OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department’s D.R.A.G.G. Auto Youth Program’s Fourth Holiday Vehicle Giveaway
DATE/TIME:	December 14, 2019 / 5:45 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Daniel Shrubb (805) 200-2134 daniel.shrubb@oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, California) –

This morning, in conjunction with the Twelfth Annual Santa to the Sea Toy Drive by Nyeland Promise, the Oxnard Police Department’s D.R.A.G.G. (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) auto youth program gifted a refurbished vehicle to a well-deserving local family.

This is the fourth consecutive year our D.R.A.G.G. program has repaired and reconditioned a previously-owned vehicle and donated it to a family in need of reliable transportation. The vehicle, a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, was donated by Oxnard Mitsubishi and refurbished by D.R.A.G.G., with assistance from Commercial Auto Body in Oxnard.

This year, over sixty well-deserving families were nominated. The recipients, Juan Cruz and his family, were selected by the students in the D.R.A.G.G. program.

Media with questions can contact Paul Carganilla (805) 342-8291 or paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 14th, 2019 / 5:45 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
DATES:	December 13, 2019 to January 1, 2020
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This Holiday Season

National Enforcement Campaign through New Year’s Day

The Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone attending holiday parties and gatherings where alcohol may be involved to use a designated sober driver.

This holiday season, from Dec. 13^th to New Year’s Day, the Oxnard Police Department will have more officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on December 20, 2019 from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs.

So, if you are hosting a holiday party, offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor how people are getting home. If someone has been drinking and tries to leave, offer to have them stay the night or take ride-share home.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 12, 2019 / 3:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Juvenile arrested for possession of a loaded firearm
DATE/TIME:	December 11, 2019 / 8:10PM
LOCATION:	Perkins Road and Clara Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Fifteen year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On December 11, 2019 at about 8:10PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were patrolling in the vicinity of the recent homicide, specifically Perkins Road and Clara Street in south Oxnard. The observed group of individuals nearby and one person fled upon seeing the officers. The officers followed this person, and observed him toss an object beneath a vehicle. Officers contacted this individual, a 15 year old male juvenile, and also located a loaded firearm underneath the vehicle. They believed that the juvenile discarded the firearm underneath the vehicle to avoid arrest.

The juvenile was arrested for firearms violations. He was ultimately transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Justice center.

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 11, 2019 / 10:30PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On December 11, 2019 at approximately 12:51 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the Shell Gas Station, located at 1400 South Oxnard Boulevard, in reference to an armed robbery that had just occurred. The suspect entered the business, brandished a firearm, and demanded money. After taking an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect took some food items and fled the business.

At approximately 1:19 PM, while officers were still on scene at Shell Gas, additional officers were dispatched to a second armed robbery at Fiesta Liquor, located at 1637 South Oxnard Boulevard. Similar to the first robbery, the suspect entered the business, produced a handgun, and demanded cash. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the business.

At approximately 1:50 PM, officers were dispatched to a third armed robbery at Mr. Kwiks Market, located at 1309 Saviers Road. Again, the circumstances were similar to the previous two robberies. The suspect entered the business, brandished a firearm at the employee and demanded cash. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled the business.

The suspect description was similar in all three robberies. An alert patrol officer who was responding to the area to assist, observed a subject matching the description in the 1200 block of South Oxnard Boulevard. The officer attempted to make contact with the subject but he fled into the east alley of Oxnard Boulevard. The officer gave chase and was able to apprehend the subject. He was found to be in possession of a small caliber handgun and a large amount of currency in various denominations. Based on evidence located at scenes of the robberies, it was determined that the subject, a 16 year old Oxnard resident, was responsible for all three armed robberies. He was later lodged at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center. The investigations are ongoing.

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 POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Public Notification – Release of Sexually Violent Predator
DATE/TIME:	December 3, 2019
LOCATION:	611 West 5th Street, Oxnard
SUBJECT:	Anthony Francis Dacayana, 62-year-old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 290.45 and Megan’s Law, Oxnard Police Department Chief Scott Whitney is announcing that a Sexually Violent Predator (“SVP”) was released from a state facility to the City of Oxnard on December 3, 2019, with an electronic monitoring device.

The purpose of this information is to allow the members of the public to protect themselves and their children from sex offenders. The law requires that we notify the public that it is illegal to use information obtained from this notification to commit a crime against a SVP or to engage in illegal discrimination or harassment against a SVP. A person is authorized to use this information only to protect a person at risk.

Anthony Francis Dacayana was convicted of rape by force or fear and rape with force and threat. Mr. Dacayana was found to be a SVP in a separate court proceeding and was released from Atascadero State Hospital on December 3, 2019.

Mr. Dacayana has convictions in two separate rape incidents. In the past, his victims were female adults whom he befriended. In the first incident, Dacayana was convicted of rape by force or fear. In the second incident, he was convicted for rape with force and threat. He raped and robbed a blind 34-year‐old woman in her home, he gagged and tied her hands and unplugged the phone.

Anyone with information regarding this subject 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.

Name: Anthony Francis Dacayana

Aliases: Cacayana, Anthony Francis

Dacayana, Tony Frances

Dacayana, Tony

Dacayana, Anthony

Date of Birth: 8/6/1957 (62 years)

Race: American Indian

Height: 5’10 Weight: 235

Hair: Blk/Gry Eyes: Brown

Tattoos: Right arm, chest, left arm, both hands, back, left eye, abdomen, both shoulders, & left facial cheek

Address: 611 West 5th Street, Oxnard

Vehicle(s): None

Registered Crime(s):

California Penal Code section 261(2) Rape by force or fear

California Penal Code section 261.2/261.3 Rape with force and threat

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 9, 2019, 5:30 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of scam participant for money laundering
DATE/TIME:	12-9-2019/1015
LOCATION:	800 block South E Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	12 elderly victims across the country
SUSPECT(S):	Varadin, Dennis Dean, 65 years old
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	$170,000+
PREPARED BY:	Detective Erica Escalante
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Erica Escalante (805) 385-7661

DETAILS:

On December 9, 2019, officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrested Dennis Dean Varadin (6-7-1954) for money laundering, theft, and elder financial abuse after a four-month long investigation by the Oxnard Police Department Financial Crimes Unit. In August 2019 an elderly victim’s son from North Carolina reported suspicious activity on the Oxnard Police Department web site www.OxnardPD.org because his father sent a large check to someone in Oxnard as part of a telephone sweepstakes scam. The Oxnard Police Department began accepting online suspicious activity reports this year and over 600 reports have been received; many resulting in arrests for a variety of crimes.

In conjunction with the Ventura County Adult Protective Services to whom several banks filed mandated elder financial abuse reports, the Oxnard Police Department Financial Crimes Detective undertook a lengthy investigation. The Detective found that Varadin received large checks totaling over $170,000 from more than ten elderly scam victims across the country over the past year. Varadin was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail of $20,000.

It is illegal to knowingly transmit stolen funds through one’s bank account. No obviously fraudulent checks should ever be deposited or cashed against one’s account. Resources on how to recognize scams can be found on the web sites for the Oxnard Police Department at www.OxnardPD.org/fraud, the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov, and the FBI at www.ic3.gov.

Ventura County Adult Protective Services investigated over 4600 cases of elder physical, financial abuse and neglect in 2019. APS partners with law enforcement when abuse rises to a criminal level through our Rapid Response Expert Team and Financial Abuse Specialist Team. If an elder is the victim of any online or phone scam or any type of financial or physical abuse, reports can be made to (805) 654-3200. The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging also provides telephone support for elderly scam victims at (805) 477-7300. The Coalition for Family Harmony also provides counseling for victims of online romance scams at (800) 300-2181.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-9-2019/1300

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closures for “Santa at the Station” Event
DATE/TIME:	December 11, 2019, 1:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	S C St. between W Second St. & W Fourth St. W Third St. between S D St. & S B St.
PREPARED BY:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) –

The Oxnard Police Department will be hosting its annual “Santa at the Station” event on Wednesday, December 11th, 2019. Previous community events hosted at the police department have been attended by several thousand guests. In an attempt to accommodate the anticipated heavy attendance and the event’s festivities and offerings, there will be road closures and detours in the blocks surrounding the police station to allow for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian travel to and around the event.

The following roadways will be affected by the event:

S C St. between W Second St. & W Fourth St.

W Third St. between S D St. & S B St.

Road closures will begin at approximately 1:00 p.m. and will end at approximately 8:30 p.m.

For further information regarding the event, refer to the official event on our Oxnard Police Department Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/587008955436302/

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 6th, 2019 / 11:00 a.m.

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Claims a Life In South Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	December 8, 2019, 3:37 A.M.
LOCATION:	5300 block Perkins Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic male, 20-30 years old
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON 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 December 8, 2019, at about 3:37 A.M., Oxnard Police Department Patrol officers were in the area of the Southwinds Neighborhood when they heard a series of gunshots. Officers began to check the area and were flagged down by a bystander regarding a subject on the ground. The victim was found lying in the alley of the 5300 block of Perkins Road suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded and sadly pronounced him at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is currently on scene conducting the investigation. Investigators 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/perkinsrdclarast. 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 individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688.

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 8, 2019, 6:45 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	December 10, 2019, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On December 10, 2019, officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violations.

Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violations of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated 12 fatal and 121 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

The Oxnard Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 7, 2019 / 8:20 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard’s First Responders Join Target at The Collection to Host Ninth Annual Heroes and Helpers Event
DATE/TIME:	December 5, 2019 / 8:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Target, 2850 N. Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb (805) 200-2134 daniel.shrubb@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb (805) 200-2134 daniel.shrubb@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) –

The Oxnard Police and Fire Department, in conjunction with Target at The Collection, were proud to host the Ninth Annual Heroes & Helpers event. The Heroes & Helpers program fosters strong community relationships by pairing public safety officials with youth to shop for the children’s families during the holidays.

This year, thirty (30) well – deserving children from the Oxnard School District were chosen to shop with our first responders and Target team members. Students were selected by the School Resource Officers in partnership with the school principals and counselors. Students had a special meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus before enjoying a $200 shopping spree.

This event could not be made possible without the generous donations of sponsors and volunteers. We thank our partners in public safety: Target at The Collection, Oxnard Peace Officers Association, Oxnard Firefighters Association, National Latino Peace Officers Association, GEM Mortgage, CrossFit Oxnard, Debra Cordes & Family, and Kiwanis of Oxnard for their dedication to the youth in our community.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/5/19 1300 Hours

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