Ventura police arrest man for robbing business, slashing tires

VENTURA, Calif. - Ventura police arrested a man late Friday night for allegedly robbing a business and slashing the tires of several vehicles.

Police said they responded to the 1000 block of East Thompson Boulevard around 9 p.m. after receiving a report that a theft had just occurred.

Witnesses told police the man had entered the business and stolen an item after a brief fight with employees. He then reportedly left the business with a knife in his hand.

Patrol officers and a K9 Unit arrived at the scene and found the suspect, a 36-year-old man, armed with the knife and a blunt object.

The man reportedly refused to drop his knife after receiving orders from police, but was subsequently arrested.

Police later determined the man had brandished the knife at an employee at the business after stealing from them and reportedly threatened to stab the employee.

Officers also discovered the man slashed multiple tires at a separate business in the area prior to the robbery.

A search of the Ventura County Superior Court website revealed the man had previously been arrested for Resisting an Executive Officer, Removing a Weapon from a Peace Officer, Battery with Injury on a Peace Officer and Arson. He is also currently on Parole Supervision.

The man was booked at Ventura County Jail and faces charges for Robbery, Delaying a Peace Officer and Vandalism.