News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 24, 2021, 6:20 P.M.

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

LOCATION: 200 block of West Hueneme Road, Oxnard CA.

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On May 24, at approximately 6:20 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Altima in the 200 block of West Hueneme Road. Officers contacted the sole occupant, Luis Mendez (29yrs). Mendez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, and is currently out on bail for possession of controlled substances and possession of a firearm.

During Mendez’ contact with Officers, Mendez was found in possession of methamphetamine. During a subsequent search of Mendez’ vehicle, Officers located a loaded un-serialized Glock style P80 semi-automatic 9 millimeter handgun concealed under the driver’s side floor mat. The barrel of the firearm was also found to be threaded, and capable of accepting a flash suppressor or silencer; making the firearm an assault weapon under California law. P80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and serialized. Mendez was arrested for possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of an assault weapon and possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.

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: May 24, 2021, 1:30 PM

SUBJECT: Oxnard Man Arrested for the Stabbing Death of His Wife

LOCATION: 1100 Block of West Hemlock Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Karla Novela Cabrera, 27 year old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Fernando Lopez, 36 year old, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7633 | [email protected]

Karla Cabrera, an Oxnard mother of two, was stabbed multiple times and killed on May 21, 2021, at about 9:55 PM, while inside her residence. Oxnard officers responded to the 1100 block of West Hemlock Street. Officers located Cabrera inside her home, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Officers quickly learned that Cabrera’s common-law husband, Fernando Lopez, had stabbed her and fled the residence. Cabrera was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. Additional family members, including the couples’ two small children, ages 4 and 7, were inside the residence at the time of the incident. They were unharmed.

Officers found Lopez hiding in a nearby alley, underneath a car. Lopez had several self-inflicted stab wounds and was making suicidal statements. He was treated at the scene, first by responding officers, then by medical personnel who arrived on scene.

Lopez was released from the hospital this afternoon and arrested for the murder of Karla Cabrera. He was transported to the Ventura County Jail for processing. Lopez will face arraignment on Wednesday in Ventura County Superior Court.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. Also, 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 22, 2021, 9:45 P.M.

SUBJECT: Oxnard Man Arrested for Sex Crimes from 2003 and 2020

LOCATION: West 7th Street and Hobson Way, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Rodolfo Fernandez Franco, 40 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On May 22, 2021, The Oxnard Police Department arrested 40-year-old Rodolfo Fernandez Franco for a felony no-bail warrant. The Charges included forceable rape, which occurred in Oxnard in 2003, two counts of forced oral copulation occurring in Oxnard and Ventura in 2003, and one count of assault with the intent to commit rape that took place in Oxnard in 2020.

The arrest of this suspect involves crimes he committed in 2003 and in 2020 against three separate victims.

On February 16, 2003, the victim, in this case, gave the suspect a ride to several locations in the city of Oxnard, eventually parking in the 1800 block of Brookside Street, Oxnard. Once she parked her car, the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she did not orally copulate him. The suspect strangled the victim and forced her into the vehicle’s back seat, where he raped her. During a medical exam, sexual assault evidence was collected and sent to the Ventura County Forensics Laboratory for testing. A DNA profile was later entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), but the suspect was still unknown.

On February 21, 2003, a 34-year-old female met the suspect in Oxnard. The suspect asked her for a ride to Ventura. The victim drove around Ventura with the suspect. Eventually, she asked him to get out of the car, at which time he violently forced the victim to orally copulate him, threatening her with a knife. She was able to get out of the vehicle and run as the suspect fled the scene. This case was handled by the Ventura Police Department.

On December 20, 2020, a female victim was sleeping in the 100 block of South C Street, in the city of Oxnard when Franco laid down next to her and began to assault and strangle her. According to the victim, she believed she was about to be raped and fought off Franco. He ran away from the scene. The suspect left an item at the location of the assault. Detectives sent the evidence to the Ventura County Forensics Laboratory for DNA testing. The DNA found on the item matched Franco’s CODIS profile.

Rodolfo Franco was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on the felony no-bail warrant, Ventura County Superior Court case number 2021011740.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could be other victims who have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Rodolfo Franco is asked to contact Detective Michael McManama (805) 385-7662.

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.

Rodolfo Franco 2015.jpg Rodolfo Franco 2021.png

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 21, 2021, 9:55 PM

SUBJECT: Oxnard Woman Killed in a Domestic Violence Homicide

LOCATION: 1100 Block of West Hemlock Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Karla Novela Cabrera, 27 year old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Fernando Lopez, 36 year old, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7633 | [email protected]

On May 21, 2021, at about 9:55 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a call of a stabbing victim in the 1100 block of West Hemlock Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Karla Cabrera had been stabbed multiple times inside her residence. While at the location, officers were informed that Cabrera’s husband, Fernando Lopez, had stabbed her and fled the residence. Additional family members, including the couple’s two small children were inside the residence at the time of the incident.

Officers immediately searched the nearby area and located the husband Fernando Lopez hiding in a nearby alley. Lopez had self-inflicted stab wounds when he was found. Officers were able to take Lopez into custody without further incident. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. He is currently being guarded by officers at the hospital.

Karla Cabrera was transported to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and has taken over this investigation along with the Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit. This is the sixth homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 20, 2021 (10:17 AM)

SUBJECT: Pursuit ends in recovery of assault weapon

LOCATION: Wooley Rd. and I St., Oxnard

SUSPECT(S): David Paz, 21, Oxnard

Ixtlalil Leyva, 20, Oxnard

PREPARED BY: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | [email protected]

CONTACT: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | [email protected]

OXNARD, CA – On Thursday, May 20, 2021, officers tried to stop a white Nissan car for a traffic violation on Wooley Rd. near “I” St., but the driver refused to stop and led officers in a short vehicle pursuit through the Hill Street neighborhood. The pursuit ended when the car became stuck in heavy traffic near 5 Points.

The passenger threw a bag out the window before fleeing on foot. After a short foot chase officers were able to apprehend the suspect, David Paz, 21, of Oxnard.

Officers located the bag on the street and it contained an assault weapon.

Paz was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of weapon charges and Layva, the driver of the vehicle was charged with evading police.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 18, 2021, 4:30 P.M.

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

LOCATION: 900 block of Kumquat Place, Oxnard CA.

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On May 18, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Violent Crimes Unit Detectives conducted a search warrant at the 900 block of Kumquat Place for Adolfo Marin (24yrs). Marin is a known criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard, is currently on probation in the County of Ventura for illegal firearms possession and is a prohibited person from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. Marin had been contacted by Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit on May 16, 2021 and arrested for possession of Fentanyl for sale at the 100 block of Vineyard Avenue. During further investigation, Violent Crimes Detectives authored a search warrant for Marin’s residence.

During the service of the search warrant, Methadone for sale, a large amount of cash and a loaded 9 millimeter Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun were recovered. The handgun was later found to have been stolen out of the City of Oxnard. Marin was arrested after the conclusion of the search warrant for additional firearms and narcotics related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 18, 2021, 6:15 PM

SUBJECT: Stabbing Victim Found Dead in Oxnard

LOCATION: 5500 Block of Cypress Road, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Male, Hispanic, 39 Years of Age, Oxnard Resident (name withheld pending family notification)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7633 | [email protected]

On May 18, 2021, at about 6:15 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a call of a stabbing victim in the 5500 block of Cypress Road. Upon arrival, officers were directed to the area where they found a 39 year old Hispanic male suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after and discovered that the victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and has taken over this active investigation. This is the fifth homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

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/5500cypressroad. 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 Charles Buttell, (805) 385-7688. Also, 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 15, 2021

SUBJECT: Click it or Ticket Seat Belt Campaign

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Californians Encouraged to Buckle Up on Every Trip

May 24-June 6 is Click it or Ticket Seat Belt Campaign

The Oxnard Police Department encourages the public to wear a seat belt and keep children secured in child safety seats.

This year’s Click it or Ticket campaign is from May 24-June 6. During this time, the Oxnard Police Department will actively look for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes drivers who do not secure children in child safety seats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the 22,215 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019, 43% (9,466) were not wearing seat belts. In 2019, 620 passengers killed in crashes across California were not wearing a seat belt.

California law requires a child to be properly secured in a car or booster seat in the back seat until they are at least 8 years of age or at least 4’9” tall. Children under the age of 2 shall ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.

California has a primary seat belt law, which allows law enforcement officers to ticket someone for not wearing a seat belt without committing another traffic violation.

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: May 12, 2021, 4:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales / Possession of a Loaded Firearm Arrest

SUSPECTS: Scott Bowen, 56 year old Oxnard resident

Javier Tamayo, 24 year old Oxnard resident

Michelle Bennett, 32 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2300 Block of North Rose, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) was conducting a surveillance in a business parking lot located in the 2300 block of North Rose Avenue when detectives observed narcotics activity occurring in a vehicle. Detectives developed probable cause to conduct an enforcement stop. With the assistance of Oxnard Patrol Officers, an enforcement stop was conducted on the vehicle and the occupants were contacted.

During the investigation, Officers contacted the driver, Scott Bowen, and two passengers, Javier Tamayo and Michelle Bennett. Tamayo was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a loaded firearm. As Tamayo was being taken out of the vehicle, he was found to have a loaded semi-automatic “ghost” gun. During a further search, Tamayo was found in possession of Fentanyl. Michelle Bennett had an active misdemeanor warrant for her arrest. During a search incident to her arrest, she was found in possession of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine for sale..

Javier Tamayo was arrested for his felony warrant, several felony firearms violations, and possession of Fentanyl. Michelle Bennett was arrested for her misdemeanor warrant and felony possession for sale of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Scott Bowen was arrested for transportation of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Psilocybin for sale, 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: May 13, 2021, 1:00 PM

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks Raise Funds and Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in April of 2021

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | [email protected]

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2021 marked the third consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. This year, the Department teamed with Autism Society Ventura County and local Starbucks stores to raise over $10,500.00 for the cause.

The Oxnard Police Department strives to build strong community partnerships and assist Oxnard’s vulnerable populations. Police Chief Jason Benites recognizes the importance of autism awareness and education. According to Benites, “As more attention has been brought to autism, it has become increasingly apparent how far reaching this condition is. As more light is cast upon understanding, it brings it all home to many of us. More and more people have mentioned that they have someone in their family, be it a child, a sibling, or close relative, that is on the autism spectrum. We have a number of officers and staff members who have personal experiences and have shared them, and they are highly motivated to raise the level of both understanding and acceptance to the forefront.”

Funds were raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Awareness” patches, T-shirts, and face coverings: which were produced through donations from title sponsor Stacy Miller Public Affairs, as well as the Oxnard Police Community Foundation. Miller stated, “We believe every individual affected by Autism should have the ability to achieve their highest quality of life. We believe in celebrating our differences, as it is our differences that make us so tremendously unique.” The Channel Islands Farmers Market and local business owner Ron Wertzenberger of Ron’s Signs also donated services to the cause.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to three police department pop-ups throughout the month of April. Starbucks also held a special collection for in-store donations. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez notes, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships. Autism Society Ventura County Vice President Ashley Pope explains, “Fundraisers and donations are our only source of income for our operations and the programs that we hold. We serve thousands of families in Ventura County each year, and it’s all funded through these efforts. It was amazing to work with Oxnard P.D. & Starbucks for the third year! The relationships we hold are so much more than the funds they raise for us, it’s about the community seeing a united front for our cause.”

Chief Benites added, “I would like to thank and commend all of those persons and organizations that have come together with us in the effort to promote understanding and acceptance. I would also like to thank everyone who has made some form of contribution, which will help improve the lives of those impacted by autism.”

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

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

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030