NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Brandishing of a Firearm

Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm

DATE/TIME:

7-11-18/ 3:45 PM

LOCATION:

400 block W. Birch Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM(S):

Not disclosed

SUSPECT(S):

Manuel Pantoja, 46-year-old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Sgt. Chris Inglehart

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Commander Robin Whitney, robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On July 11, 2018 at 3:45 p.m., Oxnard Police Department officers responded to the 400 block of W. Birch Street to investigate a report of a neighbor brandishing a firearm. Officers learned from witnesses that Manuel Pantoja was involved in an argument with a neighbor. During the argument, Pantoja went inside his residence, retrieved a hunting rifle, and returned to the front yard with it. Pantoja then pointed the rifle at two neighbors.

Officers learned that Pantoja was on probation and was prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm. Officers conducted a probation search of Pantoja’s residence and located a 30.06 caliber, scoped hunting rifle hidden in the attic. Witnesses identified the rifle as the one Pantoja used in the brandishing incident. Pantoja was arrested for brandishing a firearm as well as being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 11, 2018/ 9:40 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 2018 / 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 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 Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI checkpoints 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, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 764 DUI collisions, which have claimed 13 lives and resulted in another 486 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.

Recent statistics reveal 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. 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.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also, through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

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, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 11, 2018 / 11:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in Oxnard; #NotThisCarOxnard Campaign
DATE/TIME:	Year-to-Date
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Crystal Walker, Detective (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

You’ve heard it all before when it comes to vehicle theft prevention: “Never Leave Your Car Unlocked”, “Never Leave Your Keys in the Car”, “Don’t Leave Your Car Idling and Unattended”, “Use Wheel Locks, Brake Pedal Locks and Steering Wheel Locks” but do we really listen? Do we really utilize these pieces of advice?

Most of the time, we believe that it won’t happen to us.

Through June 30^th, the City of Oxnard has had approximately 415 stolen vehicles. Of those, 121 (or 25%) have been Honda sedans! The total number of stolen vehicles for 2018 is 29 stolen vehicles MORE than last year. Ninety-three of those stolen vehicles were crimes of opportunity which means those vehicles were unlocked or keys were left in the vehicle.

What does that mean? It means that the Oxnard Police Department needs your help!

Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Next time you walk away from your idling vehicle, in your driveway or on the street, turn around and turn it off. If you see your neighbor running inside with their doors open or unlocked, keep an eye out or let them know. If you see a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! Let’s let criminals know #NotThisCarOxnard!

We want you to know that the Oxnard Police Department will be doing their part as well. The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) will be out in force looking for stolen vehicles and arresting the criminals responsible. Patrol officers, equipped with license plate readers on their vehicles, will also be patrolling our streets 24/7. Several community events will be announced in the coming days, in addition to enforcement details being performed.

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.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the ‘90s Honda sedans. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7755 or charles.buttell@oxnardpd.org or Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 07/10/18 @ 10:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Attempt Murder/Stabbing

DATE/TIME:

July 10, 2018, 4:00 a.m.

LOCATION:

2900 block Saviers Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

H/M, 19 years, 5’8, medium build, black shorts, black shoes

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 July 9, 2018, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 2900 block of Saviers Road. 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 stable condition. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding this violent assault.

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: 7/10/18, 4:00 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

7/8/18, 4:15 p.m.

LOCATION:

500 block of N. Roosevelt Ave

VICTIM(S):

13-year-old male

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291

DETAILS:

On 7/8/18, at approximately 4:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a shooting victim in the 500 block of N. Roosevelt Ave. Upon arrival, they located a 13-year-old male victim who sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his lower leg. The victim was transported by EMS to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation.

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: 7/8/18, 7:21 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Juvenile arrested in possession of handgun and controlled substance

DATE/TIME:

7/7/18, 7:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

4500 block of Cloyne St.

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

17 year old male juvenile

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Patrol Sergeant

(805) 857-4655, Dale.McAlpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 7, at approximately 7:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic enforcement stop on a suspicious vehicle involved in narcotic use in the 4500 block of Cloyne Street. The Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and discovered that a 17 year old male in the vehicle was in possession of a controlled substance and a loaded firearm. The juvenile was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm and other firearm related charges. The other occupants of the vehicle were interviewed and released at the scene.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/7/18, 8:25 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing 11 year old Juvenile
DATE/TIME:	July 1, 2018/ 2030 hours
LOCATION:	500 Block of North Roosevelt Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Monica Nieves (age 11)
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756

UPDATE:

During the early morning hours of July 6, 2018, Monica Nieves was located unharmed and reunited with her family. The investigation revealed that her disappearance was an intentional act and foul play was not involved. The Oxnard Police Department appreciates the effort made by everyone to ensure her safe return.

DETAILS:

On July 1, 2018, at approximately 1500 hours, Monica Nieves (age 11) walked away from the 500 Block of North Roosevelt Avenue in the City of Oxnard. At approximately 2030 hours, the parents called the Oxnard Police Department to help locate the missing juvenile whom had not returned home. The Oxnard Police Department is enlisting the public’s assistance in locating Monica Nieves. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the missing juvenile is asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department Dispatch Center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 6, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fourth of July and High Visibility DUI Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	July 4, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Help us save lives this Fourth of July

“DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze”

As celebrations associated with Independence Day–fireworks, backyard barbeques and pool parties–wind down, it’s vital we all work together to spread this life-saving message: DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze. This Independence Day holiday, the Oxnard Police Department wants to remind you to plan for a safe week of festivities by not driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or drugs. Doing so ensures you will not put others, and yourself, in danger by driving impaired.

To help reduce the heavy hearts and nightmarish memories as a result of impaired drivers, the Oxnard Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment on July 4^th and July 6-7, 2018.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. During the 2017 four-day Fourth of July holiday in California, 17 people were killed and 430 injured in alcohol-involved 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.

Prepare for the Fourth

If you will be drinking, plan how you will get around without driving. Remember these tips for a safe night on the roads:

Designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
Use your community’s sober ride program.
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.

You can also do your part by volunteering to be a designated sober driver! Through our DDVIP program, select bars and restaurants are offering non-alcoholic specialty drinks for sober drivers, among other deals: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks.

The Costs of Drunk Driving

Drinking and driving is dangerous, even if you’re “just buzzed” or drug impaired. When you drive impaired, you risk the lives and safety of those riding with you and around you. You also risk a big hit on your wallet. A first time DUI arrest could cost you up to $10,000 – which includes attorney fees, fines, very high insurance rates, car towing, an alcohol/drug education treatment program and lost time at work, not to mention jail time, years on probation, the loss of your vehicle and driver’s license.

A final statistic to remember: drunk-driving deaths are 100-percent preventable.

This enforcement effort is 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, be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’

The next statewide DUI campaign is National Impaired Driving Mobilization, which runs August 17 through the Labor Day Weekend.

To learn more about DDVIP and other OTS awareness, education and enforcement campaigns, visit www.ots.ca.gov, as well as our Facebook and Twitter pages: https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS/ and https://twitter.com/OTS_CA?lang=en.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	21^st Annual Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor
DATE/TIME:	July 4, 2018 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Harbor, City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Oxnard, CA – This Wednesday, July 4^th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 21^st annual Fourth of July event. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a 5K & 10K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road. This will be followed by the July 4^th Children’s Parade on Harbor Boulevard. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and take place on South Harbor Boulevard between Cabezone Circle and Albacore Way. Harbor Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parade. Motorists can use Sunset Lane or Ocean Drive as an alternate route.

Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at the Channel Islands Harbor. Marine Emporium Landing will have activities between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., including live music, face painting, an inflatable fun zone, and a rock climbing wall. There will also be vendors with booths as well as a farmer’s market. This will be a family-oriented event with fun for all. The event will end with a fireworks show that begins at 9:00 p.m. and can best be seen near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard.

Public consumption of alcohol, possession and use of fireworks, including those described as “Safe and Sane”, and use of flare ignition devices will not be tolerated. All of the involved law enforcement agencies will be conducting strict enforcement of all related offenses.

This event is expected to draw a large crowd and traffic delays are expected following the fireworks show. The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site. Starting at 7:00 p.m., all intersections on Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard from Fifth Street to the harbor area will be monitored by traffic officers. The Channel Islands Bridge, between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, is subject to closure prior to the fireworks display and will be closed after the fireworks display to facilitate the high traffic volume leaving the event.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department would also like to notify the public that driving on any beach in the City of Oxnard is strictly prohibited. From 5:00 p.m. on July 3^rd to noon on July 5^th, Arnold Road south of Hueneme Road will be closed to all vehicles with the exception of those who have legitimate business in that area or who are traveling to and from work. Parking restrictions on Arnold Road will also be strictly enforced.

If you live in the area of these roadways or intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience. The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible. These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.

Please have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4^th, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/3/18, 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested

DATE/TIME:

7/03/18, 1:07 a.m.

LOCATION:

1500 Block West Fifth Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

7-11

SUSPECT(S):

Arturo Hernandez, 24 year-old Oxnard resident

Marisela Suarez, 25 year-old Oxnard resident

LOSS:

Undisclosed

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

(805) 857-4655

Dale.McAlpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 7/03/18, at approximately 1:07 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery with a handgun in progress to the 7-11 business located in the 1500 block of West Fifth Street. Officers learned that the suspects took several items from the business without paying. When the clerk confronted the suspects, one suspect brandished a firearm at the clerk. The suspects then entered a vehicle and fled the area. As Officers arrived on scene they located the suspect vehicle a short distance away in the 1400 block of West Fifth Street. An enforcement stop was conducted and the suspects were taken into custody without incident for robbery. The property from the robbery was recovered from the suspects’ vehicle. A black B.B. handgun was also located and identified as the gun used in the robbery.

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: 7/03/18, 0300 hours

Arturo Hernandez

Marisela Suarez