OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting (“OIS”): UPDATE
DATE/TIME:	OIS: July 29, 2018, at approximately 7:21 p.m. Update: August 3, 2018 at 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Royal Duke Mobile Home Park, 1301 East Ventura Boulevard, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Joel Tapia Jr., 30 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief [email protected] Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is releasing the identity of the officer that was involved in the July 29, 2018 officer-involved shooting on the 1300 block of Ventura Boulevard.

Officer Daniel Oncea was the sole officer involved in the shooting. Officer Oncea has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since August of 2017, and is currently assigned to the department’s Patrol Division. At the time of this update, Officer Oncea is on paid administrative leave, per standard procedure.

On July 29, 2018 at approximately 7:21 p.m., Officer Oncea was on patrol in the Royal Duke Mobile Home Park located in the 1301 East Ventura Boulevard. Officer Oncea saw an adult male subject known to him as Joel Tapia, Jr. Tapia has had many prior contacts with law enforcement in the past. Officer Oncea knew Tapia had outstanding warrants, and contacted him to take him into custody. What ensued was Tapia resisting arrest, and then actively assaulting the officer.

Officer Onceas’s struggle with Tapia lasted approximately two and a half minutes. During the course of the struggle, Officer Oncea discharged his firearm, striking Tapia. The incident was not captured on the officer’s body worn camera system. However, detectives found a nearby security camera that captured the event, and acquired the footage. The video footage, which includes audio, captured the moment Officer Oncea contacted Tapia, and through the time of the officer-involved shooting. The Oxnard Police Department is releasing this video to the public, and it can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

https://youtu.be/Rq_GkR9v1Cs

As an advisory, some may find the video’s violent content to be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

There are several things to note in the video that speak to the seriousness of this situation:

Tapia resists the officer’s initial effort to make the arrest, causing a struggle in the confined area between the vehicles.
Tapia makes active effort to break free of the officer’s grasp, moving the struggle to the area behind the police vehicle.
The officer repeatedly tells Tapia to stop resisting.
Tapia grabs at the officer’s neck and lapel mic area.
Tapia makes efforts to grab/trap the officer’s head and neck.
Tapia punches the officer several times during the struggle.
Tapia reaches towards the officer’s right hip area, where the officer’s Taser and duty weapon are located.
After the officer’s weapon was loose and on the ground, Tapia made efforts to obtain it.
Tapia was on top of the officer, punching him multiple times, at the instant of the shooting.

Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites stated, “Overall, the video clearly illustrates the dangers of police work. There are those that who will not only resist our officers from taking them into custody, but there are some who will actively assault an officer to the point where they escalate a situation to a shooting. When a suspect engages in assaultive behavior and reaches for the officer’s holster or weapon, the stakes of the encounter are immediately raised to a life-threatening event.”

Immediately after the shooting, Tapia immediately let go of the officer and fled into his residence and barricaded himself inside. The Oxnard Police Special Enforcement Unit and Crisis Negotiation Unit responded to the scene. After several attempts to get him to surrender, officers made entry to the residence and took him into custody without further resistance.

Upon his arrest, Tapia was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. He was released from the hospital on August 2, and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

On August 1, the Ventura County District Attorney’s office filed a criminal case that includes the following charges:

Resisting an executive officer (California Penal Code section 69(a))
Felony battery with injury upon a peace officer (California Penal Code section 243(c)(2))
Felony resisting an officer with attempted firearm removal from the officer’s holster (California Penal Code section 148(d))
Special allegations regarding committing offense while under release on his own recognizance on a prior offense (California Penal Code section 12022.1(b))
Special allegations for prior convictions, per California Penal Code section 667.5. (Tapia served a prison sentence in Idaho for a 2008 conviction)
Special allegations for prior convictions convictions allegation, per California Penal Code section 667.5. (Tapia served a prison sentence in Idaho for a 2014 conviction)

As previously reported, Officer Oncea sustained minor injuries during the struggle. He was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected].

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: August 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 6, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Operation planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Monday, August 6, 2018, with focused enforcement on collision causing factors involving motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

The Oxnard Police Department has mapped out locations over the past three (3) years where pedestrian and bicycle collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those crashes. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic crashes occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians alike that can lead to life-changing injuries. Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, or any other dangerous violations.

Additionally, enforcement will be taken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped and citations issued when they fail to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists. All riders are reminded to always wear a helmet – those under 18 years of age must wear helmets by law. Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked crosswalks or at corners.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people use these non-motorized means of transportation. Locally, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated nine fatal and 260 injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists during the past three (3) years. In 2013, California witnessed 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists killed, accounting for more than 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.

The following safety tips can save lives and stop this tragedy witnessed far too often in Oxnard:

Drivers:

“Share the road” with bicyclists.
Be courteous; California law now mandates at least three feet of clearance when passing bike riders.
Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
Be especially watchful for riders when making turns; either left or right.
It is unlawful to drive in a bike lane except for 200 feet prior to making a right or left turn.

Bicyclists:

Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time you ride. If under 18 years of age, it’s the law.
A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash.
Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators, including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day and at dawn and dusk.
To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector or flashing red light to the rear.

Pedestrians:

Be alert at all times while walking near busy streets.
Use designated crosswalks when crossing any roadway.
Follow the Walk/Don’t walk signal at intersections.
Limit distractions such as cell phones and headphones.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 3, 2018 / 9:30 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Phone Scam Alert

DATE/TIME:

August 1, 2018

VICTIM(S):

Undisclosed Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Mike Gregson

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Luis Mancha

(805) 385-7632

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department would like to increase the public’s awareness of a “kidnapping” scam that is occurring and is designed to extort money.

On August 1, 2018, a kidnapping scam occurred in Oxnard. The victim received a call on her cell phone from an unknown telephone number and heard a hysterical female screaming that she had been in a traffic accident. The victim was convinced the voice was her daughter’s voice. A male subject then got on the phone and said that her daughter was being held against her will and demanded a wire transfer of money to gain her release. The man demanded the victim remain on the cell phone and drive to a local Walmart where the victim was instructed to wire money to Mexico. The man continued to threaten harm to the victim’s daughter to prevent the victim from alerting the police. The man demanded that several wire transfers be made from various stores in increments of less than $1000 to avoid suspicion. Officers actively investigated the matter as a possible kidnapping and eventually located a family member of the victim at a local Walmart, as she was in the process of wiring additional funds to the purported kidnappers, at which time it was discovered that it was a hoax.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind everyone to be suspicious of any telephone call where the caller imposes a problem or crisis and the only solution is electronically transferring money or purchasing prepaid gift cards. If you receive a suspicious phone call of this nature, you are encouraged to report it to law enforcement. These fraudulent schemes can be prevented by remaining well informed, so please share this information with your friends, family, and neighbors.

The FBI provides the following prevention tips:

To avoid becoming a victim of this extortion scheme, look for the following possible indicators:

Incoming calls come from an outside area code
Calls do not come from the injured or kidnapped victim’s phone
Callers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone
Callers prevent you from calling or locating the “kidnapped” victim
Ransom money is only accepted via wire transfer service

If you receive a phone call from someone who demands payment of a ransom for a kidnapped victim, the following should be considered:

Try to slow the situation down. Request to speak to the victim directly. Ask, “How do I know my loved one is okay?”
If they don’t let you speak to the victim, ask them to describe the victim or describe the vehicle they drive, if applicable.
Listen carefully to the voice of the kidnapped victim if they speak.
Attempt to call, text, or contact the victim via social media. Request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
While staying on the line with alleged kidnappers, try to call the alleged kidnap victim from another phone.
To buy time, repeat the caller’s request and tell them you are writing down the demand, or tell the caller you need time to get things moving.
Don’t directly challenge or argue with the caller. Keep your voice low and steady.
Request the kidnapped victim call back from his/her cell phone.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/1/18, 10:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

DATE/TIME:

July 29, 2018, at approximately 7:15 p.m.

LOCATION:

Circle K, 1954 N Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA.

VICTIM(S):

Undisclosed

SUSPECT(S):

Daisy Michele Ramos, 21 Year Old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Detective Michael Velasquez (805)385-8287

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Michael Velasquez (805)385-8287

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On the above date and time officers responded to Circle K Convenient Store located at 1954 N Ventura Road, in reference to a robbery that just occurred. Detectives reviewed video evidence which showed suspect Ramos entering the business and having an altercation with the store employee. During the altercation, the employee was stabbed and Ramos ultimately stole merchandise and fled the business.

On August 1, 2018 Ramos was located sleeping in a vehicle in the 1200 Block of Hibiscus Street where she was arrested for the Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Michael Velasquez (805)385-8287 [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 01, 2018, at 10:08 p.m.

Daisy Ramos

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, [email protected]

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

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174

[email protected]

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 [email protected].

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

[email protected] 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

[email protected] (805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

[email protected] (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.