Deputies Search for Final Burglary Ring Suspect
Rusty Sellner remains at large somewhere in the Newbury Park area, detectives said.
Jesse Gary, Hernan Vazquez
Investigators say a group of eight teenagers is responsible for a recent crime spree across Thousand Oaks.
The Ventura County Sheriff's Department is searching for the final suspect of an eight-person burglary ring in the Thousand Oaks area that may be responsible for a string of commercial break-ins and vehicle thefts.
Authorities arrested seven juvenile burglars--3 males and four females ranging in age from 15 to 17--after detectives discovered evidence linking them to the crimes.
All were arrested for a variety of felony charges including commercial burglary, auto theft, grand theft, possession of stolen property, and violation of probation, detectives said.
The final suspect, identified as 19-year-old Rusty Sellner, remains at large somewhere in the Newbury Park area of Thousand Oaks, detectives said.
Sellner is currently wanted in connection with the felony investigations of a commercial burglary, a stolen vehicle, and evading deputies during a vehicle pursuit, detectives said.
"I'm saying it's a bunch of crap," said defense attorney Bill Tomasi, who represents the accused. "I'm saying that unequivocally, that I don't believe any of it."
Tomasi claims this case stems from a joyride on a stolen all terrain vehicle.
"There was a 15 minute joyride. The vehicle was never damaged. The key was in it. And the police impounded it. That was it, that's it. And now somehow this has morphed into commercial burglary, evading, and all these other things," Tomasi said.
Sellner (pictured, left) escaped capture twice Wednesday, according to detectives. His attorney hopes Sellner will turn himself in and let the legal system unravel the truth.
Sellner is described as a 19-year-old white male, 5’10” tall and 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Authorities said a $1,000 reward is being offered for information which leads to the "arrest and conviction criminal complaint against the persons responsible for these crimes." Tipsters can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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