News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 29, 2020, 3:05 p.m.

SUBJECT: Traffic Stop Leads to Barricaded Subject and SWAT Call-out

LOCATION: Walgreen’s Parking Lot, 2303 Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: David Hernandez, age 39, Santa Paula resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

On Sunday, March 29,2020 at about 3:05 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the parking lot of Walgreen’s, 2303 Vinyard Avenue.

A passenger in the vehicle, David Hernandez, had outstanding felony warrants for charges of evading police officers and assaulting a police dog. Hernandez refused officers' commands to come out of the car. The SWAT team responded and attempted to negotiate Hernandez's surrender from the vehicle.

For over an hour and a half, officers tried to convince Hernandez to surrender, but he refused. SWAT officers used compliance weapons including pepperballs and teargas to force Hernandez from the vehicle. Hernandez eventually exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. An Oxnard Police canine was used to apprehend him. During the arrest, Hernandez assaulted the police dog and fought with officers. Once in custody, officers searched the vehicle and seized approximately one pound of methamphetamine.

Hernandez was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for minor injuries he sustained during the apprehension. Hernandez was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on multiple charges, including possession for sale of narcotics, transportation of narcotics, obstructing police, and harming a police dog. He was also booked for the outstanding felony warrants.

Hernandez is on the Post Release Community Supervision Program.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 26, 2020, 2:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure and Sexual Battery

SUSPECT: Martin Valdez Arias, 27 years old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: Various locations throughout the City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On March 26, 2020, at about 8:30 A.M., the Oxnard Police Department's Family Protection Unit utilizing information obtained from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Oxnard Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit, arrested Martin Valdez Arias. Mr. Arias was identified as the suspect in seven reported incidents of indecent exposure and sexual battery that occurred between January 27, 2020 and March 17, 2020 in the City of Oxnard. Mr. Arias is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail for a parole violation. He was placed under arrest for the new violations at the Ventura County Jail and booked on the additional charges with an enhanced bail amount of $300,000.

The Oxnard Police Department's Family Protection Unit presented the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office with several cases involving five counts of violation of California Penal Code section 243.4(a), sexual battery and two counts of violation of California Penal Code section 314, indecent exposure.

Anyone with additional information or have been a victim of Martin Arias 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.

Officers are currently on a tactical situation in the 2300 block of Vineyard Avenue. At around 3:05 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a felony wanted subject in the parking lot of Walgreen's. There were two occupants in the vehicle. The passenger came out of the vehicle. The driver, the individual wanted on the felony charges, has been refusing to exit the vehicle for over an hour. SWAT and K-9 Units are on scene. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and expect traffic delays. The Oxnard Police Department will issue a more detailed press release after the situation is resolved.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 21, 2020, 4:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms/ Narcotics Possession and Felony Child Endangerment

LOCATION: 100 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On March 21, 2020 at 4:15 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit), K-9 Unit and Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) conducted a search warrant at the 100 Block of E. Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, for Christopher Colwell (39 years) reference narcotics and firearms activity. During the search warrant service, a loaded and unregistered Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended high capacity magazine were located along with pills and narcotics. Colwell is a documented criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, and is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm due to prior criminal convictions.

Where the loaded firearm was located, it was found to be easily accessible to a five-year-old that resides at and was present in the residence. Colwell was charged with various firearms and narcotics violations, and child endangerment.

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: March 21, 2020 / 1800 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 23, 2020/ 8:50 p.m.

SUBJECT: Armed Robbery

LOCATION: Fourth and E Street

SUSPECTS: Two Hispanic males, 20 years old

VEHICLE: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On 3/23/20, at approximately 8:50 p.m., officers were dispatched to a carjacking that just occurred near Fourth and E Street. The victim reported he was playing basketball with another person when they were approached by two suspects. One suspect removed a handgun from his waistband, pointed it at the victim, and demanded the keys to his vehicle. The victim complied and handed over his keys. One of the suspects entered the victim’s vehicle and fled westbound on Fourth Street. The second suspect entered a separate vehicle parked nearby and drove away.

Responding officers arrived on scene within a couple minutes and located the stolen vehicle near the intersection of Fourth and F Street. As an officer attempted to contact the suspect in the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot. Officers conducted an extensive perimeter search, lasting two hours, using police K-9’s and unmanned aerial vehicles. Officers were unable to locate the suspect. During the search, officers located a loaded firearm in a backyard. The stolen vehicle was processed for evidence then returned to the victim.

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: March 21, 2020, 4:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms/ Narcotics Possession and Felony Child Endangerment

LOCATION: 118 East Pleasant Valley Road, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On March 21, 2020 at 4:15 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit), K-9 Unit and Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) conducted a search warrant at 118 E. Pleasant Valley Road for Christopher Colwell (39 years) reference narcotics and firearms activity. During the search warrant service, a loaded and unregistered Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun with an extended high capacity magazine were located along with pills and narcotics. Colwell is a documented criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, and is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm due to prior criminal convictions.

Where the loaded firearm was located, it was found to be easily accessible to a five-year-old that resides and was present in the residence. Colwell was charged with various firearms and narcotics violations, and child endangerment.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 21, 2020 / 1800 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2020, 11:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect Sought in Lewd Disorderly Conduct Cases

LOCATIONS: 1800 block North Ventura Road, January 9, 2020, 2:55 P.M.

500 block Ninth Street, January 27, 2020, 11:30 A.M.

700 block South B Street, February 7, 2020, 3:50 P.M.

400 block Canterbury Way, February 25, 2020, 7:50 A.M.

1300 block Graves Avenue, March 6, 2020, 1:15 P.M.

200 block North F Street, March 8, 2020, 4:00 P.M.

1500 block Camino Del Sol, March 12, 2020, 1:00 P.M.

1100 block South Oxnard Boulevard, March 12, 2020, 8:00 P.M.

1300 block North H Street, March 17, 2020, 2:42 P.M.

200 block South F Street, March 17, 2020, 2:50 P.M.

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

Since January, the Oxnard Police Department has received ten reports of an unknown suspect described as a white or Hispanic male, 20’s to 30’s, 5’4 to 6’0 tall, thin build, goatee or mustache, wearing a dark baseball cap, possibly LA Dodgers, and with a blue backpack. The suspect was riding a bicycle in a majority of the cases. The suspect has approached the victims from behind, grabbing their buttocks. There are several cases in which the suspect approached the victims and began masturbating but did not touch the victim. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents to be mindful of their surroundings. We are asking for the public’s help to identify the suspect.

Anyone with information that can assist in these criminal investigations is asked to contact Detective Michael McManama with the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit at (805) 385-7662. Additionally, owners of Ring cameras or other video recording devices in the areas of the locations mentioned above are encouraged to review their video devices to see if they may have captured any information that could assist investigators.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	3/14/20; 1130 hours
LOCATION:	Vineyard Avenue and "H" Street, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Aurora Sanchez, 84 years
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Serrato, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing adult. Aurora Sanchez, 84 years old, walked away from her home in the 2400 block of Larkhaven Lane, Oxnard, around 11:30AM this morning. Aurora is described as a Hispanic female, 5’-3” / 120 pounds, last seen wearing a light brown hat and a gray jacket in the area of Vineyard Avenue and "H" Street. If you see Aurora, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2020, 11:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Price Gouging

LOCATION: Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mancha, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 | [email protected]

On March 4, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsome proclaimed a state of emergency in California, and the City of Oxnard proclaimed a local emergency on March 13, 2020, due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Price gouging is a common occurrence during emergencies when there is stress on the supply or demand of goods or services. Price gouging occurs when a seller increases the prices of goods or services to a level that is higher than what is considered reasonable or fair. Specifically, goods and service providers may not charge a price that is more than 10 percent higher than the price that existed prior to the proclamation.

The Oxnard Police Department has received reports of price gouging in our community. We would like to remind our business owners that price gouging is illegal. The Oxnard Police Department will criminally investigate reports of price gouging.

The price gouging laws apply to products and necessities including: food and drink (including food and drink for animals); emergency supplies such as water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, toiletries; and medical supplies such as prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products. The price gouging law also applies to hotel accommodations and rental housing.

Those who are involved in price gouging are subject to criminal prosecution, which can result in one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions, including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and mandatory restitution.

Comments from Police Chief Scott Whitney include, “We want to educate our business owners and give them fair warnings about how these laws apply in an emergency. We will work with the District Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to aggressively protect our residents against this type of behavior.”

The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has set up a phone line and an email address specifically for reporting price gouging. Anyone with information regarding suspected price gouging is encouraged to notify the Ventura County District Attorney's Office at (805) 662-1737 or by sending an email to [email protected].

In addition to price gouging, residents should be on the lookout for other types of scams that are common during emergencies. Scammers may set up websites or charities, send emails, texts, or post on social media pretending to be from a government agency in an attempt to profit illegally. Also, be cautious of any business claiming to have a miracle treatment. There is currently no cure for the coronavirus. Do not allow your fear or anxiety to overtake your common sense.

Update: Missing person has been located and returned safely to her family. Thank you for your prompt responses.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	3/14/20; 1130 hours
LOCATION:	Vineyard Avenue and "H" Street, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Aurora Sanchez, 84 years
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Serrato, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7746 [email protected]