Ventura County Crimestoppers is offering up a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspected prowler in Fillmore.
According to reports, on July 20, 2023, and October 11, 2023, Ventura police received reports about a prowler lurking about on the 900 block of Wileman St. in Fillmore. The suspect is described as a Hispanic man of about 5’8″, 45 to 55 years old, with short gray hair on his face and brown hair on his head. He was observed on several Ring doorbell cameras looking into people’s houses.
A prowler, by definition, is someone who moves about stealthily in an area in order to commit a crime. In California, prowling is illegal per California Penal Code 647(i) PC. Under California Law, prowling is described as peeking into an inhabited home or building while loitering or wandering on someone else’s private property. Prowling is also referred to as “peeking while loitering” or “unlawful peeking” by law enforcement.
The crime itself is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. It is also possible to receive community service or probation in lieu of jail time and/or a fine at the judge’s discretion, though there may be conditions assigned to the defendant’s probation. If those conditions are violated, a judge may revoke the defendant’s probation and send them to jail.
Whether the suspect has committed any crimes or simply appears to be on the hunt isn’t clear at this time.
Nevertheless, Ventura police are enlisting the public’s help in tracking down the suspect. Anyone with any information on the man is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Communications Center at 805-654-9511.
