OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Man Dies in Suspicious Hit and Run Collision
DATE/TIME:	May 23, 2019, 10:55 P.M.
LOCATION:	West Alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic Male, 31-year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Late model light-colored Dodge pick-up truck
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

On May 23, 2019, at about 10:55 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the west alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street regarding a hit and run collision with a pedestrian. When officers arrived, they located a 31-year old Hispanic male lying in the alley. EMS transported him by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Initially, the Oxnard Police Department’s Traffic Unit responded to investigate the collision. Based on the physical evidence at the scene and witness interviews, Traffic Unit investigators determined this death was suspicious. The Major Crimes Unit was contacted and responded to assume the lead role in the investigation.

Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to locate a light colored, late model pick-up, similar to a Dodge (pictured below). If anyone has witnessed this incident, please contact Detective Jose Velazquez (805) 385-7760.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload their media directly to investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/2000mariposa052419. 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.

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: May 24, 2019, 6:30 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	May 23, 2019 / 11:21 p.m.
LOCATION:	1000 blk S. “J” St., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Dimas, 20-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 May 23, at 11:21 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, Jose Dimas. Dimas could not provide evidence of identification and was subsequently removed from the vehicle. Officers discovered a loaded handgun concealed in the vehicle. Dimas was arrested for several charges related to firearms possession.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	May 20, 2019 / 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	500 block, West Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Villafana, 21 years, from Oxnard Anthony Garcia, 18 years, from Oxnard
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 May 20, at 5:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd for a vehicle code violation. The driver was identified as Anthony Garcia, and the right front passenger was identified as Jesus Villafana. Villafana is a documented criminal street gang member, on probation and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9 millimeter semi-auto handgun, 9 millimeter ammunition and a large quantity of generic Xanax were located. Garcia was charged with several firearms related violations. Villafana was charged with controlled substance and firearms related violations.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal hit and run traffic collision involving a pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	May 12, 2019, 8:46 P.M.
LOCATION:	Intersection of Colonia Road and Marquita Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic female, 49-year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Possibly a red SUV
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 paul.knapp@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 paul.knapp@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 12, 2019, at about 8:46 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the intersection of Colonia Road and Marquita Street, in the City of Oxnard, regarding an injury traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. When the police officers arrived at the scene, they located a 49-year-old Hispanic female lying in the roadway and determined that the vehicle involved in the collision had fled the scene.

EMS provided first aid and the female was transported to Ventura County Medical Center by ambulance. While at the hospital, the victim’s injuries worsened and, due to her condition as a result of the collision, she succumbed to her injuries on May 16, 2019.

A witness, who heard the collision, described a red SUV fleeing the scene westbound on Colonia Road towards Oxnard Blvd. Investigators are currently working with surrounding businesses and residences in an attempt to locate any security video footage.

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/coloniaroad. 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 Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be visiting the location of the incident to host a press conference and canvass the area for additional information.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Intersection of Colonia Road and Marquita Street, Oxnard

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750.

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: May 17, 2019, 2 p.m.

/31240-2/

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Kidnapping Phone Scam Averted
DATE/TIME:	May 18, 2019, 1:40 p.m.
VICTIM(S):	Undisclosed Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 Robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 5/18/19, at around 1:40 p.m., officers responded to Vallarta Market, 1050 South A Street, to investigate a report of a kidnapping. A family member of the purported victim reported that the mother of the victim received a call from the suspects stating they kidnapped her daughter. The suspects demanded that the mother wire money to ensure her daughter’s safety. The family informed officers that the mother was currently on her way to Vallarta Market to send money to the suspects. Officers arrived at the market and located both the mother and father in the parking lot. The parents had thousands of dollars in their possession and were preparing to wire the money to the suspects. Officers were eventually able to contact the daughter and confirm that the threats were a phone scam.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public about this ongoing phone scam. The public is advised to be suspicious of any telephone call where the caller imposes a problem or crisis and the only solution is to electronically transfer money or purchase a prepaid gift card. If you receive a suspicious phone call of this nature, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement. These fraudulent schemes can be prevented by remaining well informed, so please share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors.

The FBI provides the following prevention tips.

To avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators:

Incoming calls come from an outside area code
Calls do not come from the injured or kidnapped victim’s phone
Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone
Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim
Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service

If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:

Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
If they don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle they drive, if applicable.
Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if they speak.
Attempt to call, text, or contact the victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
While staying on the line with alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/18/2019, 3:57 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Attempted Robbery and Vehicle Tampering
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2019/ 9:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	Seventh Street and A Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Alejandro Pineda (age 28)
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 5/16/19, at around 9:45 a.m., a downtown security officer contacted officers assigned to the downtown central business district (CBD) reporting that a subject was checking vehicle door handles on A Street. The CBD officers contacted suspect Alejandro Pineda near the intersection of Seventh and A Street, as he was standing next to the passenger side of a parked vehicle, with his head ducked into the vehicle. Officers discovered the registered owner of the vehicle was also seated in the driver’s seat and appeared to be in distress. Officers interviewed the victim and he reported he was seated in his vehicle talking on the phone when Pineda unexpectedly opened the passenger door and threatened to harm him if he didn’t hand over money. Officers formed the opinion that suspect Pineda was attempting to rob the victim and arrested him for felony attempted robbery and misdemeanor vehicle tampering.

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: 5/16/19, 12:55 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road closures for the 36^th Annual California Strawberry Festival
DATE/TIME:	May 18^th and 19^th *Rose Avenue Closure May 17^th through May 20^th
LOCATION:	College Park – 3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The California Strawberry Festival will be held this weekend, May 18^th and 19^th, at College Park located at 3250 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard. Over the past several years, the festival has experienced crowds totaling 70,000 over the two-day event.

In an attempt to accommodate the anticipated heavy attendance at this year’s Strawberry Festival, the Oxnard Police Department will have officers assigned to several intersections surrounding the festival site. There will be road closures and detours to allow for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian travel to and from the festival.

The recommended method of transportation to the Strawberry Festival is via the free shuttle bus service. Shuttle buses will be picking up festival goers at the following locations between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 E. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo
Channel Islands Harbor, 3400 block South Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Topa Towers, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
Oxnard Transportation Center, 201 E. Fourth Street, Oxnard
Santa Clara High School, 2121 Saviers Rd, Oxnard

The following roadways will be affected by this weekend’s festival:

Rose Avenue between Channel Islands Boulevard and Gary Drive will be closed on Friday, May 17^th at 5:00 p.m. and will remain closed until Monday, May 20^th at noon.
Pleasant Valley Road between Butler Road and Bard Road will be affected by heavy traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both festival days.
Bard Road between Pleasant Valley Road and Rose Avenue will be affected by heavy traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on both festival days.
Gary Drive between Boston Way and Rose Avenue will be closed to all traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both festival days.

In addition to these closures, traffic near the festival site will be heavy. Local residents are encouraged to use alternate routes for trips in and out of the city.

For further information regarding the festival visit: castrawberryfestival.org.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking suspect arrested, one wanted
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2019 / 10:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	Cuesta Del Mar Drive and Perkins Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Esgardo Vasquez, 19, 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:

An armed carjacking of a Ford Explorer was reported at 10:45 p.m. Tuesday in the Southwinds neighborhood of Oxnard near Cuesta Del Mar Drive and Perkins Road.

A short time after, patrol officers spotted the stolen SUV on Clara Street and arrested one of the alleged carjackers, Esgardo Vasquez, 19, of Oxnard. A second suspect remains at large.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 15, 2019 / 11:45 p.m.

Esgardo Vasquez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested with loaded gun and drugs
DATE/TIME:	May 13, 2019 / 8:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	First Street and Eliza Court, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Salazar, 24, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On Monday, May 13, 2019, at around 8 p.m. officers from the department’s special enforcement unit contacted a known gang member seen riding his bicycle at night without a light in the area of First Street and Eliza Court. The man, Oxnard resident Jose Salazar, 24, is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Officers found a loaded a 9mm-caliber handgun and heroin in Salazar’s possession. He was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possessing a firearm with a prior violent offense, carrying a loaded firearm and being a person prohibited from carrying a firearm, and possessing a controlled substance with a firearm.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	May 11, 2019 / 6:49 p.m.
LOCATION:	Olds Road north of Sanford Street, Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	10-year-old female Oxnard resident
VEHICLE/DRIVER	1993 red Mercury Tracer Juan Antonio Silva 52-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Phillip Flores, Traffic Investigator
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Phillip Flores, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 Phillip.Flores@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 11, 2019, at approximately 6:49 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian at Olds Road north of Sanford Street. The pedestrian, a 10-year-old female, sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center.

On May 13, 2019, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office notified the Oxnard Police Department that the 10-year-old pedestrian had succumbed to her injuries sustained because of the collision despite the lifesaving efforts of the Ventura County Medical Center’s staff

Based on the preliminary investigation, officers determined the 10-year-old pedestrian was attempting to cross Olds Rd. just north of Sanford St. and was struck by a 1993 Mercury Tracer traveling northbound. The driver of the Mercury Tracer, identified as 52-year-old Oxnard resident Juan Antonio Silva, remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were involved. The collision is still under investigation.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Phillip Flores at (805) 385-7750 or via email at Phillip.Flores@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/13/19 @ 2:00 p.m.