– By F. Scott Faulkner
FILLMORE, CA — August 1, 2025 – A late-night altercation at a Fillmore-area apartment complex ended with two men in handcuffs.
During the fight one firearm was seized after gunshots were recklessly fired.
Just before midnight on July 27, Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the
Rancho Sespe Apartments following multiple 911 calls.
According to spokesman Sgt. Jarrod Foote, when deputies arrived, they identified 31-year-old Jose Ignacio Suarez of Fillmore as the man who had “fired
two rounds into the air” in a “grossly negligent manner.”
No injuries were reported.
Deputies attempted to contact Suarez inside a nearby apartment and ordered all occupants to
come out.
Suarez refused. Backup units, including detectives and members of the West County
Special Enforcement Unit, were called to assist.
After nearly three hours of verbal commands, Suarez finally surrendered around 2:44 a.m.
He was taken into custody and transported to Ventura County Jail where he was booked on multiple
charges, including: negligent discharge of a firearm, being under the influence while armed, and
obstruction of a peace officer.
While securing the residence, deputies found another man — 36-year-old Erasmo Hurtado of
Fillmore — hiding inside.
Hurtado had an active misdemeanor warrant and was also suspected of being under the influence.
He was taken into custody and transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was book for obstruction of a peace officer and being under the influence of a
controlled substance.
