OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	High School Student Arrested for Threats to Campus
DATE/TIME:	September 27, 2019 / 7:50 a.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard High School – City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California Names withheld due to age
SUSPECT(S):	Oxnard High School Student – 18 years old
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb (805) 200-2134 daniel.shrubb@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 27, 2019, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Oxnard Police Department officers received information that a threat to commit a school shooting at the campus of Oxnard High School was posted on a social media website (Snapchat). The threat was posted online the day prior during the evening hours, and referenced that the suspect will “shoot up” Oxnard High School “tomorrow” if the post received 100 screenshots of the original post.

During the course of the investigation, the School Resource Officer on campus identified a student as the person who posted the threat. The student admitted to posting the message online from another student’s Snapchat account.

The student was arrested and charged with the crime of criminal threats of violence to a school campus, and later booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Local schools have seen a recent uptick in similar types of social media posts on outlets such as Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram. Hoax threats or threats of potential violence targeting schools and other public places are taken very seriously by both police and school district personnel. They can have serious consequences for both public safety and for those who issue the threats. #ThinkBeforeYouPost

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/2/19 1200 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hit-and-Run Collision Involving a Bicyclist
DATE/TIME:	October 2, 2019 / 12:11 a.m.
LOCATION:	C Street at Rincon Way
PEDESTRIAN:	46-year-old male
VEHICLE/DRIVER	Sedan, possibly a Honda Accord
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Manny Perez, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 Manny.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at approximately 12:11 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision involving a bicyclist at the intersection of ‘C’ Street and Rincon Way. Officers arrived and located a 46-year-old male suffering from serious injuries. The individual was immediately transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center and is listed in “critical” condition.

Based upon the preliminary investigation, officers determined that a vehicle turning onto Rincon Way from ‘C’ Street struck the victim at the intersection. The victim was pinned underneath the car. The driver of the vehicle continued traveling westbound on Rincon Way, dragging the victim approximately 100 feet before he became dislodged. The vehicle fled the scene. Officers believe the suspect vehicle is possibly a Honda Accord or similar style sedan.

Anyone that may have witnessed the collision or has information is asked to call or email Officer Manny Perez at (805)385-7750 Manny.perez@oxnardpd.org .

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-2-19 / 5:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	September 30, 2019 / 7:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	900 block of Cooper Rd. Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	1. 8-year-old Oxnard resident (deceased) 2. Adult female Oxnard resident (age unknown) 3. 9-year-old female Oxnard resident
VEHICLE/DRIVER	2002 Chevrolet van / 17-year-old Ventura resident
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Justin Songer, Traffic Officer (805)200-5668 Justin.songer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Monday, September 30, 2019, at approximately 7:40 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving three pedestrians at the intersection of Cooper Rd. and Anita Ave. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female and two children, an eight-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl, suffering from serious injuries. Ambulances transported the three victims to Ventura County Medical Center. Both females are in stable condition. Sadly, despite lifesaving efforts, the eight-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries. All three are residents of Oxnard. Both children are students of Cesar Chavez Elementary School.

Based upon the preliminary investigation, officers believe that the three pedestrians were crossing northbound across Cooper Rd. at the intersection of Anita Ave. The pedestrians were crossing in a marked crosswalk next to Ramona Elementary School. A 2002 Chevrolet van was traveling eastbound on Cooper Rd. and struck the pedestrians. The driver of the van was a 17-year-old female resident from Ventura. The van’s driver remained at the scene. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the collision. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor.

Several students attending Ramona Elementary School witnessed the collision. The school’s administration has made counselors available to these students.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding the collision is urged to contact Officer Justin Songer at (805)200-5668 or via email at Justin.songer@oxnardpd.org.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind drivers to drive with caution and obey all traffic laws near schools.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/30/19 @ 2:00 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Attempted Murder Suspect In Custody

DATE/TIME:

09/27/2019/ 4:45 PM

LOCATION:

Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center 4333 East Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

38-Year-Old Female, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Randy Magallon, 19-Year-Old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Mike Johnson, Sergeant

(805) 486-6211

Mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Mike Velasquez, Detective

(805) 385-8287

michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 26, 2019 at approximately 1:05 A.M., officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the Subway Restaurant, located at 645 South Ventura Road, in reference to a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers located a 38 year old female who had been stabbed multiple times. The victim was transported to a local hospital with life threatening wounds.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit continued the investigation. During the course of the investigation, Randy Magallon, a 19 year old Oxnard resident, was identified as the suspect. On September 27, 2019, investigators located Magallon at the Ventura County Juvenile Justice Center. He was contacted in the parking lot and taken into custody without incident. He was later booked at the Ventura County Jail for attempted murder.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09/27/2019, 7:15 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Person/Documented Gang Member Arrested for Felony Firearms Possession
DATE/TIME:	September 27, 2019 / 8:40 p.m.
LOCATION:	5100 blk. Squires Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Miguel Garcia, 24-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On September 27, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) observed a subject walking in traffic near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd. and Squires Dr. The officers contacted the subject, later identified as Miguel Garcia, because of the traffic hazard Garcia was creating. During their contact with Garcia, the officers learned that Garcia was in possession of a loaded handgun that was concealed on his person.

A records check on Garcia revealed that Garcia was not allowed to possess ammunition or firearms due a specified misdemeanor conviction (a prior brandishing of a weapon). Upon further inspection of the handgun, officers noted that the serial number had been obliterated. Garcia was arrested for multiple felony firearms violations.

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: September 27, 2019 / 2215 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant/ Attempted Murder Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME:	September 20, 2019 5:00 AM
LOCATION:	1000 Block South “N” Street 1200 Block West Gonzales Road 4600 Block Concord Way 700 Block West Guava Street
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Varela, 26-Year-Old Oxnard Resident Joseph Tamayo 23-Year-Old Oxnard Resident Victor Aguiar 25-Year-Old Oxnard Resident 16-Year-Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On September 3, 2019, at approximately 6:44 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the parking lot of the Tresierra’s Market, located at 133 West Pleasant Valley Road, reference a fight in the parking lot. Officers arrived on scene however all parties were gone. A 27 year old male victim later showed up at a local area hospital with multiple stab wounds. After being admitted, the victim’s injuries were found to be life threatening and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and hospital to assume control of the investigation. It was determined that a group of male suspects confronted the victim and assaulted him. When the victim attempted to flee, the suspects chased the victim, surrounded him, and continued to assault him. During the second assault, the victim was stabbed. The suspects then fled the scene. Early in the investigation, it was determined that the suspects were associated with an Oxnard based criminal street gang and the stabbing was gang motivated. Over the course of several weeks, investigators worked diligently to identify those responsible for the stabbing.

During the morning of September 20, 2019, members of the Oxnard Police Department, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, served a multi-location search warrant in the City of Oxnard targeting those responsible for the assault. Investigators arrested a 16 year old Oxnard resident and Joseph Tamayo, a 23 year old Oxnard resident, at their residences. The juvenile was later booked into Juvenile Hall and Tamayo was booked into the Ventura County Jail. Two addition suspects, Jose Varela, a 26 year old Oxnard resident, and Victor Aguiar, a 25 year old Oxnard resident, were not located and remained at large.

On September 26, 2019, investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit located Varela walking in the 6600 block of Telephone Road in the City of Ventura. Investigators contacted Varela and took him into custody for his role in the assault. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail. All three suspects were charged with attempted murder and street terrorism (gang enhancement).

Aguiar is still at large and has not been located. If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Detective Carey Everhart immediately at (805) 486-6288. The following paragraph lists several ways to contact the Oxnard Police Department and remain anonymous if you wish to.

Victor Aguiar

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	September 20, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint nets one DUI arrest

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested one impaired driver while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on September 20, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted on Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

460 vehicles screened
One DUI-alcohol suspect arrested
17 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
31 citations issued

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Oxnard PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all 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.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Oxnard PD offers these reminders to ensure a fun night doesn’t get spoiled with a DUI:

Decide before you go out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both.
If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before going out, or map out another way to get home safely by taking a cab, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, or using public transportation. You can also lookup designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).
If you are a designated driver, bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Offer a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.
See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys or help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

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 checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether by bike, car, motorcycle, or walking, the Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 21, 2019 / 3:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	September 20, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, September 20, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. DUI checkpoints are done in locations with a higher frequency of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, 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.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these tips 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 is drinking and how they are getting home.

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 these enforcement efforts are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 19, 2019 / 11:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2019

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager

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

OXNARD POLICE FOCUS ON GUN OFFENDERS

Oxnard, CA – A promising trend has emerged in Oxnard as the latest Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data indicate significantly reduced violent crime throughout the city. This continues a downward trend that began in 2017 and has continued through the first eight months of 2019. Through August 31st, the total number of reported violent crimes in Oxnard dropped by 14.9% compared to the first eight months of 2018. Oxnard has experienced a 25% reduction in homicides, a 21.1% reduction in robberies, and a 9.2% reduction in aggravated assaults.

“As we developed our 2019 department goals, we put a priority on continuing the three year reduction in crime,” said Chief of Police Scott Whitney, “Reducing violent crime will always be our highest priority and we will always look for new approaches, new strategies, and new partners to make our city safer.”

One of the innovative strategies implemented in Oxnard has been a partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. The Oxnard Police Department has teamed with these two agencies to arrest violent offenders that have an extensive criminal history and continue to commit violent crimes in the City. Since the task force formed, eight (8) violent offenders have been arrested and sentenced to federal prison.

In some cases, defendants have been subject to enhanced sentencing for various circumstances including being a prohibited person and possessing three or more firearms, possessing a modified weapon, possessing a high-capacity magazine, or having fired the weapon.

Several individual cases are listed below:

Gilberto Aldana was arrested on September 12, 2017, and indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2017. Aldana pleaded guilty on August 13, 2018, and was sentenced on October 29, 2018, to 92 months in prison.
Camilo Flores was arrested on November 7, 2017, and indicted by a federal grand jury on December 15, 2017. Flores pleaded guilty on September 6, 2018, and was sentenced on December 20, 2018, to thirty months in prison.
Joey Ixta was arrested on March 12, 2017, and indicted by a federal grand jury on May 5, 2017. Ixta pleaded guilty on February 12, 2018, and was sentenced on May 21, 2018, to 37 months in prison.
George Glass was arrested on January 22, 2018, and indicted by a federal grand jury on February 16, 2018. Glass pleaded guilty on December 11, 2018, and was sentenced on 02/20/2019 to sixty months in federal prison.
Sergio Zendejas was arrested on March 17, 2017, and was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 25, 2017. Zendejas pleaded guilty on July 24, 2017, and was sentenced on October 16, 2017, to 26 months in prison.
Manuel Rivas was arrested on October 24, 2017, and plead guilty on January 22, 2018. He was sentenced on February 9, 2018, to 26 months in prison.
Jose Viveros was arrested on November 6, 2018, and was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2018. Viveros was denied bail and is being held in federal custody awaiting trial.
Steven Gutierrez was arrested on November 19, 2018, and plead guilty on April 1, 2019. He was sentenced on July 15, 2019, to 24 months in prison.

Many of the defendants are documented gang members that have a history of violent crime in Oxnard. Comments from Chief Whitney include, “There are only a small number of people in any community willing to commit violent crime. When we identify, arrest and incarcerate these prolific, violent offenders we often see an immediate reduction in serious crime. It makes the city safer for everyone. ”

Chief Whitney added, “Much credit goes to our officers, detectives and crime analysts that track these offenders. They quickly respond to the information we receive and to crime trends they identify. These gun arrests don’t happen by accident. They’re the result of good work, hard work, and teamwork. Our partners at the FBI and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department have been outstanding.”

One of the strategies the Police Department is implementing is based on the concept of Intelligence-Led Policing. The idea behind Intelligence-Led Policing is to gather information from both recent and historical crime trends as well as other various sources (community members, social media, officers, etc.). With that information, the Department can more efficiently direct resources to where it believes crime will take place. The Department is also able to direct resources to address the most serious offenders and disrupt their criminal activity. This program has shown great results in 2019; particularly with our Special Enforcement Unit (SEU). Through the first eight months of 2019, the SEU has recovered over 40 illegal firearms.

Community partnerships are also a vital component to the success of Intelligence-Led Policing. Residents who observe suspicious activity, know of criminal activity taking place, and who share that information with the police help to curb that criminal behavior and remove it from their neighborhoods. It also allows the residents to take ownership of their communities and it sends a powerful message to the criminal element that illegal activity won’t be tolerated in their neighborhoods.

As the Police Department was preparing this press release, there was a homicide on Saturday night, September 14, 2019, in south Oxnard.

Comments from Chief Whitney regarding that homicide include:

“It breaks our hearts and sickens our stomachs when a 17-year-old boy gets shot and killed. While we’re confident that we will make arrests in this case, we do need help from our community. There were witnesses to this incident that need to come forward.

More broadly, if you know someone in possession of a firearm that is involved in violent crime, please share that information with us. Looking the other way or seeking street justice doesn’t work. Too many innocent people get hurt.

Our family members and community leaders must talk to the young men in their neighborhoods to stop this type of violence. What drives much of it is retaliation and perceptions of being disrespected. For our neighborhoods to be safer for our young men, this needs to stop.”

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.

###

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	09/15/2019; 3:00PM
LOCATION:	Gary Dr and Rose Ave, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Oscar Perez Cruz, 20 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis McArthur, Commander 805-385-7746 luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 9/15/19 at around 3:00 PM an Oxnard Police Officer conducted a traffic stop for various vehicle code violations in the area of Gary Dr and Rose Ave in the City of Oxnard. The passenger, Oscar Perez Cruz was found to be in possession of an unloaded and unregistered 9mm semi-automatic firearm. Cruz was arrested for a felony firearm violation.

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 PREPARED: 9/15/2019, 5:15 p.m.