News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 21, 2024

SUBJECT: Suspect arrested in connection to 2 robberies

LOCATION: 400 Block North Rose and 1900 Block North Ventura Rd.

VICTIM: Two local Businesses

SUSPECT: Ezra Carrasco, 20-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Hugo Garcia

(805) 797-6142 | hugo.garcia@oxnardpd.org

On June 21, 2024, at 3:56 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Carl's Jr. restaurant in the 800 block of N. Rose Avenue. The robber was reportedly armed with a gun.

A possible suspect, Ezra Carrasco, 20, of Oxnard, was apprehended several blocks away on San Jose Street near Kohala Street. Witnesses identified Carrasco as the robbery suspect, leading to his arrest.

Investigators successfully connected Carrasco to a 7-Eleven store robbery on north Oxnard Boulevard that occurred overnight.

We need your help: If you have any information on this case, please contact Detective Hugo Garcia at (805) 797-6142 or by email at hugo.garcia@oxnardpd.org. You can also report online via the Oxnard Police Department's website, www.oxnard.org, and click on 'Report Suspicious Activity.' Alternatively, you can provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. For more options, visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 26, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, June 28, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2021, 1,370 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

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: June 26, 2024

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Stolen Firearms and Narcotics for Sales

SUSPECTS: David Gasca, 28-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2600 block El Dorado Ave, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Coe, Sergeant

(805) 207-5962 | scott.coe@Oxnardpd.org

During the month of June, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into David Gasca regarding the sales of controlled substances. Gasca is a documented gang member in the City of Oxnard who is also prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a previous illegal firearms conviction. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Gasca’s residence.

On June 21, 2024, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit, Gasca was contacted in the City of Ventura. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at Gasca’s residence in the 2600 block of El Dorado Ave in Oxnard. During a search of the residence, detectives recovered four loaded handguns, one sawed-off rifle, and ammunition. Two of the handguns had previously been reported stolen in Ventura County.

Detectives also located cocaine for sales, methamphetamine for sales, prescription pills, US currency and additional evidence of narcotics sales. Gasca was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales and various firearms offenses as an active participant in a criminal street gang.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses, gang crimes and gun violence 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. 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: June 19th, 2024 (7:38 p.m.)

SUBJECT: 3D Printed Handgun Recovered After Vehicle Pursuit

SUSPECTS: Oscar Villafana, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

Jesse Olivares, 19-year-old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: Camino Del Sol at Sara Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Corporal

(805) 385-7796 | Jason.radcliffe@Oxnardpd.org

On June 19^th, at approximately 7:38 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and attempted to evade the officers. Passenger Jesse Olivares discarded a loaded 3D printed handgun. The vehicle yielded a short time later. The driver, Oscar Villafana, was arrested for the pursuit and weapons violations. Olivares was arrested for firearms violations.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and Violent Crimes Unit are 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/TIME: June 18, 2024 / 9:20PM

SUBJECT: Seizure of Illegal Fireworks

LOCATION: Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

(805) 385-7746 (Sun-Wed 4PM-2AM)

On the above date and time, Oxnard police officers responded to Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, reference the business selling “mortar” fireworks. Officers responded and located more than ten varieties of illegal fireworks, including both “safe and sane” and “dangerous” fireworks. Over 3,000 individual fireworks were seized, including nine of the large mortar-style dangerous fireworks. The total weight was estimated at 30 pounds.

The business owner was cited for a violation of Oxnard City Code 7-147.1(B)(1).

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous with risk of significant injuries. Each year, fireworks land on rooftops and cause structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress. They can also be very distressing for pets and their owners. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks.

The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch offenders of fireworks violations, each year the Department prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement.

Any individual caught using or possessing fireworks is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane“ fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.

The Oxnard Police Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely without risk of injury or property damage. We also encourage everyone to respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets by refraining from the use of fireworks.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

• Fireworks Cellphone Line (805-307-6308) Dedicated line specifically for fireworks complaints carried by an NPT officer while on duty to take down specific information of problematic locations where fireworks are occurring.

• Fireworks Tips via Email (Fireworks@oxnardpd.org) Please provide specific information regarding locations, days, and times

• Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous

• Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Oxnard Store Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm) | steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

Store Clerks in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Oxnard Police Department, with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, cited two store clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to a minor on June 17, 2024. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which a minor, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 10 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

For a first violation, clerks who sold alcohol to a minor could face a minimum fine of $250 and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the business's alcoholic beverage license. That action may include a fine, suspension of the license, or permanent revocation of the license.

Compliance checks are conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities than the general adult population. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the harm associated with minors drinking alcohol.

Law enforcement agencies have been conducting minor decoy operations throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted routinely, the rate has dropped in some cities to as low as 10 percent.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool for law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department's Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.

Good evening:

Oxnard police are currently investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian on East Hueneme Road east of Saviers Road. East Hueneme Road is currently closed between Saviers Road and Arcturus Avenue for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Assault Victim Struck by Vehicles and Killed

LOCATION: 300 Block E. Hueneme Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: 50–60 year-old Male

CONTACT: Detective Manny Perez

(805) 385-7645 | manny.perez@oxnardpd.org

On June 16, 2024 at 8:58 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department communications center received several calls from individuals reporting a fight in the 300 block of E. Hueneme Rd. The callers stated there were multiple subjects engaged in the fight. When officers arrived on scene, they located a lone male victim in the roadway who had been struck by several vehicles. Emergency Medical Services responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Witnesses told officers the victim was being assaulted by several subjects in the roadway. After the assault, the suspects fled the area on foot leaving the victim lying in the roadway. A few seconds later the victim was struck by vehicles driving by. Two vehicles that struck the victim remained on scene and the occupants were cooperative. It is unknown at this time if additional vehicles struck the victim as well. It was not clear what condition the victim was in after the assault, and it is unknown why he did not attempt to move out of the roadway.

The victim has not been identified, but appears to be a male 50-60 years-old. The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Traffic Unit responded to conduct the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. A motive for the assault has yet to be established. Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Manny Perez at (805) 385-7645 or by email at manny.perez@oxnardpd.org.

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnard.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Hueneme Road is now open and available for vehicular travel.

On Sun, Jun 16, 2024 at 10:43 PM Baysinger, Kevin <kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

Good evening:

Oxnard police are currently investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian on East Hueneme Road east of Saviers Road. East Hueneme Road is currently closed between Saviers Road and Arcturus Avenue for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 15, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: Black F-150

Black Lexus IS300

DRIVERS: Nery Massis Flandez, 51-yr-old Oxnard resident

Ethel Eldridge, 79-yr-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Joseph Clarke, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org

On June 15, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a traffic collision involving a black Lexus IS300 and a black F-150 on Victoria Avenue, south of Fifth Street.

Upon arrival, officers located numerous injured occupants. Three occupants of the Lexus were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The driver, identified as Ethel Eldridge, is listed in critical condition. The two other occupants of the Lexus, one a 19-month-old child, are in stable condition. Both occupants of the F-150 were transported to St. John’s hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators believe the Lexus was exiting the parking lot south of Fifth Street and attempted to make an illegal left-turn to travel southbound on Victoria Avenue. The Lexus was struck by the F-150 as it crossed the northbound lanes of Victoria Avenue. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment to be a contributing factor.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7749 or via email at joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.