Two Oak View Residents Arrested for Possession of Unregistered Firearms

During the month of February 2026, patrol deputies from the Ojai Valley Sheriff’s Station contacted and arrested a 36-year-old female subject later identified as Emma Radding of Oak View for being under the influence of a controlled substance and for being in possession of an unregistered “ghost-gun” style handgun.  The female was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura, CA., for a variety of narcotics and firearms charges. 

Detectives from the West County Special Enforcement Unit along with Ojai Valley Sheriff’s Station detectives conducted a follow-up investigation into the unregistered handgun that was recovered from Radding. As a result of the follow-up investigation, detectives authored a search warrant for a residence located in the 11400 block of Creek Road located in the unincorporated community of Ojai known as Oak View.

On 04/29/2026, detectives located Radding and another subject identified as 45-year-old Richard Lunsford, an Oak View resident, in the Ojai Valley and detained them pursuant to the search warrant.  Detectives located an unregistered loaded handgun and narcotics inside of a vehicle being driven by Radding and Lunsford at the time of their detention. 

Detectives served the residential search warrant at the residence located in the 11400 block of Creek Road and located an additional unregistered handgun and an unregistered shotgun along with various types of ammunition.

Lunsford was subsequently arrested for 29800(a)(1) PC – Prohibited person in possession of a firearm, 30305(a) PC – Prohibited person in possession of ammunition, 27545 PC – Unlawful transfer of a firearm, 11370.1 HS – Possession of a controlled substance while armed, 25850(c)(6) – Carrying a concealed firearm, and, 30605(a) PC – Possession of an assault weapon.  Lunsford was subsequently booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Radding was arrested then cited and released for a violation of 11375(b)(2) – Possession of controlled substance without a prescription.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes.  We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on “X” @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF and @VCSOHQSTATION, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.  Tips can also be submitted through Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), where callers can remain anonymous. 

Nature of Incident:Firearms arrest 
Report Number:26-51056 / 26-25010
Location:11400 block of Creek Road
Date & Time:05/29/2026 @ 4:30 P.M.  
Unit(s) Responsible:West County Special Enforcement Unit, Ojai Patrol Station, Ojai Investigations
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent; City of Residence; Age
(S) Emma Radding; Oak View; 36  
(S) Richard Lunsford; Oak View; 45