Ventura County, CA — A violent gang-related attack in Oxnard has resulted in a 19-year-old man’s conviction for assaulting a juvenile, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
Sergio Contreras, 19, was found guilty by a jury of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit a crime, and street terrorism following an unprovoked attack in the El Rio neighborhood.
The incident occurred on August 19, 2024, when the victim, whose identity has not been released, was in a restaurant parking lot. Surveillance footage captured Contreras and three other teens, all identified as gang members, spotting the victim from a vehicle. After parking next to him, Contreras stepped out, exchanged words, and suddenly punched the juvenile before placing him in a headlock.
Brutal Assault Escalates
The other three teens joined in, repeatedly punching and kicking the victim. Witnesses and video footage showed the victim attempting to escape, only to be tripped and knocked to the ground while the assault continued.
During the attack, Contreras drew a folding knife from his pocket, stabbing the victim in the leg and arm before returning the knife to his pocket and fleeing the scene with the other suspects. Authorities noted that the group also stole one of the victim’s shoes during the assault.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the incident, law enforcement launched a detailed investigation. In September 2024, authorities executed search warrants at the residences of the suspects, who were then aged 19, 18, and 15. Deputies recovered the stolen shoe, though the knife used in the attack was never located.
Two of the older suspects later pleaded guilty to assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, conspiracy to commit a crime, and street terrorism, while the 15-year-old juvenile pled guilty to assault, conspiracy, and participation in a criminal street gang.
Jury Finds Special Allegations True
On December 10, 2025, a Ventura County jury found Contreras guilty of all charges. The jury also upheld multiple special allegations, confirming that:
- The crime involved violent gang activity
- Great violence was used
- Contreras had a prior serious or violent felony
- He was armed during the assault
- He was on probation at the time
- He engaged in violent conduct against the victim
Statements from District Attorney
Ventura County District Attorney Lauren Malan, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the threat gang crimes pose to the community:
“Gang crimes continue to pose a very real threat to the safety of our community. The victim in this case was seriously injured by the defendant in an unprovoked attack. I am very grateful for the jury’s verdict. I also want to acknowledge the hard work of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Oxnard Police Department in bringing the defendant to justice.”
Next Steps for Convicted Suspect
Sergio Contreras remains in custody with no bail and faces a maximum of 18 years in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026, at the Ventura County Superior Court.
Authorities continue to stress the dangers of gang involvement, particularly among youth, and the critical role of law enforcement in preventing and prosecuting violent acts in the community.
Community Discussion
Do you think gang-related crimes are on the rise in Ventura County? Share your thoughts in the comments — your input helps highlight local safety concerns.
