3 Arrested in Relation to Robbery, Carjacking & Kidnapping in Ventura
– By F. Scott Faulkner
VENTURA, CA — March 26, 2026 — Three Ventura men were taken into custody in the pre-dawn hours of March 25 after carrying
out a robbery and carjacking that escalated into a brief kidnapping.
According to Ventura Police Department spokesman Cmdr. Edward Caliento, the incident began
when a man had just parked his vehicle near his home “and was approached by several
suspects.” At that point, one of the assailants allegedly “restrained the victim while another
removed personal belongings.” The group then demanded his car keys and took control of his
vehicle.
The suspects then “forced the victim into the car” and drove off. He was released a short time
later and immediately contacted authorities to report what had happened.
VPD patrol units responded and began searching for the stolen vehicle and located it several
hours later as it traveled through the streets of Ventura. The cops promptly conducted a “forced”
stop and detained the three occupants without incident.
On-scene investigation and interviews of the vehicle occupants immediately ensued at the hands
of the VPD Major Crimes Unit. Based upon their findings, Aadan Gutierrez-Diaz, 20, of
Ventura, and Jose Valencia Rios, 20, of Ventura, were taken into custody and transported to
Ventura County Jail, where they were booked on multiple felony charges, including carjacking,
robbery, kidnapping, possession of a stolen vehicle, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal
street gang.
The third suspect, a juvenile male, was transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall where he
was booked on the aforementioned felony charges.
All three remain in custody on a no-bail hold.
