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.

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 6, 2018 / 2315 hours

INCIDENT:

Gang related firearm arrest

DATE/TIME:

September 6, 2018 @ 1345 hours

LOCATION:

Lawnwood Way / “F” Street

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Gustavo Aguilar, 29 year old Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

N/A

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

White Nissan Altima

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger (805) 385-7746

Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 6, 2018, at about 1250 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a possible domestic in the area of Lawnwood Way and Dover Street in Oxnard. Additional information was received that a white Nissan Altima with three male occupants was associated with this incident.

Officers located a white Altima parked on “F” Street at Lawnwood Way, occupied by three males. The person in the driver’s seat identified himself as 29 year old Gustavo Aguilar. Officers learned that Aguilar is currently on parole with search terms for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Aguilar is also a documented gang member. The two other adult males were on probation with search terms.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded .25 caliber firearm under the driver’s seat. Adjacent to the firearm, officers found a small amount of a substance suspected to be crystal methamphetamine. Aguilar was arrested for multiple firearm-related offenses, including being a felon in possession of a firearm (a felony), possession of a controlled substance with a firearm (a felony), possessing a concealed firearm in a vehicle (a felony), and street terrorism (also a felony). Additional charges including drug-related charges and possession of ammunition by a prohibited person.

The other two occupants of the vehicle were both arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance (a 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, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 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: September 6, 2018/ 2235 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Series Update
DATE/TIME:	September 5, 2018, 5:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Two locations in Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Male Juvenile, Resident of Oxnard Gabriel Jose Mora, 18 years, Resident of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Brett A. Smith, Violent Crimes Unit Brett.Smith@Oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jonathan Ballow, (805) 288-3289 Jonathan.Ballow@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On September 5, 2018, at 5:00 a.m., Officers and investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Operations Division served two (2) Search Warrants at two separate locations in Oxnard. This was in response to the robberies that occurred on August 29, 2018. The Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding these robberies. The investigation revealed the same subjects from the August 29^th robberies are responsible for three (3) additional robberies in Oxnard.

During the search warrants this morning, Investigators found evidence linking all six robberies to a juvenile and a male adult, both were arrested. The juvenile was booked into the Juvenile Justice facility for armed robbery, and the male suspect, Gabriel Mora, 5/3/00, was booked into the Ventura County Jail on six (6) counts of armed robbery and Street Terrorism

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: September 5, 2018, 2:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Kidnapping For Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	September 5, 2018, 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	E. First St., Oxnard Ca. 93030
SUSPECT(S):	Jade Rubio, 21 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jonathan Ballow, 288-3289 or jonathan.ballow@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On June 3, 2018, at approximately 2:09 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the 2000 block of N. Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard; reference a possible carjacking that just occurred. When officers arrived they located a victim who told them he was robbed of his personal belongings and his vehicle. Officers learned the victim picked up the suspect, Jade Rubio, and her friend to give them a ride. The victim agreed to let Rubio drive his car. Rubio brought the victim to an undisclosed location where a third male suspect was waiting with a gun. The male suspect pulled the victim from the car and robbed him at gun point while taking the victims personal belongings.

The victim was forced back into the vehicle at gun point where the suspects demanded the victim provide his PIN numbers to his ATM/Credit cards. The suspects proceeded to drive the victim throughout the city withdrawing money from the victim’s accounts.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continued to investigate crime after the initial police response. During the course of their investigation, investigators learned the identity of one of the suspect’s, Jade Rubio.

On September 02, 2018, the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit arrested Rubio in the area of E. First St., Oxnard, Ca. for the above charges. The Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit anticipates additional arrests for the remaining suspects involved in this incident.

Jade Rubio

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	09-03-18 / 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Victoria Ave. @ Wooley Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Juan Cruz 19-year-old Oxnard resident (deceased) Karisa Serrato 20-year-old Port Hueneme resident (deceased) Martin Celis 19-year-old Oxnard resident (critical condition)
VEHICLE(S):	1991 Pontiac Firebird 2006 Lexus GS 430
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Jose Diaz (805)385-7600 Jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 3, 2018, at approximately 11:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Wooley Road. When officers arrived they located a red 1991 Pontiac Firebird south of the intersection. The driver of the vehicle, 19-year old Oxnard resident Juan Cruz, suffered major injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics. A female passenger, 20-year-old Port Hueneme resident Karisa Serrato, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. Serrato was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center but later succumbed to her injuries. A second passenger in the vehicle, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident, was also transported to the hospital and is listed in critical but stable condition.

Based upon the initial investigation, officers determined that the Firebird was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue at a high rate of speed. The Firebird collided with a Lexus GS 430 that was also traveling southbound. After colliding with the Lexus, the Firebird continued southbound through the intersection of Wooley Rd., left the roadway, and then struck a large palm tree broadside. The force of the collision knocked the palm tree over.

The driver of the Lexus, a 34-year-old male, was not injured and remained at the scene. It is unknown whether or not drugs and/or alcohol were involved in the collision. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact Officer Jose Diaz of the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit (805)385-7600 Jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9-4-18 / 7:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Persons in Possession of Firearms
DATE/TIME:	September 2, 2018 / 10:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Statham Blvd. at Sunkist Cr. and 700 blk. Hueneme Rd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	David Ortega, 43-year-old, Oxnard resident Adolfo Marin, 22-year-old, Oxnard resident Santiago Garcia, 23-year-old, Oxnard resident Jacob Steir, 21-year-old, Oxnard resident Amber Perez, 40-year-old, Camarillo resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On September 2, at approximately 10:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement and K9 units attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Statham Blvd. and Sunkist Cr. Adolfo Marin, a passenger in the vehicle, fled but was quickly apprehended. During the foot pursuit Marin discarded a loaded handgun which was recovered at the scene. Marin had a prior conviction for firearms possession which makes him a prohibited person. The remaining occupants (Ortega, Garcia, and Steir) were in possession of methamphetamine and arrested for narcotics violations. Jacob Steir, who is on parole for a previous shooting, was also placed on a parole hold.

The officers conducted a follow up investigation at a hotel that the suspects had recently left and made contact with suspect Amber Perez, who is on parole for narcotics sales. Officers searched the room and located a loaded handgun in the bed that Perez was sitting on. Perez was arrested for being a prohibited person (felon) in possession of a loaded handgun.

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.

Adolfo Marin Jacob Steir Amber Perez

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 3, 2018 / 0030 hours

INCIDENT:

DUI/Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:

9/1/18 @ 8:05PM

LOCATION:

Moonlight Park Avenue / Forest Park Boulevard

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Thomas Zavala, 22 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Commander Kevin Baysinger

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

On September 1^st, 2018 at approx. 8:05PM hours, officers conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the area of Moonlight Park Avenue and Forest Park Boulevard in Oxnard. Officers contacted the driver, 22 year old Oxnard resident Thomas Zavala, who exhibited signs and symptoms of having consumed alcohol. After an investigation, Zavala was arrested for driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a misdemeanor.

During a search of Zavala’s vehicle, officers located a firearm concealed in the vehicle. He was ultimately arrested for 23152(a)CVC, driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, 25400(a)(1)PC, possessing a concealed firearm in a vehicle, and 23103CVC, reckless driving.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 2^nd, 2018 at 0140 hours.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Gang member arrested for Robbery

DATE/TIME:

8/31/18 @ 1645 hours

LOCATION:

Magnolia Ave @ Oxnard Blvd

VICTIM(S):

56 year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Omar Romo, 29 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Officer Matt Ross

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Officer Matt Ross

Matthew.Ross@oxnardpd.org

(805) 385-8290

DETAILS:

On August 31^st, 2018 at approx. 1645 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Magnolia Ave and Oxnard Blvd. The driver of the vehicle, Omar Romo, was positively identified as the suspect who earlier this date committed a robbery involving a pizza delivery person. Romo is a documented injunction served gang member who is also a high risk parolee on Electronic Monitoring for assault with a deadly weapon. Just prior to this traffic stop, Romo cut off his electronic monitor in an effort to avoid capture.

Once contacted, Romo exited his vehicle and took a fighting stance against the officer. Romo stated he intended to hurt the arresting officer. Romo was given commands to surrender peacefully, but did not comply. Romo then punched the officer on the left side of his head and shoulder. A struggle ensued where Romo continued to fight officers. At one point, Romo attempted to grab one of the officer’s firearm, but was unsuccessful. Romo was then taken into custody where he continued to resist.

Romo was medically cleared at a local hospital, then taken to the Ventura County Jail for multiple felony charges including 211 PC, 148(D) PC and 69 PC.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 1^st, 2018 at 0030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

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

DETAILS:

On Thursday, August 30, 2018, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard north of Ash Street. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol-related arrests and DUI collisions.

DUI Checkpoint results:

734 vehicles screened

One misdemeanor warrant arrest

11 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked

19 citations issued

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

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.

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.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these reminders to ensure a fun night doesn’t get spoiled with 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 way to get home safely by taking a cab, ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, or using public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).

If you are DD, bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks

If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Offer a description of the vehicle, location and direction of travel
See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys or help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint later this month in our ongoing commitment to take suspected impaired drivers off our streets and highways, ultimately lowering the risk for deaths and injuries.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether by bike, car, motorcycle or walking, the Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/31/18 12:00 a.m.

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