OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 2, 2020

“OXNARD TOGETHER” EVENT

The Oxnard Police Department Partners with Local Faith Leaders

to Host an Event Promoting Peace, Unity, and Hospitality.

On Sunday, January 12th, at 3:00 p.m. in Plaza Park, the Oxnard Police Department, along with many local faith leaders, are coming together to hold a community service. The purpose of the event is to bring people of different beliefs together to work toward a common problem. Police Chief Scott Whitney has been working with these faith leaders to organize an interfaith event in which Oxnard can unite and display the strength of our community. The event will also offer an opportunity for all in attendance to help make positive change in the lives of local homeless families and individuals.

Every participating faith group in “Oxnard Together” has committed to working with Oxnard’s Housing Authority to identify and assist specific individuals or families that are facing homelessness.

Chief Whitney stated, “The commitments that some of these groups are making will be life changing for some of our underprivileged. In this modern age, many people don’t know how to leverage their individual skills, capacities and gifts for the direct betterment of the community. Our faith communities are often uniquely qualified to help build resilience in our cities. We’re very excited for this event.”

This interfaith service is expected to last approximately one hour. All are invited to attend.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager, Oxnard Police Department

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7631

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle results in firearm and narcotics arrests
DATE/TIME:	December 30, 2019; 10:00PM
LOCATION:	1100 block of South Oxnard Boulevard
SUSPECT(S):	Gloria Taylor, 41 year old Oxnard resident Anna Brown, 60 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7746
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On December 30, 2019 at 10:0 p.m., an Oxnard Police Officer contacted the occupants of a 2019 Volkswagen in the 1100 block of South Oxnard Boulevard. The vehicle was previously reported stolen. During a search of the vehicle, officers located narcotic paraphernalia, various amounts of oxycodone, methamphetamine, and heroin, as well as an unloaded derringer-style firearm.

The person seated in the driver’s seat, Taylor, was suspected of possessing the narcotics inside the vehicle. She was arrested for possessing the stolen vehicle and possession for sale of controlled substances. The person seated in the passenger’s seat, Brown, was arrested for firearms-related violations, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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: December 31, 2019 / 2:25AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	ADW (Assault with a Deadly Weapon)
DATE/TIME:	December 30th, 2019 / 12:46 a.m.
LOCATION:	First Street @ Eliza Court., Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	38 year old male, Oxnard resident 25 year old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Raul Palazuelos, 39 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	John Brisslinger, Detective (805) 486-6297 john.brisslinger@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective (805) 486-6228 carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 12/30/2019 at approximately 0046 hours, officers were dispatched to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center to contact the victim of a stabbing. Officers spoke with the male victim, 31 years of age, who said he had been stabbed near First Street and Eliza Court. He provided a description of the suspect to officers and mentioned that he also knew him. The victim was later transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he underwent surgery for two stab wounds to the abdomen. The victim is currently listed in stable condition.

Officers responded to Eliza Court and First Street where they located the crime scene. They followed a blood trail to a nearby residence on Eliza Court. While there they could hear a male and a female voice from inside of the residence. The female sounded as if she was struggling and in distress. Officers made entry into the residence and located Raul Palazuelos mounted on top of the female victim, 25 years of age. Palazuelos had his hands around the woman’s neck and was attempting to strangle her. Palazuelos attempted to discard a knife before being taken into custody by officers The female victim was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center where she received treatment for lacerations to the left side of her chin and cheek as well as lacerations to the inside of her palms.

Both victims positively identified Raul Palazuelos as the suspect. Palazuelos was booked into the Ventura County Jail on two counts of 245(a)(1) PC, assault with a deadly weapon.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 30, 2019 / 0500 Hours

Raul Palazuelos

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Mail Theft Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	December 26, 2019/ 3:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue and Lockwood Street
VICTIM(S):	Undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Peter Christensen, Oxnard resident, age 22
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On 12/26/19, at around 3:15 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a Vehicle Code infraction. The officer noticed the driver was acting suspicious. There was a passenger in the vehicle who was on searchable probation. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a bag containing mail associated with various addresses. The officer contacted the owner of one package associated with an address on Deckside Drive. The owner reported he was missing a package that was due to arrive a couple days ago. He also noticed his mailbox was open and empty, a couple days ago, which he said was unusual. Through an investigation, the officer determined suspect Peter Christensen, age 22, was responsible for taking the package from the mailbox on Deckside Drive. Christensen was arrested for a misdemeanor charge of mail theft, 530.5(e) P.C.

Some crime prevention tips to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of mail theft include 1) having a secure mailbox or mail slot (one that locks and is made of metal) 2) well-lit surroundings and 3) a visible home surveillance system to deter criminals.

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 PREPARED: 12/26/19, 8:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	12/21/19, 2:00 PM
LOCATION:	200 block of Hill Street, Oxnard
VICTIM:	Byron Starks, age 59
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Scott Coe, Sergeant 805-385-7771 scott.coe@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing adult. On 12/21/19, at 2:00 p.m., the department received a call of a missing adult from a home in the 1000 block of Denver Place. The missing person is Byron Starks. He was last seen in the area of 241 Hill Street at around 9:30 a.m. Starks is described as a Black, male, age 59, 6’1”, 240 lbs., black hair, brown eyes, wearing a black dress shirt and green and black checkered pajama bottoms. Starks is confined to a wheelchair and has difficulty getting around. Anyone who has seen Mr. Starks, or knows his possible whereabouts, is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/29/19, 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Parolee Arrested for Evading Police and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

DATE/TIME:

December 21^st, 2019/ 10:59 a.m.

LOCATION:

2700 block of Saviers Road, Oxnard CA. 93033

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Juan Medina, 31 year old, Oxnard Resident

Jose Suarez, 31 year old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

Edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

805-385-7600

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org

805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On December 21^st, 2019 at approximately 11:00 A.M., officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, one passenger fled from the car on foot and the vehicle sped off in an attempt to evade police. Officers went in pursuit of the vehicle though quickly cancelled the pursuit and lost sight of the vehicle. The passenger, Jose Suarez, a 31 year-old Oxnard resident, was quickly located and determined to be on active parole. He was detained pending the investigation.

The vehicle was located unoccupied a short distance away. Juan Medina, a 31 year-old Oxnard resident, was located nearby walking away in the area of the vehicle. Medina was found to be in possession of the fleeing vehicle’s key. Medina is also on active parole. During the investigation, it was determined that Medina had also discarded a loaded firearm from the vehicle and damaged an unoccupied, parked vehicle. Medina was subsequently arrested for various felony weapons charges, felony evading and a parole violation. Suarez was also taken into custody for a parole violation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 21^st, 2019 / 1530 hours

Jose Suarez Juan Medina

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	December 20, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint nets two DUI arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested two impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on December 20, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted on Rose Avenue north of Wooley Road between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

976 vehicles screened
Two DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
21 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
32 citations issued
Four vehicles towed

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Last year, the Oxnard Police Department investigated 253 DUI collisions that killed six people and injured 142 others.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 21, 2019 / 4:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Collision Involving Juvenile Pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	December 19, 2019/ 4:16 p.m.
LOCATION:	C Street and Coach C Lane
VICTIM(S):	Withheld, 11-year-old male
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 12/19/19, at about 4:16 p.m., officers were dispatched to a collision involving a vehicle and a juvenile pedestrian, near the intersection of C Street and Coach C Lane. Upon arrival, officers found an 11-year-old child suffering from a head injury. The child was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center and later airlifted to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, in critical but stable condition. Based upon a preliminary investigation, it appears the driver of a pick-up truck made a left turn, from westbound Coach C Lane to southbound C Street, and collided with the victim in the roadway.

An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/19/19, 9:55 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest in the Murder of Peter Morales
DATE/TIME:	December 18, 2019, at about 2:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	Hood River County, Oregon
VICTIM(S):	Peter Morales, 17-year-old, Hispanic male
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Manuel Dimas, 21-year-old Hispanic male
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org
FOLLOW UP MEDIA CONTACT PERSONS AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 14, 2019, at about 10:45 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the 1700 block of Elsinore Circle for a reported shooting victim. When officers arrived, they located a 17-year-old Peter Morales suffering from a gunshot wound. EMS transported him by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center, but he did not survive his injuries.

Major Crimes investigators worked tirelessly and thoroughly investigated the murder of Mr. Morales to identify the person responsible for his death. During the investigation, Major Crimes investigators interviewed numerous people who provided valuable information. As the homicide investigation continued, investigators positively identified 21-year-old Jose Dimas as the person responsible for the death of Mr. Morales.

Major Crimes investigators worked with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, the Cyber Investigations Unit and Special Enforcement Unit, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, Hillsboro Police Department (Oregon), and the Oregon State Police.

On December 18, 2019, Mr. Dimas was taken into custody without incident for murder in Hood River, Oregon. Mr. Dimas was booked into a Hood River County Detention Facility awaiting extradition to Ventura County on a bail amount of $555,000.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688. Investigators are also 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/1700elsinorecir. 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.

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: December 18, 2019, 2:30 P.M.

(Booking photo from May 2019)

Jose Manuel Dimas, DOB 9/5/1998

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Illegal Possession of an Assault Rifle and Handguns
DATE/TIME:	December 15^th, 2019/ 12:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	CenterPoint Mall, 2655 Saviers Road, Oxnard CA. 93033
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Martin Zamora, 25 years old
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Sergeant Martin.cook@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On December 15^th, 2019 at approximately 12:20 P.M., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and K-9 Unit (Rocky) conducted a traffic stop in the area of the CenterPoint Mall for a vehicle code violation. During that traffic stop, officers contacted Zamora who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Officers observed illegal items inside the vehicle and a search resulted in finding 3 firearms (a loaded AR-15 style assault rifle, a loaded 9mm semi-auto handgun and a .357 revolver) and a loaded 40 round 5.56 caliber high capacity magazine. None of the firearms located were registered to Zamora. Zamora is also a criminal street gang member. Zamora was arrested for numerous felony weapons 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 15^th, 2019 / 1800 hours