Police arrest suspect in Port Hueneme Shooting of 7-Year-Old

PORT HUENEME, Calif. - An arrest was made in connection to the shooting of a 7-year-old girl.

Police arrested 18-year-old Anthony Silerio of Oxnard.

“Our first suspect, Anthony Silerio, who was arrested was booked and charged at the Ventura County main jail for a number of charges including assault with a deadly weapon, shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling, as well as street terrorism act which commonly involves gang members,” said Andrew Salinas, who is the Port Hueneme Police Chief.

Salinas used the word "first" because investigators believe others were also involved.
“We believe that the vehicle could have been occupied to up to four occupants," said Salinas. "We are expecting additional arrest to occur over the next few days as we know there were several suspects involved in this incident.”

Salinas says Silerio was arrested when he arrived for a probation appointment in Oxnard.

“We do know that he does have a history of previous criminal behavior and he has been involved in similar activity over the past several years,” said Salinas.

The shootings took place back in July on East Pearl Drive in Port Hueneme. Five family members were home at the time. The 7-year-old girl was put into a coma, and her pregnant mother was also hurt. Police say both are now making a great recovery.

“Based on information that I have received from my investigators, the 7-year-old girl appears to be on a path of complete recovery from this incident thanks to the actions of our officers that day which got her to the Ventura County Medical Center in a quick and timely manner," said Salinas. "It appears she was able to get that medical attention that she needed to help save her life.”

He is currently in custody at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility with bail set at $1,000,000.