News | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 22, 2025 (11:19 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Firearm.

SUSPECTS: Vega, Jose (24-years-old Oxnard Resident)

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd and Orchard Place, Oxnard

CONTACT: Cody Collet, Commander

On February 22, 2025, at approximately 11:19 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Oxnard Blvd and Orchard Pl. Officers contacted the driver identified as Jose Vega, 24 years old. Officers learned Vega was on probation and a documented gang member. During a probation search of Vega’s vehicle officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun. Vega was also found to be prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Vega was arrested for numerous firearms related charges.

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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 22, 2025

SUBJECT: Sales of nitrous oxide for purpose of intoxication

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-6pm) | [email protected]

Oxnard Tobacco Smoke Shop Found Selling Nitrous Oxide for Purpose of Intoxication

On February, 22, 2025, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted several minor decoy operations involving tobacco smoke shops within the City of Oxnard. The reason for the decoy operation was to ensure local smoke shops were not selling tobacco products to underage individuals, or nitrous oxide products to individuals who intended to breathe, inhale, or ingest it for the purpose of intoxication. During the inspections, one tobacco smoke shop clerk sold the minor decoy a large container of nitrous oxide for the purposes of intoxication. The clerk was subsequently cited for a misdemeanor violation and released at the scene. The tobacco retailer business will be facing a recommended revocation of their City of Oxnard Tobacco Retailer Permit and Business Tax Certificate.

The tobacco retailer inspections were part of the ongoing California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program. Funding for the Tobacco Grant Program was a result of the passage of the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Prop. 56) increasing taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products by $2.00 starting in April 2017. The initiative allocates a portion of annual revenue to the California Department of Justice. https://oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 22, 2025 / 14:23 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 20, 2025

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, February 21, 2025, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

**Word Document Attached**

On Thu, Feb 20, 2025 at 8:28 AM Gens, Michael <[email protected]> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:           February 20, 2025

SUBJECT:    DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT:   Mike Gens, Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, February 21, 2025, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Michael Gens

Traffic Sergeant

Oxnard Police Department

[email protected]

(805)385-7847

Tuesday – Friday 0700-1700

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 20, 2025

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police See Rise in Vehicle Thefts (Kia, Hyundai, and Infiniti)

Club Vehicle Theft Prevention Device Available

CONTACT: Detective Michael Blanchard, Auto Theft Detective

(805) 385-7760 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department and agencies throughout Ventura County have seen continued rise in the theft of specific vehicles over the last year. During 2024, therewere 181 Kia, Hyundai, and Infiniti vehicles stolen within the City of Oxnard. Owners of these vehicles can respond to the Oxnard Police Department at 251 S. C St. to receive a free Club Vehicle Theft Prevention Device to place on their vehicle while they are parked. Owners will only need to bring the registration or title to their vehicle to show they own a Kia, Hyundai, or Infiniti. While detectives are currently investigating these crimes, there are certain steps that owners can take to help prevent being victims of these thefts. Other prevention steps include ensuring the vehicle is locked and valuables are removed, parking inside a garage if available, parking in well-lit areas preferably under video surveillance, installing a vehicle battery disconnect switch, or placing a GPS location device, such as an Apple Air-Tag, in their vehicle.

Two of the currently targeted vehicles are Kia and Hyundai vehicles manufactured prior to 2022 that utilize a physical key to start the vehicle. Both Kia and Hyundai offer a free security upgrade for their vehicles to aid in theft prevention. Owners can check to see if their vehicles are eligible for this update using the links below, and only need to contact the nearest dealership to schedule the upgrade.

Kia:

https://customercare.kiausa.com/SWLD

Hyundai:

https://owners.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/resources/technology-and-navigation/anti-theft-software-upgrade

Other currently targeted vehicles are Infiniti sedans that use a “push to start” keyless ignition system. Owners are encouraged to keep their vehicle’s computer software up to date. If owners are unsure if their vehicles have the most up to date software, the Infiniti dealership can complete these upgrades.

The Oxnard Police Department is a participating agency in the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT). VenCATT is comprised of detectives and investigators from allied agencies throughout Ventura County. The primary goal of VenCATT is combating auto theft throughout the county, as auto theft is often inter-jurisdictional. As always, members of the public can report suspicious vehicle-related activity to VenCATT at (805) 662-2640.

Anyone with information or video regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website at www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.”

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 22, 2025

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Two impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On February 22, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Vineyard Avenue and H Street. A simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation was also conducted. The operation resulted in two arrests for impaired driving, and 12 citations for various violations including driving while unlicensed.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 16, 2025 / 9:45PM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: 17 year-old male juvenile

LOCATION: Seventh Street / F Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

805-385-7600 (Sun-Wed 4PM-2AM) [email protected]

On the above date/time, Oxnard Police officers were investigating a possible robbery with a firearm that occurred in the area of Bonita Avenue and Colonia Avenue. They observed a white Nissan Sentra that matched the description of the suspect vehicle involved in the crime, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The Sentra failed to yield and officers pursued the vehicle until the pursuit was cancelled for safety reasons. After, the Sentra collided with a parked vehicle and a police unit in the area of Seventh and F Streets. The only injury as a result of the collision was a complaint of pain to the driver of the Sentra. The male juvenile passenger of the Sentra was found to be in possession of a loaded shotgun. After a medical clearance, the driver of the Sentra was arrested for evading and the juvenile was lodged in Juvenile Hall for possession of the shotgun. The initial call of a robbery was not confirmed.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 16, 2025

SUBJECT: Man Shot, Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 100 block of South H Street, Oxnard

VICTIM: Ruben Villa, 39 year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-7688 | [email protected]

Tuesday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On February 16, 2025, at about 0432 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the intersection of H Street and Second Street regarding a shooting victim on the street. Officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived on scene and located 39-year-old male, Ruben Villa, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Officers began life saving measures and EMS Personnel quickly arrived and treated Mr. Villa. Unfortunately, despite life saving measures Mr. Villa succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit has been responsible for the investigation. Major Crimes detectives are seeking additional information and the public’s support. Investigators are urging anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-7688 or ricardo.[email protected]. The city of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the city.

Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7755, 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 also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 16, 2025

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Fifth Street, East of Rose Avenue

VICTIM: Unidentified male, name withheld pending notification of next of kin

DRIVERS: Cesar Rangel, 29-year-old, City of Oxnard resident

VEHICLES: White, Honda Pilot

CONTACT: Manuel Perez, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

(Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

On February 16, 2025, at approximately 4:50 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the area of Fifth Street and Rose Avenue in reference to an injury collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian.

Upon arrival, officers discovered that a white Honda Pilot had struck an unidentified male pedestrian who sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The collision scene was several hundred yards east of Rose Avenue.

Traffic Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the Honda, driven by Rangel, was traveling eastbound on Fifth Street from Rose Avenue and collided with the pedestrian who was crossing the roadway outside of a marked crosswalk. Driver Rangel remained on scene and was contacted by investigators. Excessive speed and impairment by alcohol and/or drugs does not appear to be a contributing factor associated with the Honda or Driver Rangel. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected], anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

Officers are at an active investigation scene near Second Street and H Street. Traffic is impacted as it approaches the intersection. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.