News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 2, 2021, 6:22 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest / Animal Cruelty

SUSPECTS: Donny Askar, 44 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2500 Block of Peninsula Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an investigation into Donny Askar regarding narcotics activity occurring at his residence located in the 2500 block of Peninsula Road. During the investigation, investigators learned that Askar may be in possession of an alligator.

On March 2, 2021, with the assistance of SEU Officers, Donny Askar was located in the City of Port Hueneme. SEU Officers contacted Aksar and detained him pursuant to his probation terms. SEU Officers and DEU Detectives conducted a probation search at Aksar’s residence pursuant to his search terms. During the search, officers found Askar to be in possession of heroin for sales, Methamphetamine for sales, cocaine, and an alligator approximately four feet in length.

Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the residence to secure the alligator. The four-foot alligator was found submerged in a poorly secured tank with rancid water. Askar’s residence is a waterfront residence which could have led to the alligator escaping into the Channel Islands Harbor. Wardens seized the alligator and transported it to a safe and secure location.

Donny Askar was arrested for possession for sale of heroin and methamphetamine, both felonies, animal cruelty, a felony, and illegal possession of an alligator, a misdemeanor.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to identifying and disrupting the narcotics activity responsible for creating quality of life issues 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: February 27, 2021, 9:42 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 800 blk. E. Yucca St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Miguel Jimenez, 39-year-old Oxnard resident

Anna Raya 34-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

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

On February 27, at approximately 9:42 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 800 blk. of E. Yucca St. The driver, identified as Miguel Jimenez, quickly exited the vehicle but was detained by the officers. The officers immediately recognized Jimenez as a documented criminal street gang member that had been on parole for assault with a deadly weapon. Jimenez had been recently discharged from parole supervision. Officers also made contact with the right front passenger, who was identified as Anna Raya. Officers conducted a records check and learned that Raya was on parole for robbery and that she also had an outstanding felony warrant.

Both subjects were detained and the vehicle was searched pursuant to Raya’s parole terms. Officers located a loaded handgun in the vehicle. Raya was arrested for her felony warrant, and Jimenez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Officers searched Jimenez’ person subsequent to his arrest and located substances resembling methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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: February 27, 2021 / 2350 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 28, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Four Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – 798 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on February 27, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Vineyard Avenue and Esplanade Drive from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Twenty-nine drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license and four 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: February 26, 2021 (9:09 PM)

SUBJECT: Parolee arrested for discharging a firearm in public

LOCATION: 100 Block of South Oxnard Blvd.

SUSPECT(S): Alejandro Arroyo, age 29, Port Hueneme resident

Unidentified female, age 23, Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | email@Oxnardpd.org

On 2/26/21, at around 9:09 PM, officers were dispatched to a report of a subject firing a handgun into the air, from the driver’s seat of a vehicle, in front of a donut shop in the 100 block of S. Oxnard Blvd. After firing the shots, the suspect drove a short distance, before pulling into a gas station at First Street and Oxnard Blvd. Responding officers observed a vehicle matching the description parked in front of the gas pumps. A high risk stop was conducted and suspect Alejandro Arroyo (10/1/91) was arrested. As officers were attempting to take Arroyo into custody, a 23-year-old unidentified female accompanying Arroyo interfered with officers and delayed them in the performance of their duties. As a result, the female was subsequently arrested for the respective misdemeanor charge. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded .22 caliber handgun and at least one .22 caliber shell casing. Investigating officers responded back to the crime scene and located multiple .22 caliber shell casings on the ground. A records check revealed that Arroyo is a convicted felon and is currently on parole for a carjacking. Arroyo was arrested the felony charges of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, carrying a loaded firearm in public, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition.

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: February 26, 2021 (11:01 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspect arrested shortly after carjacking

LOCATION: Canterbury Way and C Street

SUSPECT(S): Edwin Garcia, age 20, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | email@Oxnardpd.org

On 2/26/21, at around 11:01 PM, officers were dispatched to a carjacking that just occurred in the area of Canterbury Way and C Street. The victim reported that four suspects approached his vehicle. One suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded property. After the victim handed over several items, the suspects entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away. As officers were on scene conducting the investigation, they observed the carjacking vehicle travelling northbound on Charles Street. A high risk traffic stop was conducted near Pleasant Valley Road and C Street. The vehicle was occupied by the driver, Edwin Garcia, age 20. Officers detained Garcia and the victim positively identified him as one of the four suspects. Garcia was subsequently arrested for carjacking. During a search, officers located the victim’s wallet on Garcia’s person.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Oxnard Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on February 27, 2021

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

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

During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with 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: February 26, 2021, 2:45 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm / PRCS Arrest

LOCATION: 1200 block Azalea Street, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Adolfo Palazuelos, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Luis McArthur, Commander

(805) 305-7771 | luis.mcarthur@Oxnardpd.org

On February 26, 2021 at around 2:26 A.M. an Oxnard Police Officer observed a suspicious parked vehicle in the 1200 block of Azalea St. The officer made contact with the sole occupant, Adolfo Palazuelos, a 29-year-old Oxnard resident. Palazuelos was found to be on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and had an active felony warrant for his arrest.

During a search of Palazuelos and the vehicle, officers located a large quantity of narcotics, evidence of narcotic sales, a loaded .45 caliber handgun and a bullet proof vest. The handgun, a Colt .45, was previously reported stolen in the City of Oxnard.

Palazuelos has prior felony convictions for firearm and narcotic possession. The felony convictions make Palazuelos a prohibited person when it comes to possessing firearms or ammunition. Palazuelos was charged with several firearm and narcotic related violations as well as violating his PRCS terms.

The Post Release Offender Program was created in 2011 by Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment). The program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex related felony offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense and prior convictions are not considered.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2021, 4:25 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a bicyclist

LOCATION: Channel Islands Blvd. west of J Street

DRIVER: 51-year-old male of Oxnard

VEHICLE: 2018 Ford Transit Van

BICYCLIST: 39-year-old male of Oxnard

CONTACT: Joseph Clarke, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org

On February 25, 2021, at approximately 4:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist that occurred on Channel Islands Blvd. west of J Street. Officers determined that a 2018 Ford Transit Van struck a 39-year-old male of Oxnard, who was riding a bicycle in the roadway. The bicyclist sustained critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and provided information regarding the collision.

Traffic investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the driver of the Ford Transit Van was traveling westbound on Channel Islands Blvd. when the bicyclist was struck. The driver immediately stopped after the collision. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs are contributing factors to the collision.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7750 or via email at joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2021, 8:10 a.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Collision

LOCATION: Wooley Road east of Deckside Drive, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 25-year-old female of Simi Valley, CA

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7750 | paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org

On February 25, 2021, at approximately 8:10 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Wooley Road east of Deckside Drive. Based on the investigation, it was determined that a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 25-year-old female of Simi Valley was traveling westbound on Wooley Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the driver veered off the roadway and drove onto the north sidewalk west of Deckside Drive, and collided with several objects including a light pole, block wall, and tree. The vehicle then finally came to rest back on the roadway.

During the collision, the driver remained in the vehicle; however, a 4-year-old female passenger was ejected from the vehicle. Both the driver and child passenger were immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center due to serious injuries sustained during the collision but are listed in stable condition.

Traffic investigators 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 Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via email at paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 24, 2021, 7:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Mauricio Yepez, 27 year old Oxnard resident

Marc Mendoza, 22 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block of South Roosevelt Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of February, 2020, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 100 block of South Roosevelt Avenue. During the investigation, detectives identified the resident, Mauricio Yepez, as being involved in the sales of methamphetamine in the city of Oxnard. DEU detectives developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence.

On February 24, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT team, Oxnard K9 Unit, Ventura Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Marc Mendoza, was contacted inside the garage of the residence.

DEU detectives responded to the residence after all of the subjects were detained to complete the investigation. During a search of the residence, detectives located a large quantity of Marijuana, methamphetamine, and other evidence of narcotics sales. Marc Mendoza arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales, a felony, possession of marijuana for sale, and resisting or delaying a police officer, both misdemeanors.

During the service of the search warrant, Mauricio Yepez, was transported to the hospital for an unrelated medical condition. Yepez was released due to his medical condition and need for medical treatment. Yepez is on active Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for auto theft, felony evading, and narcotics. After being medically cleared, Yepez will be facing charges of possession of methamphetamine for sales and a violation of PRCS, both felonies.

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.