NEWS RELEASE
DATE: January 26, 2024 (9:29 p.m.)
SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit Ends with Arrest of Documented Gang Members in Possession of Firearms
SUSPECTS: Rafael Alvarado, 25-year-old Oxnard resident
Victor Ortiz, 18-year-old Oxnard resident
Michael Rios, 31-year-old Oxnard resident
16-year-old Camarillo resident
LOCATION: 2900 blk. Merced Pl., Oxnard
CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant
(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org
On January 26, at approximately 9:29 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code infraction. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle traveled through the Lemonwood neighborhood and into the Diamond Bar neighborhood where the pursuit ended. A passenger, later identified as Victor Ortiz, attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended and found to be in possession of a loaded .45 Caliber semi-automatic handgun. Officers later conducted a records check on the serial number and learned that the handgun had been reported stolen.
Officers removed the remaining occupants from the vehicle. The driver was identified as a 16-year-old Camarillo resident. The two remaining occupants were identified as Rafael Alvarado and Michael Rios. Once the occupants were removed from the vehicle officers located an additional handgun concealed in the passenger compartment. Upon further inspection officers learned that the firearm was a loaded 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun with an extended 33 round magazine. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Rafael Alvarado was charged with possessing the P80 with the extended magazine.
Officers conducted a records check on Michael Rios and learned that he’s currently on parole for robbery and carjacking. Rios was arrested for violating the terms of his parole. The 16-year-old juvenile was arrested for felony evading.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.