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News Release: Serious Injury Traffic Collision (6-15-24)

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:                     June 15, 2024

SUBJECT:             Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES:             Black F-150

                              Black Lexus IS300          

DRIVERS:              Nery Massis Flandez, 51-yr-old Oxnard resident

                              Ethel Eldridge, 79-yr-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT:             Joseph Clarke, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org

On June 15, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a traffic collision involving a black Lexus IS300 and a black F-150 on Victoria Avenue, south of Fifth Street.

Upon arrival, officers located numerous injured occupants. Three occupants of the Lexus were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The driver, identified as Ethel Eldridge, is listed in critical condition. The two other occupants of the Lexus, one a 19-month-old child, are in stable condition.  Both occupants of the F-150 were transported to St. John’s hospital with minor injuries.  

Investigators believe the Lexus was exiting the parking lot south of Fifth Street and attempted to make an illegal left-turn to travel southbound on Victoria Avenue. The Lexus was struck by the F-150 as it crossed the northbound lanes of Victoria Avenue. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment to be a contributing factor.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7749 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.

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. 

 

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 13, 2024

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police release Critical Incident Community Briefing video and  additional information

LOCATION: 500 Block of North Ventura Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

                   (805) 385-7620 (Mon-Thu 7am – 5pm) rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org (after hours)

The Oxnard Police Department is releasing a Critical Incident Community Briefing video of the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred at approximately 11:40 P.M. on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

The public can view the Critical Incident Community Briefing video on the Oxnard Police Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMj-aSJWOkY. The Critical Incident Community Briefing video link will also be available on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts. Viewer discretion is advised.

At approximately 11:26 PM on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to multiple calls for service regarding a male subject walking in traffic in the area of Ventura Road and Doris Avenue. Caller information reported that the subject was holding a pair of scissors in his hand.  One or more officers recognized the subject, 27-year-old Oxnard resident Isaiah Nichols, and confirmed that he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for attempted murder.  This warrant was for an unrelated stabbing incident that occurred on May 17, 2024.  During that incident,  Nichols reportedly stabbed an adult female victim multiple times in the head, and then fled the scene.  The incident, which occurred on a public street in Oxnard, was captured on security camera video.

When officers made contact with Nichols, he was holding kitchen shears in his hand, and did not comply with numerous repeated requests by officers, calling him by his name, to drop the weapon.  The mobile encounter between Nichols and the officers made its way to the 500 block of North ‘N’ Street, and then back to North Ventura Road at Doris Avenue.  During the encounter, officers deployed rounds from a less-lethal “bean bag” shotgun to subdue Nichols, and also made attempts with Tasers.  These attempts were unsuccessful. While on Ventura Road near Doris Avenue, Nichols suddenly turned and advanced towards the officers, as he raised the scissors.  At this instant, an officer-involved shooting occurred. Here is a still from an officer’s body worn camera video:

Body worn camera video depicting the instant preceding the officer-involved shooting.

The officers’ gunfire struck and wounded Nichols, who fell to the ground.  Despite being wounded by gunfire, Nichols would not release his grip on the scissors, and then stood back up.  Sergeant Enrique Alvarez discharged his Taser, striking Nichols, but it was ineffective. Officer Mason Galindo then discharged his Taser, which was effective, and caused Nichols to fall to the ground again.  Nichols released the shears and they fell to the ground directly next to him.  At one point, Nichols reached for the shears again and Sergeant Alvarez discharged his Taser a second time, which was effective. Once it was safe, officers were able to approach Nichols, secure the shears, and begin life saving efforts as emergency medical services personnel approached from their staging point.

At the time of this news release, Nichols is being treated at a medical facility in Ventura County.  Upon his release from treatment, Nichols is facing several criminal charges, including attempted murder (from the May 17 stabbing incident), as well as counts of assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.

Sergeant Enrique Alvarez and Officers Jesus Garcia, Alan Espino, Jon Castillo, Favian Flores, and Mason Galindo were among the Oxnard Police Department personnel who responded to the call. Officers Garcia and Espino discharged their firearms. 

The involved officers' tenures are listed as follows:

  • Sergeant Enrique Alvarez has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since June 1997.

  • Officer Jesus Garcia has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since October 2020.

  • Officer Alan Espino has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since September 2022.

  • Officer Favian Flores has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since December 2022.

  • Officer Jon Castillo has been an Oxnard police officer since August 2022. Prior to becoming an Oxnard police officer, he was a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for four years.

  • Officer Mason Galindo has been an Oxnard police officer since April 2019. Prior to becoming an Oxnard police officer, he was a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for almost two years.

All of the involved officers are assigned to the Oxnard Police Department’s Patrol Division. All of the involved officers completed Crisis Intervention Team training.  None of the officers involved have been involved in a previous shooting incident.

At the time of this news release, all officers have been cleared to return to service in their respective assignments.

Chief Jason Benites stated: “As part of our commitment to transparency with our community, we believe it is important to share this video with the community we serve. This Critical Incident Community Briefing video provides a summary account of what occurred during the evening of May 26, including the sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting. Now that all of the involved personnel have been interviewed, we hope that sharing this video with the public will set straight any misinformation surrounding this incident.  It is important to point out that the intent of this video is not to offer an opinion or analysis of what occurred. Please keep in mind that this is currently an active criminal investigation, so the information we can release is limited. More information, including all of the body worn camera video and the investigative reports, will be available to the public after the investigation is completed.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Detectives request that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information contact Detective Adam Aguilar at (805) 385-7680 or adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org.


NEWS RELEASE

DATE:          June 14, 2024

SUBJECT:   Narcotic Sales / Illegal Gun Possession Arrest

SUSPECTS:Victor Ceja, 38-year-old Oxnard Resident    

LOCATION: 100 block of North McKinley Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT:   Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

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

 
The Oxnard Police Department's Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed an investigation into the alleged narcotic sales committed by Victor Ceja, a 38-year-old Oxnard resident. During the investigation, DEU detectives gathered sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant for Ceja's residence in the 100 block of North McKinley Avenue in Oxnard.  

On June 14, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department's DEU, with the assistance of the Violent Crimes Unit and patrol officers, executed the search warrant at Ceja's residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of suspected Fentanyl possessed for sales and evidence related to narcotic sales.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, "Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller. Twenty-six percent of tablets tested in a DEA laboratory contained a lethal dose of Fentanyl."

In addition, Ceja was found to have an illegal rifle. Ceja has a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from owning or possessing any firearms. Ceja was arrested for numerous narcotic and gun-related charges and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Pre-Trial Detention facility.  

The Oxnard Police Department's DEU comprises detectives federally deputized as Task Force Officers (s) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officers (s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge of investigating violations of the United States of America's drug and criminal laws.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard.  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:           June 11, 2024

SUBJECT:    Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation

CONTACT:   Mike Gens, Sergeant

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

 

Oxnard Police Department Focuses on the Dangers of Distracted Driving

 

Oxnard, Calif. – On June 13, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

 

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months or a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.   

 

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

 

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

   UPDATE NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            June 10, 2024, at 5:00 P.M.

SUBJECT:   Suspect Arrested for April 2024 Shooting Death of 17-year-old

LOCATION:  4200 block South ‘G’ Street, Oxnard   

VICTIM:         17-year-old male, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT:   Jose Alberto Salazar 29-year-old male, Oxnard resident

CONTACT:   Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7632 (Tues-Fri 7am-5pm)| jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org       

 

On April 15, 2024, at approximately 11:45 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department communications center received a call of a shooting victim in a vehicle at the intersection of Yucca St and “F” St. Oxnard Police Officers responded to the area and located a 17-year-old male Oxnard resident suffering from a single gunshot wound. He was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The following afternoon the victim succumbed to his injuries. Officers located evidence of the shooting in the 4200 block of South “G” St. This marked the fourth homicide in Oxnard for 2024.

 

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department worked diligently over the next several weeks piecing together evidence. Through the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as Jose Alberto Salazar, a 29-year-old male Oxnard resident. On June 10, 2024, investigators arrested Salazar at the Ventura County Jail where he was currently in custody on unrelated charges. The motive for the crime remains under investigation. Salazar will remain in custody with his bail set at $2 million.

 

This is still an ongoing investigation and investigators are still seeking any further information regarding this incident. Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755 or by email at meagan.tobey@oxnardpd.org.  Also, 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 also 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 / TIME PREPARED: June 10, 2024, 5:00 P.M.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:           June 8, 2024 (10:45 p.m.)

SUBJECT:    Man Arrested for Possession of Four Handguns and Ammunition

LOCATION: 1900 Block Pericles Place, Oxnard

SUSPECT:    Cristian Barrera, 19 year old Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE:    Gray 2007 Honda Civic

CONTACT:  Brian Woolley, Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7771 | brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org

 

On June 8, 2024, at approximately 10:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1900 block of Pericles Place for reports of a male armed with a handgun in front of a residence.  When officers arrived, they located Cristian Barrera seated in the driver’s seat of a gray, 2007 Honda Civic parked along the curb.  Barrera matched the description of the armed suspect provided by the 911 caller.  Officers detained Barrera and conducted further investigation.  During a search of the area surrounding the vehicle, officers located an empty handgun holster and a box of handgun ammunition on the sidewalk adjacent to the car. 

Assisting K-9 Officer Ignacio Coronel and his partner, PSD “Joey”, who is certified in the detection of firearms and ammunition, conducted an exterior search of the Honda and alerted to the presence of firearms and/or ammunition inside the trunk of the vehicle.  When officers searched the vehicle, four loaded handguns, three of which were unregistered, and several rounds of ammunition were found in the trunk.  Barrera was arrested for multiple felony firearms violations and booked into Ventura County Jail.

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.

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Officers have completed their investigation of a fatal traffic collision. The southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard between Rose Ave and Statham Blvd are now open. 

Jose Diaz

Oxnard Police Department
Sergeant / Patrol Support
805-797-5522

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:                       June 5, 2024

SUBJECT:                Fatal Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian Lying in Roadway

LOCATION:              Oxnard Boulevard, south of Statham Boulevard

DRIVER:                   Rosa Ramirez, 53 years old, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE:                 2009 Pontiac G6

PEDESTRIAN:        Ray Rangel, 50 years old, Oxnard Resident                         

CONTACT:               Jason Coleman, Traffic Investigator

                        (805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | jason.coleman@oxnardpd.org

On June 5, 2024, at approximately 3:10 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the area of Oxnard Boulevard and Statham Boulevard. The pedestrian, identified as Ray Rangel, sustained fatal injuries at the scene and was pronounced deceased. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Rosa Ramirez, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that Rangel chose to lie down in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard. Ramirez was traveling southbound on Oxnard Boulevard and struck Rangel as he lay in the roadway. Officers are still investigating Rangel’s intent to position himself in front of oncoming traffic. Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Jason Coleman at (805) 200-5668 or via email at jason.coleman@oxnardpd.org.

If the inquiry is outside the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage using 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. 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            May 30th, 2024 (5:54 p.m.)

SUBJECT:     Two Juveniles Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS:  14-year-old male Oxnard resident

                       14-year-old male Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION:   West Alley 4900 blk. Olds Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT:     Bakari Myers, Sergeant

                      (805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

 

On May 30th, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a foot patrol in the west alley of the 4900 blk. of Olds Rd. The Oxnard Police Department had previously obtained agent authorization pursuant to penal code 602(O) PC due to complaints of gang activity on the property.  As officers arrived on scene two juveniles immediately attempted to flee but were apprehended after short foot pursuits. 

 

Both subjects were found to be 14-year-old juveniles that were in possession of loaded handguns.  One of the juveniles was in possession of a 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun.  Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.  The Polymer 80 handgun was equipped with a threaded barrel.  A threaded pistol barrel allows the firearm to accept a flash suppressor, or silencer and fit the definition of “assault weapon”, per 30515 of the California Penal Code.  The second juvenile was found to be in possession of a loaded, and unregistered 9-millimter handgun.  Neither of the juveniles lived at the complex.  Both juveniles were arrested for firearms violations and transported to the Juvenile Justice Center.     

 

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.  

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 3, 2024 

SUBJECT: Planned Comprehensive Fireworks Enforcement Efforts

LOCATION: City of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Brian Woolley, Sergeant (805) 385-7771 | brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org 

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Despite this, each year during the month leading up to July 4th, the Oxnard Police Department receives many fireworks complaints. In 2023, 631 fireworks calls were received by the Oxnard Police Dispatch Center during the month leading up to July 4th; an additional 260 calls, emails and messages were received from residents on the department’s fireworks hotlines and email tip line.  On the 4th of July holiday itself, during the 8-hour time frame between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Department received 393 fireworks disturbance calls last year.   

Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous with risk of significant injuries.  Each year, fireworks land on rooftops and cause structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress. They can also be very distressing for pets and their owners. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks. 

The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch offenders of fireworks violations, each year the Department prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement. Last year, as a result of the dedicated and comprehensive fireworks enforcement efforts, the Department issued dozens of citations for fireworks violations.  

Any individual caught using or possessing fireworks, is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane“ fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.

During the upcoming fireworks enforcement efforts, the Department will again be positioning message trailers in specific areas of the city in response to the fireworks activity reported by residents. The message trailers will display information reminding residents that fireworks are illegal and informing them of the applicable fines. Additionally, the Department has already begun mailing warning letters to addresses where fireworks activity was reported last year. The letters inform the residents that their addresses will be closely monitored this year for any repeat violations. 

The Department’s Crime Analysis Unit plays a valuable role in this effort by compiling recent fireworks calls and regularly updating patrol officers of the specific locations where fireworks are occurring. Officers starting their shifts are asked to target those specific areas for enforcement purposes during their patrols.  Throughout the month leading up to July 4th, our Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) officers will be proactively sending out warning notices to specific addresses where fireworks activity is being reported. Furthermore, in the weeks leading up to July 4th, NPT officers will be teaming up with Fire Department and Code Compliance personnel to conduct periodic undercover fireworks suppression operations at night, involving the use of drones, to help pinpoint addresses where fireworks are occurring.

This year, the Department is planning another comprehensive fireworks enforcement effort on July 4th utilizing all available resources.  This means that many officers who would normally have Independence Day off have been assigned to work, including officers in specialized lateral assignments such as our NPT, Homeless Liaison Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, and Traffic Unit. The Department will deploy the officers in a multitude of capacities including uniformed patrol, undercover operations, motorcycle, bicycle, and foot patrols. Additionally, the Department will deploy several drones to detect locations where fireworks are occurring. 

The City of Oxnard has a social host ordinance which holds property owners responsible for fireworks activity occurring on, or from, their property.  Each year, the Department uses drones on the 4th of July which aid in identifying specific addresses where fireworks are being used. However, given the high volume of fireworks calls on July 4th, officers are not always able to immediately contact the property owners/renters to issue a citation. Nonetheless, NPT officers will mail fireworks citations to the property owners during the month of July to ensure they are held accountable for the illegal/dangerous activity occurring on their property. The Department will follow the same procedure this year but will be using enhanced drone resources. Property owners where dangerous fireworks are occurring will be subject to receiving a citation for $1000. 

The Oxnard Police Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely without risk of injury or property damage.  We also encourage everyone to respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets, by refraining from the use of fireworks. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

  • Fireworks Cellphone Line (805-307-6308) Dedicated line specifically for fireworks complaints carried by an NPT officer while on duty to take down specific information of problematic locations where fireworks are occurring.  

  • Fireworks Tips via Email (Fireworks@oxnardpd.org) Please provide specific information regarding locations, days, and times  

  • Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous

Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.