OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, Ammunition and Methamphetamine
DATE/TIME:	April 14, 2019 / 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	5200 Saviers Rd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jerome Senin, 37 Years Old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On April 14, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped in the 5200 block of Saviers Rd. Jerome Senin, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was unable to provide proper documentation to operate a motor vehicle. Senin consented to a search of his vehicle and during that search, officers’ located methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a 40 cal. Handgun with ammunition. Senin was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm in his vehicle, possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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: April 14, 2019 / 9:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	April 14, 2019 / 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	600 Block of Howell Rd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Agustine Ruelas, 53 Years Old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On April 14, at approximately 8:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a probation search of a subject stemming from an earlier traffic stop in the city of Oxnard where upon the driver was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. The subject involved in the stop and arrest was identified as Agustine Ruelas. Ruelas is on active probation and subject to the search of his person or residence. He is also a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. During the search of his personal belongings at his residence, officers located a bolt action 410 gauge shotgun. Ruelas was additionally charged with being a convicted felon in control of a firearm.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 14, 2019 / 9:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Missing Elderly Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	4/13/19; 1900 hours
LOCATION:	500 block Kentwood Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Robert Vasquez, 82 years
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger (805) 385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult male. Mr. Robert Vasquez, 82 years old, walked away from his home in the 500 block of Kentwood Drive, Oxnard, around 7:00PM this evening. Mr. Vasquez is described as a Hispanic male, 5’-11” / 180 pounds, last seen wearing a grey hat, grey sweatshirt, and black pants. He is known to frequent the north Oxnard Boulevard / Citrus Grove area. If you see Mr. Vasquez, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 13, 2019 @ 2030 hours

INCIDENT:	Two Elderly Victims Assaulted by Stranger
DATE/TIME:	4/13/2019, 11:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	Sixth Street and B Street Sixth Street and A Street
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld, 71-year-old female Name withheld, 80-year-old male
SUSPECT(S):	Adam Barcenas, age 56
WITNESS(ES):	Names withheld
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 4/13/19, at about 11:45 a.m., an elderly female in her early 70’s was attempting to get into her vehicle near the intersection of Sixth Street and A Street when the suspect, Adam Barcenas (age 56), approached her, punched her in the head, and pushed her to the ground. While the victim was on the ground, suspect Barcenas kicked the victim in the back multiple times before walking away. The victim did not know the suspect.

A short while later, suspect Barcenas approached an elderly male in his early 80’s, who was walking with his wife near the intersection of Sixth and A Street. Barcenas punched the elderly male in the face and walked away. The male victim started walking back towards his vehicle when Barcenas came back and punched the elderly male again. Suspect Barcenas was a stranger to the second victim also.

An off-duty private security guard intervened by pepper spraying suspect Barcenas and detaining him until officers arrived. Downtown security guards also assisted in helping detain suspect Barcenas.

Both elderly victims received minor injuries, received emergency medical treatment on scene, and refused to be transported to a medical facility for further treatment.

Suspect Barcenas has an extensive history of violence, disorderly conduct, and robbery and is currently on parole. He was arrested for two counts of felony elder abuse and battery.

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 select the Report Suspicious Activity tab located on the homepage. 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: 4/13/2019, 5:15 p.m.

Dated Photo (2015)

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in Possession of a Firearm / Thefts from Vehicles
DATE/TIME:	4/13/19, 7:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Holly Avenue and Heather Street
VICTIM(S):	Undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Alexx Chandler, El Rio resident, age 27
WITNESS(ES):	Undisclosed
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 4/13/19, at around 7:00 a.m., an alert citizen called the Oxnard Police Department regarding a suspicious person looking into vehicles in the area of Holly Avenue and Heather Street. A patrol officer contacted Alexx Chandler, age 27, riding a bicycle wearing latex gloves. During a search, officers located an unloaded handgun in Chandler’s backpack. Chandler had a valet key to a Lexus SUV in his possession. Officers searched the surrounding area and found the Lexus in question. Upon further investigation, officers learned the Lexus was the target of a theft and the valet key was taken from inside. Another witness reported seeing Chandler inside a Saturn vehicle. Officers contacted the owner of the Saturn and confirmed it was also the target of a theft and property was missing from inside. Suspect Chandler was also found to be in possession of property taken from the Saturn. A witness positively identified Chandler as the person seen inside the Saturn. Chandler was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and theft.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/13/19, 11:15 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Youth Decoy Program
DATE/TIME:	March 28, 2019 1700-2000 hrs April 10, 2019 1700-2000 hrs April 11, 2019 1700-2000 hrs
LOCATION:	4 Way Meat Market, 508 E. Date Street Harbor Mart, 2810 S. Harbor Blvd JK Smoke Shop, 3716 Saviers Road Spirit Smoke Shop, 2136 Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Undisclosed
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Hannah Estrada
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Hannah Estrada (805)200-2130 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department cited four clerks for selling tobacco products to minors between March 28, 2019 and April 11, 2019. The actions were the result of a youth decoy program in which minors, under the direct supervision of officers, attempted to purchase tobacco products from 30 tobacco retail licensees in the City of Oxnard. Partnered with the California Tax and Fees Administration, the goal of these operations is to limit youth access to tobacco products and confirm that local businesses are operating in compliance with the law. The following establishments were cited for selling tobacco products to minors:

● 4 Way Meat Market, 508 E. Date St

● Harbor Mart, 2810 S. Harbor Blvd

● JK Smoke Shop, 3716 Saviers Road

● Spirit Smoke Shop, 2136 Saviers Road

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct periodic compliance checks to reduce the availability of tobacco products to our youth. Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s. In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

This project is part of the State of California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program, funded by the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/12/19, 1300 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Releases New Crime Map to Public
DATE/TIME:	April 10, 2019
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Marc Amon, Crime Reduction Unit Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	[email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department and LexisNexis Risk Solutions, recently partnered to provide a new way for the public to stay informed about crime in Oxnard. The Department now has a new online crime map called Community Crime Map (http://communitycrimemap.com/) that maps events, analyzes crime data, and alerts Oxnard residents about crimes in their area. The new service will replace Crimemapping.com and will also allow anyone to submit anonymous tips about any crime on the map directly to the Oxnard Police Department.

Oxnard residents can view a map of crimes in their area and opt-in for customized neighborhood watch reports that email daily, weekly, or monthly. Community Crime Map automatically syncs with the Oxnard Police Department’s records system to keep crime information updated daily. The analytics dashboard and data grid allow for different views of the crime data.

The Oxnard Police Department is also preparing the release of a new smartphone app dedicated to reporting suspicious activity. The Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) app will soon be available to download for both iOS and Android platforms. SAR tips go directly to the Oxnard Police Department for review. If anyone is reporting a crime in progress, a crime that is about to occur, or one that just occurred, they are still encouraged to call 911 for emergencies and for non-emergencies 805-385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/11/19, 3:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department continues to make strides in reducing the number of reported stolen vehicles in the city. Over the course of several days, Oxnard Police Officers have arrested the following people for auto theft related charges.

On April 6, 2019, Oxnard Police officers observed a stolen 2018 Dodge Challenger near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver identified as Marisela Suarez, 25 Years old. During the investigation it was determined that the Challenger was stolen out of the city of Thousand Oaks earlier in the day.

On April 6, 2019, Oxnard Police officers observed a stolen 1990 Ford F-150 that was parked near the intersection of Watt Drive and Cypress Street. Officers contacted a subject later identified as Ernie Villa, 47 years old, and arrested him for possession of stolen property, vehicle tampering and possession of stolen property. The vehicle was reported stolen on April 2, 2019, out of the city of Oxnard.

On April 9, 2019, Oxnard Police officers observed a stolen 2011 Nissan Altima in the 3000 Block of Johnson Drive in the city of Ventura. Officers contacted the driver identified as Jairo Perez, 32 years old and arrested him for driving a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property and for possession of methamphetamine. During the investigation, it was determined that the Nissan was stolen out of the city of Oxnard on March 18, 2019.

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.

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 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 online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and by selecting the “Report Suspicious Activity” tab located on the homepage. Residents can also report crime by contacting 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: 04/11/19 @ 6:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

The Oxnard Police Department challenges drivers to ‘silence’ the distraction

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Oxnard Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies statewide stopping drivers who violate California’s hands-free cell phone law.

On April 8^th and April 18^th, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking specifically for drivers on their phones.

Last year during the national campaign, the Oxnard Police Department issued 377 citations to drivers texting, calling, or performing another function on their phone. Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when it involves a cell phone. According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), 66 people were killed and more than 6,500 injured in 2017 from distracted driving-related crashes.

A 2018 observational survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) on driver cell phone use found about 4.5 percent of drivers are still using their cell phone illegally, a nearly 27 percent increase from 2016.

Under the most recent cell phone law that went into effect in 2017, drivers are prohibited from using their phone unless in a hands-free manner. The phones must be mounted on the dashboard, windshield, or center console, and can only be touched once with the swipe or tap of a finger to activate or deactivate a function. First-time offenders face a $162 fine.

If you need to make a call or text someone, pull over and park at a safe location. Struggling to stay off the phone while driving? Put your phone in a place you can’t reach, like the backseat or trunk.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 5, 2019 / 7:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police seek public’s help in locating missing teen with developmental disabilities
DATE/TIME:	April 3, 2019, 8:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	100-block S. Marquita Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Christopher Lopez, 17
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] 805-207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department Watch Commander 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

Christopher Lopez, 17, of Oxnard was reported missing Wednesday at around 7:00 p.m. from the 100-block of S. Marquita Street in Oxnard.

Lopez has the mental capacity of a seven year old child due to a disorder.

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.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 3, 2019, 8:30 p.m.