OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2018 Fiestas Patrias Parade road closures
DATE/TIME:	September 16, 2018 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Downtown Oxnard – C Street from Wooley Road to First Street
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Sunday, September 16, 2018, Mexico’s independence from Spain will be celebrated during the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade held in downtown Oxnard. Over 60 entries are expected to participate in this year’s parade. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to end at approximately 12:00 p.m.

The parade will start at the intersection of C Street at Ninth Street and travel northbound to Second Street where it ends in the parking lot of Oxnard’s City Hall. The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be handling the traffic control along the parade route and some of the nearby streets. The following streets will be closed for the parade activities:

6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

B Street between Fourth Street and Fifth Street

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Street, B Street, and C Street between First Street and Second Street
A Street between Eighth Street and Wooley Road
Ninth Street between A Street and C Street
First Street and Second Street between A Street and C Street

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

C Street between Wooley Road and First Street

Spectators arriving to watch the parade are urged to park their vehicles in the multi-level parking structure located at the corner of Third Street and B Street.

For questions related to the parade, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/14/18, 10:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On September 13, 2018, at about 9:30 a.m., Oxnard Police and the U.S. Secret Service conducted a search warrant on a home in the 700 block of Owens River Drive, Oxnard and found methamphetamine, opioids, counterfeit money and everything to make checks from stolen identities.

In early August, investigators obtained evidence of stolen checks and fake IDs that were a red flag for identity theft.

The information led to the Riverpark home where investigators found drugs, including methamphetamine and opioids, counterfeit checks and U.S. currency, and computer devices and printers to make fake checks and U.S. bills.

Desiree Kriss, 42, of Oxnard was arrested on felony ID theft charges and Yurii Seals, 49, of Oxnard was arrested on felony drug possession charges.

Both suspects were booked into Ventura County jail. Kriss’s bail was set at $125,000 and Seals’s bail was set at $80,000.

Detectives are still trying to determine how many victims there are, and what was stolen from them. If you think you may be a victim, please visit oxnardpd.org/fraud.

Desiree Kriss

Yurii Seals

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Report Illegal Firearms Possession
DATE/TIME:	Tuesday, September 11, 2018
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Marc Amon
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Marc Amon, Crime Reduction Unit Marc.amon@oxnardpd.org or 805-678-0319

DETAILS:

Since May of 2017, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Crime Stoppers have collaborated to help stop gun violence by partnering with the community. Crime Stoppers has arranged for community members with information about persons illegally in possession of guns to submit tips anonymously for a cash reward.

On September 5, 2018, at approximately 9:56 PM, officers responded to the 2200 block of Celsius Avenue in reference to an On-Star alert regarding a stolen black 2018 GMC Canyon. Officers arrived on scene and observed a female, Marisela Suarez, taking property from a business and placing it into the stolen vehicle. The driver, Gustavo Aguilar, and passenger, Gabriel Enriquez, were in the business parking lot and fled on foot. Additional officers responded and conducted a search. Neither suspect was located. A loaded 12 gauge shotgun was recovered from the vehicle. Suarez was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

On September 6, 2018, at approximately 12:50 PM, officers responded to a possible domestic incident at Lawnwood Way and Dover Streets. A white Nissan Altima occupied by three males was associated with the incident. Officers located a white Nissan Altima parked at “F” Street and Lawnwood Way, occupied by three subjects. Officers contacted the occupants and found the driver, Gustavo Aguilar, was on parole for felon in possession of ammunition. Aguilar is also a documented gang member in the City of Oxnard. The other two occupants, Mario Sanchez and Jordano Franco, were on probation. During a search, officers located a .25 caliber firearm in the vehicle, as well as a substance suspected to be methamphetamine. Aguilar was arrested for numerous firearm charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, a felony. Sanchez and Franco were arrested for drug-related charges.

On September 6, 2018, at approximately 9:50 PM, officers in the Special Enforcement Unit conducted an enforcement stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation at Anchor Avenue and Crossjack Street in Port Hueneme. Christopher Stevens, a passenger in the vehicle, was on probation for felon in possession of ammunition. During a search of Stevens, officers located a loaded .45 caliber handgun and over four ounces of methamphetamine. Stevens is a documented gang member in the City of Oxnard, a convicted felon that has been previously released under California Assembly Bill 109, and has prior convictions for firearms possession and ammunition possession. Stevens was arrested for numerous firearm-related violations as well as possession of methamphetamine for sale.

On September 7, 2018, at approximately 9:00 PM, officers stopped a vehicle in the 1800 block of Claremont Avenue for vehicle code violations. The driver was identified as Emilio Torres along with an adult passenger and a seventeen-year-old juvenile passenger. The juvenile was on probation for possession of firearms with search terms. Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded .380 firearm in the vehicle. Torres admitted to possessing the firearm and was arrested for firearms charges. The juvenile was cited for a probation violation.

On September 7, 2018, at approximately 9:15 PM, officers in the Special Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle in the area of San Mateo at DuPont Avenue for a traffic violation. Officers detected an odor of alcohol from the vehicle. Several documented gang members were contacted in the vehicle. Two of the occupants, Jorge Garcia and Francisco Suarez, admitted to possessing open containers of alcohol. Officers searched the vehicle. A loaded .45 caliber handgun was located in the vehicle. Suarez was arrested for several firearm-related charges. Garcia was arrested for possession of an alcohol container in a vehicle.

On September 8, 2018 ,at approximately 12:38 AM, officers in the Special Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle in the 1000 block of Evanston Place. The driver, Jesus Villafana, was on probation with search terms. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle. A passenger, Cristobal Gonzalez, admitted to possessing a firearm. Officers located a loaded .357 revolver in Gonzalez’s possession. Villafana and Gonzalez are documented gang members in the City of Oxnard. Gonzalez was arrested for numerous firearms violations.

On September 9, 2018, at approximately 2:49 PM, officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 100 block of Princeton Avenue. Officers contacted the driver, Rafael Martinez, who told officers he had a handgun in his vehicle. During a search officers located a firearm concealed in the vehicle. Martinez was arrested for several firearm-related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing gun violence through public education and enforcement. As always, we continue to encourage residents to be “Partners in Public Safety” and anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or in case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

How can you report an illegal firearm possession?

Contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477), Text “BUSTED” plus your message to CRIMES (274637) or visit their website at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/. Remember to mention the code “OPDGUNS” to make sure your tip is routed directly to the Oxnard Police Department “Break the Silence! Stop Gun Violence!” Program. You can also visit www.OxnardPD.org and click the Crime Stoppers tab on the home page or call the Gun and Gang Hotline at (805) 982-7043.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 11, 2018 / 1549 Hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:

9/9/18, 2:49 p.m.

LOCATION:

100 block of Princeton Avenue

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Rafael Martinez, age 37, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Commander

robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

On September 9, 2018, at approximately 2:49 p.m., officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 100 block of Princeton Avenue, in Oxnard. Officers contacted the driver, Rafael Martinez, who told officers he had a handgun in his vehicle. During a search, officers located a firearm concealed in the vehicle.

Prior to the traffic stop, officers observed Martinez passing in front of Rio Lindo Elementary School. Martinez was arrested for 626.9 PC, possession of a concealed firearm within a school zone (felony), and 25400(a)(1) PC, possession of a concealed firearm in a vehicle (misdemeanor).

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. Callers can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477. To submit a tip via text or email, visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 9, 2018 at 1530 hours.

INCIDENT:

Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Firearm and Ammunition

DATE/TIME:

September 8, 2018 / 12:45 a.m.

LOCATION:

1000 Block of Evanston Place

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Cristobal Gonzalez, 18 Years Old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Martin Cook, Senior Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On September 8, at approximately 12:45 a.m., Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped at the 1000 block of Evanston Place, Oxnard. The driver of the vehicle, Jesus Villafana, was found to be on probation for Attempted Second Degree Robbery. Also contacted in the vehicle were Cristobal Gonzalez (18) and a 13 year old juvenile.

During a search of the vehicle, Gonzalez was found in possession of a loaded .357 magnum revolver. Villafana and Gonzalez are documented Southside gang members in the City of Oxnard. Gonzalez was arrested for numerous firearms violations.

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 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 8, 2018 / 0210 hours

INCIDENT:

Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Firearm

DATE/TIME:

September 7, 2018 / 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

1800 block Claremont Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Emilio Torres, 20 Years Old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On September 7, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for vehicle code violations in the 1800 block of Claremont Street in Oxnard. Officers learned that the driver, Torres, is a documented gang member. Also in the vehicle was an adult male and a juvenile male. The male juvenile was on probation with search terms for firearms; officers searched the vehicle pursuant to the search terms.

During the search of the vehicle officers located a loaded .380 caliber handgun under one of the vehicle’s seats. Torres was arrested for possessing a concealed firearm in a vehicle; a felony.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 8, 2018 / 1:15AM

INCIDENT:

Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Firearm

DATE/TIME:

September 7, 2018 / 9:15 p.m.

LOCATION:

San Mateo Street at DuPont Avenue

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Francisco Suarez, 21 Years Old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Martin Cook, Senior Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On September 7, at approximately 9:15 p.m., Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of San Mateo and DuPont Avenue. Several Lemonwood Chiques Gang members (Francisco Suarez (21), Juan Gutierrez (29), Jorge Garcia (20) and two juveniles) were contacted in the vehicle. Open alcoholic beverages were observed in the vehicle and a search was conducted.

During the search of the vehicle for additional alcohol and contraband, Suarez was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun. Garcia was arrested for possession of an open alcohol container in the vehicle, and Suarez was arrested for an open alcohol container and numerous firearms violations.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 7, 2018 / 2250 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Operation planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Monday, September 10, 2018, with focused enforcement on collision causing factors involving motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

The Oxnard Police Department has mapped out locations over the past three (3) years where pedestrian and bicycle collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those crashes. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic crashes occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians alike that can lead to life-changing injuries. Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or any other dangerous violations.

Additionally, enforcement will be taken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped and citations issued when they fail to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists. All riders are reminded to always wear a helmet – those under 18 years of age must wear helmets by law. Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked crosswalks or at corners.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people use these non-motorized means of transportation. Locally, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated nine fatal and 260 injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists during the past three (3) years. In 2013, California witnessed 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists killed, accounting for more than 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.

The following safety tips can save lives and stop this tragedy witnessed far too often in Oxnard:

Drivers:

“Share the road” with bicyclists.
Be courteous; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing bike riders.
Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
Be especially watchful for riders when making turns; either left or right.
It is unlawful to drive in a bike lane except for 200 feet prior to making a right or left turn.

Bicyclists:

Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time you ride. If under 18 years of age, it’s the law.
A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day and at dawn and dusk.
To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector or flashing red light to the rear.

Pedestrians:

Be alert at all times while walking near busy streets.
Use designated crosswalks when crossing any roadway.
Follow the Walk/Don’t walk signal at intersections.
Limit distractions such as cell phones and headphones.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 7, 2018 / 4:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	September 9, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

In order to reduce motorcycle crashes and save lives, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement on September 9, 2018, between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The safety enforcement aims to educate vehicle drivers and motorcyclists on how each motorist can be more aware of the others, creating safer roads and saving lives in the process.

According to NHTSA, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2015, while motorcycles make up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. In 2016, 5,286 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes – a 6 percent increase from the 4,976 killed in 2015. More than 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Recent data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles shows there are more than 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state and more than 1.4 million licensed riders. In 2016, 560 motorcyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes in California– an 11 percent increase from the 494 killed in 2015. More than 14,400 motorcyclists were injured in motor vehicle crashes.

The Oxnard Police Department has these general tips to drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle:

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, a motorist can do their part by sharing the road.
Always use a turn signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
Stay alert; check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
Always allow more following distance, follow at a safe distance when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by following these steps:

Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
Ride safely when lane sharing and always proceed at safe speeds.
Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
Use turn signals at every lane change or turn.
Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
Ride safely when lane sharing and always proceed at safe speeds.
Never ride distracted or impaired.

The Office of Traffic Safety encourages all riders, new and experienced, to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP). The CMSP was developed in July 1987 and has training sites throughout the state. The CMSP trains approximately 60,000 motorcyclists per year and has trained more than 1.1 million motorcycle riders. For more information, or to find a training site near you, visit californiamotorcyclist.com.

The Motorcycle Safety Enforcement is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Remember: Riders and Drivers Can Work Together to Save Lives.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 7, 2018 / 11:00 a.m.

INCIDENT:

Gang Member/ Prohibited Person in Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Ammunition and Methamphetamine for Sale

DATE/TIME:

September 6, 2018 / 9:50 p.m.

LOCATION:

Anchor Avenue at Crossjack Street, Port Hueneme

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Christopher Stevens, 27 Years Old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Martin Cook, Senior Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On September 6, at approximately 9:50 p.m., Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Anchor Avenue and Crossjack Street. Christopher Stevens, a passenger in the vehicle, was found to be on probation for a felon being in possession of ammunition.

During a search of the vehicle, Stevens was found in possession of a loaded .45 caliber handgun and over four ounces (one quarter of a pound) of methamphetamine. Stevens is a documented gang member in the City of Oxnard, a convicted felon that has been previously release under California State Assembly Bill 109, and has prior convictions for firearms possession and ammunition possession. Stevens was arrested for numerous firearms violations and for possession of methamphetamine for sale.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 6, 2018 / 2315 hours