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Press release – Homemade Explosive Device

Archives for July 2011


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Homemade Explosive Device
DATE/TIME:  7-10-11 0830 hours
LOCATION:  2300 block of Greenbrook Drive
SUSPECT(S):  Unknown
PREPARED BY:  Sergeant Humberto Jimenez
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Sergeant Christopher Williams christopherwilliams@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 10, 2011 at approximately 8:30 AM, Officer Scott Matalon was patrolling the 2300 block of Greenbrook Drive, when he observed a suspicious container on the side of the road. The container was a one gallon plastic container with a wick fuse on the lid. Suspecting that it was an explosive device, the street was blocked off for public safety. Additionally, the Oxnard Fire Department Hazardous Materials and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad responded and rendered the device safe. It was later determined to be a homemade explosive device.

If anyone has information, they are encouraged to contact Sergeant Christopher Williams at (805) 486-6211 or remain anonymous and call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-TIPS.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Robbery, False Imprisonment, Conspiracy
DATE/TIME:  7/10/11, 10:00 PM
LOCATION:  100 block of West Sixth Street
SUSPECT(S):  Evaristo Palma (27 yrs), Francisco Salazar (19 yrs)
PREPARED BY:  Detective Jaime Miranda
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Det. Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7665 jaime.miranda@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 10, 2011 at approximately 10:00 PM, officers were flagged down by a citizen reporting a robbery that had just occurred. The citizens pointed out the suspect vehicle as it was leaving the area. Officers stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Evaristo Palma, and his passenger Francisco Salazar.

It was later determined that a 20 year old female was walking in the 100 block of West Sixth St when she was approached from behind by the suspects. The suspects grabbed the victim by the arms and attempted to pull her away. After a brief struggle the victim was able to break free, but the suspects removed some personal belongings from her and fled towards their vehicle. The victim immediately notified several citizens who were nearby. The citizens chased after the suspects and were able to flag down Officer Greg Reynolds who was in the area.

A traffic stop was conducted on the suspect vehicle, and the victim’s property was located inside the suspect vehicle. Both suspects were arrested without incident. The suspects were later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for robbery, false imprisonment and conspiracy.

Investigators are still investigating this case and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Det. Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665 or remain anonymous and call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-TIPS.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:  Friday, July 16, 2011 @ 1:37 A.M.
LOCATION:  Pleasant Valley Road at Rose Avenue
PEDESTRIAN:  Hispanic male, approximately 60 years of age
DRIVERS:  Unknown
VEHICLE(S):  Unknown
PREPARED BY:  Senior Officer Maria Peña Traffic Collision Investigator

DETAILS:

On Friday July 16, 2011 at about 1:37 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a possible injury collision at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Rose Avenue involving a pedestrian. When police arrived they found an injured male laying face down along the north curb of Pleasant Valley Road just west of Rose Avenue. The Oxnard Fire Department had responded to the scene and rendered aid to the pedestrian.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian may have been crossing northbound across Pleasant Valley Road at Rose Avenue. Based on the pedestrian injuries, it is believed that he was struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road. The vehicle and its driver fled the scene of the collision without rendering aid to the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and is currently listed in critical condition.

At this time, the pedestrian has not been identified. The pedestrian is a Hispanic male, approximately 60 years, with salt and pepper hair. He also has a beard and mustache and a tattoo on his left hand.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public. If you witnessed the collision or have any information regarding the identity of the pedestrian or of this collision please contact the Traffic Investigator, Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.

It is undetermined if alcohol was a factor in the collision. An investigation is continuing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:  07-29-2011 / 2255 hours
LOCATION:  4600 Block South Rose Av
PEDESTRIAN:  White Male, 21 years old, unknown city of residence (Name Withheld)
PREPARED BY:  Sergeant Randy Latimer
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Senior Officer Maria Pena, Traffic Investigator, 385-7750
 Officer Ernie Orozco, Traffic Unit, 385-7600

DETAILS:

On July 29, 2011, at approximately 2255 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 4600 block of S. Rose Av. after receiving a call of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a pedestrian, a 21-year old male, residence unknown, had been run over by several vehicles in the northbound lanes of Rose Av. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators are attempting to determine why the pedestrian was in the roadway at the time of the collision. According to witnesses, the pedestrian was laying in the roadway when he was run over by several vehicles. Several motorists stopped after seeing the pedestrian get run over. It is unclear whether or not the pedestrian was struck by another vehicle prior to being discovered by the witnesses who stopped.

If anyone witnessed this collision or has information regarding this collision please contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at 385-7750.

An investigation is ongoing


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:  July 28, 2011 / 0730 hours
LOCATION:  Gonzales Road and Gallatin place
DRIVER-1:  Maria Hernandez, 36 years old of Oxnard
DRIVER-2:  Adrian Valdivia, 31 years old of Oxnard
DRIVER-3:  Justin Sigala, 28 years old of Oxnard
VEHICLE-1:  Ford Explorer
VEHICLE-2:  Acura Legend
VEHICLE-3: Nissan Altima
PREPARED BY:  Gregory Utter, Patrol Greg.utter@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Gregory Utter, Patrol Greg.utter@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 28, 2011, at approximately 0730 hours, officers and EMS personnel responded to the area of Gonzales road and Gallatin Way after receiving a call of a vehicle collision involving multiple vehicles. Upon arrival, Officers found a Ford Explorer had rolled over and a Nissan Altima and Acura Legend had also been involved.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the initial impact happened eastbound on Gonzales road at Patterson road. Two vehicles remained stuck together for a short distance before the Ford Explorer broke free. The Ford Explorer continued and then collided with a block retaining wall at Gonzales road and Gallatin, eventually coming to rest on its side on the center median. Three people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol was not a factor in the collision.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Officer Greg Utter 805-835-7600

An investigation is continuing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:  July 28, 2011 / 0730 hours
LOCATION:  Gonzales Road and Gallatin place
DRIVER-1:  Maria Hernandez, 36 years old of Oxnard
DRIVER-2:  Adrian Valdivia, 31 years old of Oxnard
DRIVER-3:  Justin Sigala, 28 years old of Oxnard
VEHICLE-1:  Ford Explorer
VEHICLE-2:  Acura Legend
VEHICLE-3: Nissan Altima
PREPARED BY:  Gregory Utter, Patrol Greg.utter@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Gregory Utter, Patrol Greg.utter@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 28, 2011, at approximately 0730 hours, officers and EMS personnel responded to the area of Gonzales road and Gallatin Way after receiving a call of a vehicle collision involving multiple vehicles. Upon arrival, Officers found a Ford Explorer had rolled over and a Nissan Altima and Acura Legend had also been involved.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the initial impact happened eastbound on Gonzales road at Patterson road. Two vehicles remained stuck together for a short distance before the Ford Explorer broke free. The Ford Explorer continued and then collided with a block retaining wall at Gonzales road and Gallatin, eventually coming to rest on its side on the center median. Three people were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol was not a factor in the collision.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Officer Greg Utter 805-835-7600

An investigation is continuing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Prostitution/Pimping Investigation
DATE/TIME:  7/21/11, 1500 hours
LOCATION:  100 block of South Hayes Avenue, Oxnard
 13200 block of Filmore Street, Pacoima
SUSPECT(S):  Carlos Hernandez, 30 years (Oxnard resident)
 Marianna Cervantes, 22 years (Los Angeles resident)
 Esperanza Umana, 49 years (Pacoima resident)
 Mariana Alvarez-Gallegos, 21 years (Pacoima resident)
PREPARED BY:  Sergeant Greg Hebert
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  greg.hebert@oxnardpd.org Office 805-385-7636

DETAILS:

On 7/21/11, at about 1500 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Los Angeles Police Department served two search warrants in the cities of Oxnard and Pacoima. The search warrants were the result of a four month investigation into a prostitution operation.

When officers entered the Hayes Avenue address, Hernandez and Cervantes were located inside. Officers found a loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun, several thousand dollars and paraphernalia related to prostitution. Hernandez was arrested for 266h (a) PC pimping, 236 PC false imprisonment, 236.1(a) PC human trafficking, 653.23(a) (1) PC supervising prostitution and several other misdemeanor charges. Cervantes was arrested for 647(b) PC prostitution. Hernandez was booked into Ventura County Jail on the above listed charges and an immigration hold with bail set at $100,000. Cervantes was booked into Ventura County Jail for 647 (b) PC and an immigration hold with bail set at $5,000.

When officers entered the Filmore Street address, Umana and Gallegos were located inside. Officers found a small amount of currency and paraphernalia related to prostitution. Umana and Gallegos were booked into Ventura County Jail under an immigration hold.

If you have any information related to these crimes, please contact Officer James Langford of the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7650. The investigation is ongoing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Road Closures for the 2011 Salsa Dash
DATE/TIME:  Saturday, July 23, 2011 8:00 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
LOCATION:  City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The 2011 Oxnard Salsa Festival, the 18th anniversary celebration of everything salsa, presents the Salsa Dash on Saturday, July 23rd. This run/walk is a sightseeing tour through downtown Oxnard on the wide, charming streets of the Henry T. Oxnard National Register Historic District, and across the finish line at the Plaza Park Pagoda. The Salsa Dash will feature a 5K and 10K starting at 8:00 A.M. and a kids fun run starting at 9:30 A.M.

Several streets will be closed during this event to provide added safety for the participants. Oxnard Police Department personnel will also be conducting traffic control at several intersections along the course. The following streets will be closed from 7:30 A.M. to the end of the event at approximately 10:30 A.M.:

  1. A Street (9th St. to 3rd St.)
  2. 4th St. (A St. to G St.)
  3. F St. (4th St. to Roderick Ave.)
  4. 2nd St. (G St. to F St.)
  5. G St. (2nd St. to 4th St.)
  6. C St. (3rd St. to 6th St.)
  7. 5th St. (C St. to A St.)

If you live or work in the area of these roadways or intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience. The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible following the event.

For information related to the 2011 Oxnard Salsa Festival or Salsa Dash, please visit www.oxnardsalsafestival.com.

For any questions related to the road closures for this event, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@oxnardpd.org.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:  Friday, July 16, 2011 @ 1:37 A.M.
LOCATION:  Pleasant Valley Road at Rose Avenue
PEDESTRIAN:  Hispanic male, approximately 60 years of age
DRIVERS:  Unknown
VEHICLE(S):  Unknown
PREPARED BY:  Senior Officer Maria Peña Traffic Collision Investigator

DETAILS:

On Friday July 16, 2011 at about 1:37 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a possible injury collision at the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Rose Avenue involving a pedestrian. When police arrived they found an injured male laying face down along the north curb of Pleasant Valley Road just west of Rose Avenue. The Oxnard Fire Department had responded to the scene and rendered aid to the pedestrian.

A preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian may have been crossing northbound across Pleasant Valley Road at Rose Avenue. Based on the pedestrian injuries, it is believed that he was struck by a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road. The vehicle and its driver fled the scene of the collision without rendering aid to the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and is currently listed in critical condition.

At this time, the pedestrian has not been identified. The pedestrian is a Hispanic male, approximately 60 years, with salt and pepper hair. He also has a beard and mustache and a tattoo on his left hand.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public. If you witnessed the collision or have any information regarding the identity of the pedestrian or of this collision please contact the Traffic Investigator, Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.

It is undetermined if alcohol was a factor in the collision. An investigation is continuing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  8th Annual Strawberry Fields 5K and Triathlon
DATE/TIME:  July 16th, 2011 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
 July 17th, 2011 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
LOCATION:  Oxnard State Beach Park
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The 8th annual Strawberry Fields 5K and Triathlon will be taking place this weekend at Oxnard State Beach Park. The event begins on Saturday, July 16th, with a 5K run that starts at 9:00 A.M. On Sunday, July 17th, the triathlon will start at 7:00 A.M. and is expected to have close to 900 participants.

Personnel from the Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control along the run and bicycle courses during both of these events. The priority right of way will be given to the runners and bicyclists as these events are highly competitive.

Runners during both events will be running along Mandalay Beach Road, Sunset Lane and Ocean Drive. During the triathlon, the bicycle riders will be traveling on Harbor Boulevard, Gonzales Road, Fifth Street, Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard. Traffic control personnel will be positioned at all of the intersections along the run and bike courses during both events.

During the triathlon on Sunday, the northbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard will be closed at Costa De Oro at approximately 6:30 A.M. and are expected to reopen at approximately 10:30 A.M. or as soon as possible. Fifth Street between Harbor Boulevard and Victoria Avenue will also be closed for vehicular traffic. These closures will provide added safety for the bicyclists and reduce the amount of traffic congestion surrounding Oxnard State Beach Park. The southbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard will remain open during the triathlon but drivers shall expect long delays near Oxnard State Beach Park as the bicyclists will be entering and exiting the park. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes including Victoria Avenue and Wooley Road to avoid these road closures and delays.

If you live in the area of these events, we apologize for any inconvenience.

For any questions related to these events or road closures, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@oxnardpd.org.