OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Barricaded Subject Arrested for Setting Fire Inside Residential Garage

DATE/TIME:

December 20, 2018 / 1920 hours

LOCATION:

4600 Block Anchorage Street

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT:

Genoro Lopez, 30 year old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Brian Woolley, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Brian Woolley

brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On December 20, 2018, at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 4600 block of Anchorage Street in reference to a suspicious male subject in possession of a metal pipe and attempting to force entry into the caller’s residence.

When officers arrived, they observed suspect Genoro Lopez, a 38 year old male, in the middle of the street and still in possession of the metal pipe. Lopez immediately disobeyed verbal orders given by the officers and ran from them to a home across the street where he entered a garage. Once in the garage, Lopez barricaded himself and began to set fire to several items inside.

Several additional officers, including members of the department’s Special Enforcement Unit, were summoned to the scene as were firefighters from the Oxnard Fire Department. Officers successfully evacuated an adult female and two children from the home on the property while other officers attempted to contact Lopez while he was in the garage.

Lopez remained in the garage for the next several minutes, refused to comply with officers while setting fire to additional items in the garage. Officers were able to force open the garage window and extinguish the flames with water. After almost 90 minutes, Lopez suddenly emerged from the garage and fled into the rear yard of the residence where he was quickly apprehended by officers.

Lopez was transported from the scene to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center where he was treated for the minor injuries he sustained from less lethal devices used during the incident. During the investigation, officers also learned that Lopez had made entry into the rear yard of the original caller’s residence after forcing his way through a locked side gate prior to the arrival of officers.

Lopez was arrested for arson, vandalism and resisting arrest.

Residents are encouraged to be “Partners in Public Safety” and are reminded to report suspicious activity to police. Residents can report anonymously and translators are available 24/7. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 21, 2018 / 0100 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Wanted Subject Leads Oxnard Police on a Pursuit
DATE/TIME:	12/19/18 @ 11:14 a.m.
LOCATION:	4500 block of South “G” Street
SUSPECT(S):	James Prizzi, 47 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective (805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 12/19/18 at approximately 11:14 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department received information that a recently stolen vehicle was in the area of Hueneme Road. The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force responded to the area and found the grey, 2008, Honda Accord driving in the 600 block of Hueneme Road. The vehicle was followed into the parking lot of the Playa Inn Motel and parked. The driver of the stolen vehicle observed the officers approaching and began to flee in the vehicle. As the vehicle accelerated out of the parking lot it struck a planter which caused it to land onto “J” Street. As officers pursued the vehicle, it fled onto northbound “J” Street toward the residential neighborhood.

The driver, later identified as James Prizzi, 47 years old, accelerated to speeds in excess of 65 mph and therefore out of an abundance of caution, the pursuit was cancelled. A few minutes later, Prizzi abandoned the vehicle in the 4500 block of South “G” Street. During a subsequent search of the area, a resident called 9-1-1 and advised that they believed that someone might be hiding inside a bedroom. With the assistance of a police K9, Prizzi was located in a closet and was taken into custody.

Prizzi is being charged with vehicle theft, possession of stolen property (vehicle), burglary, felony evading and outstanding felony warrants. Prizzi has a long criminal history which includes robbery, multiple vehicle thefts, possession of burglary tools, assault with a deadly weapon, fraud and narcotics arrests. Due to the gravity of the charges and his past history, a bail increase was completed.

The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.” Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/19/18 @ 4:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant / Gun & Narcotic Arrest
DATE/TIME:	December 19, 2018, 6:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	3000 block Napa Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Name Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 797-7995
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 797-7995

DETAILS:

On December 19^th, at approximately 6:00 a.m., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, Special Enforcement Unit and Police K-9 “Koa” conducted a search warrant service in 3000 block of Napa Street in reference to a series of robberies that occurred from the beginning of November 2018 to early December 2018. During the search, investigators located 749.2 grams of heroin and 41.3 grams of cocaine. The heroin was equivalent to approximately 8,000 potentially lethal doses of heroin. A stolen firearm was also located in the residence. The investigation is 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:	Launch of web accessible Suspicious Activity Report feature on Oxnard Police Department website
DATE/TIME:	December 18, 2018
LOCATION:	Oxnard Police Department, www.oxnardpd.org
PREPARED BY:	James Crilly, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	James Crilly, Detective 805-385-7686 James.Crilly@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Nobody knows Oxnard better than the people who live and work here. They know what normal activity is, and what may be criminal activity. They know the difference between kids getting together in a park, and what appears to be gang or drug activity. Many times, they don’t call the police department to report the things they have seen or heard. There are many good reasons for this. Quite often it is because they don’t believe what they have seen or heard is important enough to call and ask for an officer to respond. The Oxnard Police Department wants to hear from our community about things which they regard as suspicious and possibly criminal.

There has been a need for another way for the people of Oxnard to tell us about things which concern them besides calling our Communication Center. We want the community and its police department to work together effectively and efficiently to keep Oxnard as safe and crime free as possible.

With that need, and goal in mind, the Oxnard Police Department recently added a feature to our website www.oxnardpd.org. The added feature is labeled “Report Suspicious Activity” and is located near the top right corner of the website’s homepage. Submitting a Suspicious Activity Report is a simple and private way to share information with the Department. People can do so anonymously, or they can provide their contact information. In every case the Suspicious Activity Report is private. There is no public indication of one having been submitted. We are committed to reviewing each Suspicious Activity Report within 24 hours of it being submitted. Once the information in a Suspicious Activity Report is reviewed, it will be shared with Officers, Detectives, and/or other law enforcement agencies for an appropriate response. Examples of what should be reported via the Suspicious Activity Report.

Criminal activity: Crimes you know or believe have been committed, possible continuous criminal activity such as drug dealing and gang activity, and people that are wanted by law enforcement.

Planning and/or Preparation to carry out an attack: Someone is doing and/or saying things which cause you to suspect they may be preparing to carry out a terrorist attack, school shooting, or similar crime.

The SAR feature is not intended to report an emergency or a crime in progress. It should also not be used to report people exercising their Constitutional First Amendment Rights such as freedom of speech or religion. If the reported activity is not in Oxnard, we will ensure that the information is forwarded to the appropriate Agency or Department.

Videos, photos, and other files can be uploaded to accompany a description of the event. The report can be made from a computer or mobile device. As previously noted, submitting a Suspicious Activity Report is private, and it cannot be seen by the public. It can only be seen by the Police. The reporting party has the option to provide personal contact information or remain completely anonymous. Please visit www.oxnardpd.org for more information and to view the Suspicious Activity Report feature. We welcome feedback on it.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:

December 18, 2018 2:15 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	December 17, 2018; 9:15 PM
LOCATION:	3400 Camino Ave, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Brandon Beechum, 32 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org (805) 256-5121

DETAILS:

On December 17, 2018, at approximately 9:15 PM, an Oxnard Police Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a suspicious vehicle in the 3400 blk of Camino Ave. During the investigation, the officer learned that the vehicle had license plates that did not belong on the vehicle. During an inquiry of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the officer learned that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Oxnard on December 9, 2018. The driver, Brandon Beechum, was arrested for unlawful taking of a vehicle, a felony, and possession of Methamphetamine, a misdemeanor.

Since September 2018, Beechum has been arrested on four separate occasions for unlawful taking of a vehicle in Ventura County. Beechum is currently out on felony bail for first degree residential burglary.
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: 12/17/18; 11:40PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

December 17, 2018; 12:31AM

LOCATION:

Colonia Road and Harrison Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Gustavo Meza, 30 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale.Mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On December 17, 2018, at approximately 12:31 AM, Oxnard Police Officers located a stolen vehicle in the area of A Street and Roderick Avenue. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle in the area of Colonia Road and Harrison as the driver, Gustavo Meza, fled from the vehicle. Meza was taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit and struggle. Meza was arrested for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and for a misdemeanor warrant.
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: 12/8/18; 11:25PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

December 13, 2018, 4:22 p.m.

LOCATION:

300 block Magnolia Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld – 29 year-old, Hispanic male

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

MEDIA CONTACT PERSONS AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

Commander Sharon Giles (805)385-7620

Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On December 13, 2018 at approximately 4:22 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service regarding gunshots in the 300 block of Magnolia Avenue. When officers arrived, they located an injured male subject with a gunshot wound to the chest. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim later succumbed to his injuries. This is the City of Oxnard’s 14th homicide of the year.

Detectives are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident and remain anonymous, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/magnolia

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Detectives are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Robert Valenzuela (805 ) 385-7645. You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 13, 2018, 8:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Theft Problem Continues for Oxnard; #NotThisCarOxnard Campaign
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective (805) 385-7664, Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

In the spirit of Informing, Educating and Empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department (OPD) would like to remind the residents of Oxnard of a continuing crime trend citywide. The Oxnard Police Department has had over 750 vehicles reported stolen over the past year (overwhelmingly 1990’s Honda sedans) which is a 9.2 % increase from 2017.

This is not a new or isolated trend. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), nationwide, the top two vehicles listed on the “Vehicles Most Likely to be Stolen” graphic are Honda Accords and Civics.

The Oxnard Police Department is still diligently working to solve the issue. Among OPD’s efforts to lower the instances of vehicle theft are:

Informational campaign to educate would-be victims on how to prevent vehicle theft;
Educational Public Safety Videos;
A #NotThisCar Campaign that sees detectives locating owners of 1990’s Hondas and providing them with steering wheel locks; and
An enforcement campaign to target known car thieves and put them on notice that OPD is watching!

Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Next time you walk away from your idling vehicle, in your driveway or on the street, turn around and turn it off. If you see your neighbor running inside with their doors open or unlocked, keep an eye out or let them know. If you see a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! Let’s let criminals know #NotThisCarOxnard!

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the ‘90s Honda sedans. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/12/18 @ 4:14 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Theft Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	12/11/18 1:05 PM
LOCATION:	400 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road
SUSPECT(S):	Jairo Perez, 32 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Enrique Alvarez, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 12/11/18, at approximately 1:05 p.m., officers located a stolen Kia Sedona van in the 400 block of east Pleasant Valley Road. The driver, Jairo Perez, 32 years old, was contacted and arrested for vehicle theft and receiving stolen property. Perez’s criminal history shows that he has been previously arrested for numerous narcotics violations and thefts.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind citizens to park and lock their vehicles in well-lit areas and to use anti-theft devices to help secure their vehicles.

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 limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/12/18, 4:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
DATE/TIME:	December 12, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department helping keep roadways safe over

Christmas/New Year’s holidays

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are ways to spend time with family and friends ringing in another year, but also a time when people can make poor choices that put themselves and others at risk on the road.

To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the Oxnard Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get impaired drivers off roads.

During the high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 1, the Oxnard Police Department will have more officers on the road conducting saturation patrols looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on December 22, 2018, at an undisclosed location within Oxnard city limits looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

During the 2017 Christmas (Dec. 22-25) and New Year’s (Dec. 30-Jan. 2) holiday periods, 25 people were killed and 643 injured on California roads, according to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 12, 2018 / 4:30 p.m.