News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 27 2020, 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Street Racing Enforcement

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Adam Aguilar, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org

On Thursday, August 27, 2020, between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol conducted a joint street racing enforcement operation. The enforcement operation resulted in numerous citations and arrests including two drivers arrested for street racing and one driver arrested for reckless driving. The Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol are committed to ensuring traffic safety on our roadways and will continue the zero-tolerance enforcement efforts in an attempt to curb illegal street racing and reckless driving.

The results of the enforcement operation include:

· 80 citations

· Nine vehicles towed

· Three hazardous driving arrests

· Four DUI arrests

This has been the fifth street racing operation within the past two months all in response to increased community concerns about hazardous and reckless driving on our roadways. The Oxnard Police Department has received numerous complaints from residents and business owners about problems related to illegal street racing, including everything from reckless driving to participants using business parking lots as their gathering areas that disrupt business. Other complaints have included loud music, loitering, littering, urinating and drinking alcohol in public, and blocking roadways.

Street racing and other forms of reckless driving are dangerous and can lead to serious injury collisions on our roadways. The Oxnard Police Department has investigated 1305 speed-related collisions since 2017, including eight fatal collisions due to dangerous driving and one illegal street racing fatal collision that resulted in three deaths.

Specially trained personnel will continue working traffic safety operations to reduce collisions and increase safety on our highways. Violators driving modified vehicles will be referred to a State Referee, who will perform equipment inspections. State Referees will not sign off citations until a vehicle is in full compliance with the law.

If anyone has questions regarding this enforcement operation, please contact Traffic Officer Adam Aguilar at adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2020, 5:21 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Juvenile Gang Member Arrested for Possessing Stolen Loaded Handgun

LOCATION: 2100 blk. E. Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: 15-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

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

On August 24, at approximately 5:21 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were patrolling the Lemonwood neighborhood. During their patrol the officers located a known documented criminal street gang member who was known to be on probation for a prior assault with a deadly weapon. As officers attempted to contact the juvenile to exercise his court ordered search terms, the juvenile fled while holding the front area of his waistband. Officers ultimately apprehended the juvenile. Officers retraced the path the juvenile fled and located a loaded handgun. The handgun was found to be stolen out of Ventura. The juvenile was arrested for possessing the loaded stolen handgun.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 24, 2020 / 1850 hours

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for August 25, 2020

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation on August 25, 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. So far this year, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated three deadly and 85 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

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: August 22, 2020

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

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

Three Drivers Arrested at Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – Three drivers were arrested for DUI while conducting a DUI checkpoint on August 21, 2020. The checkpoint was held at Rose Avenue and Tiesa Lane from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Twenty-one drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, three traffic citations issued, three vehicles were towed, and 1000 vehicles screened.

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.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold another DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on September 4, 2020.

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: August 19, 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 August 23, 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.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold another motorcycle safety enforcement operation on September 6, 2020. 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: August 20, 2020, 6:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest / Felony Warrant Arrest

SUSPECTS: Miguel Angel Jimenez, 38 year old Oxnard resident

Arturo Pedro, 48 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 block of South L Street

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On August 20, 2020, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were conducting an investigation at a residence in the 1100 block of South L Street in reference to a narcotics investigation. During the investigation, officers observed Miguel Angel Jimenez, 38 year old Oxnard resident, exit the residence and enter a vehicle. Detectives knew Jimenez had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and contacted him while he was seated in the vehicle. Jimenez surrendered without incident and was found to be in possession of a large quantity of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. Jimenez was additionally charged with possession for sale of Fentanyl, a felony, and possession for sale of Methamphetamine, a felony.

During the investigation, a second known wanted subject, Arturo Pedro, fled from detectives and barricaded himself inside of the residence. SEU Officers attempted to gain compliance for over an hour and Pedro refused to surrender. K9 Leo and K9 Rocky responded to the scene and SEU Officers made entry into the residence. When SEU Officers and K9 Leo entered the residence, Pedro surrendered peacefully. Pedro was taken into custody for a felony warrant in reference to a previous auto theft. Additionally, he was found to be in possession of ammunition. Pedro is prohibited from possessing ammunition due to his criminal history and was additionally charged with being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition, a felony.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 20, 2020, 7:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Traffic Enforcement Operation

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Adam Aguilar, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org

On Thursday, August 20, 2020, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol deployed officers throughout the City in response to complaints and traffic collisions related to illegal street racing, reckless driving, and unsafe vehicles operating on our roadways. The police department has received numerous complaints of drivers of illegally modified vehicles gathering and disturbing at different locations around the city and participating in dangerous driving placing others at risk.

During the traffic enforcement operation, officers arrested two drivers for participating in a street race, two drivers were arrested for driving impaired, and one driver was arrested for being in possession of methamphetamine. In addition, 41 hazardous citations were issued and five vehicles were towed.

The Oxnard Police Department has investigated several fatal collisions resulting from reckless driving, speed, and street racing. Over the past three years, there have been eight traffic fatal collisions due to dangerous driving. In addition, three people have lost their lives due to illegal street racing since 2017.

There has been an increased presence of these types of unsanctioned events in Oxnard and throughout the county. Street racing, drag racing, drifting, and other forms of unpermitted driving create a very dangerous environment for everyone on our roadways. The Oxnard Police Department will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to this dangerous and illegal behavior. Those doing these acts will be subject to citations, vehicles being towed, and possibly arrested.

Violators driving modified vehicles will be referred to a State Referee, who will perform equipment inspections. State Referees will not sign off citations until a vehicle is in full compliance with the law. The police department will continue these types of enforcement operations in an effort to make our roadways safer.

If anyone has questions regarding this enforcement operation, please contact Traffic Officer Adam Aguilar at adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org.

DATE: August 21, 2020 / 7:10 a.m.

SUBJECT: Stabbing

LOCATION: Hueneme High School, 500 W. Bard Rd., Oxnard

VICTIM: Name Withheld

SUSPECT: Jeffrey Smith, 58-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Marc Amon, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | marc.amon@oxnardpd.org

On Friday, August 21, 2020, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the Hueneme High School campus in south Oxnard in regards to a stabbing that had just occurred.

The officers were informed that a contracted construction worker was in the boys’ restroom when he was stabbed in the back without warning or provocation by the suspect, Jeffrey Smith. Smith then ran from the campus but was followed by the victim’s co-workers. The witnesses followed Smith until officers were able to detain him. Smith was still in possession of the knife at the time but was compliant with the officers. After the witness and victim identified Smith he was subsequently arrested for the felonious assault and charged with attempted murder.

It is unknown why Smith was on the closed campus but he was also charged with a misdemeanor offense as it relates to his registered sex offender status (see the California Megan’s Law website for additional details).

The victim was taken to the hospital for further treatment of the non-life-threatening wounds.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or criminal activity in general, is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website and clicking on the Report Suspicious Activity button. Residents can also help reduce crime in their own neighborhood by staying informed of criminal activity using the Community Crime Map link at www.oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 21, 2020, 12:25 P.M.

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested in Possession of a Firearm

SUSPECT: Ramon Aguilar, 23 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 600 block West Hueneme Road, Oxnard. Ca.

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | rocky.marquez@Oxnardpd.org

On Friday, August 21, 2020, Oxnard Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 600 block of W. Hueneme Road, regarding a traffic violation. During the stop, officers learned that one of the passengers, Ramon Aguilar, is a Post Release Offender for firearm related offenses. Aguilar was found to be in possession of a loaded and concealed 9mm handgun, which was not registered to him.

Ramon Aguilar is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm. Aguilar was arrested for several firearms related violations including, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a loaded firearm in a school zone.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 21, 2020, 3:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Oxnard Investigators Seek Assistance with Homicide

VICTIM: Jose Aguilera, 20 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

LOCATION: 900 block of Spruce Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

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

DETAILS:

On March 21, 2019, at about 2230 hour, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of a shooting in the 900 block of Spruce Street. Upon arrival, officers located Jose Aguilera, a 20 year old Oxnard resident, who had suffered a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, Aguilera succumbed to his injuries and died.

Since this homicide occurred, investigators have continued to work diligently to uncover leads in this case. New information has provided investigators with additional direction, but they are still seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding this incident.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective John Sunia (805) 385-7760. 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: August 21, 2020, 2:15 P.M.