OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted murder suspect captured in Ventura
DATE/TIME:	April 20, 2018, 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	500 Block of Rancho Drive , Ventura
SUSPECT(S):	Benjamin Taitai, 45 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org (805) 432-6172

DETAILS:

An Oxnard attempted murder suspect was taken into custody Friday evening in Ventura.

Benjamin Taitai, 45, was captured at about 8:00 p.m. at a house in the 500 block of Rancho Road in Ventura. The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, K9 Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Ventura Police SWAT team and FBI agents carried out the arrest.

Taitai was sought in connection with a shooting incident on April 6, in the 300 block of Napa Street where a man was shot in the head at close range. An investigation determined that Taitai was the suspect in the shooting.

What motivated the shooting was not clear.

Taitai was booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder. His bail was set at $1 million.

If anyone has additional information regarding the shooting, please contact Detective Everhart at the above email address or phone number. 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking / Robbery
DATE/TIME:	April 16, 2018 01:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	1400 Block South Oxnard Blvd
VICTIM(S):	27 Year old male – Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Dionicio Salinas – 26 Year old male – Oxnard resident Oscar Eulloche – 24 Year old male – Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097

DETAILS:

On 4/16/18 at 2:45 A.M. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the report of a carjacking and robbery that occurred in the 1400 Block of South Oxnard Boulevard. On arrival officers located a 27 year old male victim who said he was approached by two suspects who demanded his property. The victim said one suspect was armed with a gun and the second was armed with a knife. The victim was battered by the suspects and sustained minor injuries. The victim said the suspects stole several items from him and fled in his vehicle.

On 4/16/18 shortly after 5:00 A.M. officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) located the vehicle in Van Nuys. LAPD was involved in a pursuit of the vehicle that culminated with the vehicle crashing into a parked car. The occupants fled from the vehicle and were later captured. Several items belonging to the victim were located and the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Jess Aragon at (805) 207-9097. 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.

Dionicio Salinas

Oscar Eulloque

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Seeking Information for Attempt Murder Suspect
DATE/TIME:	April 17, 2018, 10:40 A.M.
LOCATION:	3000 block Napa Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Benjamin Taitai, 45 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Carey Everhart Carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org (805) 432-6172

DETAILS: On April 6, 2018, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a possible gunshot victim in the 3000 block of Napa Street, Oxnard. Officers located the victim on the sidewalk suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the scene. During their investigation, investigator’s learned Benjamin Taitai was the shooter.

Investigators would like to speak with Benjamin Taitai. If you know of his whereabouts or relevant information regarding the shooting, please contact Detective Everhart at the above email address or phone number. 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man shot in leg in stable condition
DATE/TIME:	April 13, 2018 @ 10:46 p.m.
LOCATION:	Cooper Road and Garfield Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	23 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Luis McArthur, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis McArthur, Commander luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 207-4762

DETAILS:

On April 13, 2018, at about 10:46 p.m., a man showed up at the Ventura County Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Officers spoke with the 23 year-old male, who had a gunshot wound to his leg. He was listed in stable condition. He told officers that he was shot in the area of Cooper Road and Garfield Avenue in Oxnard. At this point in this investigation, officers did not know a motive for the shooting.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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: April 13, 2018 / 11:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	4/12/18, 5:39 a.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block West Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	14-year-old Juvenile
LOSS:	Undisclosed
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Senior Detective (805) 207-9097 Jess.Aragon@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 4/12/18, at approximately 5:39 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery with a knife in the 1200 block of West Gonzales Rd. Officers contacted the victim and learned that the suspect took the victim’s property and was last seen leaving the area on foot. Officer began checking the area and the suspect was located a short distance away in the 900 block of Gonzales Rd. After a brief foot pursuit, the suspect was taken into custody for robbery and resisting arrest. The victim’s property from the robbery was recovered from the suspect.

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: 4/12/18, 0930 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested with gun after foot chase
DATE/TIME:	April 12, 2018, @ 11:30 A.M
LOCATION:	1900 Block of San Gorgonio Ave, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Arturo Suarez, 23 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 April 12, 2018, at approximately 11:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit contacted a known gang member in the 1900 block of San Gorgonio Avenue. The subject was identified as Arturo Suarez and he subsequently fled from officers when contacted. Suarez was caught after a brief foot pursuit and found to be in possession of a concealed firearm. Suarez was arrested for firearms and narcotics related 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 12, 2018, at 12:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Homicide
DATE/TIME:	April 6, 2018, 6:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	3000 block Napa Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Male 5’11, 35-45 years, 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

DETAILS:

On April 6, 2018, 6:10 p.m., Officers and Investigators from the Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the 3000 blk. of Napa Street regarding a shooting victim. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery and is currently listed in stable condition. Investigators are diligently working the case.

The Oxnard Police Department 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: April 7, 2018 / 3:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man hit by Amtrak train in critical condition
DATE/TIME:	April 6, 2018 at 4:48 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	18-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis McArthur, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis McArthur, Commander luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 207-4762

DETAILS:

Police were called to Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue, just before 5:00 p.m. Officers found the victim, an 18 year-old Oxnard resident, had been hit by an Amtrak train. The train had just left the Oxnard station going northbound. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the pedestrian walking on the train tracks, southbound, directly towards the path of the oncoming train. The man tried to jump out of the way of the train at the very last moment, but was hit by the train, and he suffered life-threatening injuries. The man was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 6, 2018, at 8:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI Arrest with Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	April 7, 2018 @ 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rice Avenue @ Camino Del Sol, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Andrew Burton 39-year-old, Simi Valley resident
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez Jr., Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Rick Marquez Jr., Sergeant Rick.Marquez@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On April 7, 2018, at approximately 11:26 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision at Rice Avenue and Camino Del Sol.

Officers contacted Andrew Burton, a 39-year-old Simi Valley resident, who was the driver of one of the involved vehicles. Officers observed signs and symptoms of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the investigation, a loaded firearm was recovered from the vehicle.

Burton was arrested for felony charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of the firearm.

The Oxnard Police Department 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 7, 2018 / 2:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Pursuit- Two Handguns Recovered

DATE/TIME:

April 4, 2018 at 8:55 p.m.

LOCATION:

2300 Block of Maulhardt Avenue

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Victor Lopez, 27-year-old Gilroy, CA resident

PREPARED BY:

Sgt. Chris Inglehart, 805-385-7600

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sgt. Chris Inglehart, 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On 4/4/2018, at approximately 8:55 p.m., an Oxnard Police Department Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver Mercedes C30, in the 2300 block of Maulhardt Ave. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated. The Mercedes traveled to the Nyeland Acres neighborhood where several passengers exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The vehicle continued north on Santa Clara Avenue where officers were able to deploy a spike strip, which deflated the tires. The vehicle continued at a slow speed before coming to a stop near Santa Clara Ave and Wright Road. The driver, Victor Lopez, was taken into custody.

The vehicle was determined to be stolen out of Santa Clara County. During a search of the vehicle, two handguns were located inside. One of the handguns was determined to be stolen. Lopez was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, possession of a stolen vehicle, several gun offenses, felony evading, and narcotics violations.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 4, 2018, approximately 12:07 a.m.