OXNARD : D.A. Decides Killing Was in Self-Defense

An Oxnard motel resident was released Tuesday from Ventura County Jail after the district attorney’s office decided that he acted in self-defense when he shot an armed intruder who had burst into his room.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Donald C. Glynn said he decided not to prosecute Geraldo Rodrigo Vargas, 33, who was arrested Thursday on suspicion of killing Bruce Anderson, 31, of Oxnard.

Police said Anderson entered Vargas’ room at the Villa Motel at 1715 S. Oxnard Blvd. about 8 p.m. and a struggle ensued, during which shots were exchanged and Anderson was fatally wounded.

Glynn said Anderson apparently struck one of Vargas’ friends, 26-year-old John Seaton of Oxnard, and pointed a gun at him. Glynn said Vargas shot Anderson in self-defense because he feared for Seaton’s safety and his own.