News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 26, 2024

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Stolen Firearms and Narcotics for Sales

SUSPECTS: David Gasca, 28-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2600 block El Dorado Ave, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Coe, Sergeant

(805) 207-5962 | [email protected]

During the month of June, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into David Gasca regarding the sales of controlled substances. Gasca is a documented gang member in the City of Oxnard who is also prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to a previous illegal firearms conviction. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Gasca’s residence.

On June 21, 2024, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office West County Special Enforcement Unit, Gasca was contacted in the City of Ventura. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at Gasca’s residence in the 2600 block of El Dorado Ave in Oxnard. During a search of the residence, detectives recovered four loaded handguns, one sawed-off rifle, and ammunition. Two of the handguns had previously been reported stolen in Ventura County.

Detectives also located cocaine for sales, methamphetamine for sales, prescription pills, US currency and additional evidence of narcotics sales. Gasca was arrested for possession of narcotics for sales and various firearms offenses as an active participant in a criminal street gang.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses, gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 19th, 2024 (7:38 p.m.)

SUBJECT: 3D Printed Handgun Recovered After Vehicle Pursuit

SUSPECTS: Oscar Villafana, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

Jesse Olivares, 19-year-old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: Camino Del Sol at Sara Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Corporal

(805) 385-7796 | [email protected]

On June 19^th, at approximately 7:38 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and attempted to evade the officers. Passenger Jesse Olivares discarded a loaded 3D printed handgun. The vehicle yielded a short time later. The driver, Oscar Villafana, was arrested for the pursuit and weapons violations. Olivares was arrested for firearms violations.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and Violent Crimes Unit are 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 this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: June 18, 2024 / 9:20PM

SUBJECT: Seizure of Illegal Fireworks

LOCATION: Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

[email protected]

(805) 385-7746 (Sun-Wed 4PM-2AM)

On the above date and time, Oxnard police officers responded to Fierro Meat Market, 1355 Saviers Road, reference the business selling “mortar” fireworks. Officers responded and located more than ten varieties of illegal fireworks, including both “safe and sane” and “dangerous” fireworks. Over 3,000 individual fireworks were seized, including nine of the large mortar-style dangerous fireworks. The total weight was estimated at 30 pounds.

The business owner was cited for a violation of Oxnard City Code 7-147.1(B)(1).

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous with risk of significant injuries. Each year, fireworks land on rooftops and cause structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress. They can also be very distressing for pets and their owners. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks.

The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch offenders of fireworks violations, each year the Department prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement.

Any individual caught using or possessing fireworks is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane“ fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.

The Oxnard Police Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely without risk of injury or property damage. We also encourage everyone to respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets by refraining from the use of fireworks.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

• Fireworks Cellphone Line (805-307-6308) Dedicated line specifically for fireworks complaints carried by an NPT officer while on duty to take down specific information of problematic locations where fireworks are occurring.

• Fireworks Tips via Email ([email protected]) Please provide specific information regarding locations, days, and times

• Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous

• Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Oxnard Store Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm) | [email protected]

Store Clerks in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Oxnard Police Department, with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, cited two store clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to a minor on June 17, 2024. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which a minor, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 10 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

For a first violation, clerks who sold alcohol to a minor could face a minimum fine of $250 and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the business's alcoholic beverage license. That action may include a fine, suspension of the license, or permanent revocation of the license.

Compliance checks are conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities than the general adult population. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the harm associated with minors drinking alcohol.

Law enforcement agencies have been conducting minor decoy operations throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted routinely, the rate has dropped in some cities to as low as 10 percent.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool for law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department's Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency.

Good evening:

Oxnard police are currently investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian on East Hueneme Road east of Saviers Road. East Hueneme Road is currently closed between Saviers Road and Arcturus Avenue for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Assault Victim Struck by Vehicles and Killed

LOCATION: 300 Block E. Hueneme Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: 50–60 year-old Male

CONTACT: Detective Manny Perez

(805) 385-7645 | [email protected]

On June 16, 2024 at 8:58 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department communications center received several calls from individuals reporting a fight in the 300 block of E. Hueneme Rd. The callers stated there were multiple subjects engaged in the fight. When officers arrived on scene, they located a lone male victim in the roadway who had been struck by several vehicles. Emergency Medical Services responded and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Witnesses told officers the victim was being assaulted by several subjects in the roadway. After the assault, the suspects fled the area on foot leaving the victim lying in the roadway. A few seconds later the victim was struck by vehicles driving by. Two vehicles that struck the victim remained on scene and the occupants were cooperative. It is unknown at this time if additional vehicles struck the victim as well. It was not clear what condition the victim was in after the assault, and it is unknown why he did not attempt to move out of the roadway.

The victim has not been identified, but appears to be a male 50-60 years-old. The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Traffic Unit responded to conduct the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. A motive for the assault has yet to be established. Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Manny Perez at (805) 385-7645 or by email at [email protected].

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnard.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Hueneme Road is now open and available for vehicular travel.

On Sun, Jun 16, 2024 at 10:43 PM Baysinger, Kevin <[email protected]> wrote:

Good evening:

Oxnard police are currently investigating a fatal collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian on East Hueneme Road east of Saviers Road. East Hueneme Road is currently closed between Saviers Road and Arcturus Avenue for the duration of the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 15, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

VEHICLES: Black F-150

Black Lexus IS300

DRIVERS: Nery Massis Flandez, 51-yr-old Oxnard resident

Ethel Eldridge, 79-yr-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Joseph Clarke, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) [email protected]

On June 15, 2024, at approximately 3:32 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a traffic collision involving a black Lexus IS300 and a black F-150 on Victoria Avenue, south of Fifth Street.

Upon arrival, officers located numerous injured occupants. Three occupants of the Lexus were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The driver, identified as Ethel Eldridge, is listed in critical condition. The two other occupants of the Lexus, one a 19-month-old child, are in stable condition. Both occupants of the F-150 were transported to St. John’s hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators believe the Lexus was exiting the parking lot south of Fifth Street and attempted to make an illegal left-turn to travel southbound on Victoria Avenue. The Lexus was struck by the F-150 as it crossed the northbound lanes of Victoria Avenue. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment to be a contributing factor.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 13, 2024

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police release Critical Incident Community Briefing video and additional information

LOCATION: 500 Block of North Ventura Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7620 (Mon-Thu 7am – 5pm) [email protected] (after hours)

The Oxnard Police Department is releasing a Critical Incident Community Briefing video of the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred at approximately 11:40 P.M. on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

The public can view the Critical Incident Community Briefing video on the Oxnard Police Department’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMj-aSJWOkY. The Critical Incident Community Briefing video link will also be available on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts. Viewer discretion is advised.

At approximately 11:26 PM on Sunday, May 26, 2024, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to multiple calls for service regarding a male subject walking in traffic in the area of Ventura Road and Doris Avenue. Caller information reported that the subject was holding a pair of scissors in his hand. One or more officers recognized the subject, 27-year-old Oxnard resident Isaiah Nichols, and confirmed that he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for attempted murder. This warrant was for an unrelated stabbing incident that occurred on May 17, 2024. During that incident, Nichols reportedly stabbed an adult female victim multiple times in the head, and then fled the scene. The incident, which occurred on a public street in Oxnard, was captured on security camera video.

When officers made contact with Nichols, he was holding kitchen shears in his hand, and did not comply with numerous repeated requests by officers, calling him by his name, to drop the weapon. The mobile encounter between Nichols and the officers made its way to the 500 block of North ‘N’ Street, and then back to North Ventura Road at Doris Avenue. During the encounter, officers deployed rounds from a less-lethal “bean bag” shotgun to subdue Nichols, and also made attempts with Tasers. These attempts were unsuccessful. While on Ventura Road near Doris Avenue, Nichols suddenly turned and advanced towards the officers, as he raised the scissors. At this instant, an officer-involved shooting occurred. Here is a still from an officer’s body worn camera video:

Body worn camera video depicting the instant preceding the officer-involved shooting.

The officers’ gunfire struck and wounded Nichols, who fell to the ground. Despite being wounded by gunfire, Nichols would not release his grip on the scissors, and then stood back up. Sergeant Enrique Alvarez discharged his Taser, striking Nichols, but it was ineffective. Officer Mason Galindo then discharged his Taser, which was effective, and caused Nichols to fall to the ground again. Nichols released the shears and they fell to the ground directly next to him. At one point, Nichols reached for the shears again and Sergeant Alvarez discharged his Taser a second time, which was effective. Once it was safe, officers were able to approach Nichols, secure the shears, and begin life saving efforts as emergency medical services personnel approached from their staging point.

At the time of this news release, Nichols is being treated at a medical facility in Ventura County. Upon his release from treatment, Nichols is facing several criminal charges, including attempted murder (from the May 17 stabbing incident), as well as counts of assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.

Sergeant Enrique Alvarez and Officers Jesus Garcia, Alan Espino, Jon Castillo, Favian Flores, and Mason Galindo were among the Oxnard Police Department personnel who responded to the call. Officers Garcia and Espino discharged their firearms.

The involved officers' tenures are listed as follows:

Sergeant Enrique Alvarez has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since June 1997.
Officer Jesus Garcia has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since October 2020.
Officer Alan Espino has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since September 2022.
Officer Favian Flores has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since December 2022.
Officer Jon Castillo has been an Oxnard police officer since August 2022. Prior to becoming an Oxnard police officer, he was a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for four years.
Officer Mason Galindo has been an Oxnard police officer since April 2019. Prior to becoming an Oxnard police officer, he was a deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for almost two years.

All of the involved officers are assigned to the Oxnard Police Department’s Patrol Division. All of the involved officers completed Crisis Intervention Team training. None of the officers involved have been involved in a previous shooting incident.

At the time of this news release, all officers have been cleared to return to service in their respective assignments.

Chief Jason Benites stated: “As part of our commitment to transparency with our community, we believe it is important to share this video with the community we serve. This Critical Incident Community Briefing video provides a summary account of what occurred during the evening of May 26, including the sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting. Now that all of the involved personnel have been interviewed, we hope that sharing this video with the public will set straight any misinformation surrounding this incident. It is important to point out that the intent of this video is not to offer an opinion or analysis of what occurred. Please keep in mind that this is currently an active criminal investigation, so the information we can release is limited. More information, including all of the body worn camera video and the investigative reports, will be available to the public after the investigation is completed.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Detectives request that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information contact Detective Adam Aguilar at (805) 385-7680 or [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 14, 2024

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales / Illegal Gun Possession Arrest

SUSPECTS:Victor Ceja, 38-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block of North McKinley Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10 AM-8 PM) [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department's Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed an investigation into the alleged narcotic sales committed by Victor Ceja, a 38-year-old Oxnard resident. During the investigation, DEU detectives gathered sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant for Ceja's residence in the 100 block of North McKinley Avenue in Oxnard.

On June 14, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department's DEU, with the assistance of the Violent Crimes Unit and patrol officers, executed the search warrant at Ceja's residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of suspected Fentanyl possessed for sales and evidence related to narcotic sales.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, "Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller. Twenty-six percent of tablets tested in a DEA laboratory contained a lethal dose of Fentanyl."

In addition, Ceja was found to have an illegal rifle. Ceja has a prior felony conviction, which prohibits him from owning or possessing any firearms. Ceja was arrested for numerous narcotic and gun-related charges and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff's Office Pre-Trial Detention facility.

The Oxnard Police Department's DEU comprises detectives federally deputized as Task Force Officers (s) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officers (s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge of investigating violations of the United States of America's drug and criminal laws.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on "Report Suspicious Activity." You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit their website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org, to submit a tip via text or email.