OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	November 18, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, November 18, 2018, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles that are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a five year high. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in four fatalities and 93 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:

Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
Match your speed to surrounding traffic
Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:

Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes
Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 16, 2018 / 5:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

November 16, 2018; 3:08 PM

LOCATION:

5400 Block of Roland Way, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

17-year-old female, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Patrol Sergeant

Dale.Mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

805-857-4655

DETAILS:

On November 16, 2018, at about 3:08 PM, Oxnard Police received a call of a stolen vehicle, a Gold Nissan Altima observed in the area of Yucca and C Street. Officers located the vehicle as it was parking in the in the 5400 block of Roland Way. The driver of the vehicle, 17-year-old female Juvenile, tried to flee inside a residence but was detained by officers.

The female juvenile was arrested for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle (California Vehicle Code 10851).

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: 11/16/2018; 4:20 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal traffic collision
DATE/TIME:	November 14, 2018 / 6:48 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rice Avenue at Camino Del Sol, Oxnard
VEHICLE/OCCUPANTS:	2014 grey Toyota Camry Driver: Arnold Francis Fontaine 74-year-old Ventura resident Passenger: Shirley Yvonne Fontaine 58-year-old Ventura resident (deceased)
VEHICLE/OCCUPANTS:	2011 white Chevy 2500 pickup truck Driver: Derek Nicholas Rogers 32-year-old Oak Hills resident Passenger: Ruel Gabayeron 51-year-old Bellflower resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 14, 2018, at approximately 6:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Rice Avenue and Camino Del Sol. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a grey 2014 Toyota Camry and 2011 white Chevy 2500 pickup truck were involved in the collision. The occupants of the Toyota, who were identified as 74-year-old driver Arnold Francis Fontaine and 58-year-old passenger Shirley Yvonne Fontaine of Ventura, were immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. Arnold Fontaine sustained moderate injuries and is listed in stable condition. Shirley Fontaine was provided advanced medical treatment however succumbed to her injuries. The occupants of the Chevy pickup truck, identified as 32-year-old driver Derek Nicholas Rogers of Oak Hills and 51-year-old passenger Ruel Gabayeron of Bellflower, were uninjured and cooperated with the investigation.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the Toyota Camry was traveling southbound on Rice Avenue and attempted to make a left turn onto Camino Del Sol. While traveling through the intersection, the Toyota collided with the Chevy pickup truck which was traveling northbound on Rice Avenue. It is unknown whether or not drugs and/or alcohol were involved in the collision

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/14/18 @ 11:50 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	OPD Property Crimes Detectives Arrest Four In Separate Burglary Incidents; Property Recovered
DATE/TIME:	10/28/18 @ 2:30 p.m. 11/08/18 @ 10:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	100 block of Elliott Court, Ventura 1900 block Sanford Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Garett James Clark, 37 years old and Sunni Chapman, 26 years old (1^st incident) Gilberto Hernandez, 20 years old and Jose Morales, 20 years old (“Hot Prowl”)
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Charles Buttell, Detective Charles.buttell@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7755

DETAILS:

On 10/28/18, homeowners residing in the 1500 block of Windshore Way, reported to the Oxnard Police Department that their home had been broken into and that several valuables (purses, jewelry and electronics) had been stolen. The intruders entered the home through an open window that was only secured by a window screen.

After receiving the report, burglary detectives partnered with patrol officers assigned to the neighborhood where the burglary occurred and quickly developed leads on whom the suspects were. Being that the victim residence is located within a multi-unit building that is equipped with surveillance cameras; officers were able to identify the suspects as City of Ventura residents Garett James Clark, 37 years old and Sunni Chapman, 26 years old.

A search warrant was served at Clark’s residence located in the 100 block of Elliott Court in the city of Ventura. Both Clark and Chapman were at the residence during the service of the warrant and were promptly arrested. The majority of the stolen property was located at the residence.

On 11/08/18 at approximately 10:40 a.m., a resident heard a knock at their front door. The resident, being that they were home alone, decided not to answer the door. The two suspects believing that no one was home forced their way into the residence. The resident after hearing the intruders inside of the home was able to hide in a bathroom. The resident contacted family members who in turn called the police. The intruders left the residence prior to police arrival, but the alert resident was able to film the intruders with his cell phone as they left the house. Several personal belongings were stolen from the residence.

Detectives from the Property Crimes Unit reviewed the cell phone video and immediately recognized one of the intruders as Gilberto Hernandez, 22 years old. Hernandez was later located by detectives near his home. When contacted by detectives, Hernandez was in the company of another subject named of Jose Morales, 20 years old. Hernandez was identified by detectives as the second person involved in the burglary.

Property that was stolen from the residence was located inside of a vehicle belonging to Hernandez.

Hernandez, a resident of the city of Oxnard was arrested earlier this year by Property Crimes Detectives for committing a separate residential burglary in Oxnard.

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: 11/14/18, 08:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Call of a female with a firearm
DATE/TIME:	November 13^th, 2018 / 3:27 p.m.
LOCATION:	3500 Block of South E Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	30 year old female Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org 805-256-5121
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org 805-256-5121

DETAILS:

On November 13^th, 2018, at approximately 3:27 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a 911 call of a female in the street waving a firearm. The first officer on scene found her in the residential street in possession of a small revolver. She appeared distressed, screaming, and suffering from a mental health crisis.

More officers responded and contained her to the center of the street. The female put the gun down but was still unresponsive to the directions given by the officers. While distracted, an officer ran in to separate her from the firearm at the same time another officer deployed his Electronic Control Device (taser) and she was taken into custody without further incident.

The female was taken to a local medical facility to be evaluated pursuant to a mental health hold. Although the revolver appeared to be real, it was discovered that it was a black toy cap gun.

The surrounding schools were placed on a temporary lock down during the incident.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2018 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fourth Anniversary of Labh Nigah Homicide; Police Seek the Public’s Assistance
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2014, at approximately 8:40 A.M.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Park, 100 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S):	Labh Nigah, 55-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Dark skinned male, 14-22 years of age, black hair, 5’8” to 6’ tall, thin build
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688 Miguel.Serrato@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS: On November 13, 2014, at approximately 8:40 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a stabbing at Sierra Linda Park. Officers arrived on scene and found 55-year old Oxnard resident, Labh Nigah, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Nigah died a short time later. Officers learned that Nigah had dropped his child off at Sierra Linda Elementary School and was walking in the park when he was attacked and stabbed. The unknown assailant was seen fleeing west on Holly Avenue. The suspect’s last known location was in the area of Ventura Road and Carmen Way.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of Nigah’s murder. Investigators are seeking the public’s help in providing any information related to this brutal and senseless murder. Investigators believe frequent park goers or residents in the Sierra Linda Neighborhood might have seen the suspect early in the morning on the day of the murder, or directly after the murder as the suspect ran west through the neighborhood.

Witnesses near the scene of the attack were interviewed by investigators. The witnesses described the suspect as a dark-skinned male, between the ages of 14 to 22 years, black hair, 5’8” to 6’ tall with a thin build. One witness was able to provide information for a composite drawing (see composite drawing below). Investigators located blood evidence at the crime scene that did not appear to belong to Nigah. Major Crimes Investigators also utilized the services of Parabon NanoLabs and their phenotyping services. Parabon NanoLabs generated a composite prediction based on the blood evidence that was obtained from the crime scene. The blood DNA was analyzed and a scientific approximation of appearance was obtained (see Snapshot predictions results below).

Composite Drawing Snapshot Prediction Results

Major Crimes Investigators created a short video clip last year which contains information on the Nigah murder. Investigators hope the video will prompt a member of the community who has information on this case to come forward, or assist in obtaining vital information that could lead to the identification of a suspect(s). Investigators believe there are people close to the suspect(s) that have knowledge and information that can assist with the investigation. Anyone who provides information on this case can do so anonymously if they wish.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. Anyone with information regarding the murder of Labh Nigah is encouraged to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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.

To view the Nigah Homicide information video click here: https://youtu.be/wB-a3AaabGk

For information on Parabon Snapshot DNA Phenotyping visit their website: https://snapshot.parabon-nanolabs.com/

Photographs of Labh Nigah and his family

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2018, at 09:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of Female Juveniles
DATE/TIME:	November 6, 2018, 3:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	4600 Block of Anchorage Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Otoniel Avila, 32-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756, david.walker@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Michael McManama, Detective (805) 385-7662, michael.mcmanama@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2018 at approximately 8:30 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department was contacted by a female juvenile regarding a sexual assault that had just occurred. The victim reported that the adult male suspect was known to her and said that the incident occurred at the suspect’s residence in Oxnard.

During the investigation, a second female juvenile victim was identified as being assaulted by this suspect several months ago. That assault had not been previously reported to law enforcement. In 2015, a 5-year-old female family member had accused this same suspect of assaulting her at his residence.

On November 6, 2018 at approximately 3:20 p.m., Otoniel Avila of Oxnard was arrested by detectives from the Family Protection Unit for the assaults of the victims. He was charged with 209(b)(1) PC Kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault, 459 PC Burglary, 422 PC Making criminal threats and two counts of 288(a) PC Lewd acts with a child. Avila was booked into the Ventura County Jail with his bail set at $250,000.

Detectives are still investigating these cases and request that if anyone has information about these incidents, they are encouraged to call Detective Michael McManama at (805) 385-7662. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 7, 2018 at 5:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Firearm and possession of methamphetamine arrest

DATE/TIME:

11/06/18, 4:02 a.m.

LOCATION:

4100 Block Moreno Lane

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Ceasar Guerrero, 20 year old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Patrol Sergeant

(805) 857-4655

DETAILS:

On 11/06/18, at approximately 4:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Moreno Lane regarding a wanted person in possession of a handgun. The suspect, Ceasar Guerrero, was observed inside his residence in possession of a loaded firearm. Guerrero also had two active felony arrest warrants.

Responding police units evacuated the residence and began making announcements. Guerrero surrendered to Officers without incident at approximately 5:30 a.m. A loaded 357 caliber revolver was located as well as a small amount of a methamphetamine. Guerrero is a convicted felon that has been previously convicted for firearms and ammunition possession.

In addition to his felony arrest warrants, Guerrero was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, hide or conceal evidence, possession of a controlled substance while armed with firearm and possession of drug paraphernalia. Guerrero was booked into Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any criminal activity, is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. Individuals can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or by going to http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/06/18, 7:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession of a Loaded Firearm and Methamphetamine for Sale
DATE/TIME:	November 5^th, 2018 / 7:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 Block of South B Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	David Rogoff, 33 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org 805-256-5121
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org 805-256-5121

DETAILS:

On November 4^th, 2018, at approximately 7:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a radio call of several subjects using narcotics in the 100 block of South B Street. Officers arrived on scene and contacted several subjects, including David Rogoff. During the investigation, officers located a loaded 9mm Semi-automatic handgun in a tent where Rogoff was seated. During a search of Rogoff incident to arrest, Officer located a significant amount of methamphetamine and money consistent with the sales of narcotics. Officers also located a small amount of heroin during the investigation.

David Rogoff, a 33 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for being in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics for sale, a felony.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Arrest Two For Arson and Insurance Fraud
DATE/TIME:	10/31/18, 7:30a.m.
LOCATION:	200 block E. Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard Hillcrest Drive/Ventu Park Drive, Newbury Park
SUSPECT(S):	Felix Hernandez – 40 years old Manuel Abrego – 31 years old
PREPARED BY:	Charles Buttell, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Charles Buttell, Detective Charles.Buttell@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7755

DETAILS:

On 10/31/18 at approximately 7:30 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department arrested two subjects involved in the arson and insurance fraud of an automobile after a 1 ½ year long investigation.

On 03/02/17 at approximately 10:19 p.m., personnel from the Oxnard Fire Department and the Oxnard Police Department responded to a vehicle fire in the alley in the 1900 block of South “F” Street. A 2015 Toyota Prius was found at the scene and was fully engulfed in fire. Evidence at the scene led detectives to believe that the fire was an arson. The registered owner of the vehicle, Manuel Abrego of Newbury Park, reported the vehicle stolen to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and filed several insurance claims on the vehicle. Factors surrounding the arson and Abrego’s actions led detectives to believe that he was involved in the crime of arson. Abrego was able to collect approximately $17,000.00 in insurance payments for the vehicle.

The investigation led to the discovery of a second suspect identified as Felix Hernandez of Oxnard. Hernandez is believed to be the subject who actually set the fire to the vehicle.

Detectives working closely with Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, gathered enough evidence for arrest warrants to be issued for Manuel Abrego and Felix Hernandez. Both subjects were arrested on 10/31/18 for their outstanding warrants.

Abrego and Hernandez were booked for arson and insurance fraud related charges and are awaiting court proceedings.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/05/18, 2:45 p.m.