Boys Help Police Find 2 Suspects

THOUSAND OAKS — Two boys from North Ranch are being credited for helping police locate two out-of-state boys suspected of sparking a small blaze by lighting fireworks .

Nick Stainkamp and Sean Crain, both 11, had heard that police were trying to find two boys suspected of causing a small spot fire on Crooked Trail Place.

When playing basketball last Tuesday, Nick and Sean saw two boys they didn’t recognize. “We saw the two boys walking up the hill next to our house,” Sean said. “We asked them, ‘Do you know about the fire?’ When we asked them, they became timid. They talked fast and blushed. When we asked questions, they got annoyed and tried to get away from us.”

Nick and Sean said they then followed the boys up a hill and hid behind bushes and watched as they lit fireworks.

They subsequently told their mothers, who then notified authorities.

“It was absolutely appreciated,” said Capt. Mike Milkovich of the Ventura County Fire Department. “We commend community actions, and they understood the risk and danger to property and self.”

Barbara Stainkamp, Nick’s mother, said she wasn’t surprised her son and his friend helped authorities.

“He and Sean are pretty sensible and responsible,” she said.