New Release: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results (2/27/21)

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 (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.  

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 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 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.