NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 26^th, 2024 (7:10 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Handgun Recovered from Parolee During Traffic Stop

SUSPECTS: Sergio Contreras, 42-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Saviers Rd. at Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | Jason.radcliffe@Oxnardpd.org

On July 26th, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations in the area of Saviers Rd. and Pleasant Valley Rd.

The driver was identified as Sergio Contreras, who is on parole and a documented Colonia Chiques gang member. During a parole search, a loaded firearm was located in the vehicle. A subsequent search of Contreras’s residence revealed narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia, indicating he was involved in the sale of narcotics. Contreras was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail.

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: July 26, 2024

SUBJECT: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control “Shoulder Tap” Operation

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-7600 | steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department and ABC arrest four in Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation

The Oxnard Police Department and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested four individuals during a joint Oxnard Police and ABC “Shoulder Tap” operation on July 26, 2024. This enforcement operation is designed to create awareness about the dangers of underage drinking throughout California and keep communities safe.

A Shoulder Tap operation focuses on adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. A minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The minor also indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This operation was funded by ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 24, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Arrest for Murder in Connection with Overdose Death

SUSPECTS: Rodney Rey Yanez, 55 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1500 block of W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

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

On September 20, 2023, Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel responded to a report of an overdose victim in the restroom of a gas station located in the 1500 block of W. Gonzales Rd., in Oxnard. Responding officers and emergency personnel performed CPR on the victim, Dylan Rusch, but were unable to revive him. Mr. Rusch was pronounced deceased at the scene. Toxicology results from the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office show a lethal level of fentanyl was the cause of death.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted an extensive investigation into this incident. Detectives processed evidence, interviewed multiple witnesses, executed several search warrants, and ultimately identified Rodney Rey Yanez as the person who sold fentanyl to Mr. Rusch. Detectives also identified Yanez as a suspect in a series of narcotics-related offenses stemming back to January of 2023.

With the assistance of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Yanez for Second Degree Murder and several narcotics sales-related offenses.

On July 24, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department’s DEU, with the assistance of the K9 Unit and the Neighborhood Policing Team, located Yanez in the 5500 block of Everglade St. in the City of Ventura. He was arrested for the outstanding warrant and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention facility.

This investigation marks the first time murder charges were filed against a person who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl to a victim who overdosed and died.

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: July 20, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

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

Six impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On July 19, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Oxnard Boulevard and Deodar Avenue, as well as a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in six arrests for impaired driving, and twenty-six citations for driving while unlicensed.

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.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2024

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

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

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

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, July 19, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

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 2021, 1,370 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The 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 are 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 arrest 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: July 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Jovany Macias 19-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1600 block Impatiens Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Randall Gonzales, Detective

(805) 288-3289 | randall.gonzales@oxnardpd.org

During the month of July, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into Jovany Macias regarding illegal firearms possession. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence in the 1600 block of Impatiens Drive in Oxnard.

On July 17, 2024, members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact Macias in the 2100 block of Wankel Way. Macias fled on foot and was captured a short distance away. Macias was found to be in possession of a loaded semiautomatic firearm.

During a subsequent search at Macias’s residence, Violent Crimes Unit Investigators located an additional loaded semiautomatic firearm, an assault rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, gun parts, and narcotics.

Macias was arrested for various firearms and narcotic possession offenses.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses, gang crimes, and gun violence 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. 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.

Good evening,

The Oxnard Police Department is currently investigating a traffic collision in the area of Rose Ave and Mountain View Ave. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Rose Ave will be closed for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

**UPDATE**

The roadway has been reopened. Thank you again for your patience.

On Sun, Jul 14, 2024 at 7:40 PM Wood, Mike <mike.wood@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

Good evening,

The Oxnard Police Department is currently investigating a traffic collision in the area of Rose Ave and Mountain View Ave. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Rose Ave will be closed for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

Sergeant Mike Wood
Patrol Division
Oxnard Police Department

(805)385-7600| (805)797-5956

251 S C St, Oxnard, CA 93030
Mike.Wood@Oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 15, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: 2017 Suzuki GSX Motorcycle

2023 Freightliner Cascadia (tractor-trailer)

DRIVERS: Alois Slepicka, 59-yr-old Oxnard resident

Ram Pal, 42-yr-old New York, NY resident

CONTACT: Officer Alexis Arellano

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thrs 7AM-5PM) I alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org

On July 14, 2024, at approximately 7:11 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a motorcycle and tractor-trailer at the intersection of South Rose Avenue and Mountain View Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located two subjects lying in the roadway of Rose Avenue. Both subjects, later identified as Alois and Maria Slepicka, had been ejected from their Suzuki GSX motorcycle. They were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Ram Pal, remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.

Initial investigation revealed Pal was driving his tractor-trailer eastbound Mountain View Avenue. He stopped at Rose Avenue, and then entered the intersection to make a left turn. Alois was riding his motorcycle southbound Rose Avenue. Alois veered to the left in an attempt to avoid colliding with the truck-tractor. Alois was unable to avoid a collision, and struck the front driver’s side of the truck-tractor. The force of the collision ejected Alois and Maria from the motorcycle.

Investigators do not believe impairment contributed to the collision, however, speed may have been a factor. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Alexis Arellano at (805) 385-7749 or via email at alexis.arellano@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: July 12^th, 2024 (9:31 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Passenger in Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Numbers, Driver Arrested for Parole Violation

SUSPECTS: Joel Jimenez, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

Bladimir Leyva, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: F St. at Third St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

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

On July 12^th, at approximately 9:31 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on F St. and Third St. Officers learned that the right rear passenger, identified as Bladimir Leyva, was on parole for conspiracy. Officers removed the occupants so that they could conduct a parole search. After officers removed the right front passenger, identified as Joel Jimenez, officers learned that Jimenez was in possession of a loaded 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. Upon further inspection of the handgun officers noted the serial numbers to the handgun had been obliterated, a felony.

Jimenez was arrested for felony firearms violations. Leyva was arrested for violating the terms of his parole. Jimenez and Leyva are both documented Oxnard criminal street gang members. The female driver was released from the scene.