News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 6, 2020

SUBJECT: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

LOCATION: Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 1 in 3 women in Oxnard will experience domestic violence during their lifetime. Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects everyone and causes damage to families and communities that can last for generations. Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage our community in conversations about this issue and to show our support for those whose lives have been affected by abuse.

Every nine seconds, someone is the victim of Domestic Violence. Domestic violence is a crime that affects all races, cultures, social and economic demographics that profoundly impact our community. Community members can also take this time to learn more about preventing domestic violence and show support to our partner organizations who strive to help survivors.

On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, during the City Council Meeting, Mayor Tim Flynn presented a Proclamation designating the month of October 2020 as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department asks the community members to wear purple in support of domestic violence awareness. Oxnard Police civilian employees will be wearing purple on Thursdays and uniformed officers will be displaying purple ribbons on their uniforms throughout the month of October.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit and our community partners dedicate themselves to domestic violence survivors. During this month, you will see the Oxnard Police Department building lit in purple to show support for survivors. The Oxnard Soroptimists donated funds for signs and a banner that is hanging near the intersection of “C” and Third Street.

Officers are on the scene of a minor injury collision at Victoria Ave. and Doris Ave. A power pole is down in the roadway and will cause traffic delays until removed. Please use alternate routes.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 2, 2020, 2:50 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Shawnae Bowen, 53 year old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: 200 Block of West Hemlock Street, Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, [email protected]

On October 2, 2020, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics investigation regarding Shawnae Bowen, 53 year old Port Hueneme resident, selling Heroin and Methamphetamine near the Marina West Neighborhood in Oxnard. During the investigation, Detectives learned that Bowen was selling narcotics in close proximity to Marina West Elementary School. Detectives conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Bowen when she left her residence and detained her pursuant to a search warrant. With the assistance of the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K9 Capone, Detectives conducted a search at Bowen’s residence. K9 Capone located a large red bag containing Methamphetamine, Heroin, scheduled narcotic pills, and packaging material consistent with street sales of narcotics. Bowen was charged with possession for sale of Heroin and possession for sale of Methamphetamine, both felonies. She was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail set at $50,000.

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: October 2, 10:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: 1000 block of Beverly Drive

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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, [email protected]

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

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

[email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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.