NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Hate Crime, Possession of a Firearm, and Brandishing

DATE/TIME:

8/1/18, 4:52 PM

LOCATION:

100 block W. Esplanade Dr., Oxnard, CA

VICTIM(S):

Not disclosed

SUSPECT(S):

Rafael Lopez, 25-year-old Port Hueneme resident

PREPARED BY:

Sgt. Chris Inglehart

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Commander Robin Whitney, robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

805-385-7778

DETAILS:

On August 1, 2018, at 4:52 p.m., Oxnard Police Department officers responded to the 100 block of W. Esplanade Drive to investigate reports of a subject disturbing juveniles. When officers arrived, suspect Rafael Lopez fled on foot into a nearby parking lot and attempted to force his way into a vehicle occupied by adults and children. The family in the vehicle fought off Lopez and he fled again. As officers continued to chase Lopez, several witnesses reported that he had a gun. Lopez hid between parked cars but was tackled to the ground by an adult female Good Samaritan. At this time, Lopez dropped a semi-automatic handgun and the Good Samaritan detained Lopez until officers arrived.

After Lopez was taken into custody, the original juvenile victims reported that Lopez brandished a firearm at them while using racial slurs. Due to Lopez’s prior convictions, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was arrested for a hate crime, several firearm-related offenses, brandishing a firearm, and delaying a peace officer.

At this point, officers have been unable to locate the family and vehicle that Lopez entered while fleeing from officers. The Oxnard Police Department would like to speak with the occupants of that vehicle as well as anyone with information related to this incident. They are asked to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 1, 2018 @ 9:00 PM

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

7/31/18, 10:16 p.m.

LOCATION:

3500 Block of Madera Pl.

VICTIM(S):

16 year old male

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett Smith, Violent Crimes Unit Sergeant

(805) 486-6211

DETAILS:

On 7/31/18, at approximately 10:16 p.m., officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 3500 block of Madera Pl. Upon arrival, officers located a 16-year-old male suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his leg. EMS personnel transported the victim to VCMC for treatment.

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 at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/1/18, 12:21 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

July 30, 2018 5:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

4000 block South J Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Robert De La Cerda, 39-year old Oxnard resident
Name Withheld
Name Withheld
Name Withheld
Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Osvaldo Hernandez, 19-year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Major Crimes investigators with the Oxnard Police Department have arrested a person in connection with several robberies and the murder of 39-year old Oxnard resident, Robert De La Cerda that occurred on June 27, 2018.

Oxnard Police Officers responded to the 4000 block of South J Street to check the well-being of a subject bleeding. When police officers arrived on scene, they located a shooting victim on the sidewalk suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, De La Cerda was pronounced at the scene.

Major Crimes investigators worked diligently and thoroughly investigated the murder of De La Cerda to identify the person responsible for his death. During the investigation, Major Crimes investigators interviewed numerous people who provided investigators with valuable information. As the homicide investigation continued, investigators were able to positively identify 19-year old Osvaldo Hernandez as the person responsible for the death of De La Cerda.

In addition, Major Crimes Investigators worked closely with the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Operations Division who had previously identified Hernandez as a suspect for three robberies and an attempt robbery that occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 5:48 a.m., shortly before De La Cerda was killed on June 27, 2018.

On July 30, 2018, Major Crimes investigators arrested Hernandez at the Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of De La Cerda, two additional counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery. Hernandez, who was already in custody, will remain in custody ineligible for bail.

Investigators are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident or have information to contact Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645. You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Investigators are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/4700sjst

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 30, 2018, at 5:00 p.m.

Osvaldo Hernandez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Officer Involved Shooting

DATE/TIME:

July 29, 2018, at approximately 7:21 p.m.

LOCATION:

Royal Duke Mobile Home Park, 1301 East Ventura Boulevard, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Oxnard Police Officer, name being withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Joel Tapia Jr, 30 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174

jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 29, 2018 at approximately 7:21 p.m., an Oxnard Police Officer was on patrol in the Royal Duke Mobile Home Park located in the 1301 East Ventura Boulevard, in the City of Oxnard when he observed a subject known to him as Joel Tapia Jr. Tapia has had many prior contacts with law enforcement in the past.

On September 24, 2017, Tapia was involved in a traffic collision and when he was contacted by Oxnard Police Officers, he was not compliant. He was found to be under the influence of alcohol and arrested at the scene. As he was being placed in a police unit for transportation, Tapia fought the officer to prevent the arrest.

On June 24, 2018, Oxnard Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Tapia. Tapia failed to yield and led officers on a pursuit. The pursuit was cancelled due to the high rate of speed and traffic violations.

On this date, the unidentified officer knew Tapia had several outstanding warrants. One of the warrants was a failure to appear for a felony warrant for resisting arrest. The officer contacted Tapia to initiate an arrest for the outstanding warrants. Tapia resisted arrest and actively fought the officer.

The officer discharged his firearm, striking Tapia. Tapia immediately let go of the officer and fled the scene to his residence where he barricaded himself inside.

The Oxnard Police Special Enforcement Unit and Crisis Negotiation Unit responded to the scene and after a lengthy standoff, Tapia was located in the bathroom of his residence. He was then taken into custody without any further resistance and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery. He is listed in stable condition.

The officer involved in the shooting sustained minor injuries during the altercation. He was transported to Saint John’s Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released. He was placed on paid administrative leave, which is department policy for officers involved in a shooting incident.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org.

Detectives are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident to upload your media directly to detectives via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1301venturablvd

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 30, 2018, at 7:00 a.m.

INCIDENT:

Gang Member with a Firearm

DATE/TIME:

July 27, 2018, @ 10:20 P.M

LOCATION:

2000 Block of Napoleon Ave., Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Rafael Aguilar, 26 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robert Flinn, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

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

DETAILS:

On July 27, 2018, at approximately 10:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit contacted a known Lemonwood gang member driving a vehicle in the 2000 block of Napoleon Avenue. The subject was identified as Rafael Aguilar. During the course of contact with Aguilar, officers located a loaded firearm in his vehicle along with narcotics and additional ammunition. Aguilar resisted arrest during the encounter with the arresting officers. The firearm found on Aguilar was reported stolen out of the City of Ojai.

Rafael Aguilar was charged with possession of a concealed and loaded firearm, possession of stolen property, possession of narcotics with a firearm and resisting arrest. He was booked in Ventura County Jail on his charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 28, 2018, at 1:30 A.M.

INCIDENT:

Citywide probation compliance checks

DATE/TIME:

July 26, 2018, 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

Citywide

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 26, 2018, The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), in conjunction with the Ventura County Juvenile Probation Unit conducted several probation searches throughout the City of Oxnard in an effort to ensure probationers were adhering to their probation terms. Officers found fourteen juveniles that were not in compliance and two of the juveniles were arrested. One was arrested for possession of narcotics and the other for possession of a loaded firearm.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue collaborative efforts with the Ventura County Juvenile Probation Unit with the aim to diminish violent crime and criminal activity.

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: July 27, 2018, 2:25 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Attempt Murder/Stabbing Suspect Arrested

DATE/TIME:

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

LOCATION:

2900 block Saviers Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Hispanic Male, 17 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

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

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

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

Update: The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) was able to identify the person responsible for the attack. Today, at 3:51 p.m., the Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) located and arrested the juvenile responsible for the attack. The juvenile was taken to the Juvenile Justice Facility and charged with Attempted Murder.

The victim of the attack has been released from the hospital.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/23/18, 10:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Grandmother of Deceased 3-year old Kimberly Lopez Arrested for Conspiracy to Commit a Crime

DATE/TIME:

July 23, 2018 / 8:15 a.m.

LOCATION:

1000 block South Ventura Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Kimberly Lopez, 3-years old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Maria De Jesus Lopez, 44 years old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-7763

jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – After over a year and a half long investigation, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit have made an additional arrest in the death of 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed conspiracy charges against Kimberly’s grandmother, Maria De Jesus Lopez.

The official police investigation started on September 7, 2016. At that time, officials from Ventura County Children and Family Services (VCCFS) notified the Oxnard Police Department that 3-year old Kimberly Lopez was missing. Kimberly was last seen by a VCCFS social worker in the custody of her father, Omar Lopez. Guardianship was given to Omar after he completed the required classes to become Kimberly’s legal guardian. Mayra Chavez was granted supervised home visits with Kimberly. The visits were to be supervised by Omar and Maria De Jesus Lopez, Mayra’s mother. Kimberly was last seen on March 10, 2015 during a home visit by a VCCFS social worker.

In July of 2016, VCCFS social workers received information concerning the well-being of Kimberly. Social workers made several home visits in an attempt to check on Kimberly. However, Omar and Mayra provided social workers with unverified information that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. After numerous home visits, neither Omar nor Mayra were able to provide verifiable documentation or proof that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. VCCFS notified the Oxnard Police Department on September 7, 2016, that Kimberly was missing. A missing person report was filed, and detectives immediately began investigating the whereabouts of Kimberly.

Also in September of 2016, VCCFS initiated a new juvenile dependency case on Kimberly, and the Ventura County Juvenile Court issued an order to take Kimberly back into protective custody once she was located.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Family Protection Unit, along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all worked diligently in an attempt to locate missing 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. Detectives interviewed family members, friends and associates of Mayra and Omar who expressed their concern for Kimberly’s disappearance. Detectives also conducted extensive and detailed interviews with Mayra Chavez, Omar Lopez, and Maria De Jesus Lopez. Detectives believed that Mayra and Omar were the key to finding Kimberly and that Maria Lopez likely had information as to her whereabouts.

During the police investigation and search for Kimberly, Mayra and Omar were in custody on civil arrest warrants for failing to provide accurate information on the whereabouts of Kimberly.

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence and information to believe that Kimberly Lopez was deceased and that Mayra Chavez and Omar Lopez were responsible for her death. Detectives believe Kimberly was placed in a situation that resulted in her death while in the care and custody of Mayra and Omar. Additionally detectives were able to gather evidence that shows Maria De Jesus Lopez had knowledge of Kimberly’s death, but assisted the parents with concealing that fact.

Detectives, working closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, submitted police reports and other items of evidence for review. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office examined all the information obtained during the extensive police investigation. Maria De Jesus Lopez was officially charged with Conspiracy to Commit a Crime, California Penal Code section 182(a)(1).

Maria De Jesus Lopez is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $200,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 23, 2018 / 10:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Hit-and-Run Arrest
DATE/TIME:	July 22, 2018 / 9:38 p.m.
LOCATION:	1900 block of East Pleasant Valley Rd. Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld pending notification to next-of-kin
SUSPECT(S):	Francisco Javier Garcia 10/7/68
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2005 Ford Expedition
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Mike Wood (805)385-7750 Mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 22, 2018, at approximately 9:38 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an injury accident on East Pleasant Valley Road. just east of Syracuse Drive. When officers arrived they located two females suffering serious injuries. One of the females, a 51-year-old Oxnard resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second female, a 23-year-old Oxnard resident, was transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition.

Based upon the initial investigation, officers determined that a white 2000 Cadillac Escalade was traveling eastbound on Pleasant Valley Road. For reasons that are unknown, the vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle entered back onto the roadway and came to rest partially blocking the #2 lane. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene leaving behind an injured passenger. The passenger sustained minor injuries, was transported to a local hospital, interviewed by officers and, later released. Officers have yet to identify the driver of the Escalade.

Shortly after the collision, the female victims and a male subject were traveling eastbound on Pleasant Valley Road in a white 2018 Jeep Latitude. The vehicle stopped in the #1 lane with its emergency flashers to assist at the accident scene. As they were approaching the Cadillac, a black 2005 Ford Expedition traveling eastbound on Pleasant Valley Road, struck both the Jeep and Cadillac as well as the two females. The driver of the Expedition exited the vehicle and fled the area on foot.

Shortly after the collision, the Oxnard Police Department 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call of a suspicious subject on the roof of a residence in the 2000 block of Walden Street. Officers responded and located Francisco Javier Garcia, a 49-year-old Oxnard resident, on the roof suffering from a head injury. Oxnard Fire Department personnel responded and were able to safely remove Garcia from the roof. Garcia was transported to a local area hospital. Officers were able to determine Garcia was the driver of the Expedition and was under the influence of alcohol during the time of the fatal collision. Garcia was arrested for felony hit-and-run, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and gross vehicular manslaughter.

Garcia was treated for his injuries and booked into the Ventura County Jail. Garcia’s bail is set at $500,000.

Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding the collision is asked to contact Officer Mike Wood from the Oxnard Police Department (805)385-7750 or via email at Mike.wood@oxnardpd.org .

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 23, 2018 / 7:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stabbing

DATE/TIME:

July 22, 2018, 7:11p.m.

LOCATION:

1450 Doris Ave, Oxnard, CA.

VICTIM(S):

Name(s) Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Undetermined

PREPARED BY:

Michael Velasquez, Detective

michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-8287

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Jonathan Ballow, Detective

Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 288-3289

DETAILS: On July 22, 2018, at approximately 7:11p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim at 1450 Doris Avenue. Officers discovered that two victims were transported in a private vehicle to St. John’s Regional Medical Center and are currently in stable condition. Two additional victims were located a short distance away from the crime scene. One was transported by ambulance to a local hospital and is expected to be released and the other was treated and released at the scene. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding this violent assault.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/22/18, 7:11p.m.