News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2021

SUBJECT: Car Thieves Targeting 1999 and 2000 Year Toyota 4-Runners

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Detective Enrique Alvarez

(805) 385-7664 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is warning members of the community that there has been an uptick in stolen Toyota 4-Runners. Car thieves are targeting 1999 and 2000 model Toyota 4-Runners and the thefts have occurred in the last three days. So far, four Toyota 4-Runners have been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department.

Detectives assigned to the Department’s Auto Theft Task Force are asking that community members help prevent auto theft by never leaving vehicles running while unattended and to remove all keys and valuables from inside the vehicles. Also, remember to lock and secure vehicles at all times and utilize vehicle alarms or anti-theft devices like the Club. Finally, if possible, park vehicles inside a garage or a well-lit area.

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 or visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2021

SUBJECT: Night Time Intruder Arrested

LOCATION: 100 Block of North G Street

VICTIM: Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Johnathan David Cardenas, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Utter, Detective

(805) 385-7687 | [email protected]

On August 12, 2021, Oxnard police officers responded to a “Hot Prowl” Burglary to a residence in the 100 Block of North G Street. Officers were informed that a suspect had forced entry into the house through a rear window while the residents were home. It was discovered that the suspect had stolen items, consumed food, and vandalized the property.

Property Crimes Detectives assumed the investigation and worked closely with technicians at the Ventura County Crime Lab to process evidence located at the crime scene. Based on the evidence, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 36-year old Johnathan David Cardenas, an Oxnard resident.

On August 23, 2021, Oxnard police officers located Cardenas in the city of Oxnard and arrested him for residential burglary and an outstanding felony warrant. Cardenas is also suspected of committing an additional “Hot Prowl” burglary at the same residence on August 16, 2021.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have regularly shared throughout the year.

Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.
Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.

Landscape improvements-

Keep dense bushes and trees trimmed and at least six feet away from your doors and windows. You want neighbors to have a clear view of the perimeter of your home.
Plant thorny roses or berries under and around your windows.
Eliminate anything that could be used as a stepping stone for burglars to hoist themselves in through a window.
Install motion sensor lights. They’re practical and energy-efficient.
Use gravel on your walkways. The loud crunch of footsteps on gravel could deter would-be thieves.
Opt for open or low fencing. Avoid brick walls and other types of opaque fencing that can hide intruders from view.

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 stay 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: August 24, 2021, 7:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest / Felon in possession of a loaded firearm

SUSPECTS: Kevin Hlyt, 21 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3400 block of Naples Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, [email protected]

During the month of August 2021, the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) received several complaints regarding a nuisance residence in the 3400 block of Naples Drive. NPT officers notified the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) regarding narcotics activity occurring at the residence. DEU Detectives conducted a narcotics investigation and identified the resident, Kevin Hlyt, as being involved in the narcotics activity. Detectives developed probable cause to author a search warrant for the residence.

On August 24, 2021, Hlyt was observed driving at a high rate of speed throughout the neighborhood. Oxnard Patrol Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on his vehicle and found him to be under the influence of narcotics, in possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Hlyt was placed under arrest and transported to the Oxnard Police Department.

DEU Detectives served the search warrant at his residence and located a loaded firearm. A large quantity of pure fentanyl, methamphetamine, thousands of dollars in US Currency, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Hlyt is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning firearms. Upon completion of the investigation, Hlyt was arrested for narcotics sales, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

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: August 23, 2021, 1600 hours

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police Seeks Public’s Assistance Locating Homicide Suspect

LOCATION: 1500 block of Crawford Street, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Genaro Cortes, 35 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

VICTIM: Uriel Barrera, 26 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in the shooting which occurred on August 19^th, 2021, in the 1500 block of Crawford Street. Officers responded to a shooting victim, Uriel Barrera, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Barrera was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries and died.

The suspect fled the scene prior to officer arrival. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Genaro Cortes, a 35 year old, Oxnard resident, black hair, brown eyes, 5-07, 200lbs. Cortes fled the scene in a white 2000 Chevrolet Utility Truck, California license plate 6L29406. “Full House Plumbing” in blue lettering on doors. Pictures attached.

Cortes is wanted in connection with this homicide. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives are also asking 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/1500crawfordstreet 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.

Also, investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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.

truck 2.PNG

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 19, 2021, 2157 hours

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1500 block of Crawford Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Uriel Barrera, 26 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On August 19^th, 2021, at about 2200 hours, Officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Crawford Street regarding a shooting victim in front of a residence. When officers arrived, they found the victim, Uriel Barrera, 26 year old, Oxnard resident, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene and immediately transported the victim to the hospital. Unfortunately, Barrera succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The suspect fled the scene prior to officer arrival. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle believed to be used by the suspect to flee. A white 2000 Chevrolet Utility Truck, California license plate 6L29406. Picture attached.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the location and has taken over this investigation. This is the 12^th homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 18, 2021, 9:45 a.m.

SUBJECT: Serious injury traffic collision

LOCATION: Rice Avenue at Camino Del Sol, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 68-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

Grey Dodge Dakota pickup truck

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 62-year-old male of Ventura, CA

White International semi-truck and trailer

CONTACT: Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

On August 18, 2021, at approximately 9:45 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Rice Avenue and Camino Del Sol. When officers and EMS personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered a grey Dodge Dakota pickup and white International semi-truck and trailer were involved in the collision. The semi-truck driver, identified as a 62-year-old male of Ventura, was uninjured and cooperated with the investigation. The driver of the Dodge, who was identified as a 68-year-old male of Oxnard, was initially trapped in the pickup truck but was extricated from the vehicle and immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The driver sustained serious injuries and is currently listed in critical condition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the semi-truck was traveling southbound on Rice Avenue and attempted to make a left turn onto Camino Del Sol. While traveling through the intersection, the semi-truck was broadsided by the Dodge pickup truck which was traveling northbound on Rice Avenue.

Traffic investigators do not believe that drugs and/or alcohol were involved in the collision. The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 17, 2021, 8:37 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearms and Narcotics Arrest

LOCATION: 800 block Cedar Court, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Galen Scott Koen 49-year-old Oxnard resident CONTACT: Mike Johnson, Sergeant

(805) 486-6211 | [email protected]

On August 17, 2021, at approximately 8:37 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Special Operations Division were working Uniformed Gang Enforcement in the area of the 800 block of Cedar Court. Investigators observed 49-year-old Oxnard resident Galen Koen exiting an illegally parked vehicle. Investigators recognized Koen from prior arrests and knew he was currently out on bail. As investigators contacted Koen, he fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Koen was taken into custody. Koen was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and narcotics. The narcotics were packaged for sales and Koen was in possession of other paraphernalia consistent with the sales of narcotics. Koen was arrested for numerous firearms and narcotics related charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Koen was out on bail from an arrest by investigators and officers from the Special Operations Division on May 6^th, 2021. In that incident, Koen attempted to flee in his vehicle and collided with several cars, including a marked police unit. He was arrested at that time for numerous firearms and narcotics related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Operations Division 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 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: August 17, 2021 / 11:55 P.M.

** UPDATE **

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 17, 2021, 4:00 PM

SUBJECT: Stabbing Victim Dies from Injuries

LOCATION: Del Sol Park, 1800 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Jorge Hernandez Maldonado, 32 year old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

Today, August 17, 2021, at 4:00 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department was notified that the victim from the stabbing which took place at Del Sol Park, on Sunday, August 15, 2021, at about 3:30 P.M., succumbed to his injuries and died this afternoon. The victim has been identified as Jorge Hernandez Maldonado, a 32 year old Oxnard resident.

Maldonado had been involved in an altercation with two male suspects at Del Sol Park. He was stabbed multiple times during this incident. Upon arrival, Maldonado was found to be unresponsive. He was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for emergency medical treatment. He passed away today from his injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit has taken over this investigation. This is the eleventh homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

Detectives are asking 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/700southestreet 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.

Also, investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 16, 2021, 9:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: First Street & Nadar St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Oswaldo Avalos, 19-year-old Oxnard resident CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On August 16, 2021, at approximately 9:35 P.M., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to a fight in the area of First Street and Nadar Street. When officers arrived, they observed several subjects in a vehicle and believed they were possibly involved in the disturbance. While contacting one of the occupants, Oswaldo Avalos, they located a loaded firearm on his person. Avalos was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for several firearm violations.

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: August 16, 2021 / 11:55 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 16, 2021 10:03 P.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting

LOCATION: Cooper Road & McKinley Ave.

VICTIM: 18-year-old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291 | [email protected]

On August 16, 2021 at approximately 10:03 P.M. Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the area of Cooper Road and McKinley Ave. regarding a shooting victim. When officers arrived they located the victim, an 18-year-old Oxnard resident, who had suffered at least one gunshot wound to his upper extremities. He was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact Detective Vega at (805) 385-8291, 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: August 16, 2021 / 11:54 P.M.