News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 29, 2021, 5:45 P.M.

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested For Possession of a Firearm, Short Barreled AR-15 Rifle

LOCATION: 100 block East Gonzales Road

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 29, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Patrol Division conducted a traffic stop of a grey Honda Civic in the 100 block of East Gonzales Road for a vehicle code violation. Officers contacted Oxnard resident Arnulfo Celis (27yrs) in the vehicle. During the officer’s contact with Celis, Ventura Police Department’s K-9 Unit assisted at the traffic stop. The Ventura Police K-9 has been trained in the detection of firearms and explosive materials. The K-9 alerted on Celis’ vehicle, and Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit authored a search warrant for Celis’ Honda Civic.

During the subsequent search of Celis’ vehicle pursuant to the search warrant, a short barreled AR-15 style rifle with a high capacity magazine were located in the passenger compartment concealed in a duffle bag. The rifle was un-serialized, unregistered and found to be an 80% lower receiver that was finished into a functioning firearm. 80% AR-15 lower receivers are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and serialized. Celis was arrested for various felony firearms related charges.

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: June 25, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on June 26, 2021

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, June 26, 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 is 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: June 27, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Two Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Ca. – 896 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on June 26, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Rose Avenue south of Camino Del Sol from 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Twenty-six drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Two 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: June 20, 2021, 6:10 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested for Possession of a Firearm and Controlled Substances for Sale

LOCATION: 100 block West Hill Street and 1400 block of West Hill Street

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 20, at approximately 6:10 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Oxnard K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop of a gold BMW 325 near the intersection of Saviers Road and Hill Street for a vehicle code violation. Officers contacted Armando Aguirre (20yrs), Jacob Delacerda (18yrs) and a fifteen year old Oxnard resident in the vehicle. Aguirre and the fifteen year old are currently on probation in the County of Ventura with weapons terms, and Delacerda is currently on probation for robbery in the County of Ventura. Aguirre and Delacerda are known criminal street gang members in the City of Oxnard and are prohibited from possession of firearms and ammunition.

During a probation search of Delacerda’s person, officers located a loaded Polymer 80 Glock style handgun with a high capacity magazine concealed in Delacerda’s front waistband. P80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and serialized. Delacerda was also found in possession of numerous individually packaged baggies of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was consistent with being packaged for sale. Delacerda was arrested for narcotics and firearm related charges.

During the further search of Aguirre’s vehicle, an additional Polymer 80 Glock style handgun was found concealed in the truck. The fifteen year old was found in possession of graffiti tools, and arrested for a probation violation and possession of the tools.

A probation search was conducted at Aguirre’s residence in the 1400 block of west Hill Street. During the search, officers located additional ammunition as well as additional items indicative of narcotics sales. Aguirre was arrested for firearm and narcotics sales related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2021, 6:39 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd. at Colonia Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Miguel Arteaga, 18-year-old Ventura resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On June 17, 2021, at approximately 6:39 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic violation at Oxnard Blvd. and Colonia Rd. One of the rear passengers in the vehicle, identified as Miguel Arteaga, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. As officers removed him from the vehicle they found Arteaga was in possession of a concealed handgun. Arteaga, a Ventura criminal street gang associate, was arrested for several firearms violations.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 17, 2021 / 2040 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 18, 2021, 12:10 A.M.

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 400 blk South Ventura Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Alfredo Cortes, 41-year-old Oxnard resident

Gilbert Lemos, 41-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On June 18, 2021, at approximately 12:10 a.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) made contact with occupants that were seated in a vehicle parked behind closed businesses in the 400 blk. of South Ventura Rd. The subjects were identified as Alfredo Cortes, and Gilbert Lemos. Cortes is on probation for evading a peace officer, and Gilbert Lemos is on parole. Cortes and Lemos are both documented Oxnard criminal street gang members.

Officers searched the vehicle pursuant to the terms of both occupants and located a loaded handgun that was concealed in the vehicle. Cortes was arrested for several firearms violations and Lemos was arrested for violating the terms of his parole.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and K9 Unit are 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: June 18, 2021 / 0150 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 18, 2021

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police Officers Recognized with Medal of Merit, Investigator of the Year Awards

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | [email protected]

The Peace Officers Association of Ventura County is a combination of local agency representatives with the goal of interdepartmental cooperation, crime prevention technique sharing between agencies, and improving personal and professional relationships with local partners in law enforcement. Each year, the organization holds their Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony: an event at which officers from across Ventura County are recognized for their service and achievements. Due to COVID-19, the Association was unable to hold ceremonies for 2019 and 2020. To recognize recipients for these two years, representatives from the P.O.A.V.C. recently held a private ceremony at the Oxnard Police Department.

Officer Corbin Hames receives the Medal of Merit

On November 7, 2018, Officer Hames was present at the Borderline Bar and Grill on the evening of the mass shooting. He was in an off duty capacity wearing civilian attire and unarmed.

Corbin was near the dance floor when the shooting began, and immediately advanced toward the shooter before he realized he did not have a firearm. Corbin then began pushing stunned patrons to the north side of the Borderline away from the suspect.

Corbin utilized a bar stool to break a window and assisted many patrons out of the building. Once outside, Corbin provided medical aid to injured patrons and assisted in evacuating victims.

Throughout the incident, Corbin was also able to supply both sheriff’s dispatch and responding deputies with a detailed account of the suspect’s description, movements inside the bar and his weapon.

The actions and bravery of Corbin Hames unequivocally saved many lives the night of the Borderline Mass Shooting.

Officer Alex Smith receives the Medal of Merit

On November 7, 2018, Officer Smith was present at the Borderline Bar and Grill on the evening of the mass shooting. He was in an off duty capacity wearing civilian attire and unarmed.

As the shooting began, Alex immediately recognized the distinct sound of gunfire and told people around him to seek cover.

A patron standing next to Alex stumbled as if she had been struck by the gunfire. Alex grabbed the patron and escorted her out of the bar. He directed her safely away from the Borderline. As the suspect continued to shoot, Alex punched a window to breach it and provide an avenue of escape for patrons. He stood beneath the window and assisted patrons in their escape.

Alex then established an injury collection point where he coordinated the movement of injured patrons to a safe area where they could be medically treated. Alex was also able to supply both sheriff’s dispatch and responding deputies with a detailed account of the suspect’s description, movements inside the bar, and his weapon.

The actions and bravery of Alex Smith unequivocally saved many lives the night of the Borderline Mass Shooting.

Detective Jeff Kay named both Oxnard Police Department Investigator of the Year and P.O.A.V.C. Investigator of the Year for 2019.

Senior Officer Jeff Kay has been a Major Crimes Detective for 15 years. In 2018, he created the Oxnard Police Department Cold Case website, which hosts a detailed list and description of all cold homicide cases dating back to 1966. In an effort to open as many avenues of communication as possible between the public and law enforcement, he started a Facebook page dedicated to these cold cases.

In 2018, Detective Kay began investigating the cold case of 3 year old Kimberly Chavez Lopez.Kimberly disappeared in 2015, but was not discovered missing until 2016. Detective Kay led a task force that ultimately obtained confessions from Kimberly’s parents as to how she died and how they disposed of her body in Mexico. The father pled guilty and testified against the mother: the person responsible for Kimberly’s death.

Detective Kay also assisted in the prosecution as the lead investigator during the trial. At the end of the jury trial, the mother was found guilty of 2nd degree murder, torture and child abuse causing death. Detective Kay also arrested Kimberly’s grandmother for helping to conceal Kimberly’s death. Detective Kay was asked to present this case at the 2020 California Homicide Investigators Association conference in Las Vegas.

Police Chief Jason Benites commented “These awards have been a long time coming, and they reflect courage, selflessness, skill, and dedication. These officers rose to the occasion under some very difficult circumstances and performed exceptionally well. I am very proud to be a part of the same organization as them.”

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2021

SUBJECT: Planned Fireworks Enforcement Efforts

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Despite this, each year during the month leading up to July 4th, the Oxnard Police Department receives thousands of fireworks complaints. In 2020, 3329 fireworks calls were received during that time period; 1,078 of them occurred on the July 4th weekend. On the 4th of July itself, during the 8-hour time frame between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., 715 fireworks calls were received.

Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous. For example, in 2019 a young adult male was tragically killed in our city by a mortar that exploded. Each year fireworks land on rooftops and cause several structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents. They can also be very distressing for pets. In one incident that occurred last year, a resident reported that his dog fatally impaled himself from the stress of the fireworks activity. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks.

The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch fireworks violators, each year the Department nonetheless prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement. For example, last year the Department issued more fireworks citations than any other police department in Ventura County.

This year, the department is planning another comprehensive fireworks enforcement effort utilizing all available resources within reason. This means that many officers who would normally have Independence Day off have been assigned to work, including officers in specialized lateral assignments such as our Neighborhood Policing Team, Homeless Liaison Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, and Traffic Unit. The Department will deploy the officers in a multitude of capacities including uniformed patrol, undercover operations, motorcycle, bicycle, and foot patrols. Additionally, the Department will deploy several unmanned aerial vehicles (“Drones”) to detect locations where fireworks are occurring. Personnel from the Oxnard Fire Department and Code Compliance Department will also participate in this comprehensive team effort.

Any individual caught using, or possessing fireworks, is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane “fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.

In preparation for the fireworks enforcement effort, the Department will be positioning message trailers in specific areas of the city where last year had heavy fireworks activity. The message trailers will display information reminding residents that fireworks are illegal and informing them of the fines. Additionally, the Department has already begun mailing warning letters to addresses where fireworks activity was reported last year. The letters advise the residents that their addresses will be closely monitored this year for any repeat violations. The Department’s Crime Analysis Unit plays a valuable role in this effort by analyzing recent fireworks calls and regularly updating patrol officers of the specific locations where fireworks are occurring. Officers starting their shifts are directed to target those specific addresses for enforcement purposes during their patrols. NPT officers will also be proactively sending out warning notices to specific addresses that are generating fireworks calls. Furthermore, over the next several weeks, NPT officers will be conducting periodic undercover fireworks suppression operations at night that will involve the use of a Department drone, which is a valuable resource to help pinpoint addresses where fireworks are occurring.

The City of Oxnard has a social host ordinance which holds property owners responsible for fireworks activity occurring on their property. Last year, for the first time, the Department used a Drone on the 4th of July which aided in identifying specific addresses where fireworks were being used. However, given the high volume of fireworks calls on July 4th, officers were not always able to immediately contact the property owners/renters to issue a citation. Nonetheless, Neighborhood Policing officers followed up by mailing fireworks citations to the property owners. The Department will follow the same procedure this year but will be using two (2) additional Drones. Property owners where dangerous fireworks are occurring will be subject to receiving a citation for $1000.

The Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely, and respect the peace and well being of their neighbors, by refraining from using fireworks.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

· Fireworks Tips via Email ([email protected])

o Please provide specific information regarding locations, days and times

· Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous

· Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 13, 2021, 5:05 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested for Possession of a Firearm and Controlled Substances for Sale

LOCATION: 1900 Block of Ferrara Way

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 13, at approximately 5:05 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a grey Honda Civic in the 1900 block of La Puerta Avenue for a vehicle code violation. As officers attempted to make the traffic stop, the Honda failed to yield and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the Honda abruptly stopped at the 1900 block of Ferrara Way. When the vehicle stopped, both the right front passenger and driver fled on foot from the vehicle. Both subjects were apprehended a short distance away.

The passenger, Raul Lopez (20yrs) was found in possession of a large quantity of Xanax, and the driver, a juvenile Oxnard resident, was found in possession of a loaded Polymer 80 Glock style handgun concealed in his front waistband. P80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and serialized. Lopez and the juvenile are criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard, and were arrested for various narcotic, firearm and gang related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 14, 2021, 4:20 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested for Possession of a Firearm and Controlled Substances for Sale

LOCATION: 1400 block of Isleton Way and 1400 block of West Channel Islands

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 14, at approximately 4:20 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a black PT Cruiser in the south alley of the 1400 block of Isleton Way for a vehicle code violation. As officers approached the vehicle, officers saw that the driver of the vehicle was waving a handgun with his hand inside the car. The driver, Jaffet Gonzalez (19yrs), was compliant with officers and was taken into custody for firearms possession during the stop. Gonzalez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, is on probation with search terms in the County of Ventura and is prohibited from possession of firearms and/ or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

The firearm in possession of Jaffet Gonzalez was found to be a loaded Glock 27 .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun with a high capacity magazine. During the stop, the firearm was found not to be registered to Jaffet Gonzalez, and he was arrested for various felony firearms related charges.

The registered owner of the firearm, Alexis Gonzalez (23yrs), was later contacted during a traffic stop at the 1400 block of West Channel Islands Blvd. Alexis Gonzalez is also a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard. During the traffic stop, Alexis Gonzalez was found in possession of a “butterfly” gravity knife with metal knuckles incorporated into the side of the knife, ammunition, an incomplete Polymer 80 Glock style lower receiver and a large quantity of Xanax for sale. Alexis Gonzalez was arrested for felony weapons and narcotics related charges.