News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 10, 2020, 5:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Arrests Made In Shooting Incident

LOCATION: 7-11, 2201 East Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective Jason Radcliffe

(805) 486-6228 (805) 385-7796

On April 18, 2020 at approximately 4:09 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 7-11 store, located at 2201 East Channel Islands Boulevard, in reference to a shooting. When officers arrived, they located evidence of a shooting however all involved parties had fled the area. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

It was later determined that one group of subjects in a vehicle were in the area of the 7-11 when they observed another group of subjects that they recognized from a prior altercation. The vehicle entered the parking lot of the 7-11 and one of the occupants exited the vehicle armed with an assault rifle. He approached the other group of subjects, who were loitering in the parking lot, and fired the rife. The subjects in the parking lot, who were also armed, returned fire, striking the subject armed with the rifle, who then retreated back to the vehicle and fled. During the incident, numerous shots were fired while several, uninvolved residents, were in the immediate area. Fortunately, no innocent bystanders were hit by gunfire, although at least one uninvolved vehicle was struck by gunfire.

After a lengthy investigation, investigators were able to identify all involved parties. It was determined that all parties are associated with two different criminal street gangs based in the City of Oxnard. The subject who was armed with the assault rifle was identified as Jordy Coria, an 18-year-old Oxnard resident. The driver of the vehicle he was in was identified as Erick Coria, a 24-year-old Oxnard resident. An additional passenger in the vehicle was identified as Christian Coria, a 21-year-old Oxnard resident. Christian Coria, a Post Release offender. All three subjects were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm) and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

On June 10, 2020 at approximately 5:00 A.M., members of the Oxnard Police Department, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Probation Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, and California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Agents, served a multi-location search warrant related to the above crimes. In all, over 150 officers, deputies, and agents searched ten locations in the City of Oxnard and one location in the City of Camarillo. During the searches, numerous items of gang paraphernalia, ammunition, and firearm paraphernalia were located.

Four people were taken into custody during the service of the warrant. Arial Martinez, a 22-year-old Oxnard resident, and Edgar Ventura, a 21-year-old Oxnard resident, were identified as the subjects who returned fire during the gunfight. In addition, during the course of the investigation, Martinez was observed in possession of a firearm, which he later transferred to a juvenile gang member. The juvenile was later arrested with the firearm. Martinez was arrested for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the terms of his probation. Ventura, also a Post Release offender, was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the terms of his probation. Rafael Alvarado, a 22-year-old Oxnard resident also on Post Release Supervision, was arrested for violating the terms of his probation, a felony. Henry Magana, a 22-year-old Oxnard resident, was arrested for violating the terms of his probation, a felony.

Of the seven suspects arrested in this case, three of them are under Post Release Supervision, a program created by Assembly Bill 109, for non-violent and non-serious offenders.

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.

Christian Coria.jpg Edgar Ventura.jpg Erick Coria.jpg Jordy Coria.jpg Rafael Alvarado.jpg Henry Magana.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 11, 2020, 5:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Forcible Sexual Penetration of a Minor Over 14

SUSPECT: Misel Loza Torres, 21-year-old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1100 block South K Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On August 7, 2019, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) Police contacted an intoxicated juvenile female near CSUCI. She was in the company of several adult males, including Mr. Torres. She was transported to the hospital and the medical staff discovered injuries and signs of a possible sexual assault. During the initial stages of the investigation, CSUCI Police were able to determine there was a sexual assault that took place in the 1100 block South K Street in Oxnard.

On August 14, 2019, The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit took over the investigation from CSUCI Police. The investigators diligently worked the case by writing and serving search warrants to further this investigation. The Oxnard Police Department had an arrest warrant for Mr. Torres and was actively searching for Mr. Torres for this crime.

On June 11, 2020, at about 11:15 A.M., Mr. Torres was taken into custody without incident for a violation of California Penal Code section 289(a)(1)(C), Forcible Sexual Penetration of a Minor Over 14 years old. Mr. Torres was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a bail amount of $300,000.

Anyone with information that can assist in this criminal investigation is asked to contact Detective Michael McManama with the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit at (805) 385-7662.

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: June 6, 2020, 10:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: 4000 block of South “A” Street, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Alfredo Vergara, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600

[email protected]

On the above date and time, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 4000 block of South “A” Street reference a call of shots fired. Once on scene, officers were able to view surveillance footage of a subject firing a handgun in the air from a vehicle. Officers located the unoccupied vehicle in the area. A short time later, a subject entered the vehicle and drove away. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and detained the driver, Vergara. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded/unloaded 9mm firearm, and spent casings.

Vergara was arrested for several firearms related violations.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. 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: 6/7/20 @ 0100 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 11, 2020, 3:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Stolen Vehicle Update

LOCATION: Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mancha, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632, [email protected]

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. 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. Between June 1, 2020, and June 10, 2020, six residents from the City of Oxnard were arrested for being in possession of stolen vehicles.

On June 1, 2020, Oxnard resident Erica Torres was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol while in possession of a stolen vehicle. A family member of the victim had observed Torres driving the stolen vehicle. Torres was arrested for possessing the stolen vehicle, narcotics offenses, and for possessing burglary tools. Torres has five prior arrests for possessing stolen vehicles, with two of those arrests occurring during the month of May 2020. Torres was released with zero bail during her last three arrests per the California Judicial Council approved “zero bail” rule.

On June 4, 2020, Oxnard resident Ricardo Rodriguez was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers while in possession of a stolen vehicle. Rodriguez was found sleeping inside the stolen vehicle, and during the arrest, Rodriguez acknowledged that he was aware the vehicle was stolen. Rodriguez has prior arrests for possessing stolen vehicles, narcotics offenses, and possessing burglary tools. Rodriguez was arrested in April 2020 for possessing a stolen vehicle and felony evading. He was released with zero bail following the April arrest per the California Judicial Council approved “zero bail” rule.

On June 6, 2020, Oxnard resident Jesus Gomez was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers while driving a reported stolen vehicle. Gomez claimed to have purchased the vehicle earlier for $500.00 but could not produce a pink slip and did not have an actual key for the vehicle. Gomez was released later that day with zero bail per the California Judicial Council approved “zero bail” rule. Gomez has numerous prior arrests for possessing stolen vehicles, narcotics offenses, graffiti vandalism, and theft-related crime.

On June 6, 2020, Oxnard resident Jose Ramos was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers while driving a reported stolen vehicle. The vehicle had initially been taken during an alleged carjacking incident where the victim had been violently assaulted. Ramos was released later that day with zero bail per the California Judicial Council approved “zero bail” rule. Ramos has prior arrests for possessing stolen vehicles, narcotics offenses, and previously served time in the California Department of Corrections.

On June 9, 2020, Oxnard resident Conrad Moraga was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers during a call for service regarding a person passed out in a vehicle blocking traffic. The vehicle was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle from a local Oxnard auto dealership. Moraga was arrested for possessing the stolen vehicle, narcotics offenses, and possessing a victim’s personal identifying information. Moraga has six prior arrests for possessing stolen vehicles, evading, and narcotics-related offenses. Moraga previously served time in the California Department of Corrections. In April of 2020 Moraga was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and was released with zero bail per the California Judicial Council approved “zero bail” rule.

On June 9, 2020, Oxnard resident Michael Arellanes was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers during a call for service regarding a person passed out in a vehicle in the parking lot of a local business. The vehicle was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle from a local Oxnard auto dealership (the same dealership as the above incident). Arellanes was also found to be on Parole for robbery and had an outstanding felony parole warrant. Arellanes has prior arrests for narcotics offenses, robbery, and residential burglary.

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 keys inside of their vehicle. Remember to “Lock it, Take it, Keep it.”

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.

JESUS GOMEZ.JPG RICARDO RODRIGUEZ.JPG CONRAD MORAGA.JPG ERICA TORRES.JPG Michael Arellanes.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 4, 2020, 3:45 P.M.

SUBJECT: Felony Evading Driver Arrested

DRIVER: David Sanchez, 27-year-old Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: Black Nissan Maxima

LOCATION: Plaza Park, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | [email protected]

At approximately 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, a group of protesters held a planned rally at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard. A crowd estimated at approximately 350 marched to the Oxnard Police Department’s headquarters building, and through Oxnard’s downtown and surrounding area. This group was peaceful. The group took over all lanes of Oxnard Boulevard and marched to Five Points. After pausing at Five Points, the crowd returned to Plaza Park about two hours later, and many of the attendees dispersed.

A smaller group of approximately 100-150 people continued to march throughout central Oxnard before arriving back at Plaza Park. At this point, several vehicles drove onto the park’s grass. The vehicles drove recklessly on the park grass, endangering several pedestrians. Police officers responded to address the safety concerns. One of the reckless drivers sped away, colliding with another vehicle, and fleeing. A vehicle pursuit ensued and was ultimately terminated a short time later due to the reckless driving of the suspect.

Investigators were able to identify the driver who fled as David Sanchez, a 27-year-old Oxnard resident. Sanchez was ultimately arrested without incident and booked into Ventura County Jail for felony evading, reckless driving, hit and run, and driving without a valid license.

Anyone with information 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: June 10, 2020

SUBJECT: Illegal Fireworks

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Commander

(805) 385-7600

[email protected]

The City of Oxnard has experienced a dramatic increase in illegal fireworks over the past few weeks. On any given night, the Oxnard Police Department receives dozens of calls about fireworks disturbing. The onslaught of fireworks calls, most of which are non-specific, strains police resources while dealing with a number of competing public safety priorities. With fireworks easily available in nearly 300 cities throughout the state of California, including in Ventura County just a few miles away from Oxnard, people do not acknowledge the danger of fireworks, or simply disregard it. Sadly, the July 4th holiday in 2019 saw a tragic event when a 21-year old male was lighting fireworks on the roof of an apartment building in south Oxnard when a mortar shot up and hit him in the head. He ultimately died on July 10th.

The Oxnard Police Department has diverted resources to address the growing problem of fireworks. Fireworks Suppression Details began on Monday evening and immediately had positive results. On Monday, June 8th, officers contacted an individual in the 700 block of S. “B” Street. The 28-year old male was in possession of dangerous “mortar” type fireworks (See picture). He was issued a citation for two (2) violations of the Oxnard City Code that carry with them a fine of $1250.

On Tuesday, June 9th, the Fireworks Suppression Detail was called to the 4500 block of S. “F” Street where they contacted two (2) individuals in possession of dangerous fireworks. Each individual received a citation that carries with it a fine of $1000. A short time later, officers observed individuals lighting off “mortar” type fireworks in the 200 block of W. Hill Street. A subject was contacted and issued a citation that carries with it a fine of $1000. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to prioritize enforcement of our local fireworks ordinances as the July 4th holiday approaches.

While we have a nationwide culture that embraces fireworks as being part of the Independence holiday, illegal fireworks present a variety of dangers, as evidenced by fires and injuries that are caused by them each year. They have a dramatically negative effect on pets and can be traumatic to our elderly population as well as our military veterans that live in the city. Fireworks make many people frustrated, even angry. Unfortunately, a large segment of our city’s population disregard those negative impacts and continue to engage in illegal fireworks activity.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

Fireworks Tips via Email ([email protected])

You may send the Oxnard Police Department information about specific locations or residences where illegal fireworks are being used. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.

Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884)

You may call and leave information anonymously for the Oxnard Police Department about illegal fireworks. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.

Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740)

Information about fireworks activity in progress may be called into the Oxnard Police Department on their non-emergency line. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.

In 2018, the City of Oxnard passed a “Fireworks Social Host” ordinance allowing the City to hold residents and property owners responsible for illegal fireworks activity taking place in and on their property. The information received from the hotline and tip email is invaluable in following up and identifying the individuals that continue to break the law and bring unnecessary trauma to our vulnerable populations.

DATE / TIME COMPLETED: 6/10/2020 11:00 a.m.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

The Oxnard Police Department is currently on-scene assisting the California Highway Patrol with a traffic collision investigation at the intersection of Rice Ave and Channel Islands Blvd. There may be intermittent road closures in this area. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 7, 2020 (9:00 PM)

SUBJECT: Man arrested on stolen vehicle for fourth time in nine months

LOCATION: 5100 Block of Cypress Road

VICTIM: Undisclosed

SUSPECT: Marco Anthony Cerda, age 21, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: 2004 Chevrolet Impala

CONTACT: Robin, Whitney, Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On June 7, 2020, at about 9:00 PM, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were on patrol in the area of Pleasant Valley and Cypress Roads when they observed a vehicle traveling in front of them without a rear license plate. The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled into a random driveway in the 5100 block of Cypress Road. SEU officers contacted three occupants inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Marco Anthony Cerda (age 21), was detained after he walked away from the vehicle and dropped a key. Officers checked the Vehicle Identification Number and determined the vehicle was stolen. Officers arrested Cerda for a felony charge of possesion of a stolen vehicle. A second occupant in the vehicle was arrested for three outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Cerda has an extensive criminal history relating to stolen vehicles and is currently on probation for the same. Within the past nine months, Cerda has been arrested on four separate occasions for felony charges of being in possession of a stolen vehicle, including one less than a month ago, during the State of Emergency. However, in that case, Cerda was released on $0 bail pursuant to the California Judicial Council Zero Bail Order from April 6^th, which applies to most misdemeanors and some low level felony crimes.

Given Cerda’s significant criminal history related to stolen vehicles, in addition to his recent criminal activity which shows no signs of being deterred, officers completed a Declaration in Support of Exception to Emergency Bail, in an attempt to keep Cerda in custody.

Since the State of Emergency was imposed March 19, 2020, the city has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles. 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.

To reduce the number of stolen vehicles, residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles, activate vehicle alarms, use theft prevention devices such a steering wheel locks, never leave the keys inside a vehicle, or leave a vehicle running and unattended.

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: June 4, 6:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Felony Evading, Firearms, and Arson

LOCATION: 1101 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On 05-20-20, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of Plum Place reference a fire to a residence. Officers located a gas can next to the point of origin of the fire and determined an arson had occurred. It was determined that Salvador Pena Martinez (39yrs) was the suspect of committing the arson.

On June 4, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit), in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit and Police K-9, were able to locate Martinez reference the arson. Special Enforcement Units attempted to conduct a traffic stop with Martinez as he drove a white Toyota Tacoma through the area of Ventura Blvd and Auto Center Drive in the City of Oxnard. Immediately Martinez failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Martinez eventually entered the Royal Duke Mobile Estates Park, and fled from his vehicle. As Martinez fled from his vehicle, it collided with a chain-link fence. Martinez fled on foot for a short distance, but was apprehended by officers after a short struggle and arrested for arson and evading.

During a search of Martinez’ vehicle, a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located. Martinez is also a prohibited person from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. Martinez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard and was out on bail for other felony offences at the time of this arrest.

Martinez was arrested for multiple firearms violations, evading and arson.

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: June 4, 2020 / 2300 hours

Martinez firearm.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 04, 2020, 1:00 AM

SUBJECT: Man arrested for possessing a firearm and narcotic sales

LOCATION: 4700 block of South “J” St

SUSPECT: Hector Gutierrez, age 28, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Scott Coe, Sergeant

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On June 4^th, 2020, at around 1:00 AM, Oxnard Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Audi for a vehicle code violation in the 4700 block of South “J” St. The driver, Hector Gutierrez, was on active probation with various search terms. During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unloaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun in the trunk. Officers also located a high capacity magazine, live ammunition, narcotics and a large sum of money.

Gutierrez has previously been convicted of a felony and is prohibited from possessing firearms. The firearm located in his vehicle was not registered to him. Gutierrez was arrested for numerous felony charges related to firearm, ammunition and high capacity magazine possession and narcotic sales.