OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	May 3, 2019 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 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 Six Arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested six impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on May 3, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted at Rose Avenue north of Lindsay Place between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

871 vehicles screened
6 DUI-alcohol arrests
23 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
38 citations issued
3 vehicle 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.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 4, 2019 / 2:10 a.m.

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME:	Friday May 3, 2019, at approximately 6:58 a.m.
LOCATION:	480 North Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Police officer, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	17 year-old female, Oxnard resident, name withheld
PREPARED BY:	Sharon Giles, Commander [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

At approximately 6:55 AM on May 3, 2019, the Oxnard Police Department’s Dispatch Center received calls regarding a female who was waving a knife in the parking lot behind the businesses located at 480 North Rose Avenue in the City of Oxnard.

The first Oxnard Police officer arrived on scene and made verbal contact with a female in the dirt field behind the business. The female brandished a large kitchen knife at the officer. The officer drew his handgun and made several verbal requests for her to drop the weapon. The female ignored the officer’s requests, and began to walk towards him. The officer retreated backwards in an attempt to create space between them. The officer continued to give the female verbal commands to drop the weapon as he retreated for approximately fifty yards. As the second officer arrived on scene, the female ran directly towards the first officer with the knife in her hand. The officer fired his weapon, and the female was struck by gunfire. Officers promptly rendered first aid to her until medical personnel arrived on scene. The officer was not injured.

During the encounter, the female made a statement indicating that she wanted the officer to shoot her.

The entire incident was captured on the officer’s body worn camera.

The 17 year-old female was transported via ambulance to a local hospital. At the time of this news release she is listed in critical but stable condition. Her name is being withheld due to her age.

Police Chief Scott Whitney: “On a regular basis our police officers respond to critical incidents where they put themselves in harm’s way. They do everything they can to peacefully resolve these incidents. The last thing that our officers want to happen is to be forced to shoot someone.”

The involved officer has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since April of 2015, and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division. Per standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the officer has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation progresses.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident. Detectives are requesting that anyone who might have witnessed the incident, or has additional information to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or by email at [email protected].

Date / Time prepared: Friday, May 3, 2019 @ 11:30 AM

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	1980 Homicide Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	May 2, 2019, 3:27 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility – 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura
VICTIM(S):	Leah Sarah Bullis
SUSPECT(S):	Lenard Len Chester (58 years old)
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron, (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay, (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 2, 2019, 58-year-old, Lenard Len Chester, was arrested for the December 1980 murder of 81-year-old Oxnard resident Leah Sarah Bullis.

At approximately 12:20 PM on December 1, 1980, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a call of an assault victim in the 1800 block of Coronado Place. The victim, later identified as Leah Sarah Bullis, was found inside her home. She was conscious but severely beaten. Ms. Bullis passed away in the ambulance while being transported to the hospital.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Detectives Jamie Skeeters and Donald Boger began the investigation with the assistance of crime scene investigators. Due to their diligent efforts, several critical pieces of evidence were located and recovered. The criminal investigation revealed that the suspect assaulted the victim while in her home.

During Bullis’ autopsy, evidence was collected. The medical examiner determined that Bullis died as a result of blunt force related bleeding.

The case remained unsolved. In 2018, the Oxnard Police Department partnered with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to conduct another review the Bullis case. The evidence from this case was sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory for examination.

In late 2018, the Ventura County Crime Lab uploaded the DNA sample to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) where it matched to a profile of a convicted offender. The convicted offender was identified as Lenard Len Chester.

In 1982, Chester was sentenced to 44 years in prison for breaking into homes and sexually assaulting four different women. When Chester was paroled, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office conducted a civil hearing which resulted in Chester being listed as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). The court ordered Chester be placed on a civil hold and receive treatment at a state hospital.

Investigators conducted exhaustive research and tracked down several witnesses in this case. This case is an example of how the passing of time, advances in forensic technology, and multiple law enforcement agency collaboration come together to further cold case homicides.

On May 2, 2019, Chester was arrested for the rape and murder of Leah Sarah Bullis. Chester is currently in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Chester’s is being held at the Ventura County Jail without bail.

This teamwork, perseverance, determination, and unwavering drive for justice, ultimately culminated in the Ventura County District Attorney filing the charge of murder and rape against Lenard Len Chester for the homicide.

This case is continuing to evolve and investigators are examining other similar cases from that time period to see if Chester is a possible suspect.

Additional information on Oxnard Police Department’s Unsolved Cold Cases can be found at ColdCase.OxnardPD.org website.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or [email protected].

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.

Lenard Len Chester

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 2, 2019, 5:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Bicycle Safety Month
DATE/TIME:	May 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department Urges Drivers and Bicyclists to ‘Share the Road’

May is National Bicycle Safety Month

May is National Bicycle Safety Month and the Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and bicyclists to share the road safely not just for the month of May, but every month of the year.

Bicycle riders must follow the same rules of the road as drivers, including stopping at stop signs, yielding to pedestrians and not riding distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. California law requires drivers to allow at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle.

In an effort to educate drivers and bicyclists on using roadways safely, the Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers on patrol May 11^th, May 13^th, and May 23^rd looking for violations made by drivers and bicyclists that increase the risk of crashes. Such violations include failing to yield, speeding, improper turning, riding a bike on the wrong side of the road, or not following stop signs or signals.

The Oxnard Police Department suggests following these tips to ensure the safety of everyone using roadways:

Drivers should look behind them before making a turn at an intersection, especially if crossing into a designated bike lane.
Drivers should use extra caution backing up or leaving a parking space.
Bicyclists should go with the flow of traffic and let faster traffic pass.
Bicyclists should make themselves visible and wear brightly colored clothing.
Bicyclists are advised to use lights from dusk to dawn (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors).
Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Both drivers and bicyclists should avoid distractions like using their cell phone.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 2, 2019 / 10:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	May 3, 2019 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 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, May 3, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 1, 2019 / 5:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
DATE:	May 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Drivers are encouraged to “Share the Road”

The warmer weather means a lot more motorcycles will be out on the road across California. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the Oxnard Police Department is taking the opportunity to remind drivers and motorcycle riders to share the road and look out for one another.

During the month of May, the Oxnard Police Department will step up enforcement specifically geared toward stopping drivers and motorcycle riders for traffic violations that increase the risk of crashes. Additional officers will be deployed on May 11^th and May 26^th for directed motorcycle safety enforcement.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, Californians enjoy a hobby that can be challenging and does not have the same protections as drivers in the event of a crash. In 2017, 576 people were killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, a nearly 17 percent increase from 2015.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these best safety practices for drivers and motorcycle riders:

Drivers:

Check your mirrors and blind spots. Make sure your vehicle’s rear and side-view mirrors are adjusted properly.
Use your signal when changing lanes. If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, make sure the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
Slow down behind motorcycles and keep your distance.
Never share a lane with a motorcycle.
Be aware of motorcycles lane splitting, which is legal. Give riders enough room to pass.
Always look twice at intersections and allow enough space for a motorcycle to clear the roadway before making a turn.

Motorcyclists:

Always wear a helmet, bright colors, and protective gear.
Use your turn signal at every lane change or turn.
Turn lights on even during the day.
Keep your distance.
Consider the width of lanes, roadway and weather conditions when lane splitting.
Avoid lane splitting next to larger vehicles such as big rigs, buses, and motorhomes.
It is more dangerous to split lanes at higher speeds. It is safer to split between the far-left lanes.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages all motorcycle riders, new and experienced, to enroll in the California Highway Patrol’s motorcycle training course. For more information or to find a training site near you, visit www.californiamotorcyclist.com.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subjects in Possession of Loaded Firearms & Ammunition
DATE/TIME:	April 29, 2019, @ 11:40 P.M
LOCATION:	1900 Block of Alexander Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Palomarez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident Giovanny Sanchez, 23-year-old Oxnard resident Unnamed Juvenile, 16-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On April 29, 2019, at approximately 10:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit contacted a group of adult and juvenile subjects loitering in the alley of Alexander Street in the 1900 block. Upon approach by the officers, the group attempted to flee. Two of the subjects in the group discarded two loaded handguns as they fled. All six subjects were arrested at the scene without incident. Both firearms were recovered. The adult suspect who had possession of the firearm was identified as Juan Palomarez. The second male with the firearm was a juvenile, name withheld. A third suspect was arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition, a felony. He was identified as Giovanny Sanchez. The remaining subjects were arrested on various misdemeanor charges. This group was affiliated with a criminal street gang in the City of Oxnard.

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 also remain anonymous by calling the 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: April 30, 2019, at 2:30 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	April 27, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 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 two arrest

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested two impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on April 27, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted at Ventura Road south of Devonshire Drive between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

1,323 vehicles screened
2 DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
7 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended / revoked
12 citations issued
1 vehicle 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.

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.

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.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 28, 2019 / 3:00 a.m.

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NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Kidnapping Child Annoying
DATE/TIME:	April 26, 2019/ 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	1500 block South Oxnard Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	12-year-old female (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Rogelio Hernandez (age 23), transient
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 4/26/19, at around 3:00 p.m., a 12-year-old female was walking home from school in the 1500 block of South Oxnard Blvd. when suspect Rogelio Hernandez (age 23) began to call to her and annoy her with other gestures. As the victim continued to walk away from Hernandez, he attempted to grab her. The victim feared for her safety and ran away from Hernandez. When officers arrived on scene they located Hernandez a short distance away and detained him. Hernandez was positively identified by the victim and arrested for a felony charge of attempted kidnapping and a misdemeanor charge of child annoying.

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 27, 2019/ 7:40 a.m.

PRESS RELEASE

EVENT:	Funds available for community organizations to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity
DATE/TIME:	April 25, 2019
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Police Chief [email protected] (805) 385-7801

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department participates with outside agencies in the investigation and prosecution of narcotics related crimes. Assets seized are proportionately shared among the participating agencies. The California Health & Safety Code requires that a portion of the seized assets “shall be used for the sole purpose of funding programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity…It is the intent of the Legislature to cause the development and continuation of positive intervention programs for high-risk elementary and secondary school age students.”

The Oxnard Police Department invites community-based organizations interested in this funding to visit https://www.oxnardpd.org/community-affairs/asset-forfeiture-community-funds/ and complete an application for consideration and review. As the City of Oxnard continues to look for viable options to the gang lifestyle for our youth, the Oxnard Police Department is excited for this opportunity to work with the community to provide healthy and productive alternatives.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Friday, May 24, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 25, 2019, 10:00 a.m.