Pair Arrested Over Shooting at House

Two Moorpark gang members have been jailed on suspicion of shooting at a house last week that was occupied by two adults and a 5-year-old child, authorities said Thursday.

David Lara, 25, was arrested Thursday morning at a house in the 1300 block of Walnut Canyon Road, Ventura County Sheriff’s Det. Bob Thomas said. A 16-year-old boy was also arrested at his home in the 1400 block of Old Los Angeles Avenue.

Lara remained jailed Thursday night in lieu of $500,000 bail on suspicion of illegally discharging a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling and being a gang member in possession of a loaded gun.

Normally those charges would carry $50,000 bail, but authorities requested an increase because Lara allegedly has threatened more violence and because the gun that was used has not been found.

“It’s a public safety issue,” Thomas said.

The teen was being held without bail at juvenile hall.

According to deputies, Lara and the teenager went to a home in the 300 block of Sierra Avenue on Sept. 14, where they had an argument with Lara’s ex-girlfriend, who lives there with her new boyfriend and a 5-year-old boy.

After the argument, Lara and the teen left and then a gunshot was heard. No one was injured and there was no property damage.

Thomas said deputies found a spent shell casing under Lara’s bed during his arrest.