OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Investigators Make an Arrest in Oxnard’s 13th Homicide of 2018

DATE/TIME:

October 18, 2018, at 10:15 a.m.

LOCATION:

Intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Jorge Gonzalez Tejada 23 year-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Gerardo Miguel Rodriguez-Grajeda 33 year-old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805)385-7763

[email protected]

FOLLOW UP MEDIA CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805)385-7763

[email protected]

Commander Sharon Giles (805)385-7620

[email protected]

DETAILS:

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested Gerardo Miguel Rodriguez-Grajeda for the murder of 23-year old Oxnard resident, Jorge Gonzalez Tejada.

On September 23, 2018, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street regarding an injury traffic collision. When police officers arrived, Mr. Tejeda was found lying in the intersection with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Mr. Tejeda was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) where he passed away due to his injuries.

Major Crimes investigators worked diligently and thoroughly, investigating the suspicious death of Mr. Tejeda and identified the person responsible. Through the course of the investigation, Investigators learned Mr. Tejada was intentionally struck and killed by the vehicle driven by the registered owner, Rodriguez-Grajeda.

On October 18, 2018, Major Crimes investigators arrested Rodriguez-Grajeda at the Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of Mr. Tejeda. Rodriguez-Grajeda, who was in custody on charges unrelated to the homicide investigation, will remain in custody at the Ventura County Jail on a bail amount of $750,000.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of this incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators through the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/fifthandmeta. You can provide the video or photographs and remain anonymous.

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.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 18, 2018, at 11:30 a.m.

Gerardo Rodriguez-Grajeda

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

DATE/TIME:

October 17, 2018; 7:44 p.m.

LOCATION:

Kohala Street and Latigo Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Jessica Castro, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

Nicole Rasalan, 41-year-old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On October 17, 2018, at approximately 7:44 p.m., a patrol officer spotted and stopped a stolen 2013 Honda Accord at the intersection of Kohala Street and Latigo Avenue. The driver, 27-year-old Jessica Castro, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, 10851 of the Vehicle Code. The passenger, 41-year-old Nicole Rasalan, was arrested for receiving a stolen motor vehicle, 496d(a) of the Vehicle Code. Both offenses are felonies.

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: 10/17/18, 2300 hours

Castro, Jessica Rasalan, Nicole

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2018 K-9 Trials
DATE/TIME:	October 12-14, 2018
LOCATION:	Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Departments K-9 Unit participated in the annual K-9 Trials this past weekend at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was sponsored by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The annual event brings K-9 units from around the country and abroad to compete and showcase their skills, in Obedience, Handler Protection, Narcotic detection, Explosive detection and Agility. This year’s participants reached its pinnacle as the largest contingency of K-9 teams (66), in the events 28-year history.

The Oxnard Police Departments K-9 Unit, Senior Officer Daniel Casson/ K-9 Capone, Officer Robert Caston/ K-9 KOA, and Officer Moses Martinez/ K-9 LEO competed at the highest level of the competition earning several awards: First Place Handler Protection & Building Search; Second Place Handler Protection; Third Place Area Search & Handler Protection, and the coveted Top Dog and Top Agency.

The K-9 Trials were funded through the Oxnard Community K-9 Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1980 and has been a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization since 1995. The Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit relies on support from the community, through donations and various annual fundraising events. The Foundation covers the purchase cost of the police service dogs, training for the K-9 teams throughout their career, off-duty care, equipment, food, and medical costs for retired police service dogs. We are always looking for support, whether it’s donating your time at a fundraiser or providing financial support, you will be proud to know you are directly supporting public safety. Congratulations OPD K-9 Unit.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 16, 2018 / 1:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Brandishing / Possession of a Loaded Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/14/18; 5:40PM
LOCATION:	1800 Block La Puerta Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Villalobos, 27 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide [email protected] 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On October 14, 2018 at about 5:20PM, officers responded to a radio call regarding a brandishing of a firearm. During the investigation, Oxnard Police Officers located the suspect vehicle driving in the area. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Jose Villalobos. During the investigation, officers located a loaded firearm in the vehicle.

Jose Villalobos, a 27 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for brandishing a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, both misdemeanors.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 14, 2018 / 7:15PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded man arrested after threatening to kill his mother
DATE/TIME:	October 12, 2018 / 7:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	1000 North A Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jonathan Gonzalez, 35-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] (805) 207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] (805) 207-4762

DETAILS:

On Friday, October 12, 2018, at about 3:15 p.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of North A Street in central Oxnard reference a man threatening to kill his mom with a knife. Officers were told the man was Jonathan Gonzalez, 35-years-old. The mom escaped to the alley. Gonzalez retreated to the garage and into a vehicle inside when officers arrived. He was uncooperative, and officers surrounded the area.

Gonzalez barricaded himself in the vehicle in the garage for hours until the standoff ended using a variety of methods. A knife was found inside the vehicle.

This was the third time in two days police had been called to the house. On Thursday, officers were called to the house at about 11 a.m. when Gonzalez threatened to hurt his mother. It was believed that he was suffering from an acute mental health problem. Crisis Intervention Officers were able to de-escalate the situation and collaborate with Behavioral Health without the situation becoming more volatile.

Officers returned to the house at about 10 a.m. Friday after another call from Gonzalez’s mother, where again she feared for her life. Police were able to get the family to leave the house unharmed.

Gonzalez was arrested after the 4-hour standoff for assault with a deadly weapon and making criminal threats.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 12, 2018 / 2000 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Tackle Increased Vehicle Thefts with Aggressive #NotThisCar 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 [email protected]

DETAILS:

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

Most of the time, we are right BUT…

Since the beginning of the year, the Oxnard Police Department has received over 600 reports of stolen vehicles. With three months to go in the year, statistics show that last year’s total of stolen vehicles could be surpassed.

Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives noticed the upswing and came up with an aggressive strategy to combat instances of stolen vehicles. These measures ask for the community’s help, as well as, that of the District Attorney’s Office. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit and the Auto Theft Task Force will be employing the following tactics to help curb vehicle theft:

Use of “bait cars” throughout the city – Vehicles equipped with surveillance equipment will be placed in strategic areas of the city. Suspects take their chances when entering and taking a vehicle as it could potentially be a “bait car.”
Social Media (FB, Instagram, etc.) informational posts – An informed community is a safe community. Crime prevention posts will be sent out on social media, along with updates of EVERY arrest of a vehicle theft suspect. The message will also be shared during community meetings and it will be present on informational signage throughout the city.
Property crimes investigators will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office for greater prosecution of repeat offenders – Offenders with multiple cases will be scrutinized and tougher sentencing will be recommended.
Suspects arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Suspects, if convicted, can be fined over $15,000.
The use of theft deterrent stickers will be offered to vehicle owners – The sticker warns would-be vehicle thieves that the vehicle may be under surveillance by the Oxnard Police Department. As some vehicles are vulnerable to multiple thefts, the Oxnard Police Department is targeting these vehicles for enhanced observation.
Additional enforcement details – officers will be detached from patrol duties for the sole purpose of locating stolen vehicles. These vehicles will have a door magnet with “Auto Theft Enforcement” on it. Also, warrant sweeps of vehicle theft offenders will take place.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot be alone in this campaign to curb vehicle theft. 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 a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! 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.

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 [email protected] or Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/11/18, 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Suspect Arrested; New Theft Deterrent Program Now In Effect In Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	10/10/18, 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	El Cajon Way / Lawrence Way
SUSPECT(S):	Angela Chadwick, 29 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Crystal Walker, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7668

DETAILS:

On 10/10/18 at approximately 10:00 a.m., the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) was alerted by the family of a victim of vehicle theft, that the stolen vehicle was seen in the area of El Cajon Way and Lawrence Way. During the recovery of the vehicle, the suspect, Angela Chadwick, 29 years old, returned to the area. Chadwick was contacted and admitted to the vehicle theft. She was taken into custody for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property. Chadwick has prior arrests for theft and narcotics.

At the conclusion of the investigation, OATTF officers offered the victim a new theft deterrent sticker. The sticker warns would-be vehicle thieves that the vehicle may be under surveillance by the Oxnard Police Department. As some vehicles are vulnerable to multiple thefts, the Oxnard Police Department is targeting these vehicles for enhanced surveillance.

In addition, detectives from the OATTF, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents who are owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles. A limited amount of steering wheel locks are available to non-Honda owners. For details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/10/18, 5:00p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service / Felony Arrest
DATE/TIME:	October 10, 2018, 5:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	2400 Block Trinity Place, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	33 Year old Oxnard resident (male)
SUSPECT(S):	Cesar Morales, 25 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective [email protected] 805-288-3289

DETAILS:

On October 3, 2018, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 2400 block of Trinity Place in the City of Oxnard reference an assault victim. The victim sustained moderate injuries and was transported to St. Johns hospital. The victim was treated and released the same day.

Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Gang Unit (VCU) investigated the case, and through the course of their investigation Cesar Morales was identified as the person responsible for the assault.

On October 10, 2018, at approximately 05:30 a.m. Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Gang Unit (VCU) in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K-9 unit, served a search warrant at a residence in the 2400 block of Trinity Place, City of Oxnard. During the search warrant items of evidentiary value were located and Oxnard resident Cesar Morales was arrested, and charged with Assault with a Deadly Weapon and booked into Ventura County Jail.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Jonathan Ballow at (805) 288-3289. 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 10, 2018 / 1000 Hours

Cesar Morales

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide

DATE/TIME:

September 23, 2018, at 02:35 a.m.

LOCATION:

Intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Jorge Gonzalez Tejada 23 year-old, Hispanic male

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

FOLLOW UP MEDIA CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

Commander Sharon Giles (805)385-7620

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On September 23, 2018 at approximately 2:35 a.m., Officers responded to a call for service regarding an injury traffic collision in the intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street. When officers arrived, they located Jorge Gonzalez Tejeda lying in the intersection. Mr. Tejeda was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) where he ultimately passed away from complications due to his injuries.

When investigators took over the investigation, the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tejada’s death were initially suspicious. After several weeks of investigating this incident, investigators now have enough information to establish this incident as a homicide. Investigators discovered that Mr. Tejeda was involved in an altercation minutes before he was found in the intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street. It is believed that the altercation started in the west alley of the 600 block of South Oxnard Boulevard next to El Miramar Bar nightclub.

Based on the area where the altercation began, investigators believe there are several people that witnessed the altercation that occurred in the west alley of the 600 block of South Oxnard Boulevard.

Investigators have learned that Mr. Tejeda was intentionally struck by a white Jeep Cherokee sports utility vehicle at the intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street. The Jeep Cherokee fled the scene after the collision. The vehicle has been recovered, but there is not an identified suspect at this time.

This is the 13^th homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard.

Investigators are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of this incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators through the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/fifthandmeta. You can provide the video or photographs and remain anonymous.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 9, 2018, at 04:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Violating California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act
DATE/TIME:	October 9, 2018 / 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Ave. at Channel Islands Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alberto Herrera, 28-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On October 9, at approximately 2:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop they made contact with passenger Alberto Herrera, a documented criminal street gang member who is also on supervised release. Officers removed Herrera from the vehicle to exercise his court ordered probation terms and found that he was sitting on a large handgun.

Prior to the traffic stop, the vehicle that Herrera was riding in had passed by an elementary school in violation of California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act. Violation of the Gun-Free School Zone Act is a felony and is a violation if the handgun is carried within 1,000 feet of a school.

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.

Alberto Herrera

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 9, 2018 / 1600 hours