OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	July 14, 2018 / 12:45 A.M.
LOCATION:	Linden Drive @ “J” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Vidal Lopez, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander [email protected] 805-385-7600

On July 14, 2018 at around 12:45 A.M. officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Black Chevrolet Avalanche in the area of Linden Dr and “J” St in Oxnard. The driver was identified as Jose Vidal Lopez, a 29 year old Oxnard resident. Lopez is a documented criminal street gang member on supervised release (POST Release Offender). Officers executed Lopez’ court ordered search terms and located a semiautomatic handgun and a large amount of narcotics concealed in the vehicle.

The handgun had previously been reported stolen in the City of Ventura. Lopez was arrested for numerous firearm and narcotic related charges.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7600. 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 14, 2018, at 4:00 A.M.

INCIDENT:

Gang related firearm arrest and Vehicle pursuit

DATE/TIME:

July 13, 2018/ 2040 hours

LOCATION:

3000 Block of Orange Drive

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Benjamin Serrano, 33 years, Oxnard resident

Angelica Serrano, 34 years, Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

N/A

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Black 2002 Harley Davidson Motorcycle

Grey 2015 Dodge Journey

LOSS:

None

PREPARED BY:

Eric Alinaya, Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Eric Alinaya (805) 385-8289

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On July 13, 2018 at approximately 2040 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and Oxnard Police Department K-9 officers were working gang enforcement in the area of the Del Norte Blvd and East Ventura Blvd. SEU officers observed a black 2002 Harley Davidson motorcycle and a Dodge Journey SUV driving in the area and conducted a vehicle stop for a vehicle code violation. The driver of the motorcycle failed to yield and continued driving onto the 3000 block of Orange Drive. Once the motorcycle yielded, Officers identified the driver of the motorcycle as Benjamin Serrano, a member of the El Rio criminal street gang. A second vehicle stop was conducted on the grey Dodge Journey in the area of Del Norte Blvd and East Ventura Blvd. The driver of the Dodge was identified as Angelica Serrano.

During a search of the Dodge, a 40 Cal. semi-automatic handgun, was located in the vehicle. The firearm located in the vehicle was found to have the serial number obliterated. The driver of the Dodge was arrested for numerous firearms related violations. Benjamin Serrano was arrested for evading arrest and numerous firearms violations.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang 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. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. 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 (805) 222-8477.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 13, 2018/ 2230 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, July 13, 2018 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Friday, July 13, 2018, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue south of Tiesa Lane. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol-related arrests and DUI collisions.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

1002 vehicles through the checkpoint
987 drivers screened
One DUI investigation
One DUI alcohol arrest
One drug possession arrest
One misdemeanor warrant arrest
Six citations issued to unlicensed drivers
10 total citations issued
Three vehicles towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 07/14/18 1:15 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	The Announcement of Oxnard Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide Website
DATE:	July 12, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is pleased to announce the creation of a Homicide Cold Case website. The purpose of the website is to allow the public to view unsolved cold case homicides in an attempt to seek information that could lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of a suspect, or sufficient information to resolve a case.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Cold Case Homicide mission statement is “To speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. To exploit the elements of time, technology, and advanced investigative techniques to investigate unsolved homicides. Our ultimate goal, and our greatest hope, is to obtain justice for the victims and their families.”

The Cold Case Homicide website gives the community access to the list of unsolved homicide cases from 1966 through 2012. The website also shares information on recent cold case homicides that resulted in the arrest of a suspect and cold cases that were resolved. To view the website click go to http://sites.google.com/oxnardpd.org/opdcoldcase/home

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. The Oxnard Police Department encourages members of the community to visit the Cold Case Homicide website. Detectives believe there are many lifelong residents in the City of Oxnard that may have direct knowledge or other important information that could aid in solving many of these cold case homicides. The Oxnard Police Department requests that anyone with information on a cold case homicide to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174, or email Detective Kay at [email protected]. No amount of information is too small to share.

DATE PREPARED: July 12, 2018

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Presents: The Family Protection Seminar Series
DATE/TIME:	All Seminars will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 07/26/18 – Internet Safety: How You & Your Child Can Avoid Danger using Social Media and the Internet (English) 08/09/18 – Preventing Runaway Children / Missing Persons (Spanish) 08/23/18 – Preventing Runaway Children & Missing Persons / Understanding Megan’s Law (English) 09/06/18 – Child Safety: Protecting Our Children from Abuse and Predators (English)
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard Administrative Building – Activity Room 300 W. Third Street
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Crime Reduction Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Family Protection Unit Sergeant (805) 385-7756 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit (FPU), in conjunction with partnering agencies and organizations, is proud to announce that it will be presenting an informational seminar series, free to the public, in an effort to continue to inform, educate and empower the community.

As part of the Investigative Services Bureau, the Family Protection Unit is comprised of a staff of detectives and civilian specialists who handle investigations related to Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Missing Persons, Child Abuse and Elder Abuse. This Family Protection Seminar Series will span the all of the different specialties investigated by the FPU.

The presentations will focus on awareness and prevention and will answer the community’s frequently asked questions. The series will be hosted in the city of Oxnard’s Administrative Building at 300 W. Third Street in the Activity Room on the corner of Third and B Streets. To make them more available for working persons and families, hours for all presentations will be 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Topics being covered in the first set of presentations include: Internet and Social Media Safety for Families and Children, Preventing Runaway and Missing Children, Understanding Megan’s Law, and Protecting Children from Predators. Future presentations will include recognizing and ending the Domestic Violence cycle and Sexual Assault awareness and prevention. These two very important presentations will be provided in English and Spanish for our community.

“The most valuable part of these presentations is that the detectives and specialists who investigate these types of cases will be the ones presenting,” said Sergeant David Walker, who supervises the FPU. “Having the subject matter experts explain and teach members of our community how to avoid becoming a victim and how to protect their families is extremely powerful.”

Sergeant Walker also said that partner organizations, such as The Coalition for Family Harmony, The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office – Crime Victims’ Assistance Unit, The Partnership for Safe Families, Interface, Children and Family Services, Ventura County 2-1-1, and others will be present at various seminars to answer any questions that their agencies can provide. “We hope that after providing this informational series, people come away with a better sense of safety and family protection, understand the processes for victims to report these types of crimes and also, knowing which organizations that can help those who have been victimized.”

For more information, contact Sergeant David Walker at (805) 385-7756 or [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 11, 2018 / 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	7/11/18, 11:28 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block of Edgewood Way
VICTIM(S):	56-year-old male
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	James Crilly, Detective (805) 385-7686
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vega, Detective (805) 385-8291

DETAILS:

On 7/11/18, at approximately 11:28 p.m., officers on patrol in the area of Doris Ave. and N. Ventura Rd. heard several gunshots. They started checking the area for any potential victims. At 11:30 p.m. a member of the community called the Oxnard Police Department Communications Center to report a possible victim in the 1300 block of Edgewood Way. Officers responded to that location and located the possible victim. He did not report having been shot, but appeared to have fallen and struck his head. He was initially transported by EMS to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. Upon further examination there it was determined that he had been struck in the head by a bullet.

The man was outside a car when the shots were fired. A bullet went through the vehicle’s window and shattered the glass. A 7-year-old girl that was inside the car was hit by the shards of glass and cut on her arm. She was treated at the scene. The man is in stable but guarded condition in the Intensive Care Unit at VCMC.

Police do not know the motive for the shooting and the shooter has not been located.

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: 7/12/18, 5:00 a.m.

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, [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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

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

[email protected] (805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

[email protected] (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.