Hate Crime Arrest
updated: Dec 14, 2012, 10:33 AM

Source: Ventura Sheriff's Department

Community: Suspects Arrested in Hate Crimes Committed at Rose Valley Campgrounds

Nature of Incident: Hate Crime Arrests / Search Warrants

Report Number: 12-20259 / 12-21747

Location: Rose Valley Campground / Middle Lions Campground

Date & Time: September 7, 2012 at 11:00 PM

Unit Responsible: Ojai Police and Sheriff Investigations

(S)uspects City of Residence Age Smets, Kirk Ventura 19 Martin, Andrew Ventura 20 Darrough, Forrest Ventura 20 Braschler, Mya Ventura 20 Vanausdell, Ryan Oak View 37

Narrative: An investigation into a September 2012 hate crime that occurred at two campgrounds in Rose Valley has resulted in the arrest of five suspects

On September 7, 2012, deputies from the Ojai Sheriff's Station responded to the area of Middle Lions Campground near Hwy 33 where several people were attacked with baseball bats. One victim suffered a broken arm from the attack.

During the incident, several of the suspects used racial slurs toward the victims and witnesses. The victims were able to escape further assault by fleeing the campground and calling 911.

The investigation revealed the same suspects had also assaulted another group on the same night. A group of Hispanic male hunters were camping in the area of Rose Valley Campground when the suspects assaulted them with baseball bats and used racial slurs toward the victims.

Investigators identified the following suspects in this case: Kirk Smets, Andrew Martin, Forrest Darrough and Mya Braschler. One of the suspects was a frequent associate with a known white supremacist and convicted felon named Ryan Vanausdell.

On September 27, 2012, investigators served a search warrant at Ryan Vanausdell's residence in the 90- block of Calle Cinco De Mayo in Oak View.

During the warrant service, detectives seized two assault weapons, two rifles, two shotguns, one handgun, and high-capacity ammunition magazines. Detectives also seized a large quantity of illegal ammunition.

Ryan Vanausdell was arrested and booked for several felonies including possession of firearms by a felon and possession of bullets containing an explosive agent.

On December 12, 2012, Detectives from the Sheriff's Gang Unit, Camarillo Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement Unit and Ojai Investigations served search warrants at residences in the 3900-block of Flower Street, 2400-block of Pierpont Boulevard, and the 500-block of Emma Avenue in the City of Ventura.

For their roles in the crimes that took place during the September assaults, Kirk Smets, Andrew Martin, Forrest Darrough, and Mya Braschler were all arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, and violation of civil rights by force or fear.

Deputy Preparing Media Release: Detective Mike Harris

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