News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 24, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Arrest for Murder in Connection with Overdose Death

SUSPECTS: Rodney Rey Yanez, 55 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1500 block of W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

On September 20, 2023, Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel responded to a report of an overdose victim in the restroom of a gas station located in the 1500 block of W. Gonzales Rd., in Oxnard. Responding officers and emergency personnel performed CPR on the victim, Dylan Rusch, but were unable to revive him. Mr. Rusch was pronounced deceased at the scene. Toxicology results from the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office show a lethal level of fentanyl was the cause of death.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted an extensive investigation into this incident. Detectives processed evidence, interviewed multiple witnesses, executed several search warrants, and ultimately identified Rodney Rey Yanez as the person who sold fentanyl to Mr. Rusch. Detectives also identified Yanez as a suspect in a series of narcotics-related offenses stemming back to January of 2023.

With the assistance of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Yanez for Second Degree Murder and several narcotics sales-related offenses.

On July 24, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department’s DEU, with the assistance of the K9 Unit and the Neighborhood Policing Team, located Yanez in the 5500 block of Everglade St. in the City of Ventura. He was arrested for the outstanding warrant and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention facility.

This investigation marks the first time murder charges were filed against a person who knowingly sold the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl to a victim who overdosed and died.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard. 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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 20, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Six impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On July 19, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Oxnard Boulevard and Deodar Avenue, as well as a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in six arrests for impaired driving, and twenty-six citations for driving while unlicensed.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, July 19, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2021, 1,370 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Jovany Macias 19-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1600 block Impatiens Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Randall Gonzales, Detective

(805) 288-3289 | [email protected]

During the month of July, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into Jovany Macias regarding illegal firearms possession. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for his residence in the 1600 block of Impatiens Drive in Oxnard.

On July 17, 2024, members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact Macias in the 2100 block of Wankel Way. Macias fled on foot and was captured a short distance away. Macias was found to be in possession of a loaded semiautomatic firearm.

During a subsequent search at Macias’s residence, Violent Crimes Unit Investigators located an additional loaded semiautomatic firearm, an assault rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, high-capacity magazines, gun parts, and narcotics.

Macias was arrested for various firearms and narcotic possession offenses.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses, gang crimes, and gun violence in the City of Oxnard. 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.

Good evening,

The Oxnard Police Department is currently investigating a traffic collision in the area of Rose Ave and Mountain View Ave. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Rose Ave will be closed for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

**UPDATE**

The roadway has been reopened. Thank you again for your patience.

On Sun, Jul 14, 2024 at 7:40 PM Wood, Mike <[email protected]> wrote:

Good evening,

The Oxnard Police Department is currently investigating a traffic collision in the area of Rose Ave and Mountain View Ave. Both northbound and southbound lanes of Rose Ave will be closed for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

Sergeant Mike Wood
Patrol Division
Oxnard Police Department

(805)385-7600| (805)797-5956

251 S C St, Oxnard, CA 93030
[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 15, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: 2017 Suzuki GSX Motorcycle

2023 Freightliner Cascadia (tractor-trailer)

DRIVERS: Alois Slepicka, 59-yr-old Oxnard resident

Ram Pal, 42-yr-old New York, NY resident

CONTACT: Officer Alexis Arellano

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thrs 7AM-5PM) I [email protected]

On July 14, 2024, at approximately 7:11 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a motorcycle and tractor-trailer at the intersection of South Rose Avenue and Mountain View Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers located two subjects lying in the roadway of Rose Avenue. Both subjects, later identified as Alois and Maria Slepicka, had been ejected from their Suzuki GSX motorcycle. They were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries. The driver of the tractor-trailer, Ram Pal, remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.

Initial investigation revealed Pal was driving his tractor-trailer eastbound Mountain View Avenue. He stopped at Rose Avenue, and then entered the intersection to make a left turn. Alois was riding his motorcycle southbound Rose Avenue. Alois veered to the left in an attempt to avoid colliding with the truck-tractor. Alois was unable to avoid a collision, and struck the front driver’s side of the truck-tractor. The force of the collision ejected Alois and Maria from the motorcycle.

Investigators do not believe impairment contributed to the collision, however, speed may have been a factor. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Alexis Arellano at (805) 385-7749 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 12^th, 2024 (9:31 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Passenger in Possession of Firearm with Obliterated Serial Numbers, Driver Arrested for Parole Violation

SUSPECTS: Joel Jimenez, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

Bladimir Leyva, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: F St. at Third St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On July 12^th, at approximately 9:31 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on F St. and Third St. Officers learned that the right rear passenger, identified as Bladimir Leyva, was on parole for conspiracy. Officers removed the occupants so that they could conduct a parole search. After officers removed the right front passenger, identified as Joel Jimenez, officers learned that Jimenez was in possession of a loaded 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun. Upon further inspection of the handgun officers noted the serial numbers to the handgun had been obliterated, a felony.

Jimenez was arrested for felony firearms violations. Leyva was arrested for violating the terms of his parole. Jimenez and Leyva are both documented Oxnard criminal street gang members. The female driver was released from the scene.

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.

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Community Partners Raise Funds and

Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in 2024

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | [email protected]

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. Teaming up with local businesses and with the support of sponsor donations, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation has raised over $5,500.00 for Autism Society Ventura County so far this year.

Starting back in April through this date, funds have been raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced through donations from the awareness campaign’s title sponsors: The Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association and Raising Cane’s. Patches and shirts were sold from the police station lobby, as well as pop-up sales at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Raising Cane’s restaurant, Starbucks locations, and the Aut2Run event.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to two pop-ups back in April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

Oxnard’s Raising Cane’s location hosted an on-site pop-up, as well. Restaurant Leader Dylan Techton noted: “As a Restaurant Leader at Raising Cane’s, one of my favorite parts about my job is being able to give back to the local community. It helps build strong roots within our community but most importantly, it allows us to support others in need. I’m ecstatic that our support to Oxnard P.D. was able to help them raise nearly $6,000 for Autism Society of Ventura County so far this year and we look forward to supporting this organization along with others in the future.”

In an additional effort to raise awareness, one of our department’s police units has been sporting a custom “Autism Acceptance”-designed wrap while conducting patrols around town.

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships.

DATE: July 8, 2024 (5:47 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Juvenile arrested for possession of a firearm

SUSPECT: Male Juvenile, 15-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Colonia Park 170 N. Juanita Ave., Oxnard

CONTACT: Steve Trickle, Commander

[email protected]

(805) 385-7746 (Sunday-Wednesday 4PM-2AM)

On July 8, 2024, at 5:47 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service at Colonia Park located at 170 N. Juanita Ave. regarding approximately 20 subjects involved in a fight. As officers arrived on-scene, the subjects ran in different directions and officers pursued a 15-year-old male juvenile after he discarded a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun underneath a car. The suspect was taken into custody a short distance away and arrested for various firearms violations.

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.