News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 29, 2020, 10:50 A.M.

SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms Possession

LOCATION: 300 block Cuesta Del Mar (North Alley)

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

On Tuesday, December 29, at approximately 10:50 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a pedestrian stop. Officers contacted Anselmo Nevarez (21yrs), who was exhibiting symptoms of being under the influence of drugs. Nevarez is also on probation and is a prohibited person from possessing firearms and ammunition.

During the Officer’s contact with Nevarez, he suddenly fled from officers on foot. The officers pursued Nevarez. During the foot pursuit, Nevarez was seen discarding a firearm. The officers subsequently caught up to Nevarez and took him into custody without further incident. Officers seized the firearm that was discarded by Nevarez. The firearm located was a loaded 40 caliber Glock style Polymer-80 semi-automatic handgun. The firearm was found to be non-serialized and unregistered. Nevarez was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity magazine and possession of a firearm with a prior violent offense.

The Oxnard Police Department 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: December 25, 2020, 12:15A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: 1200 block of Hibiscus Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Alexis Najar, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7746 | Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

On the above date and time, an officer from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation; the vehicle yielded in the 1200 block of Hibiscus. During the contact with the driver, the officer observed a firearm inside the vehicle. The firearm was found to be a loaded 9mm firearm. The driver, Najar, was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm.

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: December 20, 2020, 8:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Attempted Murder, Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: 600 Block Of East Poplar Street, Oxnard, CA

76 Gas, 1445 West Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291

ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org

On December 20, 2020 at approximately 8:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 600 block of East Poplar Street. When they arrived, officers made contact with the victim, a 61-year-old female. Officers learned the suspect, David Santivanez, a 32-year-old Oxnard resident, had been involved in a dispute with the victim and during the dispute, stabbed her multiple times. She was later transported to an area hospital in stable condition. Multiple officers attempted to locate Santivanez but were unsuccessful.

On December 22, 2020, at approximately 5:00 A.M., officers were dispatched to a stabbing victim at the 76 Gas Station, located at 1445 West Channel Islands Boulevard. When they arrived, they contacted a male victim suffering from a stab wound inside of the business. It was determined that Santivanez was also the suspect in this stabbing. Officers in the area located Santivanez a short distance away and took him into custody.

Santivanez was arrested for attempted murder for the stabbing on December 20^th, and assault with a deadly weapon for the stabbing on December 22^nd. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on those charges. Anyone with information on either incident is encouraged to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-8291 or ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 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: December 23, 2020, 1:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Drug Overdoses in the City of Oxnard

VICTIMS: 40 year old male Oxnard resident

29 year old male Oxnard resident

49 year old female Oxnard resident

36 year old male Oxnard resident

29 year old male Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2300 Block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

North Rose Avenue @ 101 Freeway, Oxnard

Ninth Street @ B Street, Oxnard

1200 Block of South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard

1900 Block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On December 22, 2020, the City of Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to five calls for service involving drug overdoses in a ten hour period. Two of the five incidents were fatal overdoses.

At 3:35 p.m., Oxnard police officers and EMS were dispatched to a suspected heroin overdose in a North Oxnard business parking lot. EMS attempted lifesaving efforts, unfortunately the 40 year old male victim was pronounced deceased on scene.

At 7:04 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a second call for service at North Rose Avenue and the 101 freeway regarding a subject unconscious and not breathing. EMS arrived on-scene and administered Naloxone which revived the 29 year old male. The victim was transported to the hospital for further care.

At 7:35 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a call for service regarding a subject unconsious and not breathing at Ninth Street and B Street. Prior to EMS arrival, a bystander administered Naloxone which revived the 49 year old female victim. The female victim was transported by EMS to a local hospital for an overdose from suspected opiate use.

At 11:26 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a call for service regarding a subject unconscious and not breathing inside a business restroom located in the 1200 block of South Victoria Avenue. EMS attempted lifesaving efforts, unfortunately the 36 year old male victim was pronounced deceased on scene.

On December 23, 2020 at 1:26 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a call for service regarding a subject unconscious and not breathing in a business parking lot located in the 1900 block of North Rose Avenue. Officers arrived on scene, administered two doses of Naloxone, and began CPR. The 29 year old male victim was revived and transported to a local hospital by EMS for further treatment.

In the United States, approximately 115 people die each day as the result of overdosing from opioids. The addiction to pain relievers such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Roxicodone has caused a dramatic increase in Heroin and Fentanyl use in Ventura County. Heroin is cheaper and a more readily available alternative to opioid pills. Heroin is often cut and mixed with fentanyl to increase the potency and profitability of the drug. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and is lethal in very small dosages. A lethal dosage amount could be as little as the size of three grains of salt.

The Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) has recently made an increase in seizures of Fentanyl and Heroin. The opioid epidemic crosses all demographics and boundaries. The rate of addiction and overdoses have changed the lives of the nation and Ventura County residents. Very few people can say they do not know somebody who is not affected by the epidemic. Victims range from family members, friends, church members, co-workers, associates to professionals, basically all walks of life. Opioid pill addiction often starts from painkiller use as the result of an injury or surgery or recreational use of opioid pills and progresses to heroin dependency.

Law enforcement in Ventura County has been collaborating with agencies such as Ventura County Behavioral Health to save lives and combat the opioid epidemic. Oxnard Police Department patrol officers carry and have administered Naloxone to overdose victims.

In addition, Ventura County Behavioral Health provides Naloxone kits for family members or people living with an individual struggling with opiate/opioid addiction. Naloxone kits have saved the lives of numerous individuals since being distributed to family members or friends. The administration of Naloxone restores breathing / repository system, which buys vital time until EMS arrives.

If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction or drug dependency please refer to the Ventura County Behavioral Health for a list of resources available at www.venturacountyresponds.org. Opioid education is the first and most vital step to combat the epidemic.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 22, 2020, 5:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 2400 blk. South Ventura Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Victor Menendez, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On December 22^nd, at approximately 5:00 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction in the 2400 blk. of South Ventura Rd. Upon contacting the occupants, the officers learned that the driver possibly had a warrant issued from a law enforcement agency in Texas. Officers began removing the occupants from the vehicle until the warrant was confirmed. Victor Menendez was a passenger in the vehicle. As officers prepared to remove Menendez from the vehicle, Menendez admitted to having a handgun concealed on his person. Officers removed the loaded handgun and Menendez was arrested for felony firearms violations for possessing an unregistered handgun and for possessing a loaded, concealed firearm in the vehicle. Menendez is a documented criminal street gang member in the city of Oxnard.

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: December 22, 2020 / 1800 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 22, 2020 1:20 p.m.

SUBJECT: Man assaults two officers

LOCATION: Vineyard Avenue near Stroube Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762

luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

On Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at about 1:20 p.m., officers were flagged down on Vineyard Avenue near Stroube Street regarding 35-year-old Brian Ramirez of Oxnard who had just assaulted a woman.

When officers came to the woman’s aid, Ramirez turned on the officers and attacked them by kicking and punching. He struck one of the officers in the face before he was subdued on the ground.

One officer suffered a fractured nose and the second officer suffered an injury to his leg. They were both treated at the hospital and released.

Ramirez was charged with battery and aggravated assault on officers.

Anyone with any information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 21, 2020, 8:50 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 500 blk. South Rose Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Alvaro Hernandez, 19-year-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On December 21^st, at approximately 8:50 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and Oxnard K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction in the 500 blk. of South Rose Ave. Officers made contact with the occupants and learned that all of the occupants were on supervised release with search terms. The occupants were removed from the vehicle, and the vehicle was searched. Officers located a loaded handgun concealed in the vehicle. .

Hernandez was arrested for possessing the firearm. Hernandez was charged with felony firearms violations for possessing the loaded firearm in the vehicle and for it being unregistered. Hernandez is a documented criminal street gang member.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 21, 2020 / 2300 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 18, 2020, 9:40 P.M.

SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms Possession and Controlled Substances for Sale

LOCATION: 600 Block of Kamala Street and 1200 Block of South “K” Street

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On December 18, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a black Nissan Altima for a vehicle code violation at the 600 block of Kamala Street. Officers contacted Leslie Blanco (29yrs) and Patricio Rocha (22yrs) in the vehicle. Blanco is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard and is currently on probation with search terms. Rocha is a known criminal street gang member and a prohibited person from possessing firearms and ammunition.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a loaded .38 Special Revolver concealed in the vehicle and found to be in Rocha’s possession. Rocha was also in possession of methamphetamine, and Xanax packed in a way consistent with controlled substance sales. The firearm was not registered to Rocha. Rocha was arrested for firearms and controlled substances violations.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) responded and authored a search warrant for Rocha’s residence at the 1200 block of south “K” Street. During the service of the search warrant, officers located a large quantity of additional Xanax along with additional ammunition.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 17, 2020, 7:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Members arrested for Narcotics Sales / Firearms

SUSPECTS: Eric Mendez, 26 year old Oxnard resident

Luis Mendez, 29 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On December 17, 2020, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the Oxnard Swat Team served a search warrant in the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar in reference to Eric Mendez being involved in the ongoing sales of Methamphetamine. The Oxnard Swat Team made contact with the occupants and ordered them out of the residence.

Eric Mendez and his brother, Luis Mendez, were contacted and detained at the residence with several other subjects. Eric and Luis are both documented criminal street gang members in the City of Oxnard. During the investigation, detectives located Methamphetamine and Alprazolam (Xanax) consistent with the street sales of narcotics. Detectives also located a loaded 9mm handgun in Luis’ personal belongings and a loaded .45 caliber handgun in Eric’s personal belongings. Luis and Eric were placed under arrest for possession of Methamphetamine for sale, possession of Xanax for sale, and possession of a firearm with narcotics, all 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 17, 2020, 12:32 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales / Firearms Arrest

SUSPECTS: Alex Valenzuela, 19 year old Oxnard resident

15 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 200 block of Fashion Park Place

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On December 17, 2020, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), K9 Capone, and the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served a search warrant in the 200 block of Fashion Park Place in reference to Alex Valenzuela being involved in the ongoing sales of Alprazolam (Xanax). During the investigation, SEU Officers and K9 Capone made a traffic enforcement stop on Valenzuela when he left his residence. During the investigation, Valenzuela was found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun in his shoe. A 15-year-old passenger was also found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver on his person. The firearm in Valenzuela’s possession was found to be reported stolen. Valenzuela and the Juvenile were arrested for several firearms violations.

DEU detectives and SEU officers conducted a search of Valenzuela’s residence and located an additional loaded firearm, several bottles of Xanax, and evidence consistent with the street sales of narcotics. Valenzuela was additionally charged with possession of Xanax for sale, and possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, both felonies.