Oxnard Assault Suspect Restrained
The Ventura County Star website reported in a story on January 20, 2009 that the heads-up action of bystanders thwarted an assault on Leonel Madrigal, 26 of Oxnard. According to witnesses, Filiberto Mata, 19 of Oxnard was intoxicated and got into a fight with Madrigal at about 9:30pm in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue. It is said that the two men have a long standing feud, which resulted in this Ventura violent crime.
Oxnard police officer Edward reported that Mata pulled out a small gun from his waist and aimed it at Madrigal. It is not clear if the gun failed to work or if Mata was too intoxicated to handle the weapon properly. Nevertheless, he was unable to shoot it and only ejected several bullet rounds from the weapon that landed on the ground.
Madrigal was able to grapple the gun away, at which point Mata pulled out a knife. Madrigal suffered a minor cut to his hand but was able to wrestle the knife away. Once unarmed, bystanders rushed to restrain Mata until police arrived.
Mata sustained several bruises to his head and face while being held down. Mata was treated for his injuries at Ventura County Medical Center prior to being booked. Mata was booked into Ventura County Jail and was charged with suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, and exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner. Mata’s bail was set at $25,000 for his violent crime.
Violent crime charges are very serious charges and carry significant fines and jail time. In fact, recent U.S. laws have been passed that will increase the mandatory minimum sentences that will apply to people who are convicted of committing certain violent crimes. Facing these charges alone is a daunting endeavor that you should not take on by yourself. The experienced Los Angeles violent crime defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf have a proven success record and can help you. Please call 1-866-390-7373 for a free consultation.
