News Releases

Please see the updated press release for the serious injury collision at the First Street and Roosevelt Avenue intersection on December 13, 2024. Both the original and updated press releases are attached.

NEWS RELEASE UPDATE

DATE: December 23, 2024

SUBJECT: Bicyclist Dies After Collision

LOCATION: First Street at Roosevelt Avenue, Oxnard

DRIVER: Alexis Sanchez, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: 2022 Toyota Camry

BICYCLIST: Antonio Rodriguez, 44-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Officer Ivan Sanchez

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) I ivan.sanchez@oxnardpd.org

On December 23, 2024, Antonio Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries sustained from the collision. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Traffic Unit continue to investigate the details of the crash.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Ivan Sanchez at (805) 385-7749 or via email at ivan.sanchez@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

Officers are on scene of a serious injury vehicle collision at Gonzales Road and Rose Avenue. W/B Gonzales Road traffic is blocked at Williams Drive. E/B Gonzales Road traffic from Rose Avenue remains open. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.

All lanes at Gonzales Road and Rose Avenue are now clear, and all Oxnard Police Department personnel have left the scene.

On Sun, Dec 22, 2024 at 6:31 PM Serrato, Miguel <miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

Officers are on scene of a serious injury vehicle collision at Gonzales Road and Rose Avenue. W/B Gonzales Road traffic is blocked at Williams Drive. E/B Gonzales Road traffic from Rose Avenue remains open. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 22, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: 2004 Toyota Camry

DRIVERS: Noe Aguilera, 25-yr-old Oxnard resident

PEDESTRIAN: Cristero Peter Luna, 58-yr-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Officer Joseph Clarke

(805) 385-7750 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org

On December 22, 2024, at approximately 5:28 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a Toyota Camry and a pedestrian on Gonzales Road, west of Williams Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located the pedestrian, identified as Cristero Peter Luna, laying injured in the roadway. Luna was quickly transported by EMS to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. The driver of the Camry, identified as Noe Aguilera, remained on scene after the collision.

An initial investigation determined the Camry to be traveling westbound on Gonzales Road from Willams Drive. Luna was crossing in the roadway between Willams Drive and Rose Avenue at an unknown direction when he was struck by the Camry.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7750 or via email at joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 21, 2024

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

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Five impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On December 20, 2024, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Pleasant Valley Road and “C” Street. There was also a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in five arrests for impaired driving, one citation for driving while suspended, and twenty-six 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: December 20, 2024

SUBJECT: Gun / Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Christian Vega, 38 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1200 block of Yukonite Place, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

On December 20, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, K9 Unit, and the Violent Crimes Unit, collaborated and conducted a probation search of an Oxnard-based criminal street gang member, Christian Vega. Vega has several prior felony convictions, including an assault on a peace officer. Vega is currently on probation with search terms.

At about 7:30 p.m., Vega was contacted in the 1200 block of Yukonite Place and detained while officers exercised Vega’s search terms. During the search of property associated to Vega, officers located an illegal sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, and narcotics packaged for sales.

Vega was arrested for illegal gun possession, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, and narcotic sales. Vega was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Officers completed an order requesting a bail increase with the Ventura County Superior Court.

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.

DATE: December 19, 2024, 10:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: 2024 Oxnard Police Department Pink Patch Campaign

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

For the seventh consecutive year, the Oxnard Police Department joined other law enforcement agencies across the country in October’s “Pink Patch” campaign to raise funds and spread awareness for the battle against breast cancer. This year, Oxnard P.D. partnered with the Oxnard Police Community Foundation and local sponsors to raise funds through community “pop-up” fundraisers hosted at the Oxnard Police station, Oxnard Starbucks locations, Anytime Fitness, and UFC Gym. These efforts raised a total of $7,270.00 for the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a local 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity that provides support to breast cancer patients and survivors across Ventura County.

2024 O.X.P.D. Pink Patch Campaign sponsors included: Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association, Stacy Miller Public Affairs Inc., Boyd & Associates, Ventura County Credit Union, Raising Cane’s, Ariel Palmieri [Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty], and Tombstone Courage. Fundraising t-shirts were printed at a discount by Napalm Inc., and our ‘Pink Patch’ police unit was wrapped by Vogue Signs.

Throughout the course of the Oxnard Police Department’s seven-year participation in the Pink Patch campaign, the department has now raised over $89,500.00 for this important cause. According to Oxnard Chief of Police Jason Benites, these efforts stem from the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation’s goal of making a positive impact and creating important connections in our community. Benites stated, “We are proud to support this effort, which not only raises awareness for breast cancer, but also fosters a sense of unity and community. United, we stand strong against this disease, honoring those who have fought, are fighting, and will fight. Our officers are committed to showing support for all those affected, and through our involvement, we hope to inspire others to take action and make a difference.”

Campaign sponsors noted:

“We are honored to support the O.P.C.F. breast cancer fundraiser once again, as we have proudly done since its inception,” said Stacy Miller, President, C.E.O. of Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Inc. (SMPA). “This event plays a vital role in raising awareness and providing resources for breast cancer prevention and treatment, and we’re proud to stand alongside O.P.C.F. in their commitment to the health and well-being of our community.”

Anthony Valdez, a local Starbucks District Manager who has been instrumental in supporting Pink Patch Pop-Ups over the years said, “Starbucks is grateful for our partnership and our small part in contributing to the work Oxnard P.D. does in the community.”

Sponsor Boyd & Associates issued the following statement: “Boyd & Associates is honored to sponsor the Oxnard Police Department’s Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation events in 2024. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to meaningful community outreach and supporting causes that positively impact lives.”

“‘The Oxnard Police Department’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering community connections is truly inspiring,” said Dan Boyd, President of Boyd & Associates. We are proud to stand with them in their efforts to support breast cancer awareness, education, and early detection.’ By supporting these events, Boyd & Associates contributes to the vital work of bringing resources, education, and support to those affected by breast cancer. This partnership underscores our appreciation for OPD’s remarkable role in extending their mission beyond law enforcement and into community care. For over 55 years, Boyd & Associates has been committed to protecting and serving the communities we call home. We are proud to collaborate with the Oxnard Police Department to make a positive and lasting impact.”

Sponsor Ariel Palmieri, REALTOR ®, Coldwell Banker Realty stated: “We are so grateful to have the support of the Oxnard Police Department throughout the community. As real estate professionals, we appreciate that we can call on O.P.D. when clients have questions and concerns. We are honored to sponsor this important Pink Patch program and are so happy that ample funds were raised.”

Retired Oxnard P.D. Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, who launched the Department’s Pink Patch efforts in 2018, sponsored this year’s pink police unit wrap. He reflects, “It was an absolute honor for Tombstone Courage, LLC to sponsor the Oxnard PD ‘Pink Cruiser’ on behalf of my wife Andrea McGreevy who is a breast cancer survivor.”

Additional information regarding the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation and their services can be found on their website, www.ribbonsventura.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 13, 2024

SUBJECT: Winter DUI Enforcement Mobilization

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Holiday Cheer Starts Here:

Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 11

Oxnard – The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people on the roads. In December 2022 alone, 1,062 people were killed in the U.S. in alcohol-impaired driving crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind the public of the dangers of impaired driving and celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

From December 11 through New Year’s Day, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol 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 on Friday, December 20, 2024, at an undisclosed location within the city. The checkpoint will be from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The high-visibility enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others at risk.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to stay in for the night or have a “go safely” game plan by scheduling a ride or designating a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone who appears to be driving while impaired, call 9-1-1.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 13, 2024

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

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

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, December 20, 2024, 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 13, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving a Vehicle and Bicyclist

LOCATION: First Street at Roosevelt Avenue, Oxnard

DRIVER: Alexis Sanchez, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: 2022 Toyota Camry

BICYCLIST: Antonio Rodriguez, 44-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Officer Ivan Sanchez

(805) 385-7749 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) I ivan.sanchez@oxnardpd.org

On December 13, 2024, at approximately 7:55 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist near the intersection of First Street and Roosevelt Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located Antonio Rodriguez lying in the intersection near a bicycle. EMS rendered medical aid to Rodriguez and transported him to the Ventura County Medical Center. He is currently listed in critical condition. Traffic Investigators responded to take over the investigation.

Preliminary investigation revealed Rodriguez had been riding his bicycle westbound First Street. Rodriguez entered the intersection of Roosevelt and was struck by Sanchez, who had been driving northbound. Rodriguez was ejected from his bicycle and suffered major injuries. Sanchez remained on scene and cooperated with investigators. The cause of the collision is under investigation.