Landscaper arrested for allegedly looting Camarillo home affected by Mountain Fire

A landscaper was arrested for allegedly stealing an electric bicycle from a Camarillo home affected by the Mountain Fire, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The suspect, Ramon Avila Pacheco of Camarillo, apparently confessed to the Nov. 8 crime after he was confronted by the bike's owner. 

The owner said he had parked his bicycle in his driveway and was surveying damage to his front yard when he noticed his bike had suddenly gone missing. 

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That's when he apparently confronted Pacheco and the rest of the landscaping crew, who were at a nearby home.

Avila removed the bike from an enclosed trailer and returned it to the owner, officials said.

Pacheco was arrested the following day.

The Mountain Fire in Ventura County has scorched more than 20,000 acres since it first broke out near Somis on Nov. 8. At last check, the fire was 26% contained. 

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Thousands remain under evacuation orders and homes continue to be threatened. 

The Source: <i>This story was reported with information from the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.</i>

Crime and Public SafetyCamarilloVentura County