OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On February 5, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a stolen 1997 Honda Accord in the 700 block of Cooper Road. Detectives stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Richard Abarca, 25 years old. During the investigation, it was determined that the Honda was stolen out of the city of Oxnard on January 31, 2019. Abarca was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and for possession of burglary tools.

Richard Abarca has a history of arrests related to auto theft which he has been convicted of in Ventura County. Abarca is currently on probation for possession of a stolen vehicle and he is the 18^th person arrested for auto theft this year in the city of Oxnard.

So far in 2019, there have been 97 stolen vehicles reported to the Oxnard Police Department. Honda’s are the number one stolen vehicle in Oxnard.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
To take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running.

Please be advised that a large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

As part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000 Honda passenger vehicles are asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has a limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. We depend on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity. Translators are available 24/7.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/6/19 11:20 AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 3, 2019; 9:40PM
LOCATION:	Saviers Rd and Bryce Canyon Ave, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Mario Sanchez, 40-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Guerrero-Flores, 27-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On February 3^rd 2019, at about 9:40 PM, officers with the Oxnard Police Department located a stolen vehicle (1988 Toyota) in the area of Saviers Rd and Bryce Canyon Ave. The officers contacted the driver, Guerrero-Flores, and arrested him without incident for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges. The passenger, Sanchez, was arrested for possessing stolen property.

Our city is currently experiencing a significant increase in stolen vehicles. To combat the problem, the Police Department is prioritizing taking a proactive comprehensive approach in the prevention, enforcement, and investigation of stolen vehicles.

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/4/19, 2:00 AM

Guerrero-Flores

Sanchez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	February 5, 2019 / 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vazquez (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On February 5, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.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 2018, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated six fatal collisions and 174 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: February 3, 2019 / 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession and Narcotics for Sale
DATE/TIME:	February 2, 2019 / 6:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Rd. at Seaview St., Port Hueneme
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Medina, 30-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 February 2, at approximately 6:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic enforcement stop at the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Seaview St. During the traffic stop it was learned that the driver, Juan Medina, was on parole with search terms. Officers had Medina exit the vehicle so they could exercise his search terms. Officers searched Medina and located a substantial amount of methamphetamine that was consistent with narcotics sales.

Officers placed Medina under arrest and then conducted a follow up investigation which led them to a nearby motel in the City of Port Hueneme. Officers searched Medina’s motel room and located a loaded handgun

Medina is on parole for carjacking and has been charged with violating the terms of his parole. Charges related to the narcotics and handgun possession are pending.

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 criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or 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: February 2, 2019 / 2045 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Super Bowl Sunday – DUI Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	February 3, 2019 / 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vazquez (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Don’t Get Super Busted on Super Bowl Sunday by Driving Impaired

Law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department is encouraging all football fans to celebrate Super Bowl LIII responsibly by not driving impaired, or letting other fans get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

In an effort to flag those who choose to drive impaired, the Oxnard Police Department will increase patrols Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3), adding additional officers to look for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department also 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.

If you’re hosting a party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers. Be sure to monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Even one drink can be one too many so have your sober friend be the “MVP” and get you home, use ride-share or take public transportation. Anyone who sees a drunk driver should call 911.

No matter who you are rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday, we are all on the same team when the game ends so remember to go safely.

Funding for Super Bowl Sunday enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 31, 2019 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Locates Another Stolen Vehicle, Driver Arrested
DATE/TIME:	1/30/19 5:00 PM
LOCATION:	Rice Avenue and Gonzales Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Guadalupe Gomez, 31 Years Old
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mancha, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On January 30, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a 1997 Honda Accord in the area of Rice Avenue and Gonzales Road with stolen license plates affixed to it. Detectives stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, later identified as Guadalupe Gomez, 31 years old. During the investigation it was determined that the Honda was stolen out of the city of Sylmar. Gomez was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and for an outstanding felony warrant for auto theft.

This is the 13^th person arrested for auto theft this year in the city of Oxnard.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
To take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running.

Please be advised that a large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles are being asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has a limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. We are depending on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity. Translators are available 24/7.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/30/19 5:00PM

Guadalupe Gomez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Shooting Incidents
DATE/TIME:	January 29, 2019, 1:34 P.M., 4:45 P.M., and 7:06 P.M.
LOCATION:	200-400 block of Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jason Radcliffe, Detective jason.radcliffe@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:

On January 29^th at approximately 1:34 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting incident in the 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar. They did not locate a victim or suspect however, evidence of a shooting was located and collected. Approximately 3 hours later at 4:45 p.m., Officers again responded to a shooting incident in the 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar. Similar to the previous incident, officers did not locate a victim or suspects, but evidence of a shooting was located and collected.

At approximately 7:06 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Cuesta Del Mar regarding a shooting incident. This was the third shooting this date on Cuesta Del Mar. Officers arrived and again located evidence of a shooting. They also contacted two victims who had been shot at but were uninjured. Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation, which is still ongoing.

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 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:	Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Auto Theft Task Forces Arrest a Subject for Auto Theft
DATE/TIME:	1/29/19 01:45 PM
LOCATION:	Industrial Avenue and Warehouse Avenue
SUSPECT(S):	Cristian Guzman, 23 years old
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mancha, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On January 29, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) were working in collaboration with investigators from the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VENCAT) to combat auto theft issues in the City of Oxnard. Investigators observed a stolen Honda Civic at the intersection of Wooley Road and Saviers Road. Investigators followed the vehicle to the area of Industrial Avenue and Warehouse Avenue. The driver of the vehicle was contacted and taken into custody. The driver, Cristian Guzman, 23 years old, was arrested for driving the stolen vehicle.

So far in 2019, the Oxnard Police Department has received 73 stolen vehicle reports; nearly half of the stolen vehicles were Hondas and 12 people have been arrested for vehicle theft.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
To take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running.

Please be advised that a large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles are being asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has a limited amount of steering wheel locks available and for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/29/19 3:10 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 28, 2019; 5:22 a.m.
LOCATION:	1900 Block North Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Ryan West, 26-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dale.McAlpine@OxnardPD.Org (805) 857-4655

DETAILS:

On January 28, 2019, at approximately 5:22 a.m., an officer with the Oxnard Police Department located a Stolen 1995 Honda Accord in the 1900 Block of North Rose Avenue. The driver, Ryan West, 26- year old Oxnard Resident was arrested without incident and booked into Ventura County Main Jail for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle (California Vehicle Code 10851) and possession of stolen property (California Penal Code 496d (a)).

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/28/19, 7:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Stop leads to Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:	January 27, 2019 @ 2:10 AM

LOCATION:	Van Ness and C St., Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):	Mauricio Lopez, 25-year-old, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:	Jeff Long, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jeff Long, Sergeant jeff.long@oxnardpd.org; 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On January 27th, 2019, at approximately 2:10 a.m., an Oxnard Police officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop near the intersection of Van Ness and C St. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed the barrel of a shotgun under the passenger seat of the vehicle.

The occupants of the vehicle were removed. Officers found a loaded 12 gauge shotgun and a quantity of methamphetamine in the vehicle.

Mauricio Lopez was arrested for firearms and narcotics related charges, including possessing a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle, a felony.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or 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: January 27, 2019 @ 4:45AM