News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Rev Up Safety: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Oxnard, Calif. – During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, the Oxnard Police Department would like to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. By practicing safe driving habits and taking shared responsibility on our roads, we can help everyone arrive at their destination safely.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes in 2022. Motorcyclists were about 22 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and four times more likely to be injured.

Throughout the month, the Oxnard Police Department will increase efforts to address dangerous and unsafe driving, focusing on driving behaviors that put motorcyclists at risk, such as speeding, unsafe or illegal lane changes, and stop sign/red light violations. Additionally, on May 23, 2024, between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., officers will conduct enhanced enforcement specifically addressing those dangerous and unsafe driving behaviors.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

· Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.

· Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

· If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists:

· Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.

· Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

· Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.

· Always keep you lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Safety Administration.

DATE: May 1, 2024

SUBJECT: National Bicycle Safety Month

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Share the Road and Look Out for One Another During

Bicycle Safety Month

Oxnard, Calif. – May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Oxnard Police Department is encouraging everyone to get active and safely take bike rides while at the same time reminding drivers to be on the lookout for more people biking and walking.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 1,105 people killed while riding a bike in 2022, and an estimated 46,195 bicyclists were injured. In 2021, 976 bicyclists were killed (a 1.9% increase from 2020) and an estimated 41,615 bicyclists were injured (a 7% increase from 2020).

To help keep people safe while biking or walking, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct traffic safety operations throughout the month, focusing on driver behaviors that put bicyclists and pedestrians at risk, such as speeding, making illegal turns, failure to yield right of way, and stop sign/red light running.

The Oxnard Police Department suggests the following safety tips for bicyclists and drivers:

Drivers

· Slow down and follow the speed limit. Be careful traveling through intersections.

· Look carefully for bicyclists and pedestrians before making a turn or opening a car door near streets or bike paths.

· Be patient when traveling behind bicyclists and give them space when passing. California law requires drivers to change a lane, when possible, to pass bicyclists and always pass with at least 3 feet of space.

· Never drive while distracted.

Bike Riders

· Use lights at night.

· Although not required for riders 18 and older, always wear a properly secured helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the chance of a head injury in the event of a crash.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Yield to pedestrians, just as a driver would. Pedestrians have the right-of-way within marked or unmarked intersections.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 1^st, 2024 (4:40 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Five Handguns Recovered During Traffic Stop

SUSPECTS: Erick Soria, 25-year-old Oxnard resident

Alex Valenzuela, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 blk. S. Ventura Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On May 1^st, 2024, at approximately 4:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) assisted the Violent Crimes Unit with conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 400 blk. of South Ventura Rd. The traffic stop was in regards to a search warrant for the driver, Erick Soria, and for Soria’s vehicle. Soria had a passenger in his vehicle who was identified as Alex Valenzuela. Officers removed Soria and Valenzuela from the vehicle and conducted a search pursuant to the warrant.

Officers and detectives searched the vehicle and located five handguns. None of the handguns were registered to either of the occupants, two of the handguns were found to be 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handguns. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. One of the Polymer 80 handguns was equipped with a threaded barrel. A threaded pistol barrel allows the firearm to accept a flash suppressor, or silencer and fit the definition of “assault weapon”, per 30515 of the California Penal Code. Soria and Valenzuela were subsequently charged with felony firearms violations

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and Violent Crimes Unit are 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: April 30, 2024 / 12:00AM

SUBJECT: Possession of a Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: Michael McMann, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3200 block of South Rose Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

(805) 385-7746 (Sun-Wed 4PM-2AM)

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police Officers received a report of a subject possibly in possession of a firearm in the 3200 block of S. Rose Avenue. Officers contacted the suspect, McMann, and learned he was in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm. McMann was detained and arrested without incident for multiple firearms violations.

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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: April 26, 2024

SUBJECT: Shooting Suspect Arrested / Firearms Recovered

SUSPECT: Fernando Mejia 47-year-old Oxnard Resident

VICTIM: 45-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: Date Street & Pine Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Detective Kevin Gormley

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7686

On April 24, 2024, at around 9:00 P.M. Oxnard police officers responded to the area of Date Street and Pine Street regarding a shooting that had just occurred. Officers contacted the intended victim, a 45-year-old Oxnard resident, who stated he had just been shot at by a male suspect. The victim was not struck by gunfire and was uninjured.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit took over the investigation. Investigators gathered enough evidence to identify the suspect as Fernando Mejia, a 47-year-old Oxnard resident.

On April 26, 2024 members from the Violent Crimes Unit, Oxnard Police Homeless Liaison Unit, and Oxnard Police K9 Unit located Mejia in the 1600 block of Pine Street where he was taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was obtained to search Mejia’s encampment located in the east alley of the 1200 block of Mercantile Street adjacent to the railroad tracks.

During the search, Investigators located a loaded .38 caliber revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun, ammunition, narcotics, and items indicative of narcotic sales.

Mejia has a prior felony conviction which prohibits him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition. He was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, and numerous narcotics and firearms-related offenses. He was booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention facility.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 28, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Six impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On April 27, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Pleasant Valley Road and Jefferson Square, as well as a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in six arrests for impaired driving, five citations for driving on a suspended license, and twenty-seven citations for driving while unlicensed.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 25, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Saturday, April 27, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history 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.

In 2021, 1,370 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

NEWS RELEASE UPDATE

DATE: April 22, 2024

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a bicyclist

LOCATION: Oxnard Boulevard and 101 overpass

DRIVER: Linda Rubow, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 2012 Ford Edge

BICYCLIST: Joey Paquet, N. Hollywood Resident

CONTACT: Raul Camacho, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the bicyclist as Joey Paquet, a 35-year-old resident of North Hollywood. Oxnard Traffic Investigators continue investigating the circumstances leading up to the collision.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Raul Camacho at (805) 200-5668 or via email at raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage using the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 22, 2024

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a bicyclist

LOCATION: Oxnard Boulevard and 101 overpass

DRIVER: Linda Rubow, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 2012 Ford Edge

BICYCLIST: 45-year-old, N. Hollywood Resident, name withheld pending next of kin notification

CONTACT: Raul Camacho, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org

On April 21, 2024, at approximately 9:41 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist that occurred at the 101 northbound off-ramp and Oxnard Boulevard. The bicyclist, a 45-year-old resident of North Hollywood, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, Linda Rubow, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the bicyclist was riding southbound in the northbound lanes. Rubow was making a right turn from the 101 northbound off-ramp when she collided into the bicyclist. Investigators do not believe speed, alcohol, or drugs were contributing factors to the collision, however the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Raul Camacho at (805) 200-5668 or via email at raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org.

Officers have completed the collision investigation at Oxnard Boulevard and the 101 overpass. All traffic lanes are now open.

On Sun, Apr 21, 2024 at 11:15 PM Jose Diaz <jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

Police are currently on scene investigating a collision at Oxnard Boulevard and the 101 overpass. All northbound traffic is blocked off at the overpass. Commuters wishing to enter the Collection or Riverpark area should seek an alternate route. Information will be updated when available.

Jose Diaz

Oxnard Police Department

Sergeant / Patrol Support

805-797-5522