OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest in the Murder of Charles Barber
DATE/TIME:	August 25, 2019, 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	700 Block Aster Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Charles Mikell Barber, 34-year-old, Transient
SUSPECT(S):	17-year-old Hispanic male
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP MEDIA CONTACT PERSONS AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On June 24, 2019, at approximately 6:54 a.m., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue to check on a male subject covered in blood. When officers arrived, they located Charles Barber bleeding from several stab wounds. EMS worked feverishly to save Mr. Barber and transported him by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center. Mr. Barber eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Major Crimes investigators worked diligently and thoroughly investigated the murder of Mr. Barber to identify the person responsible for his death. During the investigation, Major Crimes investigators interviewed numerous people who provided investigators with valuable information. As the homicide investigation continued, investigators were able to positively identify a 17-year-old Hispanic male as the person responsible for the death of Mr. Barber.

On August 25, 2019, Major Crimes investigators worked with the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit to take the juvenile into custody without incident for murder. The juvenile was booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Hall on a bail amount of $500,000.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Jake Jundef (805) 385-7680. Investigators are also 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/200westvineyard. 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 any 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: August 25, 2019, 7:45 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious injury traffic collision
DATE/TIME:	August 25, 2019 / 1:03 p.m.
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road at Patterson Road, Oxnard
VEHICLES/OCCUPANTS	Specially Constructed Volkswagen dune buggy Driver: 42-year-old female, Oxnard resident Passenger: 40-year-old male, Oxnard resident 2005 Dodge Caravan Driver: 18-year-old male, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jose Diaz, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 [email protected]

On August 25, 2019, at approximately 1:03 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision which occurred on Gonzales Road at Patterson Road. Officers discovered that a 2005 Dodge Caravan and a specially constructed Volkswagen dune buggy had collided at the intersection. The driver of the dune buggy was partially ejected from the vehicle and was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where she is listed in critical condition. The passenger of the dune buggy, a 40-year-old male of Oxnard, and driver of the Dodge Caravan, an 18-year-old male of Oxnard, sustained moderate injuries and were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the Dodge Caravan was traveling eastbound on Gonzales Road and the dune buggy was traveling northbound on Patterson Road. Both vehicles entered the intersection at the same time and were involved in a broadside type collision. The traffic control signal was functioning properly at the time of the collision and it is unclear who had the right of way as one of the vehicles may have failed to stop for a red light.

Traffic investigators do not believe speed or alcohol/drugs were involved. The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/25/19 @ 4:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Arrest Resisting an Officer with Violence
DATE/TIME:	8/23/19, 10:21 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block of Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Yvette Fernandez, Santa Paula resident (age 33)
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/23/19, at about 10:21 p.m., suspect Yvette Fernandez entered a market in the 1300 block of Saviers Rd., approached the register counter and requested a bottle of liquor. As the clerk rang up the item, Fernandez grabbed the bottle and walked away without paying for it. The clerk confronted Fernandez at the entrance to the store, at which time Fernandez opened the bottle and began drinking from it. Fernandez then brandished a knife, and began swinging it at the clerk, as she threatened him. The clerk slammed the door on Fernandez, locking her inside the store until officers arrived. Fernandez was arrested for robbery. Officers transported Fernandez to the Oxnard Police Department. While officers were in the process of escorting Fernandez into the jail, she kicked one of the officers. Fernandez was additionally charged with resisting an officer with violence.

A review of Fernandez’ criminal history shows she has several prior convictions for violently resisting peace officers in the performance of their duties.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/24/19, 0223 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Indecent Exposure/ Lewd Conduct Arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 22, 2019 2:03 p.m.
LOCATION:	900 block South Ventura Road
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Walter Brown, 56 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On August 22, 2019, at 2:03 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 900 block of South Ventura Road reference a report of a nude male masturbating in the laundromat. The subject was identified as Walter Brown. Brown became non-compliant and officers used pepper spray to take him into custody. He was arrested for indecent exposure and lewd conduct.

Over the past three days, Brown has been arrested three times for similar indecent conduct. Below is a brief summary of the two additional incidents.

On August 21, 2019, at 4:13 p.m., officers responded to a call regarding Brown disturbing in the 900 block of South Oxnard Boulevard. During that incident, Brown wasn’t wearing any pants and was exposing his genitals to passing motorists on Oxnard Boulevard.

On August 20, 2019, at 2:26 p.m., officers responded to a call regarding Brown disturbing in the 900 block of South Ventura Road. During that incident, Brown was inside a laundry room, wasn’t wearing any pants, and was masturbating with his genitals exposed.

Given Brown’s pattern of significant indecent/ lewd activity over the past three days, Brown was booked in Ventura County Jail and officers requested his bail to be increased to $100,000.

Anyone with information regarding these three cases 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: 8/22/19 1920 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On August 22, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and August 24, 2019, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 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 six fatal collisions and 69 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. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

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: August 21, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Enhanced Abatement Efforts Planned for Ormond Beach

*UPDATE*

DATE/TIME:

August 22, 2019

LOCATION:

Ormond Beach, City of Oxnard

PREPARED BY:

Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard

805-990-1079 eric.sonstegard @oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Earlier this week, Oxnard Police Department officers, with assistance from the Port Hueneme Police Department, began contacting numerous individuals in the beach dunes at Ormond Beach. This was part of an effort to address the escalating problem of individuals camping in the area. Approximately thirty (30) encampments were posted with flyers indicating the anti-camping ordinance violations and instructions for leaving the area.

This morning, representatives from the City of Oxnard and the City of Port Hueneme began a multi-day clean-up effort in the Ormond Beach Dunes. Fifteen (15) individuals were contacted in the area but no arrests were made. One elderly individual was found to be ill and escorted to a safe area where he could be tended to by medical personnel. Approximately thirty (30) separate encampments were abandoned and will be part of the clean-up effort.

“We plan to conduct weekly patrols of this area as part of a sustained effort to keep the area clean. We’re working closely with the Port Hueneme Police Department as most of these individuals enter the Ormond Beach area via the City of Port Hueneme”, said Assistant Police Chief Eric S. Sonstegard. He added, “Our preference is that these individuals take advantage of the service providers available that are willing to help.”

Please see the attached photos taken this morning.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/22/2019 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Enhanced Abatement Efforts Planned for Ormond Beach
DATE/TIME:	August 19, 2019
LOCATION:	Ormond Beach, City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard 805-990-1079 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department officers, with assistance from the Port Hueneme Police Department and the Oxnard Fire Department, have begun contacting numerous individuals in and around the beach dunes at Ormond Beach. This is part of an effort to address the escalating problem of individuals camping in the area. While the Oxnard Municipal Code expressly prohibits camping on Ormond Beach, numerous individuals have set up encampments.

This morning, the individuals were advised that they would no longer be allowed to camp at Ormond Beach. Each of the approximately thirty (30) encampments were posted with flyers indicating the ordinance violations and instructions for leaving the area.

Representatives from the Oxnard Housing Department and Community Action for Ventura County were also present to provide alternative resources and services for those who wish to utilize them. Staff from the City of Oxnard’s Environmental Resources (ER) Division were on scene to evaluate the area. ER personnel will be working closely with the Police Department in the coming days to clean up the encampments at the beach.

Comments from Police Chief Scott Whitney-

“This morning’s work will be part of a sustained effort to ensure this area gets cleaned up and is protected. We are committed to enforcing the existing ordinances that are intended to protect endangered areas around our beach. There are never enough resources for all of the demands placed on our homeless liaison officers and it took us a couple weeks to coordinate adequate staffing.”

Chief Whitney added, “We understand the negative impacts this has on the surrounding neighborhoods. The City of Oxnard will continue to work with Port Hueneme and our other city partners to mitigate these impacts.”

Please see the attached photos taken this morning.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/19/2019 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	8/16/19; 1900 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard or Camarillo
VICTIM(S):	John Milton, 78 years
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez Jr, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Rick Marquez Jr (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missingadult male, Mr. John Milton, 78 years old. Mr. Milton walked away from his care home in the 1400 block of west Gonzalez Road in the City of Oxnard. Mr. Milton suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Mr. Milton is described as a white male, 6’-01” / 150 pounds, grey hair and grey beard, last seen wearing a grey short sleeve t-shirt, dark color pants and brown slippers. If you see Mr. Milton, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 17, 2019 @ 0130 hours

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	August 16, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint nets two DUI arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested two impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on August 16, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted on Pleasant Valley Road west of Saviers Road between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., resulting in the following:

466 vehicles screened
Two DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
Twelve drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
14 citations issued
One vehicle towed

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: August 17, 2019 / 2:40 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	August 17, 2019 / 12:05 a.m.
LOCATION:	300 block North Rose Avenue, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Orozco, 25 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Cody Collet, Senior Officer [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 17th, at 12:05 a.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 300 block of North Rose Avenue reference recent gang activity. Officers contacted Luis Orozco (age 25) at San Gorgonio and the east alley of Rose Avenue, after seeing numerous other known gang members flee the area. Orozco is a documented criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard and is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm and/ or ammunition. During the officers’ contact with Orozco, they located a loaded firearm.

The firearm, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, was also found to be unregistered. Orozco was arrested and charged with felony possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

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: August 17, 2019 / 0115 hours