News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	10/24/20; 1630 hours
LOCATION:	1400 block of San Gorgonio Avenue, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Gonzales, Sergio, 29 years
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Serrato, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7746 miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing adult. Sergio Gonzales, 29 years old, walked away from his home in the 1400 block of San Gorgonio Avenue, Oxnard, around 4:30 AM this morning. Gonzales is described as a Hispanic male, 5’3” tall, 120 pounds, last seen wearing a white t-shirt and black shorts. If you see Gonzales, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

Sergio Gonzalez.png

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 23, 2020

SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for October 26, 2020

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation on October 26, 2020, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. aimed at keeping people who need to go out to exercise or run essential errands safe.

While the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring residents to stay home as much as possible, the Oxnard Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that make roads unsafe.

These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals, or any other traffic violation. Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violations of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

The safety of bicyclists and pedestrians remains a top priority for the Oxnard Police Department. To keep you and your family safe, the Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips when out biking, driving, or walking:

PEDESTRIANS

· Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.

· Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.

· Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.

· Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

DRIVERS

· Wait for pedestrians to cross the street. Be courteous and patient.

· Stay off the phone.

· Follow the speed limit.

· Look for pedestrians when backing up or turning.

BICYCLISTS

· Always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law for anyone under 18.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

Everyone who is out is reminded to practice physical distancing measures, when feasible, staying at least six feet away from others.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 23, 2020, 1:20 p.m.

SUBJECT: Overdose Death Investigation leads to Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Juan Ruiz, 22 Year Old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 Block of South J Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On August 18, 2020, Oxnard Patrol Officers responded to an overdose investigation regarding a 16-year-old juvenile female found overdosing in an alley behind a residence located in the 1100 block of South J Street. The juvenile female later died at the hospital. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into the overdose death and learned that the juvenile overdosed on Alprazolam, commonly referred to as Xanax. During the investigation, detectives identified Juan Ruiz, 22-year-old Oxnard resident, as being involved in the sales of Xanax and a known associate to the Juvenile victim.

On October 23, 2020, with the assistance of the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU), DEU detectives served a search warrant at Ruiz’ residence. During the service of the search warrant, Ruiz refused to open the front door and began flushing several bottles of Alprazolam (Xanax) down the toilet in an attempt to destroy evidence. Detectives forced entry into the residence and detained Ruiz. Detectives located a 17-year-old juvenile female hiding in a locked bathroom in residence. During a search of the residence, detectives located a large quantity of Alprazolam (Xanax), Fentanyl, Cocaine, Marijuana, packaging material, a scale, and US Currency consistent with sales of narcotics. Ruiz was placed under arrest for possession for sale of Xanax, Possession for sale of Fentanyl and Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana for sale, destroying evidence, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $350,000. The female juvenile was released to the custody and care of her parents.

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: October 23, 2020, 3:52 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Pedro Arcadia, 33 Year Old Santa Paula resident

LOCATION: 2000 Block of Solar Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On October 23, 2020, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics investigation regarding Pedro Arcadia, 33-year-old Santa Paula resident, transporting and distributing Heroin in the City of Oxnard. With the assistance of the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and K9 Capone, DEU Detectives located and contacted Arcadia seated in a vehicle in the 2000 block of Solar Drive. During the investigation, K9 Capone located a large quantity of Heroin in a hidden compartment inside of the vehicle. The amount of Heroin located in Arcadia’s possession could have caused over 2,000 potentially fatal overdoses. Arcadia was charged with possession for sale of Heroin and transportation of Heroin, both felonies. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 24, 2020

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

One Driver Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – 587 responsible drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on October 23, 2020, as no drivers were arrested for DUI. The checkpoint was held at Wooley Road and S. A Street from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Thirty drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license and one driver was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant.

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: October 22, 2020

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on October 23, 2020

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, October 23, 2020, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 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 are 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: October 21, 2020, 10:25 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Douglas Schmachtenberger, 36 Year Old Los Angeles resident

LOCATION: 2200 Block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On October 21, 2020, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics investigation regarding Douglas Schmachtenberger, 36 year old Los Angeles resident, transporting and distributing Heroin in the City of Oxnard. Detectives contacted Schmachtenberger in a business parking lot located in the 2200 block of North Rose Avenue. During the investigation, detectives located a large quantity of Heroin, a scale, packaging material, and US Currency consistent with street sales of narcotics. The amount of Heroin located in Schmachtenberger’s possession could have caused over 2,000 potentially fatal overdoses. Schmachtenberger was charged with possession for sale of Heroin and transportation of Heroin, both felonies. He was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $350,000.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 19, 2020, at approximately 1:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Felon arrested after posting video on Facebook Live with a gun

LOCATION: 1400 block of Park Avenue, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

(805) 207-4762

On October 19, 2020 at about 1 a.m., officers were called to Mariposa Street near Gonzales Road reference reports of a man with a gun. The officers tracked the man to the 1100 block of N.6^th Place in Port Hueneme and the man ran from his car when the officers tried to stop him.

The department used a drone to locate Nicomedes Watts, 33, from Oxnard hiding on a roof of a house in the 1400 block of Park Avenue. Watts refused to come down from the roof and at one point threatened with a knife. The department’s SWAT team and hostage negotiation team responded to the scene, and Watts surrendered after a 3-hour standoff.

During the search of his vehicle, officers found a gun case and ammunition, but the gun was not located.

Nicomedes was booked at Ventura County Jail on suspicion of multiple crimes, including conspiracy to commit a crime, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and resisting arrest.

His bail was set at $70, 000.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 16, 3:55 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested For Firearms Possession

LOCATION: Pacific Avenue, 800 Block

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On October 16, at approximately 3:55 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a grey Audi A4 in the 800 block of Pacific Avenue for a traffic violation. Officers contacted Elias Lucas (19yrs) in the vehicle, and a male juvenile (16yrs) on foot in the area that was associated with the vehicle. Lucas and the juvenile are known criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard. Both Lucas and the juvenile are currently on probation, and the juvenile is a prohibited person from possession of firearms and ammunition.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle, and located a loaded GSG .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun concealed in the dash of the vehicle. An additional probation search was conducted at Lucas’ residence in the 3500 block of south “A” Street. During this search, additional .22 caliber ammunition and two high capacity AK-47 magazines were located. The firearm was later found to have been recently stolen out of the City of Oxnard. Lucas and the juvenile were arrested for firearms violations and possession of stolen property.

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: October 17, 6:40 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member Arrested For Firearms Possession

LOCATION: First Street at “C” Street

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On October 17, at approximately 6:40 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a black Toyota Camry for a traffic violation. Officers contacted Raymond Delatorre (44yrs) in the vehicle. Delatorre is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, is currently on probation, is a convicted felon and is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

As officers began to have Delatorre step out of the vehicle to conduct a probation search, Delatorre began to reach towards the floor for a black glove. Officers prevented Delatorre from grabbing the glove, and were able to have him exit the vehicle without further incident. During the search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded .25 caliber RG semi-automatic handgun inside of the black glove that Delatorre had attempted to grab. The firearm was also found to be unregistered. Delatorre was arrested for various firearms related violations.