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

/opdmissingperson08172019/

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
DATE:	August 16, 2019 to September 2, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Encourages the Public to be Responsible and Drive Sober

As summer comes to a close, the Oxnard Police Department is asking drivers to not get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs that impact your ability to drive safely.

The Oxnard Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the country in the national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, which runs from Aug. 16^th to Sept. 2^nd (Labor Day), the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on the road looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition to patrols, the Oxnard Police Department will hold two DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, August 16, 2019, and August 30, 2019, from 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city of Oxnard.

Labor Day Weekend remains one of the deadliest times of the year for alcohol-involved crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 376 deadly crashes nationwide during the 2017 Labor Day holiday period (Sept. 1 to Sept. 5). Among those crashes, more than one-third (36%) involved a drunk driver.

Driving while impaired is illegal, whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or marijuana.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your driving ability, designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service. If you see someone driving impaired, call 911. Funding for DUI enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 15, 2019 / 9:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	August 18, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, August 18, 2019, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in five fatal and 93 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day. Riders should also change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice of riding next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses, and motorhomes and factoring in lane width, traffic flow, and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 15, 2019 / 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager

[email protected] (805) 324-8292

OFFICER JAMES LANGFORD RETIRES AFTER 15 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Oxnard, CA – Today, in front of family, friends, and colleagues, the Oxnard Police Department celebrated the outstanding career of Officer James Langford as he was presented with his retirement plaque honoring fifteen years of dedicated service to the City and its residents. Officer Langford began his law enforcement career with the Oxnard Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 2004 and was sworn in as a Police Officer in July 2005.

Officer Langford served as a patrol officer, central business district officer, narcotics detective, and most recently a traffic officer. He was recognized by both his peers and the Ventura County Superior Courts as an expert in the area of narcotics and human trafficking enforcement and was a founding member of the Ventura County Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Officer Langford was a problem solver whose work ethic matched his positive attitude. He was willing to step into numerous roles to assist the department including, driving instructor, field training officer, bike patrol officer, mobile command post driver, police academy instructor, drug recognition expert, and cross training as a dispatcher and booking officer.

In 2011, Officer Langford received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his efforts in a human trafficking and prostitution ring that spanned both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In February 2018, he once again received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his role in the Technical Support Unit and the community camera project, which began in late 2016. His dedication and ingenuity led to the installation of cameras in several neighborhoods impacted by violent crime.

Officer Langford was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his efforts in arresting subjects for driving under the influence of alcohol (2010) and by the California Highway Patrol for his stolen vehicle enforcement efforts (2008 and 2010). In 2016, he was an Officer of the Year nominee.

Tragically, on September 26, 2017, Officer Langford was involved in a single motorcycle collision during a training ride on Highway 58 in Kern County. Officer Langford was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. In June 2018, after nearly 200 days of care and rehabilitation Officer Langford returned to Ventura County with his family. Although Officer Langford made great strides in his recovery, it is what led to his retirement.

“We are a better department and a safer city because of James’ hard work,” said Chief of Police Scott Whitney, “although his time with us was not as long as we wanted, he made a tremendous impact on our community. We are proud to have served alongside him.”

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Teen, 16, arrested with loaded gun after traffic stop
DATE/TIME:	August 12, 2019 / 3:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	H St. and Second St., Oxnard, CA 93030
VICTIM(S):	California, State of
SUSPECT(S):	16-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] 805-207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] 805-207-4762

DETAILS:

On Monday, August 12, 2019, at about 3:10 p.m., officers stopped a car on H Street near Second Street for a stop sign violation.

The 16-year-old was the right-front passenger in the vehicle.

Officers immediately detected an odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and saw the teen toss out a small amount of marijuana out the passenger window, leading to a search of the two occupants.

During a pat-down search of the teen, a loaded gun fell from his pants. The 16-year-old was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm in a car. The 20-year-old driver, Joseph Viramontes was arrested for resisting, or otherwise delaying the duties of a police officer and for allowing a passenger to carry a loaded handgun in a car.

The teen was booked in juvenile hall and Viramontes was transported to Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 12, 2019 / 10 p.m.

Gun falls from teen’s pants

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2019 / 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.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 be conducting a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On August 11, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 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 65 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 9, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.