NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	August 17, 2019 / 12:05 a.m.
LOCATION:	300 block North Rose Avenue, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Orozco, 25 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Cody Collet, Senior Officer Cody.Collet@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 17th, at 12:05 a.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 300 block of North Rose Avenue reference recent gang activity. Officers contacted Luis Orozco (age 25) at San Gorgonio and the east alley of Rose Avenue, after seeing numerous other known gang members flee the area. Orozco is a documented criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard and is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm and/ or ammunition. During the officers’ contact with Orozco, they located a loaded firearm.

The firearm, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, was also found to be unregistered. Orozco was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

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: August 17, 2019 / 0115 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
DATE:	August 16, 2019 to September 2, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Encourages the Public to be Responsible and Drive Sober

As summer comes to a close, the Oxnard Police Department is asking drivers to not get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs that impact your ability to drive safely.

The Oxnard Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in the national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, which runs from Aug. 16^th to Sept. 2^nd (Labor Day), the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on the road looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition to patrols, the Oxnard Police Department will hold two DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, August 16, 2019, and August 30, 2019, from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city of Oxnard.

Labor Day Weekend remains one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-involved crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 376 deadly crashes nationwide during the 2017 Labor Day holiday period (Sept. 1 to Sept. 5). Among those crashes, more than one-third (36%) involved a drunk driver.

Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your driving ability, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911. Funding for DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 15, 2019 / 9:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	August 18, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, August 18, 2019, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in five fatal and 93 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day. Riders should also change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice of riding next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses, and motorhomes and factoring in lane width, traffic flow, and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 15, 2019 / 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager

melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org (805) 324-8292

OFFICER JAMES LANGFORD RETIRES AFTER 15 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Oxnard, CA – Today, in front of family, friends, and colleagues, the Oxnard Police Department celebrated the outstanding career of Officer James Langford as he was presented with his retirement plaque honoring fifteen years of dedicated service to the City and its residents. Officer Langford began his law enforcement career with the Oxnard Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 2004 and was sworn in as a Police Officer in July 2005.

Officer Langford served as a patrol officer, central business district officer, narcotics detective, and most recently a traffic officer. He was recognized by both his peers and the Ventura County Superior Courts as an expert in the area of narcotics and human trafficking enforcement and was a founding member of the Ventura County Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Officer Langford was a problem solver whose work ethic matched his positive attitude. He was willing to step into numerous roles to assist the department including, driving instructor, field training officer, bike patrol officer, mobile command post driver, police academy instructor, drug recognition expert, and cross training as a dispatcher and booking officer.

In 2011, Officer Langford received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his efforts in a human trafficking and prostitution ring that spanned both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In February 2018, he once again received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his role in the Technical Support Unit and the community camera project, which began in late 2016. His dedication and ingenuity led to the installation of cameras in several neighborhoods impacted by violent crime.

Officer Langford was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his efforts in arresting subjects for driving under the influence of alcohol (2010) and by the California Highway Patrol for his stolen vehicle enforcement efforts (2008 and 2010). In 2016, he was an Officer of the Year nominee.

Tragically, on September 26, 2017, Officer Langford was involved in a single motorcycle collision during a training ride on Highway 58 in Kern County. Officer Langford was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. In June 2018, after nearly 200 days of care and rehabilitation Officer Langford returned to Ventura County with his family. Although Officer Langford made great strides in his recovery, it is what led to his retirement.

“We are a better department and a safer city because of James’ hard work,” said Chief of Police Scott Whitney, “although his time with us was not as long as we wanted, he made a tremendous impact on our community. We are proud to have served alongside him.”

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Teen, 16, arrested with loaded gun after traffic stop
DATE/TIME:	August 12, 2019 / 3:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	H St. and Second St., Oxnard, CA 93030
VICTIM(S):	California, State of
SUSPECT(S):	16-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org 805-207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org 805-207-4762

DETAILS:

On Monday, August 12, 2019, at about 3:10 p.m., officers stopped a car on H Street near Second Street for a stop sign violation.

The 16-year-old was the right-front passenger in the vehicle.

Officers immediately detected an odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and saw the teen toss out a small amount of marijuana out the passenger window, leading to a search of the two occupants.

During a pat-down search of the teen, a loaded gun fell from his pants. The 16-year-old was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm in a car. The 20-year-old driver, Joseph Viramontes was arrested for resisting, or otherwise delaying the duties of a police officer and for allowing a passenger to carry a loaded handgun in a car.

The teen was booked in juvenile hall and Viramontes was transported to Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 12, 2019 / 10 p.m.

Gun falls from teen’s pants

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2019 / 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.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 be conducting a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On August 11, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 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 violation.

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 violation 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 six fatal collisions and 65 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. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

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: August 9, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	August 11, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, August 11, 2019, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in five fatal and 91 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 9, 2019 / 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Members Arrested with a firearm and Narcotics
DATE/TIME:	August 4, 2019 / 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Kingswood Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Chavez, 27 year old, Ventura resident Juan Macias, 25 year old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn @Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christ opher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 4, at 9:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) attempted to stop a vehicle for a vehicle code infraction. The vehicle failed to yield for the stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the course of the pursuit, the occupants discarded a loaded handgun out the window which was later recovered by officers. The vehicle stopped several blocks later and the two occupants attempted to flee. Both were apprehended by SEU officers at the scene. They were assisted by patrol units and the K-9 unit of the Oxnard Police Department. The driver was identified as Juan Macias and the passenger was identified as Daniel Chavez. Both are documented criminal street gang members. Passenger Chavez is a Post Release Offender and is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition. Additionally, narcotics and other evidence were located belonging to the suspects.

Both suspect Chavez and Macias were arrested for multiple felonies that include carrying a unregistered firearm, 25850(c)(6) PC, and carrying a loaded firearm within his vehicle, 25400(a)(1) PC. Suspect Macias was additionally arrested for his involvement in the vehicle pursuit, 2800.2 (a) CVC.

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 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: August 4, 2019 / 11:00 P.M

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Extortion/ Vandalism/ Child Endangerment/ Resisting Arrest
DATE/TIME:	8/3/19, 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	400 Block N. Juanita Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Multiple- Undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Manuel Andrade, age 31, Transient
WITNESS(ES):	Undisclosed
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Jeep Grand Cherokee
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 8/3/19, between the hours of 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., multiple callers reported a subject was slashing tires in the 400 block of N. Juanita Avenue. On each occasion, the suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. The suspect was described as driving a green Jeep Grand Cherokee. At around 6:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a subject in a green Jeep Grand Cherokee threatening the reporting party. While officers were searching the neighborhood for the suspect, they detained Juan Manuel Andrade in the 100 block on N. Harrison Avenue. During the investigation, multiple victims positively identified Andrade.

One of the victims was a street vendor who reported suspect Andrade had been following the vendor around the Colonia Neighborhood in an intimidating manner and repeatedly threatened the vendor by saying that he was from a specific gang and the vendor would need to pay the suspect “taxes”, if the vendor wanted to continue selling in the neighborhood. Witnesses also reported the suspect approached several other yet to be identified victims and brandished a knife at them as well. It is believed there are other victims that have yet to come forward.

Andrade was arrested for felony vandalism, felony attempted extortion, child endangerment, and resisting arrest. Andrade physically resisted arrest as officers went to put him into handcuffs.

Andrade has an extensive criminal history from Kern County and Ventura County, including crimes of violence, criminal threats, and vandalism.

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:

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Drug, Firearm, and Warrant Arrests
DATE/TIME:	August 2, 2019/ 9:44 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue and Westar Drive
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Luis Soto, age 23, Oxnard resident Roberto Figueroa, age 22, Oxnard resident Ashley Padilla, age 22, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2013 GMC Sierra Truck
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 8/2/19, at about 9:44 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on the above described vehicle at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Westar Drive. Upon contacting the occupants, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun, over 32 grams of cocaine, over 82 grams of marijuana, and other evidence of narcotics for sales. Suspect Jose Luis Soto was arrested for the felony charges of possession for sale of narcotics and transportation of narcotics, along with various firearm related charges including possession of a controlled substance while armed. The driver, Roberto Figueroa, was arrested for a misdemeanor charge of possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. An additional passenger, Ashley Padilla (age 23), was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/3/19, 0215 hours