the pepper spray.