OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 19, 2018, 12:27 PM
LOCATION:	Ilena Street and Ninth Street
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Alonte Pless, 25 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Edgar Fernandez [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On August 19, 2018 at about 12:25PM, an Oxnard Police Officer conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver, Alonte Pless, was found to be driving on a suspended license. Pless became uncooperative when asked to exit the vehicle. Pless was subsequently taken into the custody and arrested. A search of his vehicle revealed a loaded 357 handgun inside the vehicle.

Alonte Pless, a 25 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 19, 2018 / 3:15PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide

DATE/TIME:

August 24, 2018, 11:28 p.m.

LOCATION:

5300 block of South J Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Juan Cerda, 40 years-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On August 13, 2018 at approximately 10:22 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service regarding a shooting victim in the 5300 block of South J Street. When officers arrived, they located Mr. Juan Cerda who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to his head.

Mr. Cerda was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery. At the time, Mr. Cerda was listed in extremely critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit.

On August 24, 2018, Mr. Cerda passed away from complications due to the injuries he sustained on August 13th, despite the lifesaving efforts of the medical staff. His body was transferred to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mr. Cerda’s death is now being investigated as a homicide.

This is the 12^th homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident 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.

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.

Detectives 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/5300sjstreet

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 25, 2018, 12:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Subject in Possession of a Loaded Firearm

DATE/TIME:

August 18, 2018, @ 5:15 P.M

LOCATION:

Doris Ave @ A Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Alan Quintero, 21 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robert Flinn, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

[email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 18, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Doris Avenue and A Street. During the officer’s contact with the occupants of the vehicle a loaded handgun was located belonging to Quintero. He was arrested and charged with violating Penal Code section 25400(a)(3) carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

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: August 18, 2018, at 12:30 A.M.

INCIDENT:

Serious Assault with a Knife

DATE/TIME:

August 18, 2018, 10:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

4000 block Dallas Drive, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

H/F, 5’6, medium build, Oxnard resident

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: On August 18, 2018, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 4000 block of Dallas Drive. 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 critical condition. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault. The investigation is ongoing.

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: 8/18/18, 11:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Enforcement Campaign

DATE/TIME:

August 17 through September 3, 2018

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

805-385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:

This Labor Day, and Every Day: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Oxnard, Calif. — As we enter the final stretch of summer spending time at the pool or barbequing with friends and family, the Oxnard Police Department is driving home the importance of celebrating responsibly by not driving or riding a motorcycle impaired.

From August 17 through September 3, the Oxnard Police Department is participating in a high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, police and sheriff’s departments statewide, along with the California Highway Patrol, will increase the number of officers on the road to stop suspected drunk or drug-impaired drivers and motorcyclists. If you are caught driving or riding impaired, you will be pulled over and arrested.

The Oxnard Police Department will have a special emphasis during this 18-day mobilization to enforce all traffic violations by deploying DUI saturation patrols on the following date(s): August 18, August 25, and September 1. In addition to the DUI saturation patrols, the Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on August 30, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

The enforcement campaign runs through the Labor Day holiday weekend, which is one of the deadliest times of year in terms of alcohol-involved traffic deaths. Sadly, one-third of all traffic deaths involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,497 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes or one person every 50 minutes.

The Oxnard Police Department will show zero tolerance for impaired driving or riding and joins efforts by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to educate drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning label, you may be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing and result in a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

In the ten years from 2005-2015, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with an impairing drug other than alcohol in their system has risen from 26.2 percent to 42.6 percent. As far back as 2012, a roadside survey in California showed more drivers tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).

During this national enforcement campaign, there will also be increased national messages about the dangers of riding impaired, which combined with enforcement, aims to drastically reduce drunk or drug-impaired riding on our nation’s roadways.

Motorcycles require specific training and skill. When a rider adds alcohol, marijuana, or impairing prescription medication to the mix, it is not only illegal but increases the risky nature of riding a motorcycle.

There are so many options out there to get home safely. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you are impaired.

To avoid a DUI and putting others, and yourself, at risk, the Oxnard Police Department has a few tips to stay safe on the roads:

Always designate a sober driver.
Use public transportation or a ride-sharing service to get home.
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.

Funding for this DUI operation 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: August 16, 2018 / 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide

DATE/TIME:

July 11, 2018, 11:28 p.m.

LOCATION:

1300 block of Edgewood Way, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Michael Mendoza, 56-year-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7680

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On July 11, 2018, at approximately 11:28 p.m., Officers responded to a call for service regarding a shooting victim in the 1300 block of Edgewood Way. When officers arrived, they located Mr. Michael Mendoza who had suffered a gunshot wound to his head.

He was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. At the time, Mr. Mendoza was listed in stable, but guarded condition in the Intensive Care Unit. On July 20, 2018, Mr. Mendoza was released from the hospital.

On July 27, 2018, Mr. Mendoza was admitted to the Ventura County Medical Center with complications from the brain injury. On August 13th, Mr. Mendoza passed away from complications due to the injury he sustained on July 11th. His body was transferred to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office. Mr. Mendoza’s death is now being investigated as a homicide.

This is the 11^th homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7680. 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.

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: August 14, 2018, 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	8/14/18, 6:14 a.m.
LOCATION:	2300 block of South El Dorado Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett Smith (805) 486-6211 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/14/18, at approximately 6:14 a.m., Oxnard Police Officers and were dispatched to a gunshot victim in the 2300 block of El Dorado Avenue. Upon arrival, they located a 24 year-old male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his right thigh. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and is currently listed in stable condition. Violent Crimes Detectives are on scene conducting the investigation.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact (805) 385-7760. 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 or at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

A more detailed press release will be forthcoming later this morning.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/14/18, 0645 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Gang Member Arrested with a Firearm

DATE/TIME:

August 13, 2018, @ 6:50 P.M.

LOCATION:

500 Block of North G Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Daniel Garcia, 29 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

[email protected] 805-857-4655

DETAILS:

On August 13, 2018, at approximately 6:50 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police contacted a known gang member in his vehicle in the 500 Block of North G Street. The subject was identified as Daniel Garcia, 29 year old Oxnard resident. During the contact with Garcia, officers located a loaded sawed off shotgun in his vehicle. The shotgun had been illegally modified with a barrel that had been shorten to a prohibited length. Garcia was arrested without incident during the encounter.

Daniel Garcia was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of loaded firearm in a vehicle. He was booked in Ventura County Jail on his charges.

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: 08/13/2018 / 2030 hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

8/13/18, 10:22 p.m.

LOCATION:

5300 block of South J Street

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Scott Aaron, Major Crimes Supervisor

(805) 385-7763

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/13/18, at approximately 10:22 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers and were dispatched to a gunshot victim in the 5300 block of South J Street. Upon arrival, they located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and is currently listed in extremely critical condition. Major Crimes Detectives are on scene conducting the investigation.

A more detailed press release will be forthcoming later this morning.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/14/18, 0156 hours

INCIDENT:

Robbery Arrest

DATE/TIME:

8/11/18; 9:55PM

LOCATION:

Johnson Creek Park, 501 Johnson Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Adult Male

SUSPECT(S):

Luis Sanchez, 19 year old Oxnard resident

Benjamin Voorhees, 18 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Cmdr. Kevin Baysinger

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Cmdr. Kevin Baysinger

[email protected]

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On August 11, 2018 at about 9:55PM, an Oxnard police officer was patrolling Johnson Creek Park when he observed a robbery in progress. Two suspects had forced the victim to the ground and were attempting to take the victim’s property. As the officer approached, both suspects attempted to flee. One suspect was quickly detained; the second suspect was located west of the park attempting to hide under a vehicle.

The victim positively identified both suspects as the persons that had taken his property. Luis Sanchez, a 19 year old Oxnard resident, and Benjamin Voorhees, an 18 year old Oxnard resident, were arrested for the robbery. Sanchez was also arrested for possessing brass knuckles.

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: August 12, 2018 / 3:00AM