Arrests Made After Panga Boat Sighting at Pt. Mugu

Update– Thursday, 4:40 p.m.: After questioning the two suspects detained when a panga boat was spotted Wednesday near Mugu Rock, law enforcement authorities are confident they were the only occupants of the boat and have suspended the search for a third suspect, according to a statement on the Facebook page for the Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC). 

Wednesday: A small smuggling vessel called a panga boat was spotted approximately 100 yards from the perimeter of Naval Base Ventura County, according to the NBVC’s Facebook page. Two suspects have been apprehended by the California Highway Patrol, but as of 12 p.m. a third remained at large. 

Base police were partnering with multiple agencies to systematically search the wetland areas of NBVC near Mugu Rock for the suspect, described as a Hispanic male, 5’8″ to 5’11”, 180 pounds and dressed in black. He is not believed to be armed. 

“While we are unsure if the suspect is within the installation’s perimeter, we are continuing to search,” the NBVC’s Facebook post stated. “If you see someone suspicious matching this description, do not approach him. Dial 911.”

Calls to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to determine whether the man had yet been apprehended have not been returned as of 2:30 p.m.