OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fifth Anniversary of Labh Nigah Homicide; Police Seek the Public’s Assistance
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2014, at approximately 8:40 A.M.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Park, 100 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S):	Labh Nigah, 55-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Dark skinned male, 14-22 years of age, black hair, 5’8” to 6’ tall, thin build
PREPARED BY:	Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688 [email protected]

DETAILS: On November 13, 2014, at approximately 8:40 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a stabbing at Sierra Linda Park. Officers arrived on scene and found 55-year old Oxnard resident, Labh Nigah, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Nigah died a short time later. Officers learned that Nigah had dropped his child off at Sierra Linda Elementary School and was walking in the park when he was attacked and stabbed. The unknown assailant was seen fleeing west on Holly Avenue. The suspect’s last known location was in the area of Ventura Road and Carmen Way.

November 13th marked the fifth anniversary of Nigah’s murder. Investigators are seeking the public’s help in providing any information related to this brutal and senseless murder.

Witnesses described the suspect as a dark-skinned male, between the ages of 14 to 22 years, black hair, 5’8” to 6’ tall with a thin build. One witness was able to provide information for a composite drawing (see composite drawing below). Investigators located blood evidence at the crime scene that did not appear to belong to Nigah. Major Crimes Investigators also utilized the services of Parabon NanoLabs and their phenotyping services. Parabon NanoLabs generated a composite prediction based on the blood evidence that was obtained from the crime scene. The blood DNA was analyzed and a scientific approximation of appearance was obtained (see Snapshot predictions results below).

Major Crimes Investigators created a short video clip several years ago which contains information on the Nigah murder. To view the Nigah Homicide information video click here: https://youtu.be/wB-a3AaabGk

Anyone who provides information on this case can do so anonymously. Investigators may be able to bring closure to the family, if someone from the community provides the name of the suspect, as that may be all that is needed, to make an arrest.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. Anyone with information regarding the murder of Labh Nigah is encouraged to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 14, 2019, at 09:15 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

At 11:46 PM on 11/12/2019, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to the 1900 block of North Ventura Road, regarding a report of a subject brandishing a firearm. Responding officers saw the suspect run into a nearby neighborhood. Officers established a perimeter around the area where the suspect was seen running. Officers, assisted by Police K-9’s “Rocky” and “Capone” began a systematic search of the area.

The Oxnard Police Department’s recently formed Unmanned Aerial System Unit responded and deployed a small unmanned aerial vehicle (commonly referred to as a “drone”). The drone was equipped with a thermal camera to assist with locating the suspect, who was hiding in the rear yard of a residence on the 1300 block of Kingswood Drive. The drone also carried a loudspeaker, and it was used to make announcements to the suspect for him to surrender and comply with officers.

The suspect, identified as Alex Perez, peacefully surrendered to officers. Perez was arrested for brandishing a weapon, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Officers also located a replica handgun that Perez had discarded.

The Oxnard Police Department recently received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration to operate small unmanned aerial vehicles, and this was the department’s first deployment.

Assistant Chief Jason Benites said, “We are very pleased that our first drone deployment was able to assist our officers in taking a potentially dangerous suspect into custody. Last night’s deployment is a great example of how this quickly-evolving technology can be used to make our communities safer.”

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.

Drone’s thermal imagery depicts officers approaching suspect (at right).

Oxnard drone assisting the arrest of a brandishing suspect (at right).

INCIDENT:	Firearm and Drug Arrest
DATE/TIME:	11/11/2019; 4:40PM
LOCATION:	100 block of Dolores Court, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Melissa Estrella, 35 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander 805-385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11/11/19 at about 3:40PM, Oxnard Police Department officers were conducting a foot patrol in the 100 block of Dolores Court reference subjects unlawfully occupying the vacant residences in the area. The officers located two females inside of a locked room in one of the residences. Inside the room, officers located multiple amounts of methamphetamine which they believed was possessed by one of the females, Melissa Estrella, 35 years old. Estrella was found to be on probation with search terms. Additionally, officers searched a backpack belonging to Estrella and located small caliber handgun which had previously been reported as stolen.

Estrella was arrested for multiple drug violations including possessing a controlled substance, and possessing drug paraphernalia. Additionally, she was also charged with multiple firearm violations. The second female was cited for a drug offense.

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: 11/11/2019 @ 11:00PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Post Release Offender Arrested After Nighttime Burglary
DATE/TIME:	November 9, 2019/ 2:21 a.m.
LOCATION:	2900 block of Paula Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Reyna, age 49, transient
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11/9/19, at about 2:21 a.m., a resident in the 2900 block of Paula Street called the Oxnard Police Department reporting he awoke to find a burglar inside his home. Several occupants inside the house confronted the suspect, at which time he fled from the residence. A suspect description was broadcasted to the responding officers.

Approximately 10 minutes later, officers searching the area located an individual matching the suspect description in the 900 block of Bismark Way. Officers detained suspect Robert Reyna, age 49, for an infield identification. Several witnesses positively identified suspect Reyna as being responsible for the burglary. Reyna was subsequently arrested for a felony charge of burglary to an occupied residence. An investigation revealed that suspect Reyna entered the residence through a window, while the occupants inside were asleep.

Reyna has an extensive criminal history, including several felony burglary convictions, and is currently on the Post Release Offender Program.

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: 11/9/19, 0405 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	November 12, 2019, 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On November 12, 2019, 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 12 fatal and 112 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. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

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: November 8, 2019 / 2:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	11-07-2019/ 3:50PM
LOCATION:	1800 Block Of MacArthur Place (South Alley), Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	16-Year-Old Male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vega, Detective (805) 385-8291 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11/07/2019, at approximately 3:50 p.m., officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 1800 block of MacArthur Place in reference to a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound in the south alley. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-8291.

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: 11/07/2019, 10:45 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	11/5/19; 1800 hours
LOCATION:	400 block North Juanita Avenue, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Christopher Lopez, 18 years
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger (805) 385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing adult. Christopher Lopez, 18 years old, walked away from his home in the 400 block of North Juanita Avenue, Oxnard, around 6:00PM this evening. Christopher is described as a Hispanic male, 5’-2” / 130 pounds, last seen wearing a blue Captain America shirt and blue shorts. He has gone missing in the past for several days at a time. If you see Christopher, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 5, 2019 @ 9:00PM

INCIDENT:	Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	November 4, 2019 / 5:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	Magnolia Avenue @ E Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Rivas, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert [email protected] 805-385-8289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On November 4, at 5:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and K-9 Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code infraction. Officers contacted the driver who was identified as Robert Rivas. Driver Rivas was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was also found to be a convicted felon and is prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition. With the assistance of the police K-9 unit, a search of the vehicle was conducted and a loaded .22 caliber handgun was located in the trunk of the vehicle. Rivas was subsequently arrested without incident.

Rivas was arrested and charged with 29800(a) PC- felon in possession of a firearm, 30305(a) (1) PC- felon in possession of ammunition and 25850(c) (6) PC- being in possession of a firearm and not being the registered owner.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and K-9 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: November 4, 2019 / 9:00 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Critical Missing
DATE/TIME:	11/04/19, 0930 Hrs.
LOCATION:	2300 Block of South J Street
VICTIM(S):	Apolonio Armenta
PREPARED BY:	Mike Gregson, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mike Gregson, Sergeant 805 385 7600

DETAILS:

At approximately 7:00 am on November 4, 2019, officers were dispatched to the 2300 Blk of South J Street reference a critical missing adult Apolonio Armenta. Apolonio was last seen in the area of the 2300 block of South J Street around 5:00 pm on November 3, 2019.

Currently the Oxnard Police Department is conducting an area search for Apolonio who is described as a 64-year-old Hispanic male, 4’11”, 120 lbs. Gray hair, brown eyes and was last seen wearing a brown plaid shirt, Khaki pants and brown work boots.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/04/19, 10:00 am.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Victim
DATE/TIME:	11/01/2019/9:42PM
LOCATION:	1900 Block Of Gaucho Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	17-Year-Old Male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective (805) 486-6228 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11/01/2019 at approximately 9:42 p.m., Officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 1900 block of Gaucho Way in reference to a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is listed in serious condition. the investigation is ongoing. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Detective Carey Everhart.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/02/2019, 2:15 a.m.