2 Carpinteria Men Arrested in Drive-By

After an exchange of gunfire near a Ventura handball court, police arrested two Carpinteria men on suspicion of driving by the scene and opening fire, authorities said Wednesday.

Ramon Tadeo Jr., 19, was arrested about 9 p.m. Tuesday after police found that his car matched the description of the drive-by vehicle. His passenger, Charles Barber, 19, who is believed to be the shooter, was hospitalized with a bullet wound to the neck, police said. He is also expected to be booked into Ventura County Jail as soon as his health improves, police said.

Barber was listed in critical but stable condition at the Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura, hospital officials said. Tadeo remained in jail Wednesday in lieu of $20,000 bail.

Tadeo admitted to being involved in the shooting at West Park Recreation Center in the 500 block of Sheridan Way but said he and Barber were attacked with gunfire, police said.

But witnesses said they saw the pair drive up beside the handball courts and open fire. Barber, they allege, got out of the car, shot a handgun repeatedly, and then jumped back into the BMW before speeding off. Several people at the courts returned fire, according to witnesses.

As the BMW sped away, Barber allegedly shot at a young pedestrian, police said. The youth was not hit, but a pickup truck sustained several bullet holes, police said. There were no other injuries, police said.

The suspects were found shortly thereafter at a gas station near a Target Store on East Main Street, police said.