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 | [email protected]
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.