News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 4, 2021

SUBJECT: Unattended Vehicle Enforcement

LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Auto Theft Task Force

(805) 385-7664 | Enrique.Alvarez@Oxnardpd.org

In our ongoing efforts to reduce auto thefts, the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force conducted an operation this morning targeting vehicles that were found to be running without the driver being present. Often, early risers in Oxnard tend to turn their cars on to warm them up. While the car is warming up, the drivers head indoors to finish getting ready for their day, leaving their car unattended. These actions create a crime of opportunity that is often taken advantage of by criminals.

Auto Theft Detective Enrique Alvarez, who participated in this morning’s operation, said, “I regularly read reports where a hard-working resident who is preparing for work has their vehicle stolen because they left it running out in front of their home.” He further stated that these car theft victims frequently tell him that they were only away from their vehicle for a minute.

Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is against the law and carries a fine of $70. Today, Auto Theft Detectives set out to enforce this law and educate motorists on the consequences of leaving their vehicles running while they are indoors. Detectives issued a total of 12 citations to residents throughout the City.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce this law and ask that our community members do their part in helping reduce auto theft in our city by not leaving their vehicles running and unattended.

Anyone with information regarding this operation 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: February 3, 2021, 7:50 a.m.

SUBJECT: Maintaining a Drug House Investigation

SUSPECTS: Alejandro Galvan, 35 year old Oxnard resident

Christopher Johnson, 39 year old Oxnard resident

Danice Hernandez, 27 year old Oxnard resident

Vanessa Velez, 39 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 Block of North Ventura Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of January, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 400 block of North Ventura Road. During the investigation, detectives identified Alejandro Galvan as the primary resident. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for maintaining and operating a drug house.

On February 3, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT team, Oxnard K9 Unit, and Ventura County Sheriff's Office, DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, six people were detained.

DEU detectives responded to the residence after all of the subjects were detained to complete the investigation. During the investigation, detectives located fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia throughout the residence, and ammunition. Upon completion of the initial investigation, Galvan was arrested for misdemeanor narcotics violations. Christopher Johnson was arrested for a misdemeanor narcotics related warrant. Danice Hernandez was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant and misdemeanor possession of narcotics. Vanessa Velez was arrested for misdemeanor possession of narcotics.

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 2, 2021, 3:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Juan Ortiz, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

Juan Ambriz, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1500 block of Lombard Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of January, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 1500 block of Lombard Street. During the investigation, detectives identified the resident, Juan Ortiz, as being involved in the sales of narcotics to Oxnard residents.

Based upon the information obtained during the investigation, DEU Detectives obtained a search warrant for Juan Ortiz and his residence located in the 1500 block of Lombard Street. On February 2, 2021, Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and detained Juan Ortiz and Juan Ambriz pursuant to the search warrant. SEU Officers and DEU Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle and Ortiz’s residence.

During the service of the search warrant, detectives located fentanyl packaged for sale, psilocybin mushrooms, ecstasy pills (MDMA), a large quantity of Marijuana, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Ortiz was placed under arrest for possession of fentanyl for sale, a felony, and possession of Marijuana for sale, a misdemeanor. Ambriz was placed under arrest for possession of psilocybin mushrooms for sale and possession of MDMA for the purpose of sales, both felonies. Ambriz was additionally charged with possession of concentrated cannabis for sale, a misdemeanor.

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: February 2, 2021, 7:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms Possession and Controlled Substances for Sale

LOCATION: Rose Avenue and La Puerta

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On February 2, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a grey Chevy Camaro for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of Rose Avenue and La Puerta. Three subjects were contacted in the vehicle; the driver, Joel Torres (25yrs), and passengers, Cesar Morales (19yrs) and Joanna Ayala (29). During the stop, officers saw controlled substance paraphernalia in plain view next to Torres’ seat. Ayala was found to be on probation for vehicle theft, and Morales and Torres provided false names and information to the officers on the stop. Morales was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest, and Ayala was found in possession of methamphetamine and controlled substance paraphernalia during a probation search of her person.

During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, a scale, controlled substance paraphernalia, a large quantity of small baggies, Xanax, Hydrocodone pills, .38 Special ammunition and a loaded Rossi .38 Special revolver were located. The items located in the vehicle were indicative of controlled substances for sale. Torres was found to be in possession of these items, and was arrested for various firearm and controlled substances for sale charges. The firearm was not registered to Torres.

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: February 2, 2021

SUBJECT: Super Bowl Sunday enforcement

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Say No to Drinking and Driving: Enjoy the Super Bowl at Home This Year

Whether it’s the commercials, halftime show, or the game itself, the Oxnard Police Department is reminding everyone that we are all on the same team when it comes to being safe on Super Bowl Sunday.

Super Bowl LV is Sunday, Feb. 7, and the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol over the Super Bowl weekend looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only thing that impairs and may lead to a DUI. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana may affect your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how a drug affects you before deciding whether or not you are OK to drive.

Although many watch parties will be virtual this year, it’s important to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, or simply stay at home for the night.

Funding for Super Bowl Sunday enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: January 31, 2021, 2:23 P.M.

SUBJECT: Barricaded Armed Burglary Suspect

LOCATION: 300 block of Cooper Rd.

SUSPECTS: Cervando Fernandez Galindo, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

On January 31, 2021, at approximately 2:20 pm, Oxnard Police Officers were sent to the 300 block of Cooper Road regarding a burglary to a recreational vehicle (RV). The victim advised he found that his RV had been broken into. The victim said he was confronted by a male subject unknown to him who was armed with a knife. When officers arrived on scene, the subject, later identified as Galindo, exited the RV carrying what appeared to be an ax. As officers attempted to speak with Galindo he returned to the RV and closed the door.

Members of the Oxnard Police Department’s SWAT, K-9, and Crisis Negotiations Team responded to the scene. For almost two hours, officers attempted to communicate with Galindo, but were unsuccessful. Eventually, chemical agents were inserted into the RV. Galindo was taken into custody with the assistance of an Oxnard Police K9. Galindo was medically cleared for minor injuries before being transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was charged with burglary, brandishing a deadly weapon, and resisting/delaying/obstructing arrest.

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: January 31, 2021 / 2010 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: January 30, 2021, 6:23 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: Vineyard Ave. at Olive St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Steve Perez, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

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

On January 30th, at approximately 6:23 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction at Vineyard Ave. and Olive St. The driver failed to yield for the officers and continued to drive through a parking lot. The driver slowed to allow two passengers to flee from the vehicle. One passenger was immediately apprehended, a second passenger, identified as Steve Perez, fled from the vehicle and was pursued by officers. Officers found Perez hiding in a front yard on Colonia Ave. Perez was taken into custody and officers located a handgun where Perez was found.

Perez has prior felony convictions for auto theft, felony evading, and felony vandalism. The felony convictions make Perez a prohibited person when it comes to possessing firearms or ammunition. Perez is also a documented criminal street gang member. Perez was charged with several firearms related violations. The driver and the other passenger were both arrested for delaying / obstructing a peace officer.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 30, 2021 / 1950 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: January 28, 2021, 1000 hours

SUBJECT: Arson investigation concludes with arrest

LOCATION: 1800-1900 block San Gorgonio Avenue

VICTIM: City of Oxnard, Environmental Services Department

SUSPECT: Jose Bernal, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Meagan Tobey, Arson Investigator

(805) 385-7755 | Meagan.Tobey@Oxnardpd.org

On January 22, 2021, Oxnard Police and Fire Department Arson Investigators concluded a month-long investigation into a series of dumpster fires with the arrest of 46-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Bernal. In January, the Oxnard Fire Department responded to a total of 18 dumpster fires in the 1800-1900 block of San Gorgonio Avenue. No injuries were reported as a result of these fires. Once the fires were determined to be arson, the Oxnard Police Department began to investigate the fires, a felony in California.

During the investigation, multiple surveillance cameras in the area were reviewed, and Bernal was identified as a suspect. On January 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department patrol officers took Bernal into custody on unrelated charges. Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators interviewed Bernal, who confessed to lighting multiple fires throughout the City of Oxnard, including the fires on San Gorgonio Avenue. Bernal, in the end, was arrested for the arson series.

The Oxnard Police Department is thankful for Oxnard residents' assistance who reported the fires and provided video surveillance to investigators. Fires, big or small, are all dangerous and carry serious consequences that could result in arrest. All arsons are classified as felonies and if convicted, carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison.

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: January 28, 2021, 1120 hours

SUBJECT: Car Thief Arrested

LOCATION: 200 block East Clara Street, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Nestor Tavares, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: 1998 Honda CRV

CONTACT: Meagan Tobey, Auto Theft Task Force

(805) 385-7755 | Meagan.Tobey@Oxnardpd.org

On January 28, 2021, at approximately 0730 hours, the owner of a black 1998 Honda CRV reported their vehicle stolen to the Oxnard Police Department. At approximately 0940 hours, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force located the vehicle traveling in the 200 block of East Clara Street in Oxnard. Detectives contacted the driver, 25-year-old Nestor Tavares, as he walked away from the vehicle. Tavares, who is currently on the Post Release Offender program, was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of a key that was altered to fit the CRV's ignition.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force reminds all residents to remove all keys and valuables from their vehicles, lock and secure their vehicles, and utilize vehicle alarms. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing auto theft 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 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: January 28, 2021, 1:50 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: John Bjorklund, 41-Year-Old Los Angeles resident

Maiah Wantanabe, 19-year-old Los Angeles resident

LOCATION: 200 Block of North Del Norte Blvd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On January 28, 2021, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics investigation regarding John Bjorklund, 41-year-old Los Angeles resident, transporting and distributing methamphetamine in the City of Oxnard. Police Officers assigned to the Oxnard Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) observed a vehicle leaving a gas station parking lot located in the 200 block of North Del Norte Blvd at a high rate of speed. NPT Officers caught up to the vehicle and observed that registration on the vehicle being driven by Bjorklund had been expired for over five years.

NPT Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle, contacted Bjorklund and a passenger, Maih Wantanabe. During the contact, the officers observed methamphetamine in plain view in the passenger compartment. NPT Officer conducted a search of the passenger compartment and located a brown box containing a large quantity of Methamphetamine. DEU detectives were notified and responded to the traffic stop and took over the investigation.

During the investigation, detectives located another game case containing an additional large quantity of methamphetamine, narcotics packaging, and scales consistent with the sales of methamphetamine.

John Bjorklund was arrested for transportation of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine for sales, both felonies. This is Bjorklund’s third narcotics sales arrest in the last two years. Maih Wantanabe was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, a misdemeanor.