Home › Breaking News
Morning Report: Masked muggers beat jogger
STORY TOOLS 
More from Breaking NewsPolice and Fire: A 50-year-old man was beaten Wednesday night by men who tried to rob him near a Ventura park, police said.
The Ventura man was jogging near the intersection of Rio Grande Street and Northbank Drive shortly before 10 p.m. when two men wearing masks and carrying wooden clubs walked up to him and demanded money, police said.
The man told them he didn’t have any money and tried to call 911 on his cell phone as he ran away.
The robbers caught him, knocked him to the ground and struck him several times with the clubs, breaking his cell phone, police said.
After the attack, the robbers ran away.
The victim suffered minor injuries.
The robbers were wearing white t-shirts, police said. One was described as about 5-feet 8-inches tall, and the other as about 6-feet 2-inches tall.
Police encourage anyone with information about the crime to call detectives at 339-4394 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
----------
Firefighters last night continued mopping up the 13,285-acre Porter Ranch fire, said Capt. Ron Oatman of the Ventura County Fire Department.
The fire was 20 percent contained Wednesday.
Updated containment numbers were not immediately available this morning.
No new flare-ups were reported in Ventura County overnight.
----------
Oxnard police arrested a 23-year-old man late last night following a brief pursuit and search, authorities said.
A short foot chase began about 11:45 p.m. near the 800 block of Gaviota Way when an officer stopped Jose Zavala, of Oxnard for a traffic violation, said Sgt. Steve Kawaguchi of the Oxnard police.
Zavala allegedly ran from the officer. The officer lost him, but he was found shortly afterward hiding in the yard of a residence.
Zavala was arrested on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine and being under the influence of methamphetamine, Kawaguchi said.
----------
Traffic: An ambulance responded at 6:24 a.m. today to a traffic collision on Highway 118 westbound at Stearns Street in Simi Valley, the California Highway Patrol reported.
----------
Weather: Sunny and breezy conditions are expected today, the National Weather Service reported.
Forecasters predict high temperatures ranging from the upper 70s at beaches to the mid 90s in valleys.
Winds up to 20 mph are expected in valleys. In local mountains, winds could reach 25 mph.
Red flag warnings of wildfire prone conditions remain in effect county wide through Friday at 10 p.m.
Posted by Nosmo_King on October 16, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The police report had a better description than the Star is "allowing" us to read.
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
good grief - not only are they brazen as you-know-what, but they're as stupid as one can possibly get -- the whole world knows that joggers don't carry anything of value... really, America, let's clean up the gene pool! Back the Badge!!
Posted by Equitable_Enforcer on October 16, 2008 at 7:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jogger:
The suspects are described by police as Hispanic males, one is 5'8", the other is 6'2". Both were wearing white T-shirts with unknown color shorts and they had masks. Anyone who can help police are being asked to call Ventura Detectives at 339-4394, or to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Undoubtedly bangers, possibly from Cabrillo Village (affordable housing - much like City Manager Cole continues to push for in an already overburdened East end). From where the attack happened, the perps could easily escape to El Campo on foot and quickly disappear.
Posted by camarillomomma on October 16, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Okay, there are Way TOO Many bored people in this world, with nothing better else to do!!!
Hope they catch the creeps who did this to the victim!
Posted by Hueneme1961 on October 16, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
crime in ventura omg!!
Posted by spulido805 on October 16, 2008 at 8 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What cowards a 50 year old man...wow I'm amazed
Posted by Dr_Squires on October 16, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
who runs from the cops? that dude is psyko.
Posted by NightLight on October 16, 2008 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Two men with clubs attacking an unarmed jogger who was trying to run away, how cowardly can you get? I hope the victim will be okay, physically and emotionally, and that they catch the muggers and throw the book at them.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 16, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Its sad you can't even go out and jog at night. I guess jog in the day light where you can be seen by others. Its sad we have to change our way of life for these low life scum thieves! Hopefully the man is ok.
Posted by Ms_California on October 16, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ok how stupid.. who jogs and carries cash or a wallet? Obviously these "muggers" aren't very smart! They would have been better off to break into a car! IDIOTS! I swear!
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 8:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm still suggesting we impose an emergency curfew -- if you don't have any legitimate reason for being out after 9:00 p.m., you should not be out... Only suggesting as a temporary measure so that our law enforcement officers can "weed out" the criminals out after dark -- this problem is very SERIOUS and we are losing our freedoms because of it. This should be imposed on all of Ventura County at least until the gang bangers no longer exist here!
Posted by hotwildflower on October 16, 2008 at 8:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was thinking the same thing, no one jogs with money in their pockets!
I am so sick of reading these stories of these groups of people with weapons harming innocent people! What in their life has led them to believe that they are entitled to what another person has. WORK FOR IT! Also, the weapons, they are so cowardly that they have to use weapons on unarmed people.
I think I am going to pick up some pepper spray and walk around with my finger on the trigger.
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Bunch of low life cowards, hope they catch them and we get to beat them with clubs. They had to be really dumb and torpid.
Posted by hotwildflower on October 16, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lawabider, that may work, but it may also draw these people out during the day to commit their crimes at a time when more children are out with their parents.
I am personally all for lashings, caning, cutting off fingers, etc....something that will really make them fear commiting crimes and since the jails are already full, this will help keep them from ending up in jails.
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
They should shackle them and put them to work.
Posted by icanilluminateu on October 16, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Glad the victim suffered only minor injuries. And I hope they get those two POS bangers and throw them in jail
Posted by Latina_805 on October 16, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
brwnbear- puros huevones!
Cowards...Get a job, make your own money!
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
true latina they need to get there lazy a** up, so where have you been hiding at
Posted by Latina_805 on October 16, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vacation, unfortunetly back at work =(
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
welcome back, have you spoken to jr or camdad
Posted by Latina_805 on October 16, 2008 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Jr sent me a message when he got banned, I replied but I haven't heard from him since.
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
True, HWF, but there IS safety in numbers -- criminals like this are obviously cowards -- they attack in numbers -- if there are more families out on the streets, they are less likely to attack -- and when we STAND UP and turn their sorry fannies in to the cops, they'll know we mean business. You can't just turn out your lights and pretend you're not home when you hear your neighbor screaming for help. Unfortunately, most still do... There's not a whole lot of legitimate business after dark (bars???) SOMETHING has to be done and it all starts with just one idea... At least I have an idea!
Posted by Relvd98 on October 16, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Poor guy, going out for a night job and gets wacked by some cowards. Hope these cowards brag about what they did and someone comes forward.
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Junior is doing fine and misses us, too! Don't know why he hasn't been let back in yet. Camdad hasn't replied to my e-mails lately -- maybe he's on vacation?? They'd have some interesting points to make on these articles, I'd wager! SUPPORT A TEMPORARY CURFEW FOR VENTURA COUNTY!!!
Posted by caroldammit on October 16, 2008 at 9:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey! There's plenty of legit. biz. going on after dark! Restaurants, stores, theaters, etc...
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 9:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I bet they were some drug users that needed to get some money for their fix.
Posted by Latina_805 on October 16, 2008 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
your probably right brwnbear... Out with wooden clubs and masks they were out to do no good. Total cowards, poor 50 yr old man.
Posted by janabanana71 on October 16, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sorry for the jogger, but, jogging ANYWHERE these days at 10pm isn't a safe idea! I'm not saying he deserved to be attacked, nor am I saying he brought it on himself. I'm just saying that unfortunately, there really isn't anywhere safe where people can go to jog or shop at night. Sad.
Posted by Latina_805 on October 16, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jana- I agree, I try to minimize being outdoor at night, like going to the bank or going to the gas station. It's unfortunate though.
Posted by hotwildflower on October 16, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Treadmill sales may be on the rise.
Posted by vcsreader28 on October 16, 2008 at 9:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Attention to all idiot low life robbers out there..first of all, get a life and a job...second of all...joggers don't carry money on them. This is just as bad as robbing a furniture store.
Posted by Beachguy on October 16, 2008 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hispanic males in white tee-shirts wearing masks... SHOCKING! Any other story about these hispanic gang bangers making life in our city hard to live in. It makes me sick. Pass the gun law, so we as citizens can carry and conceal a hand gun and I guarantee this crap will STOP
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
All these gangbangers need to grow up, hurting a 50yr old gentleman, just makes them a coward. How would they feel if this happened to one of there parents. Come on lets grow up.
Posted by Relvd98 on October 16, 2008 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
brwnbear...unfortunately, these cowards will never grow-up...they are destined to be low-lifes.
Posted by layservantofjmj on October 16, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Now Joggers Must Carry Pepper Spray or Your Own Club..A VERY BIG CLUB!!...To Protect Yourself from Harm...
Posted by jesus1 on October 16, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'll never jog by myself again. From now on, I will always jog with my two best friends: Smith and Wesson.
Posted by Mister_S on October 16, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I am sure we all agree that this criminal behavior is reprehensible, and we do not want it here where we live. But the answer is not in a county wide curfew, with citizens cowering behind curtains and law enforcement out busting heads. WE must take back our streets and discourage these elements from our community. The answer lies in the good citizens of Ventura to organize CITIZENS VIGILANCE COMMITTEE"S on a neighborhood/ regional level. Needed is a confederation of like minded neighbor's to watch known trouble-makers, to gather information and evidence on their criminal activities, and to provide collective pressure on them and their allies to cease-and-desist....or face the consequences. Sort of like the Guardian Angels with bite.
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, Mr. S, we've suggested this already -- however, those of us that are fed up with this baloney have to sleep at night because we work all day... I'm as Charles Bronson as the next guy, but guess who'll end up in prison? yes, the vigilantes... taking the law into one's own hands is a crime! Or, I'd be out there every night, regardless of sleep -- I'm certain Ventura PD would not like that at all...
Posted by lawabider on October 16, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
and please be reminded that the curfew I recommend should only be TEMPORARY -- I, for one, am willing to give up some freedoms on a temporary basis if it means getting all these punks out of our county! Carol, most restaurants close at 10 p.m. -
Posted by caroldammit on October 16, 2008 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Law-I'm glad you're giving a little more time (than your previously suggested 9pm curfew) before rolling up the sidewalks. If all good lawabiding citizens are safely tucked in at 10, how are the criminals going to get caught without any victims to violate? Oh, wait...that'll be me 'cause I work days AND nights. :o(
Posted by Anita_Corona on October 16, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
hah, huh, hah, huaj, huhuh, darn this guy runs fast!!! hey you stop running and give me all your money!! I don't have any Darn!! now what? run! run! he's calling the cops!!
Posted by daze805 on October 16, 2008 at 1:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Last thing I would want is for a stereotyper like Beachguy running around with a gun... now that's scary.
To the two low-lifes, pick on someone your own age and leave the old timers alone. Pick a fight with someone your own age, one on one you ...COWARDS
Anita_Corona, how's work? I think I used to work with you and Hueneme Girl. Look at the name and think....
Posted by mesantia on October 16, 2008 at 1:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Curfew,even temporary will do absolutely nothing to help. All the cops will do is take their pic,slap them on the wrist and say"Bad gang banger,Bad. Now go home or another block so we don't see you.The police are too afraid to do anything to help.If they did there would be alot less of them on the streets now,no matter where you live.As for the jogger,it is sad in this day and age you can't go outside for fear of getting jumped. If the law is passed to carry a gun,they will make a law to ban bullets, watch out.
Posted by brwnbear on October 16, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I carry a taser gun. It should help, I hope
Posted by tiales on October 16, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Probably the same two thugs who robbed the Shell down the street!
Posted by Rocket81 on October 16, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why cant the Star do the right thing and post a good description of the suspects. You would think that they would want to do their part in helping the community. Are they afraid of the criminals? Oh yeah, criminals run this town, in oh so many ways....
Posted by lawson_wayne on October 16, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Society is safer when criminals don't know who is armed. Author Unknown
Posted by letg58 on October 16, 2008 at 4:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's a bit late to be out running, way too many tweakers out there trying to come up on cash because they can't get a JOB! Too bad, you are not safe anywhere these days!
Posted by Thinkbeforeyoupost on October 16, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This was just two innocent young people who were trick or treating early. When the jogger had no treat, they showed him a trick. (this is sarcasm people)
Posted by ironwoman on October 16, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I feel sorry for the jogger. Does anyone know what victim's feel when something like this happens?
I hope he's okay.
(Requires free registration.)
Article discussions on this site are to support community debates of issues related to our stories and editorials.
Discussions should not stray from the subject of the story or editorial.
We do not allow the following:
We reserve the right to delete threads and/or ban users for these or other reasons we deem necessary.
Opinions are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.