Ojai Valley News Blog

Dec. 31, 2012

Monica Lara, OVN correspondent

A 28-year-old Ojai man was arrested Friday after he attempted to escape police custody by climbing atop a roof and resisting arrest for several hours.
Ojai Police pursued Jesus Rodriguez for a felony warrant issued by the city of Ventura Dec. 17.
Recognizing him by his tattoos, including horns and the words “unholy” on his forehead and “demon” on the back of his head, the patrol spotted and pursued Rodriguez on Grand Avenue, according to Michael Harris, Ventura County Sheriff’s detective.
Rodriguez sought to escape by running and climbed to a residential roof in the 500 block of Ventura Street. Officers of the Ventura County Police, Ojai Police, SWAT and a negotiation team worked to talk him down.
Rodriguez brandished a knife and made threats to the officers and himself.  The officers fired less-lethal rounds, that led to his capture.
“His injuries to himself are what prompted us to use the less-lethal rounds,” Harris said.
It is unclear what type of less-lethal rounds were used on Rodriguez, according to Harris.
Rodriguez was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. He received stitches for a self-inflicted laceration to his arm, and was examined where the less-lethal rounds impacted his body, including his chin.
“It is protocol for us to take the suspects in for treatment when we use less-lethal rounds,” Harris said.
Rodriguez was arrested and booked for resisting a police officer, threatening an executive officer and possession of a dirk or dagger.
He was booked for his warrant, as well. He had been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle in October 2010. The warrant had been issued for a probation violation, according to Harris.
Rodriguez was transported to the Ventura County Jail.
He is scheduled to appear in court today.