OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	June 7, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

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 June 7, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted on Pleasant Valley Road at Jefferson Square between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., resulting in the following:

756 vehicles screened
Three DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
27 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
39 citations issued
Three vehicles 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 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.’

INCIDENT:	Missing Juvenile
DATE/TIME:	June 6, 2019, 5:45PM.
LOCATION:	100 block S. Marquita Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Christopher Lopez, 17 years
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

Christopher Lopez, 17, of Oxnard was reported missing Thursday at around 5:45 p.m. from the 100 block of S. Marquita Street in Oxnard. Lopez was last seen in the front yard of his residence around 6:00AM this morning.

Lopez suffers from diminished mental capacity

The family is making a plea for the public’s assistance in finding Lopez.

Lopez is described as being 5’2” tall and weighing about 130 pounds.

He has black hair and brown eyes and a scar on his left forearm. He was last seen wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with black shorts.

Anyone with information about Lopez is urged to call the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 6, 2019, 8:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On June 5, 2019, at approximately 2:00 P.M., Property Crimes Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a shoplifting operation in partnership with Home Depot loss prevention employees. The focus of the operation was to identify, detain, and arrest persons suspected of shoplifting.

During the 4-hour operation, detectives and loss prevention personnel arrested two adults. The adults were identified as 30-year old Joseph Caiazzo-Ramirez and 26-year old Adriana Rodriguez. Two 16-year old juveniles were also detained and arrested for shoplifting during the operation.

Detective Meagan Tobey, who led the operation, said: “We wanted shoplifters to know that we are watching and that we will be conducting these operations throughout the city.”

Annually, the Oxnard Police Department investigates hundreds of theft and shoplifting incidents. Property Crimes Detectives are committed to reducing these crimes by working closely with local businesses and community members. Property Crimes Detectives are available to provide crime prevention education and information to reduce theft-related crimes.

Anyone with information regarding these shoplifting incidents 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) by clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” Anonymous reports are accepted.

You can also anonymously report criminal activity by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 6, 2019, at 3:00 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Hit and Run Death is Oxnard’s 7th Homicide; Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	June 5, 2019, 5:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	West Alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Ricardo Torres Rojas, 30-year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Pedro Guzman Gutierrez, 35-year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
MEDIA FOLLOW-UP CONTACT:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected] Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 [email protected]

DETAILS:

This afternoon, Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes detectives arrested a person in connection with the May 11 hit and run death of 30-year old Oxnard resident, Ricardo Torres Rojas in the west alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street.

On May 11, 2019, at about 11:40 A.M., Oxnard Police Department officers responded to an incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on the 1300 block of Bluebell Street. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Mr. Rojas lying in the roadway. Mr. Rojas was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center, and he succumbed to his injuries.

From the start of the investigation, detectives sought to determine if the cause of Mr. Rojas’ death was the result of a traffic collision or an intentional act. Major Crimes investigators interviewed numerous people who provided valuable information, canvassed the neighborhood and located video of the incident. Based on the evidence gathered, investigators were able to confirm that Gutierrez struck Mr. Rojas with his vehicle, dragging him under the vehicle for over 1 block before becoming dislodged on Bluebell Street. Because Gutierrez used his vehicle as a weapon to kill Mr. Rojas, his death is now considered as Oxnard’s seventh homicide of 2019.

At 5:30 P.M. on June 5, 2019, Major Crimes investigators arrested Gutierrez at the Oxnard Police Department and charged him with the murder of Mr. Rojas. Pedro Gutierrez was transferred to the Ventura County Main Jail with bail set at $500,000.

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/2000mariposa. 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.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688.

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: June 5, 2019, 6:00 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Tax Preparer Arrested for Fraud
DATE:	May 29, 2019
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Steven Cervantes, 42-year-old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Senior Detective Erica Escalante
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Erica Escalante [email protected] (805) 385-7661

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department, Property Crimes Unit, conducted a three-year-long investigation into the fraudulent practices of an Oxnard tax preparer, Steven Cervantes.

Cervantes worked for several tax preparation businesses throughout the City of Oxnard from 2017 through 2019. The investigation showed that Cervantes defrauded his clients and the businesses he worked for of thousands of dollars. Cervantes’ fraud schemes included cashing clients’ refund checks to steal refund payments, providing counterfeit refund checks to clients’, and opening fraudulent pre-paid debit accounts using the clients’ personal identifying information. Cervantes did all of these activities without the knowledge or permission of his clients.

Cervantes was arrested on May 29, 2019, when he surrendered to investigators at the police station.

Community members can stay up to date on the latest fraud and scam schemes by accessing the Oxnard Police Department’s web page www.OxnardPD.org/Fraud. From the web page, community members can file reports related to fraud and can access information on how to recover from and prevent further victimization.

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) by clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” Anonymous reports are accepted.

You can also anonymously report criminal activity by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 5, 2019, 12:00 P.M.

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant/ Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	June 5, 2019, 5:00 AM
LOCATION:	2800 Block Of South “J” Street
SUSPECT(S):	Dangelly Rivera, 28-Year-Old Oxnard Resident Juan Almada, 43-Year-Old Oxnard Resident Dennis Perches, 27-Year-Old Oxnard Resident Dayyana Magana, 43-Year-Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective [email protected] (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On June 5^th2019 at approximately 5:00 A.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the K-9 Unit, served a search warrant in the 2800 block of South “J” Street. The search warrant was related to an armed robbery that occurred on May 8^th 2019. In that incident, the suspect approached the victim in the 600 block of West Channel Islands Boulevard and threatened him with a knife. The Victim was then assaulted and knocked unconscious before the suspect stole personal property from the victim. The victim was later transported to a local hospital for treatment. During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to determine that Dangelly Rivera, a 28 year old Oxnard resident, was responsible for the robbery.

During the service of the search warrant, officers made contact with Rivera, and arrested for armed robbery. In addition, Dennis Perches, a 27 year old Oxnard resident, was contacted and arrested for several outstanding warrants, possession of narcotics, and possession of burglary tools. Two additional people, who were located in a shed in the rear yard of the residence, refused to come out.

After approximately 20 minutes, Dayyana Magana, a 43 year old Oxnard resident, exited the residence and was taken into custody for two outstanding warrants for her arrest as well as resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer. Approximately an hour and a half after that, the second subject, Juan Almada, a 43 year old Oxnard resident, was taken into custody with the assistance of K-9 “Capone.” Almada, who is a Post Release Offender, was transported to a local hospital for injuries he received during the arrest and was later transported to the Ventura County Jail an outstanding warrant, resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer, and a violation of his probation.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	June 7, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, June 7, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. 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 reminders 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 are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! 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 this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed home-invasion robbery
DATE/TIME:	June 4, 2019 / 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block of Douglas Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030
VICTIM(S):	Identity not released
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 20s, 5 feet 8 inches, wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt with white lettering, hoodie pulled over head and a black mask
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:

A masked gunman broke into an elderly couple’s home in the 1200 block of Douglas Avenue just before 6 p.m. and robbed the couple of cash.

No injuries were reported.

The victims told officers they didn’t know the suspect who reportedly carried a gun and forced his way into the house and demanded money.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, 5 feet 8 inches, wearing a navy blue hooded sweatshirt with white lettering, and the hoodie pulled over his head and a black mask.

Home-invasions where an attacker or attackers invade a home in order to rob the occupants are comparatively rare, but they present serious dangers because robbers physically confront victims in order to obtain desired items.

The Oxnard Police Department is actively investigating this case and is asking anyone with information about this reported robbery to contact OXPD at (805) 385-7600 or online at 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: June 5, 2019 / 2:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Investigators Arrest Suspect in Oxnard’s 6th Homicide of 2019
DATE/TIME:	June 4, 2019, 4:07 P.M.
LOCATION:	West Alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Michael Holley, 31-year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Juan De Dios Gallegos III, 26-year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected] Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Major Crimes investigators with the Oxnard Police Department have arrested a person in the intentional hit and run death of 31-year old Oxnard resident, Michael Holley.

On May 23, 2019, at about 10:55 P.M., officers responded to a collision scene involving a pedestrian in the west alley of the 2000 block of Mariposa Street in the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the suspicious nature of the collision.

Major Crimes investigators thoroughly investigated the circumstances which led to Mr. Holley’s death. During the investigation, Major Crimes investigators interviewed numerous people who provided investigators with valuable information which lead to the identification of the driver of the vehicle, 26-year old Juan Gallegos.

As the homicide investigation continued, investigators collected information which indicated that Gallegos intentionally drove his vehicle into Mr. Holley, hitting and killing him.

Investigators have located and impounded the vehicle used in this senseless killing.

On June 4, 2019, Major Crimes investigators arrested Gallegos at the Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of Mr. Holley. Gallegos was already in custody for a parole violation and will remain in custody on $500,000 bail.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 4, 2019, 4:30 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Be a Good Neighbor- Don’t Use Illegal Fireworks in Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	June 4, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez (805) 342-8292 [email protected]

DETAILS:

With the Independence Day Holiday approaching next month, the Oxnard Police & Fire Departments would like to remind the public that ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL in the City of Oxnard. This includes those that are marked “Safe & Sane” and are legally purchased in other cities. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting, or handling fireworks is subject to arrest or fines of up to $1,000. The City of Oxnard asks its residents and visitors to be good neighbors by not engaging in illegal fireworks activity.

Be a Good Neighbor

Fireworks can be extremely frustrating for neighbors, especially when homes are close to each other, or when people are trying to sleep. Small children and pets are frightened, and the latter is more likely to panic and escape from their homes. Fireworks are not only dangerous, they are a nuisance in the community. Fireworks pose a risk of injury as well as fire danger and are responsible for injuries every year. The large influx of fireworks disturbance calls tie up 9-1-1 lines and also compete with other emergency calls. The City of Oxnard encourages the public to help keep family, friends, and neighbors safe during the Independence Day Holiday by joining the Good Neighbor Campaign. The Good Neighbor Campaign takes a stand against illegal fireworks and asks residents to Be Courteous, Be Responsible, and Be a Partner with public safety by reporting illegal activity.

Illegal Fireworks Bring Consequences

Under California Health & Safety Code section 12677, it is unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit. Any person who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be punished by a fine ranging from $500 and $1000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail up to a year. (See HSC 12700[a].).

The City of Oxnard has ordinances that prohibit the sale, use, or possession of fireworks within the City, and fines range from $250 to $1,000 per offense. On April 10, 2018, the Oxnard City Council adopted an ordinance that establishes “host liability” for fireworks violations. The ordinance went into effect on May 10, 2018. Under its provisions, property owners, tenants, or hosts can be held liable for the sale, possession, or use of fireworks on their property. Once a “host liability” case is opened, a follow-up investigation will be done by Code Compliance or Police Department staff, and the responsible party will receive a citation at a later time.

Reporting Fireworks Activity

The Independence Day Holiday is typically one of the busiest days for the Police Department. On the actual 4th of July, it is not unusual for the Oxnard Police Department to receive over 400 fireworks-related calls (428 in 2017, and 476 in 2018) in addition to the nearly one thousand phone calls it normally processes each day. Between Memorial Day and July 4th of 2018, the Police Department’s dispatch center received some 1,226 phone calls that concerned fireworks disturbances. Many of the calls are from frustrated residents. The Police Department would like to provide the public with some reporting options that best address the type of fireworks issue, in hopes of reducing frustration and increasing the Police Department’s ability to address the problem.

To report fireworks disturbances, community members can be Good Neighbors by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (805) 385-7740. Having as much specific information as possible regarding the firework activity, such as an address, suspect description, etc. is most helpful to the response.

To report the ongoing, habitual use of fireworks, the public can contact the Oxnard Police Department Fireworks Hotline at (805) 394-5884, or by email at [email protected]. Tips received through the phone and email hotlines will help the Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team better identify fireworks-active areas, and address illegal activity. The hotline can be used through July 4th. Hotline/email tipsters can state that they want to remain anonymous. Police Department staff members will check these tip lines daily and follow up when possible. Please note that these options are not continuously staffed and are for messages only, so they are not intended for disturbances that are in progress.

Fireworks disposal

Members of the public who want to dispose of illegal fireworks can stop by any of the Oxnard Fire Department’s eight stations to hand over fireworks without facing penalties:

Station 1: 491 S. K St.
Station 2: 531 E. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Station 3: 150 Hill St.
Station 4: 230 W. Vineyard Ave.
Station 5: 1450 Colonia Rd.
Station 6: 2601 Peninsula Rd.
Station 7: 3300 Turnout Park Circle
Station 8: 3000 S. Rose Ave.

The City encourages the public to enjoy the free annual fireworks show, Fireworks by the Sea, at Channel Islands Harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Please share this information with your neighbors and your Neighborhood Councils. A little prevention will make our summer holidays more fun! Be a good neighbor – DON’T USE ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN OXNARD!

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 4, 2019/ 9:00 AM

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