NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Strong Arm Robbery Arrest

DATE/TIME:

8/29/18, 6:47 p.m.

LOCATION:

300 Block of N. Marquita Avenue, City of Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Christopher Lopez, 21 years old, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett Smith, Sergeant

(805) 248-9122

Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 8/29/18, at approximately 6:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to a strong arm robbery that just occurred in the 300 block of N. Marquita Avenue. The victim reported the suspect approached him, simulated a weapon, and took his cell phone from his hands. The suspect was described, in part, as wearing a Dallas Cowboys jersey and left the scene on foot.

It was reported that, after the first crime, the suspect approached an occupied vehicle nearby and committed an additional strong arm robbery to one of its occupants. However, during the investigation, officers were unable to locate the possible second victim.

An Oxnard Police Department Patrol Officer responding to the scene observed a subject matching the suspect description at the intersection of Cooper Road and Anita Avenue and detained him. During an infield line-up, the victim positively identified suspect Christopher Lopez, who was found to be in possession of the victim’s cell phone. Lopez, who was previously served with the Colonia Chiques civil gang injunction, was arrested for robbery.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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 this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/30/18, 2:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Series of Armed Robberies

DATE/TIME:

August 29, 2018, 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

100 block E Bard Road, Oxnard, 1100 block S “C” Street, Oxnard, 1700 block E Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Names Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

H/M, 5’9, 20-30 years, medium build

PREPARED BY:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122

DETAILS: On August 29, 2018, between 8:30 – 9:30 p.m., a series of three armed robberies occurred south of Channel Islands Blvd. in Oxnard. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to each robbery. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the robberies. The investigation is ongoing and an update will be forthcoming as soon as investigators are able to release information that will not compromise the investigation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/29/18, 11:45 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	August 30, 2018 / 6:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint planned this Thursday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. The Oxnard Police Department 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.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard PD officers have investigated 776 DUI collisions which have claimed 13 lives and resulted in another 498 injuries.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.

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 you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve 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 safe way to get home by taxi, ride-share or public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).
See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

People are encouraged to be a part of the designated driver very important person (“DDVIP”) program. As a DDVIP, you can ensure those drinking get home safely and get rewarded for it. Partnering bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks.

Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving (RADD) also offers a Designated Driver Rewards program at 43 college campuses statewide: http://collegeisradd.org/campus-partners/. Local bars and restaurants provide non-alcoholic drinks and/or food specials to DD’s.

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: August 29, 2018 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 28, 2018, 11:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	Bismark Way @ Albany Drive
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Bedolla, 23-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On August 28, 2018, at about 11:40 a.m., an Oxnard police officer contacted a suspicious subject in a parked vehicle reference possibly selling narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded .40 caliber handgun.

Jesus Bedolla, a 23-year-old Oxnard resident, was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 28, 2018 / 1:10 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Pursuit, Single Vehicle Collision and Assault Arrests

DATE/TIME:

8/25/18, 2313 hours

LOCATION:

4900 Block of Terrace Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Adult female and juvenile female

SUSPECT(S):

Marcos Cervantes, 18 year old Oxnard resident

Luis Alfaro, 20 year old Oxnard resident

Adrian Perez, 20 year old Oxnard resident

Angelica Hernandez, 18 year old Oxnard resident

Male adult

Female juvenile

VEHICLE(S)

Black 2006 Chrysler 300

PREPARED BY:

Commander Kevin Baysinger

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Cmdr. Kevin Baysinger

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On August 25, 2018 at about 11:13PM, Oxnard Police Officers were called to a domestic dispute in the 4900 Block of Terrace Avenue. The reporting party stated that one person involved was in possession of a firearm, and that this person left in a black Chrysler 300.

As officers were responding to the call, the black Chrysler 300 was seen leaving the area. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle; the vehicle failed to yield and officers began pursuing the vehicle. The vehicle travelled north on Rose Avenue, then entered southbound Highway 101 from Rose Avenue. The pursuit was terminated as speeds reached in excess of 100 miles per hour while on the freeway.

After the pursuit was terminated, the vehicle exited at Del Norte Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway as it attempted to turn on Del Norte, resulting in a single vehicle collision as it went down an embankment. Six occupants exited the vehicle without assistance. All were treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

While speaking with the victim on Terrace Avenue, officers learned that Alfaro assaulted the victim; also present during this assault was a young child. Additionally, other persons in the company of Alfaro began assaulting the victim with glass bottles before fleeing the scene. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Several occupants of the vehicle that fled from police were arrested. Cervantes was arrested for felony vehicular evading; Alfaro was arrested for felony domestic abuse, assault with a deadly weapon, and felony child endangerment; Perez and Hernandez were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. An additional adult male and a female juvenile were not arrested at this time as they were being treated for injuries sustained in the single vehicle collision. Their injuries do not appear to be life threatening at this time.

Officers did not locate a firearm.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 26, 2018 / 3:35AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 19, 2018, 12:27 PM
LOCATION:	Ilena Street and Ninth Street
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Alonte Pless, 25 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Edgar Fernandez Edgar.Fernandez@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On August 19, 2018 at about 12:25PM, an Oxnard Police Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, Alonte Pless, was found to be driving on a suspended license. Pless became uncooperative when asked to exit the vehicle. Pless was subsequently taken into the custody and arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 357 handgun inside the vehicle.

Alonte Pless, a 25 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 19, 2018 / 3:15PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide

DATE/TIME:

August 24, 2018, 11:28 p.m.

LOCATION:

5300 block of South J Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Juan Cerda, 40 years-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 13, 2018 at approximately 10:22 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service regarding a shooting victim in the 5300 block of South J Street. When officers arrived, they located Mr. Juan Cerda who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to his head.

Mr. Cerda was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery. At the time, Mr. Cerda was listed in extremely critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.

On August 24, 2018, Mr. Cerda passed away from complications due to the injuries he sustained on August 13th, despite the lifesaving efforts of the medical staff. His body was transferred to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mr. Cerda’s death is now being investigated as a homicide.

This is the 12^th homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645. 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.

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Detectives are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/5300sjstreet

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 25, 2018, 12:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Subject in Possession of a Loaded Firearm

DATE/TIME:

August 18, 2018, @ 5:15 P.M

LOCATION:

Doris Ave @ A Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Alan Quintero, 21 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robert Flinn, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 18, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Doris Avenue and A Street. During the officer’s contact with the occupants of the vehicle a loaded handgun was located belonging to Quintero. He was arrested and charged with violating Penal Code section 25400(a)(3) carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

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: August 18, 2018, at 12:30 A.M.

INCIDENT:

Serious Assault with a Knife

DATE/TIME:

August 18, 2018, 10:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

4000 block Dallas Drive, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

H/F, 5’6, medium build, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122

DETAILS: On August 18, 2018, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 4000 block of Dallas Drive. Officers contacted the victim and found the victim was suffering from several stab wounds. The victim was immediately transported by ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery. The victim is currently listed in critical condition. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault. The investigation is ongoing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/18/18, 11:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Enforcement Campaign

DATE/TIME:

August 17 through September 3, 2018

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

805-385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

This Labor Day, and Every Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Oxnard, Calif. — As we enter the final stretch of summer spending time at the pool or barbequing with friends and family, the Oxnard Police Department is driving home the importance of celebrating responsibly by not driving or riding a motorcycle impaired.

From August 17 through September 3, the Oxnard Police Department is participating in a high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, police and sheriff’s departments statewide, along with the California Highway Patrol, will increase the number of officers on the road to stop suspected drunk or drug-impaired drivers and motorcyclists. If you are caught driving or riding impaired, you will be pulled over and arrested.

The Oxnard Police Department will have a special emphasis during this 18-day mobilization to enforce all traffic violations by deploying DUI saturation patrols on the following date(s): August 18, August 25, and September 1. In addition to the DUI saturation patrols, the Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on August 30, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The enforcement campaign runs through the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest times of year in terms of alcohol-involved traffic deaths. Sadly, one-third of all traffic deaths involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,497 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes or one person every 50 minutes.

The Oxnard Police Department will show zero tolerance for impaired driving or riding and joins efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, you may be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing and result in a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

In the ten years from 2005-2015, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with an impairing drug other than alcohol in their system has risen from 26.2 percent to 42.6 percent. As far back as 2012, a roadside survey in California showed more drivers tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).

During this national enforcement campaign, there will also be increased national messages about the dangers of riding impaired, which combined with enforcement, aims to drastically reduce drunk or drug-impaired riding on our nation’s roadways.

Motorcycles require specific training and skill. When a rider adds alcohol, marijuana, or impairing prescription medication to the mix, it is not only illegal but increases the risky nature of riding a motorcycle.

There are so many options out there to get home safely. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired.

To avoid a DUI and putting others, and yourself, at risk, the Oxnard Police Department has a few tips to stay safe on the roads:

Always designate a sober driver.
Use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home.
Have a friend or family member who is about to drive buzzed or impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
Report drunk drivers – call 911.

Funding for this DUI operation 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: August 16, 2018 / 4:00 p.m.