NEWS RELEASE —

DATE: August 15, 2024

SUBJECT: National Summer Mobilization

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant | (805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │[email protected]

Drive Smart for Back to School Month: Slow and Look for Children

Oxnard, Calif. – As summer draws to a close and students prepare to return to school, the Oxnard Police Department reminds all drivers to prioritize safety during the upcoming Back to School Month by slowing down, following the speed limit and being extra careful driving through school zones.

The Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:

– Slow down and follow the speed limit.

– Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.

– Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.

– Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, using sidewalks when permissible and available, and crossing at marked crosswalks with stop signs or signals.

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 20, 2024
SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for August 22, 2024

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on August 22, 2024 between 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide the right- of-way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

The Oxnard Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or killed in a crash:

Pedestrians:
Be predictable. Use crosswalks when available.
Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers:
Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists:
Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians with marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.

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

DATE: August 16th, 2024 / 10:04 p.m.

SUBJECT: Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearm

SUSPECT: Jorge Ortiz, 37-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block of North Rose Ave.

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On August 16th, at approximately 10:04 PM, officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed a subject who matched the description of a brandishing of a knife that had just occurred. The subject, Jorge Ortiz, a documented Colonia Chiques Gang member, attempted to run from officers but was eventually detained pursuant to the investigation. Officers located a 9 millimeter P80 ghost gun in the direct path that Ortiz fled. Ortiz was arrested for numerous felony charges including felon in possession of a firearm.

Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.

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: August 14, 2024 (5:56 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Post Release Offender Arrested for Firearm and Narcotics Violations

SUSPECTS: Federico Zapien, 32-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Yucca St. at B St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On August 14th, at approximately 5:56 p.m., investigators from the Drug Enforcement Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, and officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were conducting enforcement efforts in South Oxnard. Officers observed Federico Zapien in the area of Yucca and B St.

Officers had prior knowledge that Zapien is on Post Release Offender Supervision, (PROS), for firearm violations, and is a documented criminal street gang member. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

Officers confirmed Zapien’s probation and attempted to make contact with Zapien to see if he was in violation of his court ordered terms. As officers attempted to make contact with Zapien, Zapien attempted to pull away from officers and reached toward the area of his waistband. Officers took Zapien to the ground. While on the ground, Zapien continued to reach toward the area of his waistband but was ultimately taken into custody. Once Zapien was handcuffed, officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun concealed on Zapien’s person.

Zapien is a prohibited person due to his prior felony convictions. Zapien was arrested for illegally possessing the firearm and for resisting arrest. Officers continued to search Zapien and located methamphetamine on his person. Zapien was subsequently charged with possessing narcotics while armed.

The Oxnard Police Department 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 4, 2024 (4:08 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Firearm and narcotics arrest

SUSPECT: Isaac Guzman, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 5000 Block S. C Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Sergeant

(805) 385-7746 | [email protected]

(Friday – Sunday 2PM-2AM)

On August 4, 2024, at about 4:30 a.m., Oxnard police officers conducted a traffic stop in the 5000 Block of S. C Street for a vehicle code violation. Officers observed narcotics and drug paraphernalia in plain view and contacted the driver, 27-year-old Oxnard resident Isaac Guzman. Guzman was found to be in possession of suspected heroin and methamphetamine. A further search of the vehicle located a loaded .45 caliber firearm under Guzman’s seat. Guzman was ultimately arrested for various narcotic-related offenses and firearm offenses that included being a prohibited person in possession of a loaded firearm.

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: August 5, 2024

SUBJECT: Shooting Victims

LOCATION: 300 Block N G Street, Oxnard

VICTIMS: 41-Year-Old Male, Oxnard Resident

43-Year-Old Male, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Hugo Garcia

(805) 247-8972 | [email protected]

On August 5, 2024, at approximately 12:20 AM, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the area of the 300 block North G Street reference several calls from residents reporting two shooting victims. Oxnard Police Officers responded to the area and located a 41 year old male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and a 43 year old male suffering from a single gunshot wound. Both victims were transported to an area hospital. The 41 year old male is listed in critical condition. The 43 year old male was listed in stable condition.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Hugo Garcia at 805-247-8972 or by email at [email protected].

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura 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: August 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: 2014 Hyundai Accent

2018 Dodge Ram 3500

DRIVER: Giovanni Leonardo Medina, 28-yr-old Oxnard resident

PASSENGER: 24-yr-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Officer Jay Benson

(805) 385-7750 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) I [email protected]

On August 2, 2024, at approximately 2:18 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a Hyundai Accent and a Dodge Ram in the area of N. C Street and Eastwood Drive.

Upon arrival, emergency responders located the driver, Giovanni Leonardo, and an adult passenger trapped inside of the Hyundai. Fire personnel extracted both occupants and transported them to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The other vehicle collided with was determined to be an unoccupied parked vehicle. The passenger of the Hyundai was later rushed into emergency surgery as his condition quickly deteriorated. He is currently listed in critical but stable condition.

An initial investigation determined the Hyundai to be traveling northbound on C Street when it collided into the parked vehicle. Investigators believe alcohol is a contributing factor to this collision and are still conducting a thorough investigation.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Jay Benson at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of 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: July 30, 2024

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

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

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers on patrol Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. looking specifically for traffic violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

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

Drivers

● Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

● Use your signal when changing lanes.

● Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

● When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

● Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

● Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

● Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

● Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

● Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 26^th, 2024 (7:10 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Handgun Recovered from Parolee During Traffic Stop

SUSPECTS: Sergio Contreras, 42-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Saviers Rd. at Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On July 26th, 2024, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop for traffic violations in the area of Saviers Rd. and Pleasant Valley Rd.

The driver was identified as Sergio Contreras, who is on parole and a documented Colonia Chiques gang member. During a parole search, a loaded firearm was located in the vehicle. A subsequent search of Contreras’s residence revealed narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia, indicating he was involved in the sale of narcotics. Contreras was arrested and booked into Ventura County Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 26, 2024

SUBJECT: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control “Shoulder Tap” Operation

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department and ABC arrest four in Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation

The Oxnard Police Department and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) arrested four individuals during a joint Oxnard Police and ABC “Shoulder Tap” operation on July 26, 2024. This enforcement operation is designed to create awareness about the dangers of underage drinking throughout California and keep communities safe.

A Shoulder Tap operation focuses on adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. A minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The minor also indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This operation was funded by ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA.