News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 27, 2020/ 1:53 PM

SUBJECT: Man arrested for a loaded firearm and drugs

LOCATION: 100 block of E. Ash Street

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Alex Valenzuela, age 19, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: 2010 Toyota Camry

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@Oxnardpd.org

On May 27, 2020, at around 1:53 PM, a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2010 Toyota Camry for a Vehicle Code violation in the 100 block of E. Ash Street. As the officer approached the driver’s window, he noticed the front passenger, Alex Valenzuela (age 19), fumbling with his waistband. The officer quickly became aware that Valenzuela had a handgun in his waistband with a large capacity magazine. Valenzuela was arrested without incident. Officers searched Valenzuela and located narcotics and other items consistent with sales of narcotics. Valenzuela was subsequently arrested for several felony firearm related charges, in addition to felony sales of narcotics.

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: May 23, 2020, 11:56 A.M.

SUBJECT: Attempted Kidnap and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Incident

LOCATION: 2100 Block Mariposa Street, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Rafael Larumbe, 39-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6228

carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org

On May 23, 2020 at approximately 11:56 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 2100 block of Mariposa Street, in reference to an attempted kidnapping that just occurred. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim and several witnesses. As the investigation progressed they learned prior to the attempted kidnapping the suspect tried forcing his way into another victim’s residence as well. During the attempted kidnap he held a sharp object near the victim’s neck, before neighbors intervened and stopped the crime from continuing. Police arrived quickly thereafter and the suspect broke into a nearby neighbor’s residence, to which he did not live at. Members of the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team, K-9 team, Crisis Negotiation Team and Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist. At approximately 5:45 P.M. the suspect was taken into custody with the assistance of Police K-9 “Capone.” The suspect was additionally in possession of stolen property from the house that he broke into. The suspect was identified as Rafael Larumbe. He was taken to Ventura County Medical Center for medical treatment to injuries he sustained during the K-9 apprehension. Larumbe was arrested for attempted residential burglary, attempted kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and residential burglary. There is no further information available at this time. If you have any information regarding the incident, please contact Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6228 or carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is committed to reducing violent crime in the City of Oxnard. 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.

DATE/TIME COMPLETED: 5/23/2020@8:25PM

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 23, 2020, 3:31 A.M.

SUBJECT: Officer-involved Traffic Collision

PEDESTRIAN: 27-year-old male, Oxnard resident

DRIVER: Oxnard Police Officer

VEHICLE: Marked Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle

LOCATION: 200 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | Dale.Mcalpine@Oxnardpd.org

On May 23, 2020, at approximately 3:31 A.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of a male subject asking for help in the 200 block of East Pleasant Valley Road. As one of the responding officers arrived on scene, their vehicle struck a 27-year-old Hispanic Male who was lying in the roadway.

Emergency medical personnel were summoned to the scene and the subject was transported to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The subject suffered moderate injuries and is listed in stable but guarded condition.

Traffic investigators responded and conducted an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Preliminary information indicated that the pedestrian may have been under the influence of drugs. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Sr. Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via email at Paul.Knapp@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: MAY 23, 2020, 12:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Oral Copulation and Rape

SUSPECT: William Gallero, 52-year-old, Argentina Resident

LOCATION: 700 block North A Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On May 22, 2020, at about 6:48 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of Roderick Avenue regarding a sexual assault that just occurred. When officers arrived, they located a 41-year-old Hispanic female who reported that she had been sexually assaulted by William Gallero.

The victim reported Mr. Gallero forced sexual acts upon her through rape and forced oral copulation while she was in an abandoned business building in the 700 block of North A Street. Mr. Gallero was contacted by patrol officers at the location. He was squatting in the building until he could return to his home in Argentina.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit was notified and responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim told investigators she learned about Mr. Gallero through an advertisement on a local radio station for spiritual cleansing. She made an appointment to meet him and she was instructed to bring a piece of material that had meaning to her wrapped in aluminum foil. Once she arrived, the spiritual cleansing began and Mr. Gallero gave the victim some water to drink. After consuming the water, the victim became dizzy. The victim was then sexually assaulted by Mr. Gallero.

The Family Protection Unit arrested Mr. Gallero for one count of oral copulation by force and one count of rape by force. Mr. Gallero was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a bail amount of $5,000,000. The Oxnard Police Department’s Fraud Unit was called to the location to investigate a possible scam involving a large amount of money found during a search warrant at the abandoned business building.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could possibly be other victims that have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incident with Mr. Gallero is asked to contact Detective Juanita Suarez (805) 385-7759.

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.

The suspect in this case has an alternate name of William Fernando Gallero-Agudelo

On Sat, May 23, 2020 at 12:02 Aaron, Scott <scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: MAY 23, 2020, 12:00 P.M.

SUBJECT:               Man Arrested for Oral Copulation and Rape

SUSPECT:               William Gallero, 52-year-old, Argentina Resident

LOCATION:             700 block North A Street, Oxnard

CONTACT:              Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On May 22, 2020, at about 6:48 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of Roderick Avenue regarding a sexual assault that just occurred. When officers arrived, they located a 41-year-old Hispanic female who reported that she had been sexually assaulted by William Gallero.

The victim reported Mr. Gallero forced sexual acts upon her through rape and forced oral copulation while she was in an abandoned business building in the 700 block of North A Street. Mr. Gallero was contacted by patrol officers at the location. He was squatting in the building until he could return to his home in Argentina.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit was notified and responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim told investigators she learned about Mr. Gallero through an advertisement on a local radio station for spiritual cleansing. She made an appointment to meet him and she was instructed to bring a piece of material that had meaning to her wrapped in aluminum foil. Once she arrived, the spiritual cleansing began and Mr. Gallero gave the victim some water to drink. After consuming the water, the victim became dizzy. The victim was then sexually assaulted by Mr. Gallero.

The Family Protection Unit arrested Mr. Gallero for one count of oral copulation by force and one count of rape by force. Mr. Gallero was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a bail amount of $5,000,000. The Oxnard Police Department’s Fraud Unit was called to the location to investigate a possible scam involving a large amount of money found during a search warrant at the abandoned business building.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could possibly be other victims that have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incident with Mr. Gallero is asked to contact Detective Juanita Suarez (805) 385-7759.

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.

Scott Aaron

Sergeant | Oxnard Police Department | Family Protection Unit

phone: (805) 385-7756

site: www.oxnardpd.org

email: scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

address: 251 S C Street Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 21, 7:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms, Weapons and Narcotics

LOCATION: “N” Street and Elm Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On May 21, at 7:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a gold Nissan Murano for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of “N” Street and Elm Street. The Driver, Joseph Hidalgo (25yrs), and passengers, Federico Zapien (28yrs), Gabriel Garcia (25yrs) and Rafael Saucedo (25yrs) were contacted in the vehicle. Hidalgo and Zapien are known criminal street gang members in the City of Oxnard. Zapien is on Post Release Supervision, and Hidalgo is on Probation in the County of Ventura. Hidalgo and Zapien are also prohibited persons from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions.

During a search of the vehicle, Zapien was found in possession of a loaded AMT 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine. The firearm was not registered to Zapien. A subsequent probation search at Zapien’s residence, in the City of Oxnard, was conducted. During the search, additional 9 millimeter ammunition was located. Zapien was arrested for various firearms and narcotics related charges.

Saucedo was found in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9 millimeter semi-auto handgun concealed on his person. Saucedo was arrested for firearms related charges.

Garcia was found in possession of a “Cold Steel” Escrima Fighting melee weapon and arrested for weapons charges.

Hidalgo was arrested for the driver of a motor vehicle knowingly allow passengers to possess firearms in a vehicle.

Zapien 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.

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: May 21, 2020 / 2300 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Stolen Vehicle Update

LOCATION: Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mancha, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632, luis.mancha@oxnardpd.org

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent stay at home order issued on March 19, 2020, the City of Oxnard has seen a significant increase in auto theft-related crimes. From January 18, 2020, to March 19, 2020 (pre-COVID-19), there were 80 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard. From March 20, 2020, to May 20, 2020 (COVID-19 stay at home period), there were 193 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard, a 141% increase. In addition, on April 6, 2020, the California Judicial Council approved the “zero bail” rule for most misdemeanors and some low-level felony crimes. This has had a direct impact on the increase in stolen vehicles.

More than half of the reported auto thefts occurred in the south end of the city. Hondas, 1990-1999, are still the preferred vehicle of car thieves. Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives, members of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT), and Oxnard Police Department Patrol Officers have been working to recover these vehicles, and to take into custody those responsible.

On May 21, 2020, Oxnard Resident Marco Meza was contacted by Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes detectives and detectives from the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT), driving a stolen vehicle in the 3200 block of Saviers Road. During the contact, Meza resisted arrest while trying to discard narcotics and was found in possession of “shaved keys” commonly used during vehicle thefts. Meza has two prior arrests for vehicle theft and numerous prior arrests for narcotics-related offenses. Meza had been arrested on May 17, 2020, while driving a stolen vehicle and was released later that same day per the zero bail rule.

On May 14, 2020, Oxnard Resident Alejandro Garcia was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers, driving a stolen vehicle in the 900 block of Richmond Ave. Garcia has four prior arrests for vehicle theft in addition to narcotic related offenses.

On May 18, 2020, Oxnard Resident Jonathan Martinez, who is a Post Release Offender (PRO) in the County of Ventura, was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers driving a stolen vehicle in the 2400 block of Saviers Road. Martinez has eight prior arrests for vehicle theft in addition to numerous property crime-related offenses. In 2018, Martinez was sentenced to the California Department of Corrections for two counts of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, identity theft, and felony evading. Since his release from the California Department of Corrections in 2019, Martinez has been arrested four times for parole violations and for the May 18, 2020 vehicle theft.

In order to combat the increase of auto thefts, Property Crimes Detectives from Oxnard Police Department responded to various retail locations in the area of Saviers Road and Channel Islands Boulevard in order to provide crime prevention information. This is part of an ongoing effort by the Oxnard Police Department to better inform the public and provide insight on how to avoid becoming a victim.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to encourage members of the public to use auto theft prevention devices such as steering wheel locks and vehicle alarms, and to never store vehicle keys inside of their vehicle. Remember to “Lock it, Take it, Keep it,” lock your vehicles and take items of value out of your vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit is committed to reducing auto 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.

MARCO ANTONIO MEZA.jpg ALEJANDRO GARCIA.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 16, 11:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Person Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Palm and Magnolia Streets, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Jonathan Espinoza, 23 year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.Org

On May 16, at about 11:15 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Palm and Magnolia Streets in Oxnard regarding a traffic collision. Officers learned that a vehicle driven by Espinoza had collided with four parked vehicles. Officers began to suspect that Espinoza had been driving his vehicle while under the influence of drugs. After an investigation, officers arrested Espinoza for driving while under the influence of drugs. During a search of Espinoza’s vehicle officers located a loaded firearm inside the vehicle.

Espinoza was arrested for multiple firearm charges and driving under the influence of drugs.

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: May 17, 2020 / 0315 hours

Espinoza, Jonathan.bmp

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 17, 2020, 8:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Possession of Narcotics for Sale and for Possession of Ammunition

LOCATION: San Juan Ave. at Bard Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECT: Jessie Cortez, 32 year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

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

On May 17, at approximately 7:45 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were patrolling near the area of Bard and San Juan when they came upon a non-injury traffic collision. While the officers were assisting the motorist with the exchanging of their information, officers recognized one of the passengers as documented gang member Jessie Cortez. Officers were aware that Cortez was on supervised release and that on May 7^th, he was arrested by the Special Enforcement Unit for possessing a loaded/concealed handgun.

Officers verified Cortez’ probation and then conducted a probation search at Cortez’ residence. During the search officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine. Based on the amount of methamphetamine officers believed the methamphetamine was possessed for the purpose of sales. Officers also located handgun magazines along with ammunition. Based on Cortez’ criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 17, 2020 / 2350 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 18, 2020, 5:41 P.M.

SUBJECT: Traffic Stop Results in Two Gang Members Being Arrested for Firearms

LOCATION: “A” St. at Robert Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Eddie Rojo, 26-year-old Oxnard resident

Antonio Ramirez, 26-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

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

On May 18, at approximately 5:41 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of “A” St. and Robert Ave. During the traffic stop officers learned that one of the occupants had a misdemeanor warrant, and two additional occupants had search terms per their supervised release. During the search officers discovered that Eddie Rojo and Antonio Ramirez, both felons, were in possession of loaded and concealed handguns. A third occupant was arrested for a juvenile warrant.

Rojo and Ramirez, are both documented criminal street gang members and prohibited persons. Rojo is a Post Release Offender and on supervised release for a prior firearm offense. Ramirez is on probation for a prior conviction for shooting at an occupied vehicle.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 18, 2020 / 1950 hours