NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrests for Attempted Robbery and Vandalism
DATE/TIME:	July 19, 2019/ 9:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	3400 Albany Drive
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Alfredo Mejia, Oxnard resident (age 24) Rodrigo Tapia, Oxnard resident (age 24)
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771 Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 7/19/19, at about 9:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to an attempted robbery that just occurred in the 3400 block of Albany Drive. The victim reported he saw two suspects tagging a wall in the alley of Albany Drive. The two suspects then approached the victim, asked him where he was from, brandished a knife, and asked him what he had on him. The victim, fearing he would be robbed, fled on foot and called the police. A responding officer searching the area came across two individuals matching the descriptions provided in the alley of the 700 block of Tamarac. Suspects Mejia and Tapia were detained and were positively identified during an infield line-up. Investigating officers located evidence of both crimes nearby. Suspects Mejia and Tapia were subsequently arrested for the felony charges of attempted robbery and vandalism.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/20/19, 0100 hours

INCIDENT:	Arrests for Firearms Related Charges and Violation of County Probation
DATE/TIME:	July 18, 2019 / 7:55 p.m.
LOCATION:	Yucca St and J St., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gilberto Rodriguez, age 37, Oxnard resident Pedro Collazo, age 23, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Todd Johnson, Officer Todd.Johnson@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 18, at approximately 7:55 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Yucca and J Street. Officers contacted the driver, suspect Gilberto Rodriguez, and one of the passengers, Pedro Collazo, who was determined to be on probation with search terms.

Officers performed a search of the vehicle and located a concealed loaded firearm where suspect Rodriguez was seated. The firearm was determined to be unregistered and Rodriguez was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Rodriguez was arrested for the felony charges of possession of a loaded firearm with a prior conviction, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession of a loaded firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Passenger Collazo was arrested for a felony charge of violating the terms of his probation.

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.

Rodriguez

Collazo

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 18, 2019 / 2130 hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Death of Newborn
DATE/TIME: July 19, 2019 @ 7:53 a.m.
LOCATION: 1600 N. Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Withheld
SUSPECT(S): Andrea Torralba, 20 year old Oxnard resident
David Villa, 21 Year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:
Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide
Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org, 805-256-5121

Commander Sharon Giles, 805-385-7620
Sharon.Giles@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 19, 2019, at approximately 7:53 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to St. John’s Medical Center, 1600 N. Rose Ave, regarding a suspicious injury report. Officers arrived on scene and learned that a newborn infant was in critical condition with suspicious injuries.

Detectives from the Family Protection Unit responded to assist in the investigation. During the investigation, Detectives learned that the victim’s mother, Andrea Torralba, and her boyfriend, David Villa, strangled the victim until he was unconscious.

Medical staff was notified that the infant was unresponsive and, despite the efforts of the medical team, the infant succumbed to his injuries.

Andrea Torralba and David Villa were both arrested for assault on a child by means of force resulting in the child’s death, a Felony, and their bail has been set at $1,000,000.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact Detective Juan Morales at (805) 385-3922, 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:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	July 18, 2019 / 7:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	1400 block of Guava St., Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alejandro Portillo, 21 years old, Oxnard resident Elena Leal, 21 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander (805) 385-7771 eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander (805) 385-7771 eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 18th, at 7:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Guava Street reference a female brandishing a BB gun and discharging it in the alley accompanied by a male. A witness stated that they left the area in a dark SUV. Officers arrived in the area and located a vehicle matching the description in the area and contacted Alejandro Portillo and Elena Leal. A records check revealed that Portillo and Leal were on probation and had valid search terms. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a .22 caliber rifle and narcotic smoking devices. Officers searched both Leal and Portillo and found that they were in possession of methamphetamine.

The .22 caliber rifle that was located in the vehicle had been modified and cut down to under 26” which is a Felony “Short Barreled Rifle” under Penal Code Section 33215 PC. A photo of the rifle is attached to this media release. Portillo was arrested for drug and firearms possession violations 33215 PC, 11364 H&S, 25400 PC, 11370.1 H&S (a felony), and 11377 H&S.

Leal was arrested for 11377 H&S for drug possession.

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: July 18, 2019 / 1245 Hours

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	07/16/2019, 5:53 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 Block of Riverpark Boulevard, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Martin Rojo 26 Year Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 486-6211 Mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vega, Detective (805) 385-8291 ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 07/16/2019 at approximately 5:53 p.m., Officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 200 block of Riverpark Boulevard in reference to a stabbing victim. Officers made contact with the victim and found he had been stabbed in the torso. Officers were able to locate the suspect in a nearby apartment. He was later identified as Martin Rojo, a 26 year old resident of Oxnard. Officers made contact with Rojo at the residence and he was taken into custody without incident. Rojo was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. In addition, Rojo was found to be on parole and was also arrested for violating the conditions of his parole terms. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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: 07/16/2019, 11:35 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 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 three DUI arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested three impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on July 13, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted on Wooley Road west of Oxnard Blvd. between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

790 vehicles screened
Three DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
Eight drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
14 citations issued
Two vehicles towed
One misdemeanor arrest

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 look up 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.’

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subject on Parole for Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter Arrested for Firearms Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 2019 / 6:07 p.m.
LOCATION:	Offshore at Keel Ave., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Kevin Fickel, 28-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 July 13, at approximately 6:07 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle, Kevin Fickel, who is on parole for attempted voluntary manslaughter (stabbing). Officers detained Fickel and then responded back to his residence to conduct a parole search. Officers searched Fickel’s bedroom and located two handguns and flashlight that also functions as a stun gun. Fickel is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms or stun devices.

Fickel was arrested for violating his parole, charges related to the felony firearms possession are pending.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 13, 2019 / 2030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 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 Checkpoint and conduct Saturation Patrols

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. In addition to the checkpoint, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct DUI saturation patrols aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road.

DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols 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: July 11, 2019 / 10:00 a.m.

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 9, 2019 / 6:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	2100 block of East Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Andy Martinez, 22 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Senior Officer Martin.cook@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 9th, at 6:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 2100 block of East Channel Islands Blvd reference recent gang activity. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a dark colored Honda Accord at the intersection of Channel Islands Blvd and Olds Road. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Andy Martinez (22 years), was found to be a criminal street gang member out of Los Angeles County. During the traffic stop, it was discovered that Martinez did not have a valid driver’s license. As officer’s had Martinez exit the Honda, they saw that there was a concealed firearm under the driver’s seat of Martinez’ vehicle.

The firearm, a semi-automatic 9 millimeter handgun, was also found to be unregistered. It was also discovered that Martinez is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm, due to a prior felony conviction. Martinez was arrested and charged with numerous firearms violations.

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 8, 2019 / 3:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	2800 block South Rose Avenue, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Armenta, 18 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Senior Officer Martin.cook@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 8th, at 3:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 2800 block of Rose Avenue reference recent gang activity. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a silver Hyundai at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Channel Islands Blvd. One of the occupants of the vehicle, Jesus Armenta (18 years), is a documented criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard who is currently on probation, and is a prohibited person from possession of a firearm and/ or ammunition. During a probation search of the vehicle, Armenta was found in possession of a firearm.

The firearm, a loaded semi-automatic 9 millimeter handgun, was located concealed in the vehicle, and was also found to be stolen out of the City of Oxnard. Armenta was arrested and charged with numerous firearms violations.