News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 13, 2020 (8:30 PM)

SUBJECT: Barricaded subject arrested for attempted murder of a police officer

LOCATION: 600 block of W. Vineyard Avenue

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Michael Balam, age 42, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On December 13, 2020, officers were dispatched to a call of a possible crime that occurred inside an apartment in the 600 block of W. Vineyard Avenue. While on scene, officers attempted to contact the occupants of the apartment however suspect Michael Balam, age 42, refused to allow the occupants to open the door for the officers. While officers were on scene, they received information that Balam was armed with a firearm inside the apartment. Officers were also informed that there were four additional occupants inside the residence, including several juveniles, who had locked themselves inside a bedroom. Officers began evacuating nearby residences. OPD SWAT and Crisis Negotiations Team responded and established communications with the occupants inside the apartment. Suspect Balam refused to surrender, remained agitated, told officers he was armed with a firearm, and continued making threats towards the officers and the occupants inside the apartment. After approximately three hours, a gunshot was fired from inside the apartment. The bullet went through the front door and narrowly missed striking SWAT team members who were staged very close to the door. The bullet penetrated into a nearby apartment that had previously been evacuated. Shortly afterwards, SWAT made an exigent entry into the apartment, simultaneously rescuing the four occupants and taking Balam into custody. He was arrested for attempted murder of a police officer, felony child endangerment, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

The incident is being investigated by the department’s Major Crimes Unit and Family Protection Unit. 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 9, 2020, 11:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim Found Dead in Oxnard

VICTIM: Black Male, 26 years of age, Los Angeles resident (name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

SUSPECT: Unknown

LOCATION: 600 block of Rubens Place, Oxnard

CONTACT: John Sunia, Detective

(805) 385-7760 | John.Sunia@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

On December 9, 2020, at 11:35 P.M., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to a call of shots fired and a subject down in the 600 block of Rubens Place in Oxnard. When officers arrived they located the victim down in the street. He appeared to be suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. Emergency medical personnel arrived but could not resuscitate the victim. He succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

This is the 8^th homicide this year in the City of Oxnard. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding this incident.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/600rubensplace. All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective John Sunia (805) 385-7760. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within 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 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 / TIME PREPARED: December 10, 2020, 4:15 A.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 8, 2020, 2:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Robbery, Suspects Arrested

LOCATION: 1300 Block Of West Iris Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

On December 8, 2020 at approximately 2:15 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a robbery that had just occurred in the 1300 block of West Iris Street. When they arrived, officers learned that two victims were driving in the 1300 block of West Iris Street when they were stopped by a male suspect who was standing in the middle of the street. That suspect produced a firearm and entered the rear seat of the vehicle. A second suspect produced a knife and also entered the vehicle. The suspects proceeded to rob the victims of their property. The suspects then exited the vehicle and fled.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Based on the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspects as 35-year-old Oxnard resident Richard Valenzuela and a 16-year-old male Oxnard resident. At approximately 4:10 P.M., investigators observed Valenzuela and the 16-year-old male in a vehicle in the area of Channel Islands Boulevard and “J” Street. Investigators conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Both suspects were arrested for their role in the robbery. Valenzuela was later booked into the Ventura County Jail. The juvenile suspect was booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Hall.

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.

A truck loaded with fertilizer was involved in a crash at Rose Avenue and Woolley Road causing fertilizer and gas to spill onto the roadway.

The accident has caused the road closure of Rose Avenue at Woolley Road as the hazmat crew works to clean up the volatile material.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 5, 2020, 7:25 P.M.

SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms and Controlled Substance Possession

LOCATION: “B” Street at Ninth Street

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On December 5, at approximately 7:25 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Oxnard K-9 Unit conducted a vehicle stop for a traffic violation at the intersection of “B” Street and Ninth Street. Officers contacted Austin Northrop (23yrs), who is a known Tagging Crew member within the City of Oxnard and is currently on probation in the County of Ventura.

During the Officer’s contact with Northrop, they conducted a probation search of Northrop’s person. As one of the officers conducted the search, a loaded 9-millimeter Glock style Polymer-80 semi-automatic handgun was located concealed in Northrop’s front waistband. Northrop was taken into custody without further incident, and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine in addition to the firearm. The firearm was found to be unserialized and unregistered.

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: December 5, 2020, 1:15 A.M.

SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms Possession

LOCATION: Rose Avenue at Pleasant Valley Road

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On December 5, at approximately 1:15 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Oxnard K-9 Unit conducted a pedestrian stop for a traffic violation. Officers contacted Saul Marcial (22yrs), who is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, currently on probation and is a prohibited person from possessing firearms and ammunition.

During the Officer’s contact with Marcial, he told officers that he was in possession of a firearm. Officers conducted a search of Marcial, and located a loaded 9-millimeter Glock style Polymer-80 semi-automatic handgun and additional ammunition in his pockets. Marcial was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The firearm was also found to be unregistered.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Auto Theft / Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Juan Lopez, 30 Year Old Oxnard resident

Ismael Lopez, 22 Year Old Oxnard resident
Michael Martinez, 30 Year Old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 Block of Helena Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On December 2, 2020, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics sales investigation involving two brothers, Juan Lopez and Ismael Lopez. Both brothers are Oxnard residents and on active probation with search terms. Detectives requested assistance from the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) to locate and detain the Lopez brothers pursuant to their search terms. Juan Lopez was located by a NPT Officer while he was seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Michael Martinez was seated in the driver’s seat and both subjects were using tools to remove the stereo from the vehicle. During the investigation, NPT officers learned that the vehicle was stolen from an Oxnard resident earlier in the morning and had not been reported stolen. Oxnard Auto Theft Detectives responded and assisted with the investigation. Juan Lopez and Michael Martinez were placed under arrest for auto theft, a felony. Detective’s learned that Martinez was currently out on bail for burglary and grand theft, both felonies.

DEU, NPT, and Auto Theft Detectives conducted a probation search at Lopez’ residence. Detective’s knocked on the door and Ismael Lopez refused to allow the detective’s entry into the residence. Detective’s forced entry into the residence and detained Ismael. During a search of the residence, detectives located a large quantity of Alprazolam (Xanax), US Currency, concentrated Cannabis, Cocaine, LSD, packaging material, scales, and other evidence linking both Juan Lopez and Ismael Lopez to narcotics sales.

Ismael and Juan Lopez were additionally charged with possession for sale of Xanax. All three subjects were booked into Ventura County Jail.

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: November 19, 2020, 10:45 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Road and Saviers Road, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291

ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org

On October 25^th2020, at approximately 4:00 P.M.,officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 900 block of West Gonzales Road. When officers arrived, they located the victim, a 44-year-old male Oxnard resident, suffering from a single gunshot wound. An additional victim, a 17-year-old male Oxnard resident, was suffering from an injury to his head. Both victims were transported to local hospitals and were treated for their injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into the shooting. During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect in the shooting as Eddie Martinez, a 38-year-old Oxnard resident. Martinez is currently on CDC parole for assault with a deadly weapon.

On November 19^th, 2020, at approximately 10:45 A.M., investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit located Martinez in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Saviers Road in the City of Oxnard. He was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was subsequently served at Martinez’ residence where additional evidence related to the shooting was located. Martinez was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on those charges. Anyone with any information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at 805-385-8291.

NEWS RELEASE

RELEASE DATE: December 3, 2020

SUBJECT: Safe Drug Disposal Event For Oxnard Residents – December 5, 2020

LOCATION: 214 South “C” Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

CONTACTS: Ventura County Behavioral Health – David Tovar, Substance Use Services Division, (805)973-5376, David.Tovar@ventura.org | Oxnard Police Department – Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager, (805)385-7631, paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Behavioral Health Team Up to Save Lives inviting residents to “Drive-up, Drop-off, and Stay Safe”

Oxnard, Ca – Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH) have partnered up to offer our community the ability to take back old or unused prescription drugs. An opportunity to drive up and drop off prescription medication on December 5th is free, anonymous, and open to all.

On December 5th in the parking lot of the City of Oxnard Service Center at 214 South “C” Street from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we invite the community to drive through and drop off old, unused, or unneeded medication. Police Officers and Behavioral Health partners will be on-site to assist, provide information about substance use treatment, and Naloxone, the overdose reversal drug for anyone with a need for it.

With prescription drug use rates around the United States and Ventura County at alarmingly high levels, prescription painkillers, heroin, and synthetic drugs like fentanyl have driven a public health crisis. The December 5th take-back day is a unique opportunity for Ventura County to protect their homes and medicine cabinets from theft, misuse, and abuse. Child-resistant does not mean child-proof, and it is no guarantee of safety. Keep your home safe by driving up and dropping off medication.

“We are pleased to join with the Oxnard Police Department on safe drug disposal. They’ve been a steadfast partner in our effort to provide treatment options to the community and prevent the harms of substance use,” said Loretta L. Denering, DrPH, MS Chief for VCBH’s Substance Use Services Division. “We continue to work with first responders and community agencies to provide Naloxone to residents who are at the highest risk of experiencing an overdose.”

In Ventura County in 2016, 9% of 9th graders and 16% of 11th graders said they used Rx painkillers, tranquilizers, or sedatives to get “high,” And most teens who misuse or abuse prescription drugs get them through a friend or relative. Since 2009, more than 19 tons of Rx drugs have been collected and destroyed through collaborating partners and local law enforcement stations. ‍

VCBH provides overdose prevention training and Naloxone. We know that empowering our community with important information and skills to prevent overdose can make a difference and save lives. If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, call 1-844-385-9200 for a free and confidential assessment. Please visit www.VenturaCountyResponds.org to learn more.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

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

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 3, 2020, 7:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Alan Bueno, 56 Year Old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1800 Block of Saviers Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On December 3, 2020, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were conducting an investigation regarding narcotics sales occurring at a business center in the 1800 block of Saviers Rd. During the investigation, detectives observed what appeared to be several narcotics transactions occurring inside of a van in the rear alley of the businesses. Two subjects were contacted after leaving the van and were arrested for possession of Methamphetamine and released on a notice to appear. With the assistance of Oxnard Patrol Officers, DEU detectives contacted the occupant of the van, Alan Bueno, and learned that he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant for his arrest for narcotics violations. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a large amount of Marijuana, Methamphetamine and US Currency consistent with the street sales of narcotics. Bueno was charged with possession for sale of Methamphetamine, a felony. Additionally, Bueno was charged with possession for sale of Marijuana, a misdemeanor. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.