News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 31, 2020

SUBJECT: Unattended Running Vehicle Enforcement

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT: Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez

(805) 385-7664 | enrique.alvarez@Oxnardpd.org

As we enter the winter months, the Oxnard Police Department has seen an increase in residents leaving their vehicles running and unattended in the early morning hours. Auto theft suspects are aware of vehicles being left unattended and running, and they will use this opportunity to steal the vehicle left unoccupied. Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is against the law and carries a fine of $70 dollars.

Today, Auto Theft Detectives set out to enforce this law, help educate the public about this illegal practice and help prevent auto thefts from occurring. Seven traffic citations were issued to residents that left their vehicles running while unattended. Detectives found that the majority of vehicles were left running and unattended while the occupants went into a local store to purchase breakfast items. Although this seems like a very quick task, it only takes a second for someone to drive away in your vehicle. On one occasion, small children were found left in the vehicle while it was unlocked and unattended. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce this law, but also ask our residents to please be aware of this issue and to help in reducing auto theft in our city by not leaving their vehicle running and unattended.

The Oxnard Police Department launched The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force in early 2015. Detectives assigned to the task force proactively locate and arrest those responsible for vehicle thefts in Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your vehicle running while unattended.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 30, 2020, 12:43 P.M.

SUBJECT: Attempted Murder, Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Cuesta Del Mar Drive and Courtland Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

On December 30, 2020 at approximately 12:43 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim inside of a vehicle at the intersection of Cuesta Del Mar Drive and Courtland Street. When they arrived, officers made contact with the victim, a 25-year-old male resident of Camarillo. The victim was shot multiple times and was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 24-year-old Oxnard resident Eric Rodriguez. On December 31, 2020 at approximately 9:48 A.M., investigators located Rodriguez in a vehicle in the area of Cuesta Del Mar Drive and Courtland Street. Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident. Rodriguez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, which was previously reported stolen. A search warrant was subsequently served at Rodriguez’ residence in the 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive.

Rodriguez was arrested for attempted murder and various firearms related charges. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormley@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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 29, 2020 (7:35 PM)

SUBJECT: 15-year-old juvenile arrested for possession of two handguns

18-year-old arrested for brandishing a deadly weapon

LOCATION: 600 block of Howell Road

Courtland Street and Cuesta Del Mar

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Undisclosed 15-year-old male, Oxnard resident

Israel Juarez, age 18, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

On the above date and time, officers were dispatched to a non-injury hit and run collision at the intersection of Courtland Street and Cuesta Del Mar. It was reported that three suspects brandished a knife and fired shots as they fled on foot and left their vehicle at the scene. The vehicle registration showed the owner resided in the 600 block of Howell Road. Several officers responded to that area to search for the suspects. An officer observed three individuals in that area and attempted to detain them. All three suspects fled on foot and the officer gave chase to one of them. During the foot pursuit, a 15-year-old male juvenile discarded a loaded handgun. After the juvenile was apprehended, the officer located a second loaded handgun in the juvenile’s pocket. The juvenile was subsequently arrested for multiple felony firearm violations, in addition to participating in a criminal street gang, and resisting arrest.

While officers were still in the area of Howell Road searching for the two outstanding suspects, they detained suspect Israel Juarez, age 18. An infield identification procedure was conducted and Juarez was positively identified as the suspect who brandished the knife at the victim. Juarez was subsequently arrested for the misdemeanor charge of brandishing of a deadly weapon for the incident that occurred on Courtland Street.

An investigation is continuing and police are seeking the identity of the third suspect.

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 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.

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.

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