Convicted Felon Arrested After Firing a Gunshot Into a Thousand Oaks Business

A convicted felon is in custody following a late-night shooting that shattered the front window of a Thousand Oaks business and endangered the surrounding community. 

On April 8, 2026, at approximately 5:31 a.m., patrol deputies responded to a report of vandalism in the 2400 block of West Hillcrest Drive in Thousand Oaks.  Upon arrival, deputies discovered the business’s front window had been shattered by a single gunshot.

East County Detectives responded to assist and initiated an investigation.  Detectives learned that on April 7, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., an adult male—later identified as Jack Ballat—was outside the business when a single gunshot was fired through the front window and into the building.  The business was closed at the time, and no employees or customers were inside.

Through investigative efforts, detectives positively identified Ballat as the suspect.  A records check revealed Ballat is a convicted felon and on probation with search terms prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Detectives from the East County Special Enforcement Unit quickly located Ballat within the city of Thousand Oaks.  Ballat was taken into custody without incident.

A subsequent probation search of Ballat’s motel room led to the discovery of a loaded handgun.  The firearm was later confirmed to have been reported stolen out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Investigators also determined the ammunition matched the spent casing recovered at the scene of the shooting.

Ballat was charged and booked for multiple felony offenses, including, Penal Code 246.3 -Negligent discharge of a firearm, Penal Code 247 – Discharging a firearm at an uninhabited building, Penal Code 29800 – Felon in possession of a firearm, Penal Code 30305 – Felon in possession of ammunition, and Penal Code 25400 – Carrying a concealed firearm.

This reckless act of violence will not be tolerated.  The swift identification and arrest of this suspect reflects our commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting our community from dangerous individuals.

Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon Arrested After Firing a Gunshot Into a Thousand Oaks Business
Report Number: 26-44309
Location: 2400 Block West Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: April 8, 2026, 5:30 a.m.
Unit(s) Responsible: East County Investigations Major Crimes Bureau, East County Special Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit, Thousand Oaks Patrol Services, Sheriff’s Communication Center-ARTIC
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(S) Jack Ballat; Simi Valley; 25
(V) Thousand Oaks Business