Archives for December 2014

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, December 19, 2014 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Friday, December 19, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The first checkpoint was conducted in the westbound lanes of Gonzales Road west of Snow Avenue and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue south of Gonzales Road. These locations were chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following statistics:

·         1,036 Vehicles through
·         826 Drivers screened
·         5 DUI investigations
·         2 DUI alcohol arrests
·         2 Criminal arrests
·         15 Citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         2 Citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked driver’s license
·         29 Total citations issued
·         5 Vehicles towed
Four of the five DUI investigations and the two DUI arrests occurred at the Victoria Avenue checkpoint. One of the drivers arrested for DUI was also charged with possession of narcotics. Another driver was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and was also driving with a suspended driver’s license.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/20/14, 0345 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	December 19, 2014 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
As the holiday season is upon us, the Oxnard Police Department wants to remind everyone to drive safe and drive sober. Tomorrow night, December 19^th, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint within the city limits from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

On average, nearly one third (31%) of all crash fatalities in America involves drunk driving. Nationally, the latest data shows 10,322 people were killed by an impaired driver in 2012 with 830 killed in December alone. More than half (53%) of the drunk drivers in these fatal crashes had at least one previous DUI conviction on their record. In California, 802 people were killed and nearly 24,000 serious injuries were caused in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

In 2012, 3,829 drivers in Ventura County were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or a combination of alcohol and drugs. Tragically, 14 people were killed that year in the county as a result of driving under the influence. While this number has dropped from prior years, it is still too many lives lost.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 18, 2014 / 1900 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Operation: Holiday Heroes

DATE/TIME:

December 2, 2014, 1100hrs

LOCATION:

2800 block North Oxnard Boulevard

PREPARED BY:

Officer Andrew Pinkstaff

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Officer Andrew Pinkstaff
805-385-7600

DETAILS:
On December 2, 2014, between 11:00am and 4:00pm, Oxnard Police Officers conducted an operation targeting thefts from vehicles in retail shopping centers. Officers dubbed the event “Operation: Holiday Heroes.”

Traditionally, during the holiday season, officers respond to an increase in auto burglaries and thefts. The increase in shoppers at major retail locations seemingly creates an environment very attractive to criminals. At busy shopping centers with various retail stores, shoppers may leave purchases and other valuable items in plain view within their vehicles making them the ideal targets.

Due to the increased possibility of theft-related criminal activity, the Oxnard Police Department deployed a “bait car” filled with gift-wrapped packages and other valuable merchandise. This vehicle was parked in a busy shopping center, with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Officers conducted surveillance of the vehicle, and were assigned to contact persons suspected of criminal activity in and around the vehicle.

During this operation, officers did not observe any criminal activity, however were able to make contact with a total of eleven “Holiday Heroes.” During the surveillance, officers were able to observe many of the “Holiday Heroes” secure the property that was unattended inside of the “bait car.” These actions included closing the vehicle door and notifying nearby store personnel.

After observing the “Holiday Heroes” take action to secure the “bait car” property, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were able to make contact with the Heroes and present them with gift cards to local businesses. These gift cards were small tokens of appreciation to these “Heroes” that took action to protect property and their community.

Several businesses made donations for this event, including: Target, Five Guys Burgers, Century Theatres, The California Strawberry Festival, and Menchies.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and on Nextdoor.com.

Remember to lock your vehicle.
Remove and/or hide all valuables (including gift-wrapped items) from your vehicle.
The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.
Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-2-14/ 1715 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Felony Suspect
DATE/TIME:	December 7, 2014 at 07:00 am
LOCATION:	3500 Block of Samuel Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Not Disclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Lawrence Beasley, 41 year old male Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Mike Adair, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On December 7, 2014 at 7:00 am, Oxnard Police Officers received a call of a felony sexual assault and possible kidnap that occurred in the 3500 block of Samuel Ave. Officers learned that the suspect was possibly still in the area and attempted to make contact with him. The officers found the suspect in an apartment on Samuel Ave. When contacted by officers, the suspect was uncooperative and barricaded himself inside the apartment.

After approximately two hours, the suspect surrendered to SWAT officers who had responded to the scene. During the incident six apartments evacuated.

Traffic was shut down on the following streets for the duration of the incident.
· La Canada Ave. between Samuel Ave. and La Costa Pl.
· Samuel Ave. between La Canada Ave. and Yucca St.

The suspect has been arrested for several felony crimes. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are handling the investigation.

We want to encourage anyone that may have information about this incident to call Detective Dale McApline at (805) 385-3921. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-7-14/ 0835 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Mail
DATE/TIME:	12/11/14 at 12:25 pm
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Teal Club Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Ricardo Bravo, 58 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer Yvonne Negrete
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Erica Escalante, 805-385-7661

DETAILS:

On 12/11/14 at 12:25 pm, the Oxnard Police Department received a call of a subject stealing mail in the 2000 block of Teal Club Road in the city of Oxnard. Officers arrived on scene and contacted Ricardo Bravo. Bravo was still in possession of mail when the officers detained him. Witnesses identified Bravo as the person they saw stealing the mail out of a business mailbox. The victim confirmed that Bravo is not known to them and is not supposed to be in possession of their mail. Bravo was out on bail for a prior narcotics arrest and petty theft. Bravo was arrested today for possession of stolen mail.

This case was made a success by the witnesses who provided the information from a safe distance and by cooperation from the victims. The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and on Nextdoor.com.

Pick-up mail daily
Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.
Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.
To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping trimmed.
The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.
Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

We want to encourage anyone that has information about these incidents or any related incidents to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-7600. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/11/14 at 1458 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	12/24/2014 at 1045 Hours
LOCATION:	1000 block of Beverly Drive
VICTIM(S):	Maria DeJesus Garcia De Waldo
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Charles Buttell, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Eduardo Miranda, Commander eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Maria DeJesus Garcia De Waldo, 73 years. Officers are currently searching for Maria.

The missing person walked away from her residence located in the 1000 Block of Beverly Drive late last night or early this morning. Maria is 5-3, 120, blond hair, and green eyes. She is a Spanish language speaker who was last seen wearing a black and gray jacket, blue or purple long sleeve shirt and black/orange pants.

The public should call (805) 385-7740 (Police Dispatch) with information as to the whereabouts of Maria.

See attached photo.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:12-24-14 / 1230 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Ventura Road Closed Due to Flooding
DATE/TIME:	12-12-14 / 0300 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road between Wagon Wheel Road and Stone Creek Drive
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Ventura Road has been closed from Wagon Wheel Road south to Stone Creek Drive because of the flooding caused by the late night storm. Motorists should use an alternate route this morning. It is unknown when the road will re-open.

Motorists are advised to allow more time to reach their destinations, reduce their speeds, and watch for slick or flooded road conditions.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-12-14 / 0300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Operation Safer and Stronger-Firearms Strike Team (FAST) and Post Release Offender (PRO) Efforts
DATE/TIME:	November/December 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Chief of Police
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 Eric. Sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST was to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

The importance of this initiative has been magnified as the City of Oxnard continues to address issues associated with the Post Release Offender (PRO) Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the “2011 Public Safety Realignment”), which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The City of Oxnard has approx. two-hundred and twenty-six (226) of these PRO offenders currently residing within our jurisdiction. This represents approx. 35.5% of the PRO population living in Ventura County. The Oxnard Police Department made three-hundred and five (305) felony arrests of PRO offenders in 2014. These PRO offenders often have serious and violent criminal backgrounds that are not considered prior to release under AB 109. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense (prior convictions are not considered).

During the months of November and December, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-nine (29) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, calls for service, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On November 7, 2014, Jesse Olivares, a 43-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers during a traffic stop and found to be in possession of controlled substances. During a follow-up probation search at his residence, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located. Olivares was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation).
On November 23, 2014, Alvaro Cervantes, a 30-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by SEU officers during a traffic stop in the 300 block of “B” Street. During a probation search of the vehicle, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located where Cervantes was seated. Cervantes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation and had previously been served with the Colonia Chiques civil gang injunction).
On December 26, 2014, at approx. 11:00 p.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. contacted a group of gang members in the 1800 block of MacArthur Place. One of the subjects, Daniel Arciga, a 19-year old Oxnard resident, was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Arciga was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On December 27, 2014, at approx. 3:00 a.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. attempted to contact a 17-year old Oxnard resident in the area of Commercial Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. The juvenile fled from Officer Spicer but was apprehended a short time later. The juvenile was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Overall, in 2014, Oxnard officers made one-hundred and six (106) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department seized two-hundred and forty (240) firearms in 2014 and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 31, 2014 1200 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorists to Expect Delays for the 2014 Santa to the Sea Half Marathon
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, December 14, 2014 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Seventh Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday morning, December 14^th. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. in front of Santa on Ventura Boulevard and travels through the City of Oxnard where it ends at the Marine Emporium Landing located at 3600 South Harbor Boulevard. Over 3,500 runners will be participating in this year’s race.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be handling the traffic control along the race course and motorists should expect significant delays at several intersections throughout the city. These intersections include:

·         Rice Avenue at Sturgis Road
·         Rose Avenue at Camino Del Sol
·         Fifth Street at Hobson Way
·         Ventura Road at Ninth Street
·         Wooley Road at Patterson Road
·         Victoria Avenue at Wooley Road
·         Harbor Boulevard at Wooley Road

Motorists wishing to travel northbound and southbound in the city are encouraged to use Oxnard Boulevard as it will not be affected by the race. Rice Avenue and Rose Avenue are expected to be re-opened by 9:30 a.m. All other roadways are expected to be re-opened by 12:00 p.m.

For any questions related to the race or the traffic plan for this event, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/11/14, 1735 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	December 16, 2014 8:08 p.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block of Felicia Court, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	David Lara, 28-year old City of Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 gordon.currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On December 16, 2014 at approximately 8:08 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 1200 block of Felicia Court. When officers arrived, they located David Lara, a 28-year old Oxnard resident, lying on the grass suffering from a single gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Personnel attended to Lara for several minutes but he ultimately died as a result of his injury.

This is Oxnard’s eleventh homicide of the year and the third in the month of December. The Oxnard Police Department has dedicated all of the investigative resources of the Violent Crimes Unit and the Major Crimes Unit into around the clock investigations of these recent incidents. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Gordon Currie at (805) 200-5682. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/17/14, 0100 Hours