OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Violating California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act
DATE/TIME:	January 26, 2020 at 5:22 p.m.
LOCATION:	“G” St. at Hill St., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Isaiah Palazuelos 22-year-old male, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On January 26, at approximately 5:22 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. As the vehicle began to slow, the left rear passenger, identified as Isaiah Palazuelos, opened the door while in possession of a handgun. Palazuelos fled from the traffic stop with officers in pursuit. Palazuelos discarded the handgun in the grass at Durley Park and was apprehended a short distance away. The handgun, a loaded revolver, was recovered and Palazuelos was arrested.

Palazuelos previously plead guilty to a crime of violence and as a result of the conviction, was prohibited from possessing a firearm (felony). The handgun that Palazuelos possessed had the serial numbers removed which made possession of the handgun a felony. The traffic stop that Palazuelos fled from was well within 1000 feet of Haydock Elementary School which violated California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act (felony).

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: January 26, 2020 at 1910 Hours

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	January 26, 2020, 12:37 A.M.
LOCATION:	3200 Block Sycamore Street, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic Male, 24-year old Port Hueneme Resident (name withheld pending notification to family)
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected] Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 26, 2020, at about 12:40 A.M., Oxnard police officers along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the 3200 block of Sycamore Street for a reported stabbing victim. When officers arrived, they located a 24-year old Hispanic male lying on the ground suffering from multiple stab wounds. EMS arrived on scene and began emergency life saving measures. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Homicide investigators are on scene and the investigation is ongoing. This is the City of Oxnard’s second homicide of this year.

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/3200sycamorest. 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 Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174.

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: January 26, 2020, 3:20 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	January 24, 2020 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jose Diaz, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint nets three DUI arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested three impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on January 24, 2020. The checkpoint was conducted on Oxnard Boulevard south of Wagon Wheel Road between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

842 vehicles screened
Two DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
One DUI-drugs suspect arrested
8 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
16 citations issued
Three vehicles towed

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests.

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: January 25, 2020/ 3:15 a.m.

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim At McAuliffe Elementary School
DATE/TIME:	January 23, 2020 11:20 AM
LOCATION:	McAuliffe Elementary, 3300 Via Marina Avenue
VICTIM(S):	9-Year-Old Female, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective [email protected] (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On January 23, 2020, at approximately 11:20 A.M., the Oxnard Police Department received a call of a possible shooting victim at McAuliffe Elementary School, located at 3300 Via Marina Avenue. Initial reports indicated a student had been struck by gunfire while on the playground and then taken into a nearby classroom. A large scale response was initiated due to the nature and location of the incident. When the initial officers arrived on scene, they immediately made entry into the school and located the victim, a 9-year-old female student, in a classroom. The victim was suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound to her lower extremity. The victim was given immediate aid and was quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment. She is currently listed in stable condition.

As the incident continued to unfold, all available police personnel responded to the scene to assist and the Oxnard P.D. Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) assumed responsibility for the investigation. Preliminary information quickly indicated that the shooting did not occur on campus. Witnesses in the area reported that two vehicles were observed driving erratically in the area of the school. One vehicle appeared to be following the other. At one point, gunfire erupted and the occupants of one vehicle appeared to be shooting at the other vehicle. It is believed that a stray bullet from the shooting struck the victim, who was on the playground of the school. Both vehicles fled the area.

Police units checking the area located what is believed to be one of the involved vehicles in the Sea View Estates Neighborhood, which is located north of the school. The vehicle was unoccupied, however, two subjects who were in the immediate area of the vehicle were contacted and detained. They were later released without any charges.

After the shooting took place, McAuliffe School was placed on “lockdown” as students and faculty sheltered in place until police officers cleared the campus and determined that there was no other immediate threat and no other students were injured. The Oxnard School District implemented a student/parent reunification plan and coordinated that effort with school staff.

Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney was on scene at McAuliffe Elementary and said the following, “Our schools should be the safest place for our kids during the school day. This type of violent crime is unacceptable. We know there are individuals within the community that have information about what happened. With that information, and with the hard work of our detectives, I’m confident that we’ll make an arrest in this case.”

No further information is available at this time as the investigation is still active and ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the event or has any information about the incident or involved parties is encouraged to contact Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6228.

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:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	January 24, 2020 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jose Diaz, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned for Friday night

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 24, 2020, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year, the Oxnard Police Department investigated 267 DUI collisions which claimed one lives and resulted in another 99 injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 23, 2020 / 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Handgun
DATE/TIME:	January 20, 2020/ 6:37 p.m.
LOCATION:	First Street and Marquita Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Madrid, age 22, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 20, 2020, at about 6:37 p.m., an officer assigned to the Colonia neighborhood conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of First Street and Marquita Street for a Vehicle Code violation. The location of the traffic stop was one block away from where a homicide occurred (200 block South Marquita Street) earlier this month on January 5th. As the vehicle came to a stop, both the driver and a passenger attempted to walk away from the vehicle but were quickly detained. The officer confirmed the driver, Anthony Madrid (age 22), was on probabtion. During a probation search of the vehicle, the officer located a loaded handgun. Suspect Madrid was subsequently arrested for various felony weapons charges. The passenger was released at the scene without charge.

Anyone with information regarding this crime, or any 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 and remain anonymous. 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: January 20, 2020/ 9:40 p.m.

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Robberies, Suspects In Custody
DATE/TIME:	01/19/2020/5:50PM
LOCATION:	Several Locations throughout Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Three, Male, Oxnard Residents
SUSPECT(S):	Lesly Ann Geronimo, 18 –Year-Old Oxnard Resident 15-Year-Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Roger Ramirez, Detective (805) 288-3289 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 01/19/2020 at approximately 5:56 p.m., officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 1200 block of South “H” Street in reference to a carjacking that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim, who said that a male with a handgun, along with an additional male and female, had contacted him and demanded his vehicle. Fearing for his safety, the victim exited the vehicle and all three suspects entered the vehicle and fled.

While officers were taking the report for the carjacking, the Oxnard Police Department received a call of a hit and run traffic collision in the area of Wooley Road and Commercial Avenue. Officers responded to the scene and determined the vehicle taken during the carjacking was the same vehicle involved in the hit and run. Officers began checking the area and located a 15-year-old male and 18-year-old Lesly Ann Geronimo. The subjects attempted to flee on foot but were taken into custody a short distance from where they were originally located.

After officers had both subjects detained, they were contacted by an additional Oxnard resident who advised them that he had been robbed at knife point in the 1200 block of Commercial Avenue. This robbery occurred after the hit and run. The 15-year-old juvenile was positively identified as the suspect in that robbery.

During a search of the juvenile suspect’s person, property belonging to another individual was located. It was learned that prior to the carjacking, an additional robbery at knife point had occurred in the area of Hill Street and “G” Street. The juvenile was ultimately arrested for two separate robberies, the carjacking, and street terrorism (gang enhancement) and was lodged in Juvenile Hall. Geronimo was arrested for her role in the carjacking and was transported to the Ventura County Jail. One additional suspect is outstanding. There is no additional information available at this time and the investigation is ongoing. Any witnesses to the incidents are encouraged to contact Detective Roger Ramirez at (805) 288-3289.

Geronimo

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 01/19/2020, 11:30 P.M.

INCIDENT:	Traffic stop results in firearm and narcotics arrests
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2020; 11:20PM
LOCATION:	1700 Block Ukiah Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Villa, 18-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7746
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Scott Coe, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On January 18^th, 2020 at 11:20 PM, two Oxnard Police Officers conducted an enforcement stop on a black Ford SUV in the 1700 block of Ukiah Street for vehicle code violations. Luis Villa, a passenger in the vehicle, immediately fled on foot. Officers gave chase and observed Villa discard a firearm as he ran. Villa was apprehended after a lengthy foot chase and officers recovered a loaded revolver in the area Villa was observed discarding it.

The firearm that was discarded during the chase was found not to be registered to Villa. Villa was charged with several firearms related violations.

A second passenger in the vehicle was arrested for misdemeanor narcotics violations.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	January 19, 2020, 7:05 p.m.
LOCATION:	400 block North Juanita Avenue
MISSING PERSON:	Christopher Lopez, age 18
PREPARED BY:	Jeff Long, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jeff Long, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult. On 1/19/20, at 7:05 p.m., the police department received a call of a missing dependent adult from the 400 block of North Juanita Avenue in Oxnard. 18-year-old Christopher Lopez was last seen at his home on North Juanita Avenue this afternoon at around 2:30 p.m. Lopez is described as a Hispanic, male, 5’2”, 130 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, wearing a blue shirt, black shorts with a black back pack.

Anyone who has seen Mr. Lopez, or knows his possible whereabouts, is asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 19, 2020/ 9:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspect Arrested for Possession of a Concealed Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 15, 2020/ 9:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	Saviers Road at Fir Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Antonio Rodriguez, age 48, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Gregson, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mike Gregson, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On January 15, at about 9:20 p.m. officers contacted Antonio Rodriguez, who was riding a bike in the area of Saviers Road and Fir Avenue. Rodriguez is on probation with search terms. During a pat down search, Rodriguez attempted to pull away from officers and flee. A loaded handgun fell from his pants during the struggle.

Further investigation indicated that Rodriguez is a prohibited person and has prior convictions for a violent felony and firearms charges. He was arrested for various firearms related charges.

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.