News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 17, 2021, 10:26 P.M.

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Firearm and Narcotics Possession

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd. at Statham Blvd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Marcos Nunez, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

Luis Medrano, 36-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On April 17th, at approximately 10:26 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic violation at Oxnard Blvd and Statham Blvd. Officers made contact with the occupants and learned that the passenger, Luis Medrano, was on probation and had an outstanding felony warrant. Officers searched the vehicle pursuant to Medrano's court ordered probation and located a concealed handgun in the vehicle, belonging to the driver, Marcos Nunez. Nunez was also in possession of narcotics. Both Nunez and Medrano are documented criminal street gang members.

Medrano was arrested for his outstanding warrant and Nunez was arrested for various firearms and narcotics related violations.

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 / TIME PREPARED: April 18, 2021 / 0110 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 18, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Two Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – 782 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on April 17, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Victoria Avenue and Wooley Road from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Ten drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license and two drivers were arrested for DUI.

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.

As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic safety concern. Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 16, 2021, 9:06 A.M.

SUBJECT: A Fatal Shooting Victim Discovered After Traffic Collision

LOCATION: 1400 block of West Hemlock Street

VICTIM: Male Hispanic, (Name Withheld Pending Notification to Family)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7633 | Edgar.Fernandez@oxnardpd.org

On April 16, 2021, at about 9:00 A.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a call of a traffic collision in the 1400 block of West Hemlock Street. The involved vehicle had collided with two parked cars. Upon officer arrival, the occupant was found unresponsive. Emergency Medical Personnel immediately arrived on scene and noticed what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the victim. The victim was transported to the hospital for further medical treatment. Unfortunately, once at the hospital the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit and Violent Crimes Unit arrived on scene. This is currently an on-going investigation.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1400westhemlock. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective John Sunia (805) 385-7760. 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: April 16, 2021, 2:15 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 15, 2021

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

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

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

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Saturday, April 17, 2021, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI patrols will be throughout the entire City from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on April 17, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits. DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). Last year, the Oxnard Police Department investigated 264 DUI crashes that resulted in 143 injured persons.

Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana is legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

· Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

· Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

· Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

· Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

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: April 14, 2021, at 1:45 PM

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for Shooting Death in Oxnard

VICTIM: Cristobal Gonzalez, 21 year old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Jason Armenta, 20 year old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7633 | Edgar.Fernandez@oxnardpd.org

On April 4, 2021, at about 6:55 PM, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 600 block of Howell Road, reference a shooting victim down in the street. Upon officer arrival, they located the victim, Cristobal Gonzalez, a 21 year old, Oxnard resident, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel arrived and transported Gonzalez to the Ventura County Medical Center where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded and took control of the homicide investigation. During the ten day investigation, detectives worked collaboratively alongside the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigations, OPD Special Enforcement Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, Crime Reduction Unit and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, to identify a suspect in the shooting death of Cristobal Gonzalez.

On April 14, 2021, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit and the Major Crimes Unit arrested Jason Armenta, a 20 year old, Oxnard resident for the murder of Cristobal Gonzalez. Armenta was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail, with a bail amount of $500,000.

This investigation is on-going. Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. 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: April 14, 5:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 9, 2021, 9:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Overdose investigation leads to Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Colin Hughes, 27 year old Oxnard resident

Cory Hughes, 19 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3600 Block of Samuel Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

During the month of March, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT), and Homeless Liaison Officers (HLO’s) began an investigation regarding an increase in drug overdoses occurring in the area of Yucca Street and Saviers Road. During the investigation, Colin Hughes was identified as being involved in the sale of Fentanyl in the surrounding area. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for narcotics sales.

On April 9, 2021, with the assistance of South District NPT Officers, a search warrant was served at Colin Hughes’ residence. During the service of the search warrant, officers located Colin asleep on a couch next to the front door of the residence. Detective’s detained Colin and found that he was in possession of an imitation firearm that was concealed behind his back. Cory Hughes was located inside of the residence and arrested for his outstanding misdemeanor warrant. During a search of the residence, Detective’s located Fentanyl, Alprazolam (Xanax), and further evidence of narcotics sales.

Colin Hughes was arrested for possession for sale of Fentanyl and possession for sale of Xanax, both felonies. Colin was booked into the Oxnard Jail with a bail request of $250,000

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related overdoses within Oxnard neighborhoods. 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: April 8, 2021, 6:30 a.m.

SUBJECT: Single Vehicle Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Hobson Way north of Seventh Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 48-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

(Name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

2016 Nissan Sentra

CONTACT: Oscar Toraya, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | oscar.toraya@oxnardpd.org

On April 8, 2021, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Hobson Way north of Seventh Street. When police personnel arrived at the scene of the collision, they discovered a 2016 Nissan Sentra had collided with a tree with the driver, a 48-year-old male of Oxnard, partially trapped in the vehicle. Police and EMS personnel were able to remove the driver from the vehicle who was unresponsive and seriously injured. The driver was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, however, despite advanced medical treatment; the driver succumbed to his injuries.

Traffic investigators determined that the driver of the Nissan Sentra was traveling northbound on Hobson Way from Seventh Street when for unknown reasons, the driver veered onto the southbound lanes, continued over the west sidewalk, and then collided with a tree. Traffic investigators do not believe that speed was a contributing factor to the collision. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether drugs and/or alcohol were involved.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Oscar Toraya at (805) 385-7750 or via email at oscar.toraya@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 5, 2021, 6:40 P.M.

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit/Documented Gang Member in Possession of a rifle

LOCATION: 200 blk. Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Crisostomo Palomares 20-year-old Oxnard Resident

Daniel Cervantes 20-year-old Camarillo Resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On April 5, at approximately 6:40 p.m, officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic violation in the 200 blk. of E. Clara St. The driver, identified as Daniel Cervantes, failed to yield and led officers on a three minute vehicle pursuit. The vehicle ultimately stopped in the north alley of Cuesta Del Mar 200 block. The passenger, identified as Crisostomo Palomares, quickly exited the vehicle while holding an AR-15 style rifle. Palomares fled from officers still holding the rifle. A short foot pursuit was initiated and Palomares was found hiding under a parked vehicle and was taken into custody. It was found that Palomares had discarded the rifle under a nearby vehicle as he fled from officers. The rifle was recovered and found to be loaded and unregistered. Cervantes is a convicted felon, on probation with searchable terms and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Palomares is a documented gang member from the City of Oxnard. Palomares was arrested for numerous gang & firearms violations. Cervantes was arrested for felony evading.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM

SUBJECT: Shooting in Oxnard leaves one man dead

LOCATION: 600 block of Howell Road

VICTIM: 21 year old male, Oxnard Resident (name withheld pending notification to family)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 805-385-7763 | Edgar.Fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

On April 4^th, 2021, at about 7:00 PM, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 600 block of Howell Road. They were also advised that there was a subject down in the street. Officers responded and found a male subject suffering from a gunshot wound laying in the middle of the roadway.

Emergency medical personnel arrived and immediately transported the male to the hospital for further medical treatment. Unfortunately, once at the hospital the male succumbed to his injuries and died.

This is the second homicide in the City of Oxnard this year. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding this incident.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/600howellroad. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information

Investigators are also encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within 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 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: April 5, 2020, 2:15 A.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 3, 2021 (2:00 AM)

SUBJECT: Catalytic converter theft suspects arrested

LOCATION: Del Norte Blvd. and Sturgis Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECT(S): Anibal Oregon, 32, Julio Nambo, 27, Fernando Esparza, 37, Bakersfield residents

PREPARED BY: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT: Meagan Tobey, Senior Detective

(805) 385-7755 | meagan.tobey@oxnardpd.org

OXNARD, CA – On Saturday, April 3, 2021, at around 2 a.m., an Oxnard officer patrolling on Del Norte Bl. near Sturgis Rd. heard what sounded like metal being cut. When the officer went to investigate, a grey minivan quickly sped out of a parking lot. The officer drove after the van and stopped the vehicle.

The driver was unlicensed and the two passengers were on probation for theft charges. Inside the vehicle, the officers found power saws, used saw blades, and other cutting tools and nine freshly cut catalytic converters.

The officers checked the area where the cutting noise had been heard and found several trucks with catalytic converters cut from their exhaust systems.

The three men, Anibal Oregon, 32-years-old, Julio Nambo, 27-years-old, and Fernando Esparza, 37-years-old, were arrested and booked in Ventura County Jail for their alleged involvement in the thefts.

Catalytic converters are used to reduce vehicle emissions and thieves target these because of the rise in the value of the precious metals contained inside them, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The stolen items are then sold online and can fetch high prices. For victims, the repairs can cost additional thousands. Trucks, fleet vans, and other vehicles with a higher ground clearance are especially targeted because the catalytic converters are easier to access.

These are some tips to try and prevent catalytic converter thefts:

Park your vehicle inside a secure garage, secured yard, or parked in a way to prevent access to the undercarriage (especially for fleet vehicles).
If parking in a driveway, be sure to have motion lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway as a deterrent.
If available, be sure to park in areas that are covered by video surveillance.
A car alarm equipped with a vehicle motion detector will also be helpful.
Mark or engrave your vehicle’s catalytic converter with the vehicle license plate or VIN number, or with brightly colored, high-temperature paint. This will help law enforcement track a converter back to your vehicle in the event of a theft.
Check with your insurance company regarding catalytic converter theft as many insurance companies do cover such a theft under comprehensive coverage plans, as the catalytic converter is an OEM vehicle part.
There are also several options for anti-theft devices from companies such as the “CatClamp” and “CatStrap” that offer devices that surround or bolt onto the converters, or there are covers and shield type devices from “Cat Security” and various others, that are made for specific vehicle models and bolt in place, protecting the catalytic converter.
If suspicious activity or crimes in progress are seen, be sure to call 911 immediately. If your catalytic converter is stolen, you will know as soon as the vehicle is started, as it will sound like there’s no muffler at all. It is still ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler shop/dealership for repairs. If possible, take photos of the damages prior to repairing the vehicle.

The Oxnard Police Department is actively working on these investigations and asking anyone with information about these thefts, to contact Oxnard Police Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755.