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Incident:   Multiple Armed Robbery Arrests

Contact:   Watch Commander, 805-339-4416

Location:   Marina Park Area, Hungry Howies Pizza & Munoz Wireless

Date of Release:     January 22, 2012, 6:04 p.m.

Date of Incidents:  December 30, 2011, January 9, 2012, and January 20, 2012

Officer(s) Involved:  VPD Patrol

Victim(s):    Various

Suspect(s):

#1 Spencer Irish, 21 yrs., Ventura Resident                 

#2 Brent Theriault, 20 yrs., Ventura Resident

Report #: 11-14372; 12-325; 12-700; 12-715

Narrative:

Over the last three weeks the City of Ventura experienced several violent armed robberies that all appeared to be related. As a result of the investigation our department believes they have arrested the suspects responsible for all three robberies.

The first armed robbery occurred on December 30, 201, at Munoz Wireless Communications located at 9278 Telephone Rd. During this robbery the lone suspect entered the store with a bandana covering his face. He walked around the counter and immediately pistol-whipped the clerk over the head with a handgun and demanded money. When the clerk didn’t respond, the suspect hit the clerk several more times, then fled the store without money or merchandise and ran to an awaiting vehicle parked behind the store.   The clerk sustained minor injuries as a result of this robbery but did not require medical attention.

During the second robbery that occurred on January 9, 2012,at Hungry Howies Pizza, 1087 Scandia, the suspect entered the restaurant and simulated having a gun under his jacket. He demanded money from the clerk, who gave him an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect left the store with the money and without hurting anyone.

The third robbery happened in the Pierpont area near Marina Park on January 20, 2012. During this robbery, two suspects approached a man walking a dog. One of the suspects demanded money from him, while the other pointed a handgun inches from his face. The victim turned over an undisclosed amount of money. Then without provocation, the suspect with the gun pistol-whipped the victim. Both suspects fled the scene in a pickup truck.   The victim sustained minor injuries but did not require medical attention.

On January 21, 2012, at about 9:30 a.m., the Ventura Police Command Center received 9-1-1 calls regarding a possible domestic dispute at a specific room at The Shores Motel. When officers arrived on scene they contacted a suspect leaving the described room. This subject was identified as Spencer Irish, a 21-year-old parolee from Ventura.  Officers searched Irish and found him in possession of a concealed dagger and ammunition, both felonies. They arrested him without incident.

While still on scene of this domestic call, officers noticed a pickup trucked parked in The Shores parking lot that closely matched the description of the getaway truck from the Marina Park robbery the previous night. The truck was registered to Irish. 

Officers searched Irish’s vehicle pursuant to his parole terms and found four handguns, two replica handguns, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Officers also located other evidence indicating Irish was involved in all three robberies.

In addition, Officers were able to develop information and ultimately identify the second robbery suspect from the Marina Park robbery. This suspect was identified as Brent Theriault, a 20-year-old probationer from Ventura.

On January 22, 2012, officers learned the possible whereabouts of the second suspect. They went to a residence in the 1800 block of Sunridge Dr. and were able to take him into custody without incident.

Later in the evening of January 22, 2012, officers responded to the 8000 block of Denver St. regarding a residential burglary. During their burglary investigation, officers learned that several guns were taken, some matching the description of the ones used in the robberies. Officers believe the guns taken during this burglary were used in at least one the robberies.

Irish was booked at Ventura County Jail for three counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, two counts of Commercial Burglary, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Mace, a Stun Gun and Ammunition.

Theriault was booked at Ventura County Jail for one count of Armed Robbery, and one count of Assault with a Deadly Weapon.