News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 2, 10:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: 1000 block of Beverly Drive

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On October 2, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a white Lincoln Town Car at the 1000 block of Beverly Drive for a traffic violation. Officers contacted Raymond Moreno (26yrs) and an additional male in the vehicle.

During the traffic stop, a search was conducted and Moreno was found to have a .22 caliber Walther P22 concealed in his pocket. Moreno was arrested for firearms related charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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 4, 2020, 7:13 P.M.

SUBJECT: Juvenile Arrested for Possessing Loaded Firearm

LOCATION: 600 N Juanita Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: 15-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On October 4, at approximately 7:13 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) responded to the area of Juanita Ave. and Camino Del Sol reference a call of a subject observed in the possession of a firearm. The caller advised that the subject seen with the firearm was in the company of two additional subjects. When the officers arrived on scene they located the possible suspects at the intersection. Officers attempted to make contact with the individuals and they all fled. The three subjects were all apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.

Officers located a loaded handgun in one of the yards adjacent to where the individuals were originally contacted. The officers arrested a 15-year-old juvenile for possessing the firearm and for resisting arrest. The juvenile was booked into juvenile hall, the remaining two juveniles were released at the scene.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 4, 2020 / 2020 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 1, 2020

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

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

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol on October 4, 2020, between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.
Use your signal when changing lanes.
Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists:

Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.
Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.
Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.
Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.

The state’s stay-at-home order requires residents to stay at home and only go out to run essential errands or exercise. When out, please remember to practice physical distancing measures when feasible, staying at least six feet apart from others.

During these trying times, the safety of the community remains our top priority, and the Oxnard Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by drivers and riders that put the public at further risk.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 30, 2020, 5:50 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Omar Perez, 44 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block of North Harrison Avenue

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On September 30, 2020, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics investigation regarding Omar Perez, 44 year old Oxnard resident, selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in the Colonia Neighborhood. Detectives conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Perez when he left his residence and served a search warrant. During a search of his vehicle, detectives located a large quantity of US Currency and Methamphetamine for sale. Detectives conducted a search at Perez’ residence pursuant to the search warrant and located additional Methamphetamine, a large quantity of Fentanyl, and US Currency. Perez was charged with possession for sale of Fentanyl, possession for sale of Methamphetamine, and transportation of Methamphetamine, all felonies. Perez was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $350,000

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: September 30, 2020, 8:34 P.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: 1300 Block Of West Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6288

carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org

On September 30, 2020 at approximately 8:34 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 1300 block of West Channel Islands Boulevard. When they arrived, officers located a 32-year-old male Oxnard resident down in the parking lot. The male was armed with a handgun and was suffering from a gunshot wound. Initially, the male was not compliant with officers however, officers were able to eventually direct the male to drop his gun and comply with their requests. The male subject was treated immediately by EMS personnel prior to being transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it appears that the victim was in contact with other persons at the scene when multiple gunshots were fired and the victim was struck. The investigation is in the preliminary stages and no further information is available at this time.

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.

Oxnard officers are assisting Port Hueneme Police with a serious injury hit and run investigation. Traffic will be heavily impacted for the next few hours in the northbound lanes of Ventura Rd. between Sunkist St. and Spruce St. Please use alternate routes.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 29, 2020, 7:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Shooting Death in Oxnard

VICTIM: Rogelio Lara, 48 years of age

SUSPECT: Gabriel Cortez, 23 year old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 3550 South Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | Edgar.Fernandez@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

On September 27, 2020, at 10:37 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of shots being fired in the area of the 3500 block of Harbor Boulevard. When officers arrived, they located Rogelio Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, in the parking lot area adjacent to the harbor. Unfortunately, Lara succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Today, at 7:30 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit arrested, Gabriel Cortez for the murder of Rogelio Lara. Cortez is suspected in the shooting death of Lara. Throughout this investigation, major crimes investigators worked tirelessly, along with Oxnard’s Drug Enforcement Unit, Violent Crimes Unit and SWAT to uncover evidence which led to the arrest of Gabriel Cortez.

Cortez was already in custody on previous charges of illegally possessing a firearm. Cortez is being charged with the murder of Rogelio Lara. He is currently being held at the Ventura County Jail.

Detectives continue to look for more information and 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/3550harborblvd. 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 Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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: September 29, 2020, 8:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 29, 2020, 10:30 AM

SUBJECT: Pimping / Prostitution Arrest

LOCATION: 1400 Block of Gazenia Court, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Chen Rao, 43 years old, Transient, San Gabriel, CA

Bin Zhang, 39 years old, New York Resident

Hai-Yan Chen, 40 years old, Transient, San Gabriel, CA

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 | Brandon.Ordelheide@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department received several complaints regarding suspicious activity at a residence in the 1400 block of Gazenia Court in the City of Oxnard. Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation on the residence. Based on the information obtained from the investigation, detectives believed the residence was being used for prostitution.

On September 29, 2020, with the assistance of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, Ventura County High Tech Task Force, Oxnard Neighborhood Policing Team, and a victim services group, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) served a search warrant at the residence. Upon completion of the investigation, Chen Rao was arrested for pimping, a felony, after detectives discovered that he was receiving proceeds generated from prostitution. Bin Zhang and Hai-Yan Chen were also arrested and issued a notice to appear for soliciting prostitution, a misdemeanor.

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. Any witness can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 28, 2020, 7:42 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: 600 blk. Meta St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: David Matulich, 31-year-old Oxnard resident

Jose Guerrero, 31-year-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On September 28, at approximately 7:42 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 600 blk of Meta St. Upon contacting the occupants, the officers learned that several of them were on supervised release. The officers removed the occupants and searched the vehicle pursuant to the occupants’ court ordered search terms. During the search officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, David Matulich, was arrested for possessing the handgun. A second occupant in the vehicle, Jose Guerrero, on parole for voluntary manslaughter, was arrested for violating the terms of his parole. Matulich was searched incident to his arrest for the firearm and officers located usable amounts of methamphetamine and heroin on his person.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 28, 2020 / 2130 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 25, 7:50 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearms Arrest

LOCATION: 500 block of Stroube Street

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On September 25, at approximately 7:50 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a black Dodge Charger at the intersection of Stroube Street and Vineyard Avenue for a traffic violation. Officers contacted Angel Zendejas (22yrs) and a female in the vehicle. During the traffic stop, information was gained that indicated Zendejas was manufacturing firearms and had illegally transferred a firearm over state lines.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded and assisted in authoring a search warrant for Zendejas’ residence in the 500 block of Stroube Street. SEU, VCU, Oxnard K-9 and Oxnard Patrol officers served the search warrant at Zendejas’ residence. During the subsequent search, an AR-15 style un-serialized and unregistered (ghost gun) rifle, a loaded and unregistered Colt .45 caliber 1911 handgun, various calibers of ammunition and a loaded and unregistered Smith & Wesson M&P 9 millimeter handgun were located in the residence.

Zendejas was arrested for numerous firearms related charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail.