News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2020; 5:20 P.M.

SUBJECT: Carjacking/Attempt Carjacking Arrest

SUSPECT: Jose Ramiro Torres, 24 years old

LOCATION: Various

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

On July 17, 2020, at about 5:20PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1800 block of N. Rose Avenue reference a stolen vehicle. Officers contacted the victim, who stated he was to the rear of the businesses when the suspect approached and demanded a ride. The suspect simulated a weapon and the victim, in fear for his safety, backed away from his vehicle. The suspect entered and drove away in the victim’s vehicle.

As officers were checking the area, they also responded to a hit and run collision involving the victim’s vehicle. The suspect, Torres, fled but was located a short time later by officers in the 1400 block of N. Lombard Street. The victim of the carjacking identified the suspect as the person who took his vehicle. The victim of the hit and run collision also identified Torres as the person who was driving the suspect vehicle and fled the scene after the collision.

Officers were called to a third victim at 2200 E. Gonzales Road. This victim stated he was seated in the passenger’s seat of his vehicle when the suspect, later identified as Torres, entered through the driver’s side door and attempted to take the vehicle. The victim and Torres struggled over the keys before Torres eventually fled the area.

Torres was arrested for carjacking, attempt carjacking and misdemeanor hit and run driving.

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: July 17, 2020 / 11:20PM

Torres

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2020, 3:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Stolen Vehicle Arrest

VICTIM: Name Withheld

SUSPECT: Eulogio Chacon, 22 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: Courtland St. / Clark Ct., Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Sergeant

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

On Friday, July 17, 2020, officers responded to assist a victim who located his stolen vehicle in the Southwinds neighborhood on Courtland Street at Clark Court. The sole occupant of the vehicle attempted to drive away once he realized officers were attempting to contact him; however, the officers were able to prevent him from doing so. The driver refused to comply with the officers’ commands to exit the vehicle and the situation evolved to the point where crisis negotiators, the SWAT team, and the police K9 were needed.

Eventually, crisis negotiators confirmed the driver’s identity as 22 year-old Oxnard resident, Eulogio Chacon. After more than two hours of failed negotiations, less-lethal measures were deployed to encourage the suspect to exit the vehicle. During the stand-off, Chacon rammed a police vehicle in his attempts to flee. Upon exiting the vehicle, Chacon refused to comply with officers’ commands and attempted to flee toward a crowded park. He was quickly apprehended. Chacon was arrested for the unlawful taking of a vehicle and resisting arrest.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 16, 2020

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 500 block of South C St.

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org

On July 16, 2020, at approximately 6:01 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a tan GMC Yukon for a vehicle code violation in the 500 block South C St. The driver, David Alvarez (28 yrs.), and an adult Hispanic female were contacted in the vehicle. Alvarez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard. Alvarez is prohibited from owning and/or possessing firearms and/or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

Pursuant to Alvarez’s supervision terms, a probation search was conducted at Alvarez’s residence. During the probation search, officers located a loaded 9 millimeter P80 semi-automatic handgun. The handgun contained 10 unexpended bullets. Alvarez was arrested for numerous gun charges.

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.

ALVAREZ

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 16^,2020 / 2030 hours

Update: The roadway has been cleared and all traffic has been reopened on Channels Islands Boulevard between Ventura Road and M Street.

Officers are on the scene of a fatal traffic accident involving a pedestrian and a vehicle that occurred in the early morning hours around 1:52 AM near the intersection of Channel Islands Boulevard and M Street. Traffic is closed on Channel Islands Boulevard from Ventura Road to M Street for both east and westbound traffic. Motorists can expect delays and are advised to seek alternate routes. The Traffic Unit is responding to conduct the investigation. No further information is available at this time. A press release will be completed later this morning.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 16, 2020, 1:52 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian and vehicle

LOCATION: Channel Islands Boulevard at M Street, Oxnard, CA

VEHICLE: 2008 Toyota Camry

DRIVER: 25-year-old male, Oxnard resident

PEDESTRIAN: Unidentified Female, approximately 30 years of age

CONTACT: Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

805-200-2337

Dale.McAlpine@oxnardpd.org

On July 16, 2020, at approximately 1:52 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision that occurred on Channel Islands Boulevard near M Street. Officers determined that a 2008 Toyota Camry was traveling westbound on Channel Islands Boulevard and collided with a pedestrian lying in the street.

The driver of the Toyota Camry, identified as a 25-year-old male of Oxnard was uninjured and cooperated with investigating Officers. The pedestrian was provided first aid and life-saving measures at the scene and she succumbed to her injuries.

Traffic investigators have taken over the investigation and are attempting to determine the events that led up to the collision and the cause of the collision. It is unknown if alcohol/drugs were involved.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Mike Wood at (805) 385-7750 or via email at Michael.Wood@oxnardpd.org, 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: July 14, 2020, 5:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Theft of Catalytic Converters

LOCATION: Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mancha, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 | Luis.Mancha@Oxnardpd.org

The city of Oxnard has recently experienced a rise in the theft of catalytic converters. The catalytic converter is attached to the vehicle’s exhaust system. Catalytic converters contain certain metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The metals are expensive, and thieves steal the converters to sell to scrap metal yards. It has been reported that it can cost, on average, up to $2,000 to replace a catalytic converter.

The city of Oxnard is not alone in dealing with this growing problem, nationally the theft of catalytic converters is on the rise as well.

Thieves are targeting vehicles with a high ground clearance like trucks and certain SUVs. The high clearance allows thieves to crawl under the vehicles with ease.

How do you know if your catalytic converter is missing? If you notice a loud roaring sound or your engine begins sputtering as soon as you start to accelerate, your catalytic converter has likely been stolen. If you are comfortable and can do so safely, look under your car. The converter is a round canister and is usually located near the center of the car. The catalytic converter connects two pieces of piping in the exhaust and if it is missing, you will see signs of the piping being sawed away.

To help prevent catalytic converter theft, park in well-lit areas when possible. Other options are to park your car in the garage or close to a building entrance when parking in a public lot. Depending on your vehicle, mechanics can install additional pieces of metal on your catalytic converter to make it difficult to remove your converter or to deter the thief.

The Oxnard Police Department, Property Crimes Unit is committed to reducing theft in the city of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding any of these cases 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: July 9, 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 July 11, 2020

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, July 11, 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: July 9, 2020

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms and Narcotics

LOCATION: 400 block of W. Kamala St.

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7600 | jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

On July 9, 2020, at approximately 5:30 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a grey Infiniti Q50 for a vehicle code violation at the 400 block of W. Kamala St. The driver, Osvaldo Quiroz (25 yrs.), and front passenger, Victor Aguirre (24 yrs.) were contacted in the vehicle. Aguirre is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard. Aguirre is on Post Release Supervision (AB109) from previous firearm convictions. Aguirre is prohibited from owning and/or possessing firearms and/or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

Pursuant to Aguirre’s supervision terms, officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded .38 special revolver loaded with six hollow point rounds. Additional rounds were also located in a small bag near the revolver. In addition, controlled substances were located on Aguirre’s person. Aguirre and Quiroz were arrested for numerous gun and narcotic related charges.

This is the second time in a three-month period the Special Enforcement Unit has arrested Aguirre with a firearm. Aguirre has been arrested on five prior occasions for being in possession of a firearm.

Aguirre is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment –, which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 9, 2020 / 2330 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 12, 2020

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

One Driver Arrested at Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – One driver arrested for DUI while conducting a DUI checkpoint on July 11, 2020. The checkpoint was held at Oxnard Blvd. south of Wagon Wheel Road from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

15 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license, six traffic citations issued, one vehicle was towed, and 767 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.

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