Domestic Violence & Illegal Weapons Arrest at a Santa Paula Campground
SANTA PAULA, CA — July 20, 2026 — A disturbance at a campground led to a domestic violence and illegal weapons arrest.
On the morning of July 15, deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Fillmore
Station responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a campground in Santa
Paula’s Pine Grove Road area. According to VCSD spokesman Sgt. Jarrod Foote, upon
arrival at the campsite, deputies “made contact with an adult female and
Andre Varnado, 39.
The immediately ensuing investigation led deputies to develop “probable cause for
domestic violence,” whereupon Varnado was taken into custody. Further investigation
and a search of Varnado’s property revealed him to be in possession of a loaded firearm,
and that he is a “convicted felon from New Mexico.”
An examination of Varnado’s gun revealed that it “had a threaded barrel” designed to
accommodate a flash suppressor or silencer which classifies the weapon as an illegal
assault weapon.” Varnado was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked
on multiple felony charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm,
possession of an assault weapon, possession of ammunition, and domestic violence.
At this time, Vardano remains in custody on a no-bail hold.
– by F. Scott Faulkner
