News Releases

Juanito Balanag was located and is being returned to his family.

Greg Harasymowycz

Commander – Patrol

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030

(805) 385-7600 Work Phone

www.oxnardpd.org

On Tue, Apr 9, 2024 at 1:36 PM Harasymowycz, Gregory <gregory.harasymowycz@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

DATE:                                   April 9, 2024, 1:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Missing Adult

LOCATION:                       4400 block of Highland Street, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Juanito Balanag, 76-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Harasymowycz, Commander (Sunday – Wednesday, 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.)

                                (805) 385-7650 | gregory.harasymowycz@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department would like the community to help find a missing adult. Juanito Balanag is a 76-year-old male, 4'9" 120 lbs., with gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen leaving his residence on foot in Oxnard today at approximately 7:00 a.m. He was wearing a tan bucket hat, black jacket, and pants of unknown color.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public to help find Mr. Balanag. If you have any information about the whereabouts of Mr. Balanag, we ask that you contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch as soon as you can at (805) 385-7740.

Greg Harasymowycz

Commander – Patrol

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030

(805) 385-7650 Work Phone

www.oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 6, 2024, at 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child

LOCATION: 1300 block Cachuma Ave, Ventura

VICTIM: 11-year-old Female, Santa Paula resident

SUSPECT: Jesus Gonzalez Arteaga, 43-year-old Male, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Dale Mc Alpine, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 (Monday – Thursday 8am-6pm)

dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

On March 12, 2024, at approximately 10:00 A.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit were contacted by the Santa Paula Police Department in reference to an 11-year-old female sexual assault victim. The investigation discovered that the suspect, Jesus Gonzalez Arteaga, a 43-year-old Oxnard resident, has been sexually assaulting the 11-year-old since she was eight years old. During the investigation, the suspect fled, and investigators from the Family Protection Unit worked diligently to gather enough evidence to secure an arrest warrant for Arteaga.

On April 6, 2024, at approximately 1:00 P.M., members of the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit, Oxnard Police Special Enforcement Unit, Oxnard Police K-9 team, and Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department were able to apprehend Arteaga without incident in the 1300 block of Cachuma Avenue, in the City of Ventura. Arteaga was transported and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail, for 288.5 PC – Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Daniel Cosio at (805) 385-7609. Also, 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: April 6, 2024, 1:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 5th, 2024 (5:47 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Parolee Found to be in Possession of a P80 Firearm

SUSPECTS: Eddie Rojo, 30-year-old Oxnard resident

George Lindsay, 37-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Entrada at Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On April 5^th 2024, at approximately 5:47 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were patrolling near Entrada and Gonzales Rd. when they observed Eddie Rojo riding as a passenger in a vehicle. The officers had prior contacts with Rojo and knew that he is on parole for felony firearms possession. The officers were also aware that Rojo is a documented criminal street gang member.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and the driver, identified as George Lindsay, initially failed to yield. As Lindsay continued to drive away, officers observed Rojo toss a handgun from the vehicle. Lindsay ultimately stopped, and the handgun was recovered. Upon further inspection officers learned the firearm was a loaded 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.

Lindsay was arrested for allowing his passenger to have a loaded firearm in the vehicle. Lindsay was searched at the Oxnard Police Department prior to being booked. Officers located methamphetamine on Lindsay’s person and charged Lindsay with possessing methamphetamine for sale.

Officers charged Rojo with a parole violation. The investigation regarding Rojo’s possession of the firearm is continuing.

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/TIME: April 3, 2024 / 4:25PM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: Andrew Yanez, 18-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2100 block Cloyne Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

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

On April 3^rd, the Oxnard Police Department’s Traffic unit conducted a distracted driver enforcement operation. At about 4:25PM, a traffic officer conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations at the above location. During their contact with the occupants of the vehicle, officers learned that one of the passengers, Yanez, was in possession of a firearm with a loaded high capacity magazine. Yanez was arrested for multiple firearms violations. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

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: April 3, 2024, at 10:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspects Arrested for March 2024 Shooting Death

LOCATION: 1000 block Industrial Ave, Oxnard

VICTIM: Yanelly Vargas 35-year-old Female, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Margarita Jimenez 33-year-old Female, Oxnard resident

Jorge Garfias 36-year-old Male, Ventura resident

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 (Tues-Fri 7am-5pm)| jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

On March 17, 2024, at approximately 11:53 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a fight with possible shots being fired in the 1000 block of Industrial Ave. Officers and EMS personnel arrived on scene and located a 35-year-old female, later identified as Yanelly Vargas, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Vargas was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department worked diligently to identify the two suspects in this case. On April 3, 2024, members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and K-9 team were able to apprehend both suspects without incident. The suspects were identified as Margarita Jimenez, a 33-year-old female Oxnard resident, and Jorge Garfias, a 36-year-old male Ventura resident. Investigators determined Garfias was previously involved in a romantic relationship with Yanelly. Jimenez and Garfias were transported to the Ventura County Main Jail, where they were booked for the murder of Yanelly Vargas.

Although the persons responsible for this senseless murder have been arrested, this is still an ongoing investigation. Investigators are still seeking any further information regarding this incident and are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-7688. Also, 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: April 3, 2024, 4:30 P.M.

DATE: April 1, 2024, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION: 1000 block Bismark Way, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Harold "Woody" Underwood, 87-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Harasymowycz, Commander (Sunday-Wednesday 6 A.M. – 4 P.M.)

(805) 385-7650 | gregory.harasymowycz@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance locating an at-risk missing adult. Harold "Woody" Underwood is an 87-year-old white male, 6'0", 170 lbs., with white, ponytail-style hair and blue eyes. Mr. Underwood was last seen walking on foot in the 1000 Bismark Way, Oxnard area, today at 11:00 A.M. He was wearing a long-sleeve grey T-shirt, dark sweatpants, and a black backpack.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public to help find Mr. Underwood. If you have any information about his disappearance, please get in touch with the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

***Update***

Mr. Underwood was located.

Thank you to all those who assisted with the investigation.

Greg Harasymowycz

Commander – Patrol

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030

(805) 385-7600 Work Phone

www.oxnardpd.org

On Mon, Apr 1, 2024 at 1:51 PM Harasymowycz, Gregory <gregory.harasymowycz@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

DATE:                                    April 1, 2024, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION:                          1000 block Bismark Way, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Harold "Woody" Underwood, 87-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Harasymowycz, Commander (Sunday-Wednesday 6 A.M. – 4 P.M.)

                                (805) 385-7650 | gregory.harasymowycz@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance locating an at-risk missing adult. Harold "Woody" Underwood is an 87-year-old white male, 6'0", 170 lbs., with white, ponytail-style hair and blue eyes. Mr. Underwood was last seen walking on foot in the 1000 Bismark Way, Oxnard area, today at 11:00 A.M. He was wearing a long-sleeve grey T-shirt, dark sweatpants, and a black backpack.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public to help find Mr. Underwood. If you have any information about his disappearance, please get in touch with the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | micheal.gens@oxnardpd.org

On April 3, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold additional distracted driving enforcement operations on April 9, 2024 and April 15, 2024.

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: April 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Stabbing Victim

LOCATION: 3000 block Saviers Rd, Oxnard

VICTIM: 41-Year-Old Male Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Kevin Gormley

(805) 385-7686 (Tues-Fri 7 AM – 5 PM) kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

On April 2, 2024 at approximately 5:01 PM, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the parking lot in the 3000 block of Saviers Rd regarding a stabbing, which had just occurred. Officers on scene located a 41-year-old male, suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

Officers located an extensive crime scene in the parking lot of the businesses in the 3000 block of Saviers Rd. The initial call for service was reference a fight between two males, which ultimately led to the stabbing. A motive for the stabbing is unknown at this time. No arrests have been made in connection to this incident.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Kevin Gormley at 805-385-7686 or by email at kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 29, 2024

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Stay Focused, Stay Safe: Get Off Your Apps

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Oxnard, Calif. – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat. The Oxnard Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.