NEWS RELEASE
DATE: December 30, 2021 (9:06 PM)
SUBJECT: Prohibited Person / Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearm and Controlled Substances
SUSPECTS: Israel Juarez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: Saviers Rd. at Bryce Canyon Ave., Oxnard
CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant
(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org
On December 30, 2021 at approximately 9:06 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in South Oxnard. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction at Saviers Rd. and Channel Islands Blvd. The driver, later identified as Misael Perez (19yrs), ultimately pulled over at the intersection of Bryce Canyon and Saviers Rd. Two additional subjects, Israel Juarez (19yrs) and Joel Garcia (19yrs), were also contacted in the vehicle. Juarez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, is currently on probation with court ordered search terms for a prior firearms possession conviction and is a prohibited person from the possession of firearms and ammunition. Perez is also a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard and is currently on probation for felony possession of a controlled substance for sale.
Officers removed the occupants and conducted a probation search of the vehicle. Officers located a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger EC9s semi-automatic handgun concealed in the glove compartment of the vehicle. Officers arrested Juarez for felony firearms possession and transported him to the Oxnard Police Department. Officers conducted a booking search of Juarez and located methamphetamine and Xanax pills concealed on his person. Juarez was booked for felony firearm and narcotics related charges.
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.