INCIDENT:	Traffic Stop leads to Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2019 @ 10:40PM
LOCATION:	Spruce and “E” Streets, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Pedro Benitez, 24-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander [email protected]; 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers responded to the area of Spruce and “E” Streets reference a vehicle disturbing in the area. Officers located a truck suspected of causing the disturbance, and stopped the vehicle for vehicle code violations. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and learned that one of the passengers was on probation with search terms.

Officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded .45 caliber firearm underneath the seat of one of the passengers, Benitez. The firearm was reported stolen back in 2013.

Benitez was arrested for firearms related charges, including possessing a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle, a felony.

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: January 19, 2019 @ 2:00AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police Seek the Public’s Assistance on the Fourth Anniversary of Luis Amaro’s Death
DATE/TIME:	January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block of Balsam Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Luis Amaro, 41-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 21, 2019, marks the 4th anniversary of the death of Luis Amaro. On January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., as Mr. Amaro stood outside his residence located in the 200 blocks of Balsam St. he was confronted by an unknown subject. Mr. Amaro was ultimately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead as a result of a gunshot wound.

Witnesses recalled hearing multiple gunshots being fired and a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model sedan, possibly a dark colored Honda.

The Oxnard Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can 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: January 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Suicidal Subject In Possession of Knives
DATE/TIME:	1/16/19, 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block of Althea Court
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 16, 2019, at about 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1300 block of Althea Court, regarding a suicidal adult male threatening with a knife. Officers contacted the subject in the living room and began negotiations with him, as he held two knives to his throat and threatened suicide. Officers learned there were additional family members locked in an upstairs bedroom that were unable to leave the residence. Officers requested the assistance of the Fire Department to respond with a ladder, at which time the officers evacuated the occupants through a second story window. Officers negotiated with the suicidal subject for approximately 30 minutes, as he held the knives to his throat, before he voluntarily put the knives down and surrendered to authorities without incident. The subject was subsequently placed on an involuntarily hold for a mental health evaluation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/17/19, 1120 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant / Gun Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 16, 2018, 5:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	400 block Park Avenue, Port Hueneme 600 block Dorena Drive, Newbury Park
SUSPECT(S):	Joseph Villareal, 39 year old Newbury Park resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective [email protected] (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On January 16^th, at approximately 5:00 a.m., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, members of the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics teams, and the Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit, conducted search warrant services in the 400 block of Park Avenue in the City of Port Hueneme and the 600 block of Dorena Drive in the City of Newbury Park.

The Search warrant was in reference to a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, which occurred on December 14^th, 2018, in the 1800 block of Saviers Road. During the search, two firearms, a handgun and an assault rifle, were located and seized, in addition to evidence related to the robbery. One suspect, Joseph Villareal, a 39 year old Newbury Park resident, was detained and later arrested for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and firearms related charges. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: JANUARY 16, 2019 / 1330 HOURS

/news-release-search-warrant-and-firearms-arrest-16-01-19/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subjects in Possession of a Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 15 , 2019, @ 3:00 P.M
LOCATION:	Wooley Rd. @ Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Kevin Fernandez, 23 year old Oxnard resident Miklo Serrato, 18 year old Oxnard resident Anna Vergara, 21 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On January 15, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Wooley Rd. and Oxnard Blvd. Officers contacted the three occupants of the vehicle and obtained their information. It was found that two of the occupants were on probation with search terms. Officers searched their vehicle pursuant to their probation terms and located a loaded handgun and ammunition. It was also found that subject Serrato had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Fernandez and Serrato are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm or ammunition per the conditions of their probation and are documented gang members in the City of Oxnard. All three occupants were arrested on various charges that include 25850 (c) (6) P.C Felony, 25400 (a) (3) P.C Felony, 25850 (a) P.C Felony and 25400 (a) (1) Felony.

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.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 15, 2019, at 530 PM.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:	January 14, 2019 – 5:09 a.m.

LOCATION:	100 Block S. Rose Ave, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):	Withheld

SUSPECT(S):	Hector Hill, 24 year old, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	[email protected] (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 14, 2019, at approximately 5:09 a.m. an officer with the Oxnard Police Department observed a white 2016 Hyundai parked in the 100 block of South Rose Avenue. Hector Hill, 24 year old Oxnard resident, was contacted as he was removing items from the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was a reported stolen vehicle that had been taken while the keys had been left inside the vehicle.

Hector Hill was arrested and booked into Ventura County Main Jail for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle (California Vehicle Code 10851) and possession of stolen property (California Penal Code 496d (a)). Two additional occupants of the vehicle were released at the scene.

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: 1/14/19, 7:20 a.m.

Hector Hill

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	January 13, 2019 / 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road at Longfellow Way, Oxnard
VEHICLE/OCCUPANTS:	White 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Driver: Maximino Diaz, 23 year old Oxnard resident Passenger: 36 year old Male Oxnard resident Passenger: 26 year old Male Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Alvaro Pulido, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 13, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a traffic collision in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Longfellow Way in the City of Oxnard. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a white 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser was involved in a single vehicle traffic collision. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a palm tree and a brick wall. The driver, identified as Maximino Diaz, received minor injuries. The two male passengers received serious injuries and were transported to Ventura County Medical Center where they are currently listed in critical condition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the Chrysler PT Cruiser was travelling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road at a high rate of speed when it lost control and left the roadway. The driver, Maximino Diaz, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was cooperative with officers and after an investigation, he was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, a felony.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Alvaro Pulido at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/13/19 @ 5:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Wanted Subject Arrest Leads to Recovery of Two Stolen Vehicles and Stolen Property
DATE/TIME:	01/10/19 @ 2:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	1600 Block Visalia Street
SUSPECT(S):	Jonathan Sandoval, 29 years old Jorge Sarmiento, 41 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Crystal Walker, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7668

DETAILS:

On 01/10/19 at approximately 2:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were in the area of the 1600 block of Visalia Street when they observed a wanted subject, identified as Jonathan Sandoval, 29 years old. Officers first observed Sandoval seated inside of a black Toyota Corolla that was parked in front of a home. Officers approached and Sandoval immediately reversed his vehicle in an attempt to flee. As the vehicle was travelling in reverse, Sandoval exited the vehicle. Sandoval failed to clear the path of the open driver’s side door and was struck by it, thus ending his attempt to escape from the pursuing officers. During further investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle out of the city of Ventura and it contained several items of stolen property.

As the investigation continued, officers were alerted to a van that was parked on a driveway next to where Sandoval was first observed. It was discovered that the van was previously stolen out of the city of Oxnard. A resident of the home, identified as Jorge Sarmiento, 41 years old was contacted. Officers on scene familiar with Sarmiento were aware that he had warrants for his arrest. Sarmiento upon seeing the officers began to flee through his home and out the back but was quickly apprehended. Evidence at the scene connected Sarmiento to the stolen van.

Sandoval was subsequently charged with felony evading, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property (vehicle), possession of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of a prohibited weapon and for felony and misdemeanor warrants. Sandoval has previously been arrested for vehicle theft (twice), possession of burglary tools and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Sarmiento was charged with possession of stolen property, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He has prior arrests for theft-related crimes.

In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department is doubling-down on its commitment to combat auto theft. The Oxnard Police Department cannot be alone in this crime prevention effort and need our community to join us in this endeavor.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
Do not leave your keys in your Car, on or off. A large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles being left on and left alone.
A majority of cars stolen are from in front of the owner’s own home.
Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. It can be stolen and used to return and enter your house.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. We are depending on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity. Translators are available 24/7.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 01/10/19 @ 6:51 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police Service Dog Koa Retires After Six Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	January 10, 2019 4:15 P.M
PREPARED BY:	Christopher Williams, Special Operations Commander [email protected] (805) 207-7234
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Special Operations Commander [email protected] (805) 207-7234

DETAILS:

After six years of dedicated service to the City of Oxnard, K-9 Koa is retiring. Koa was a huge asset to our organization and our community. His service was invaluable in the numerous apprehensions he made, to all the illegal narcotics he found during his career. During his six-year career, Koa assisted in the apprehension of 92 suspects, conducted 76 building searches and 41 areas searches, conducted over 450 searches for illegal narcotics, and participated in over 80 community events and presentations.

During his career he won countless trophies and awards in all the competitions he participated in. According to his partner, Officer Rob Caston, Koa enjoyed coming to work every day. Koa will always be known for his hard work and dedication. Now Koa will get to enjoy his much earned retirement. The Oxnard Police K-9 Foundation would like to thank everyone who has helped support the K-9 program throughout the years. With the financial support of the community the foundation was able to purchase another K-9 to replace Koa.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Domestic Violence – Attempted Homicide
DATE/TIME:	January 6, 2019 / 8:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	4000 block South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	name withheld, 35-year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Deysi Gonzalez-Palomares, 33-year-old Port Hueneme resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7756

DETAILS:

On January 6, 2019 at approximately 8:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 4000 block of South Victoria Avenue regarding a possible stabbing victim.

When officers arrived, they contacted a 35-year-old Hispanic male suffering from several stab wounds to his upper body. He was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment of his injuries. The suspect, who was identified as Deysi Gonzalez-Palomares, had fled the scene before the arrival of officers.

It was believed that Gonzalez-Palomares had been sitting in a vehicle with the male victim prior to the incident. During the course of the investigation it was determined that Gonzalez-Palomares obtained a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times prior to fleeing on foot. The investigation also revealed that both Gonzalez-Palomares and the victim are married but separated with children. They reside in the cities of Port Hueneme and Oxnard respectively.

Officers located Gonzalez-Palomares hours later on the date of the stabbing. She was found to have self-inflicted, non-life-threatening injuries. Officers contacted EMS and had her transported to a local hospital for treatment. She was admitted to the hospital while she recovered from her injuries.

On January 8, 2019 at approximately 7:40 p.m., Gonzalez-Palomares was released from the hospital. Officers transported her to the Ventura County Jail where she was booked for the attempted murder of her husband. Her bail was set at $560,000.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Donald Ehrhardt at (805) 385-7609, 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: January 9, 2019 at 4:40 p.m.