OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Drug Overdoses in the City of Oxnard

DATE/TIME:

October 24, 2018, 5:35 p.m. – 10:04 p.m.

LOCATION:

North Oxnard, West Oxnard, Central Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

38 Year old male (Non-fatal Overdose)

62 Year old male (Fatal Overdose)

33 Year old male (Non-fatal Overdose)

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

Commander Sharon Giles 805-385-7620

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On October 24, 2018, the City of Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to three calls for service involving drug overdoses in a five hour period.

At 5:35 p.m., Oxnard police officers and EMS were dispatched to a suspected heroin overdose in a North Oxnard restaurant bathroom. The 38 year old male victim was revived by EMS personnel after being administered Naloxone (medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore normal respiration) and transported to a local hospital.

At 8:03 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a second call for service at a sober living facility in West Oxnard. The staff at the facility located a 62 year old male resident in the bathroom who was unconscious and not breathing. Despite lifesaving efforts, EMS unfortunately was not able to revive the victim from a fatal heroin overdose.

At 10:04 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received several calls for service regarding a subject disturbing in the central area of the city. The victim was a 33 year old male who was transported by EMS to a local hospital for an overdose from suspected methamphetamine use.

In the United States, approximately 115 people die each day as the result of overdosing from opioids. The addiction to pain relievers such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Roxicodone has caused a dramatic increase in heroin use nationally and in Ventura County. Heroin is cheaper and a more readily available alternative to opioid pills. Heroin is often cut and mixed with fentanyl to increase the potency and profitability of the drug. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and is lethal in very small dosages. A lethal dosage amount could be as little as the size of three grains of salt.

The Ventura County Combined Agency Narcotic Team (VCAT) has recently made seizures of counterfeit Roxicodone pills which tested positive for fentanyl by the Ventura County Crime Laboratory. In addition, several kilograms of raw fentanyl were seized by VCAT. The amount of raw fentanyl seized would be more than enough to kill every resident in the City of Oxnard.

The seized counterfeit Roxicodone pills were identical in size, color, and manufacture stampings, thus the user would not be able to know if he or she was ingesting a fake pill which is actually contains a potentially lethal amount of fentanyl. Opiate pills are not the only counterfeit pills being produced illegally which contain fentanyl. Recent seizures across the nation have found fentanyl in counterfeit Xanax (Alprazolam) pills, which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Ventura County had a total of 165 overdose deaths during 2017, which is up sharply from 116 in 2016; this is an alarming 42% increase. The City of Oxnard has had an increase in both fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses during that same time period.

The City of Oxnard had approximately 35 fatal overdoses and 150 non-fatal overdoses in 2017. Since January 1, 2018, the City of Oxnard is on track with the previous year’s fatal and non-fatal drug overdose rates.

In 2017, Oxnard Emergency Medical Services first responders and the Oxnard Police Department officers administered Naloxone approximately 150 times in lifesaving efforts to combat the fatal overdose/opioid epidemic. Since January 1, 2018, EMS has administered Naloxone 105 times to opioid drug overdose victims.

The opioid epidemic crosses all demographics and boundaries. The rate of addiction and overdoses have changed the lives of the nation and Ventura County residents. Very few people can say they do not know somebody who is not affected by the epidemic. Victims range from family members, friends, church members, co-workers, associates to professionals, basically all walks of life. Opioid pill addiction often starts from painkiller use as the result of an injury or surgery or recreational use of opioid pills and progresses to heroin dependency.

Law enforcement in Ventura County has been collaborating with agencies such as Ventura County Behavioral Health to save lives and combat the opioid epidemic. Oxnard Police Department patrol officers carry and have administered Naloxone to overdose victims.

In addition, VC Behavioral Health provides Naloxone kits for family members or people living with an individual struggling with opiate/opioid addiction. Naloxone kits have saved the lives of numerous individuals since being distributed to family members or friends. The administration of Naloxone restores breathing / repository system, which buys vital time until EMS arrives.

If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction or drug dependency please refer to the Ventura County Behavioral Health for a list of resources available. Opioid education is the first and most vital step to combat the epidemic.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 25, 2018 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	October 26, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, October 26, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 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 606 DUI collisions which have claimed 11 lives and resulted in another 467 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: October 25, 2018 / 1:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Series of Indecent Exposure Incidents
DATE/TIME:	October 22, 2018 / 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Neighborhood, North Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male in his late teens or early 20’s, with a medium build, wearing a grey shirt and grey or checkered shorts with a skateboard
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7756

DETAILS:

On October 22, 2018, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department was contacted regarding a Hispanic male exposing himself to females in the area of Gonzales Road and Lantana Street. Officers arrived at the scene and contacted witnesses who said that the suspect had fled from the area prior to the arrival of police.

At approximately 11:50 a.m., additional calls were received regarding similar incidents in the 1000 block of Indigo Place near Sierra Linda Park. Again, the suspect fled from the area and is still outstanding. The suspect was described as being a Hispanic male in his late teens or early 20’s, with a medium build, wearing a grey shirt and grey or checkered shorts in possession of a skateboard.

These incidents occurred in the Sierra Linda neighborhood in North Oxnard and it is believed that the suspect may have friends or family in the area. The Oxnard Police Department is asking for assistance from the public to help locate and identify the perpetrator.

If anyone has further information regarding these incidents, they are encouraged to come forward and contact Detective Mike McManama at (805) 385-7662.

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 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You can also visit the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

This investigation is open and ongoing and residents are reminded to be alert and aware of their surroundings and the people around them. Frequent patrols will be conducted in the Sierra Linda neighborhood to increase the safety of the community. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they witness or become a victim of similar crimes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 22, 2018 / 9:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:

10/22/18, 4:50 p.m.

LOCATION:

2800 block of Saviers Road

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Jerlance Perkins, Port Hueneme resident, age 48

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Maroon Ford Expedition

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On 10/22/18, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of South I Street regarding a man threatening with a handgun. The suspect fled in a maroon colored Ford Expedition prior to officers arriving on scene. A description of the vehicle was broadcasted to the responding police units and a patrol officer observed a vehicle matching the description in the 2800 block of Saviers Rd.

A high risk traffic stop was conducted. Suspect Jerlance Perkins, age 48, was the driver of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 40 caliber handgun was located. Perkins was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon, 25400(a)(1) of the Penal Code. Perkins has a previous conviction for the same charge. Therefore, per the Penal Code, any subsequent arrest for the same charge is processed as a felony. An adult female passenger in the vehicle was also arrested for several outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Officers were unable to locate any brandishing victim related to the original call for service.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any criminal activity, is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. Individuals can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or by going to http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/22/18, 8:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service/Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	October 24, 2018, 6:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	400 Block of West Kamala
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Aguirre, 22 year-old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez Jr., Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Comander [email protected] (805) 207-7234

DETAILS:

On October 24, 2018, at approximately 06:00 a.m., Officers with the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and K-9 unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Kamala Street, City of Oxnard. During the search warrant a firearm and ammunition was located. One of the residents, Victor Aguirre, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearms related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s is committed to reducing gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws. 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.

INCIDENT:

Barricaded Subject

DATE/TIME:

October 20, 2018, 7:24 p.m.

LOCATION:

5100 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard CA

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Eusebio Tavares, 40 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

[email protected]

(805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Michael Velasquez, Detective

[email protected]

805-385-8287

DETAILS:

On October 20, 2018 at approximately 1924 hours, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a residence in 5100 block of Perkins Road in the City of Oxnard. A call was received regarding a possible domestic violence incident at that location. When officers arrived on scene they heard a subject, later identified as Esebio Tavares, making statements and yelling that lead officers to believe additional occupants were inside the residence and were being held against their will.

The Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Team, Crisis Negotiation Team and Neighborhood Policing Team responded to assist with the incident. Officers were able to establish communication with Tavares. Shortly thereafter, Tavares became non-compliant and discontinued any communications. Tavares refused to follow any commands by officers and barricaded himself in the residence. After several hours Tavares ultimately surrendered to waiting officers. It was found that Tavares was the sole occupant of the residence and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Tavares was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and not complying with the officers on scene.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Michael Velasquez at (805) 385-8287. 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 www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 21, 2018 / 0130 Hours

INCIDENT:

Juvenile Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Ammunition, Cocaine and Xanax for Sale

DATE/TIME:

October 19^th, 2018 / 9:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

Cypress Road and Pleasant Valley Road

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

17 Year Old Juvenile, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Martin Cook, Senior Officer

[email protected]

805-385-7600

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

[email protected]

805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On October 19^th, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cypress Road and Pleasant Valley Road in the City of Oxnard. The right front passenger, a 17 year old juvenile, was asked to provide identification and was found to have a small bag of cocaine in his left hand. The juvenile was then arrested for possession of cocaine. During a search incident to arrest of the vehicle for additional contraband, the juvenile was found in possession of a loaded .25 caliber Raven handgun, approximately one ounce of marijuana, approximately 200 Xanax pills, a gram scale and several hundred dollars of cash in mixed denominations indicative of controlled substance sales.

After the juvenile was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Hall Facility, Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search at the juvenile’s residence in the south end of Oxnard. During the search of the juvenile’s bedroom, additional large quantities of Xanax, .25 caliber ammunition, almost two pounds of marijuana and a gun cleaning kit were located.

The juvenile is a known gang member in the City of Oxnard. The juvenile was arrested for numerous firearms violations, possession of cocaine and possession of Xanax for sale.

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: October 19^th, 2018 / 11:55 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

October 19, 2018; 8:37 p.m.

LOCATION:

800 Block S. “A” Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Luis Diego, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

[email protected]

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On October 19, 2018, at about 8:37PM, a motor officer with the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2015 Honda Civic for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle was previously reported stolen in Oxnard. The driver, Luis Diego, was arrested without incident for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges.

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: 10/19/18, 2330 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Teen Driver Safety Week
DATE/TIME:	October 21-27, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Rules for the Road:

Week Dedicated to Teaching Teen Drivers How to be Safe behind the Wheel

National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 21-27

Next week is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the Oxnard Police Department wants to remind parents and guardians the importance of talking to their teen drivers about new responsibilities and rules that come with operating a vehicle.

The reality is that vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 18. According to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 73,736 crashes in 2016 involving drivers 16 to 20 years old in California alone. In those crashes, 437 people were killed.

Throughout the week (Oct. 21-27), the Oxnard Police Department will join the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in offering tips to parents and caregivers on how to talk to teens about the consequences of making dangerous and illegal choices behind the wheel.

Graduated Driver License (GDL): Learn about California’s GDL laws, which place restrictions on passengers and driving late at night during the first year they have a license.
Lead by example: Practice safe driving yourself. Have practice driving sessions with your teen.
Set Ground Rules: No cell phones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, no drowsy driving, and always buckle up. No keys until they know the rules. Establish consequences you will enforce if your teen breaks the rules.
With driving comes great responsibility: Remind your teen that driving requires your full attention. Texts and phone calls can wait. Teach them about zero-tolerance laws and the adult consequences they face for driving after drinking or using drugs. Urge them to never ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

To learn more about teen driver safety, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website at http://ghsa.org/html/issues/teens/index.html.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 19, 2018 / 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force Continues Its Enforcement; #NotThisCar!
DATE/TIME:	10/17/18, 10:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Ninth Street
SUSPECT(S):	Rubiel Juarez-Garcia, 27 years old Joseph Garcia, 25 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 10/17/18 at approximately 10:30 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a previously reported stolen truck traveling southbound on Ventura Road approaching Ninth Street. Detectives stopped the vehicle and arrested Rubiel Juarez-Garcia, 27 years old.

One of the detectives involved in the arrest of Juarez-Garcia, was working a burglary case where surveillance footage had captured an image of the suspect. The detective recognized Juarez-Garcia as the person in the surveillance footage. Juarez-Garcia was ultimately charged with burglary, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and an outstanding felony warrant. This is Juarez-Garcia’s THIRD arrest for vehicle theft in the last couple months.

Today, 10/18/18 at 2:32 a.m., an officer located an occupied stolen vehicle near the intersection of Del Sur Way and La Costa Place. The suspect, Joseph Garcia, 25 years old, fled from the vehicle as officers approached. Garcia was located after a yard-to-yard search and taken into custody for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.

To combat the increase in vehicle theft throughout the city, the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives came up with an aggressive strategy to lower instances of stolen vehicles: use of “bait cars” throughout the city, social Media (FB, Instagram, etc.) informational posts, property crimes investigators will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office for greater prosecution of repeat offenders, suspects arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be charged with DUI, use of theft deterrent stickers will be offered to vehicle owners and officers will be detached from patrol duties for the sole purpose of locating stolen vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot be alone in this campaign to curb vehicle theft. Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Let criminals know #NotThisCar!

Residents are encouraged to be “Partners in Public Safety” and are reminded to report suspicious activity to police. Residents can report anonymously and translators are available 24/7. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/18/18, 5:02 p.m.