OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2017 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Data Shows a Decrease in Oxnard Crime
DATE/TIME:	January-December 2017
LOCATION:	Citywide – City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Bureau Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Bureau Commander Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org; (805) 385-7620

DETAILS: The FBI gathers crime statistics from law enforcement agencies each year as part of their Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The UCR Program collects data on four violent crime and four property crime categories. The purpose of the program is to generate a reliable set of crime statistics for use by law enforcement. The Oxnard Police Department has been a participating UCR agency for over forty (40) years and believes it is important to share the crime data with our residents.

The police department continued to focus on crime prevention efforts in 2017 for another successful decrease in the number of crimes committed in Oxnard. The 11.1% overall decrease in crime translated to 782 crimes prevented in comparison to last year. The UCR crime categories and the reported crime data for 2016 and 2017 are listed below:

Police Chief Scott Whitney said about the reduction in overall crime:

“At the beginning of 2017, we set an ambitious goal for our organization of reducing overall Part One crime by 10%. Our officers in our neighborhoods as well as our detectives tasked with investigating these crimes shifted their focus from traditional policing methods to intelligence-led policing methods focused on two key areas: 1) Preventing crimes from ever happening, and 2) targeting chronic and repeat offenders responsible for a bulk of our crime. We believe these methods are reflected in the UCR data and are very excited to continue towards another crime reduction in 2018.”

Aggravated Assaults

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define aggravated assault as “an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.”

Aggravated assaults decreased by 9.1% with 40 fewer aggravated assaults in 2017 as compared to 2016 statistics. Overall, aggravated assaults within the City of Oxnard have been trending downward for decades. During calendar year 1994, there were 1,073 aggravated assaults reported in the City with a population of 50,000 fewer people as compared to 398 during 2017.

Robberies

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define robbery as “The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.”

The number of robberies increased from 429 in 2016 to 430 in 2017. Carjacking had the largest increase with a 48.1% jump from the last year. Robberies to businesses realized the largest decrease of 17.2%.

Larcenies (Thefts)

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define larceny as “an unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another.”

The crime category of larceny (theft) decreased by 10.7% overall. There were 4,309 larcenies reported during calendar year 2016 and 3,848 during 2017, a decrease of 461 incidents. The two driving forces behind the larceny crime rate continue to be Shoplifting and Thefts from Motor Vehicles, accounting for 59% of all thefts in the City of Oxnard. Larceny is responsible for 61% of the total crime picture and is the most preventable.

“We placed an emphasis on shoplifting reduction in 2017 and we’re proud of the efforts of our officers in making it happen,” stated Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard, who oversees the Investigative Services Bureau. Assistant Chief Sonstegard added, “You do not realize an 18% reduction by accident. It’s through the concerted crime prevention efforts of our property crimes investigators that we were able to put mechanisms in place to prevent these crimes from ever happening.”

Motor Vehicle Theft

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define motor vehicle theft as “the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.” A motor vehicle is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that runs on land surface.

Motor vehicle theft decreased 11.8%. There were 786 motor vehicle thefts reported during calendar year 2016 and 693 during 2017, 93 fewer crimes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 8, 2018, 2:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Injury Investigation
DATE/TIME:	February 25, 2019 at approximately 6:50 .p.m.
LOCATION:	100 block of Mallard Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name being withheld
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Luis Mancha (805) 385-7632 Luis.Mancha@Oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jacob Jundef (805) 385-7680 Jacob.Jundef@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On February 25, 2019, at approximately 6:50 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 100 block of Mallard Way, regarding a female suffering from suspicious injuries. Officers located the injured female and contacted EMS. EMS arrived on scene and immediately transported the victim to St. John’s Hospital.

The female victim is listed in critical condition according to medical personnel.

The incident is being investigated by Oxnard Police Department Investigative Services Bureau. The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of her next of kin.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Jacob Jundef (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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 26, 2019 at 6:00 pm

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Investigators Searching for Vehicle Used in two Related Homicides

DATE/TIME:

May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 P.M.

May 16, 2017, between 9-9:30 P.M.

LOCATION:

300 block of North G Street, Oxnard

5400 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Aaron Austin, 29-years old, Oxnard resident

Eduardo Leon, 23-years old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department continues to investigate two homicides that occurred on May 16, 2017, at different locations within the city of Oxnard. Investigators have determined that these two murders are related.

The first homicide occurred on May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 300 block of North G Street. Oxnard police officers responded to the report of a shooting victim. Upon their arrival, they located a 29-year old male, identified as Aaron Austin, suffering from gunshot wounds. Austin was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) by ambulance. Unfortunately, Austin was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

While this investigation was still in its initial stages, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of another shooting victim. On May 17, 2017, at approximately 5:30 a.m., residents in the 5400 block of Perkins Road called the police department after they found a shooting victim lying in the west alley. Police officers responded and located the shooting victim, a 23-year old male, identified as Eduardo Leon. EMS personnel arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. During this investigation, police officers and investigators spoke to several residents who said they heard gunshots or fireworks the previous evening but did not report it to the police.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to both homicides and had been diligently investigating both cases and following up on all leads. Recently, investigators have developed information on both cases that led investigators to determine that both of these homicides are related. Additionally, investigators uncovered video surveillance recordings that captured, what detectives believe, is a vehicle associated with the suspect(s) in the homicides.

Detectives reviewed the surveillance video and strongly believe that the suspect vehicle is likely a dark colored 2000’s compact BMW sedan. This determination was made based on the various mechanical characteristics of the vehicle, including the location of the different exterior lights on the car. The photograph below was taken from a surveillance camera near one of the homicide locations. This image highlights the location of the vehicle’s lights, which assisted in determining year range and make of the vehicle.

Snapshot of suspect vehicle – highlighting the vehicle’s distinct lighting characteristics

The suspect vehicle investigators are searching for is similar to the vehicle in the stock photograph below.

At this stage in both homicide investigations, detectives are still searching for any information that could assist in identifying a suspect(s) or a motive for the murders.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages anyone with information in regards to the senseless murder of Aaron Austin and/or Eduardo Leon to contact detectives. Additionally, anyone with knowledge or information regarding this suspect vehicle is highly encouraged to contact detectives.

Aaron Austin

Eduardo Leon

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 385-7763.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 6, 2018, at approximately 7:30 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	February 5, 2018 / 9:25 p.m.
LOCATION:	1700 block of Crawford St.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Sergio Contreras, 36-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On February 5, at approximately 9:25 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Colonia neighborhood in the 1700 block of Crawford St. The officers immediately recognized the driver as 36-year-old Sergio Contreras, a documented criminal street gang member on supervised release (Post Release Offender). Officers exercised Contreras’ court ordered search terms and located a semiautomatic handgun concealed in the vehicle. Contreras was arrested for numerous firearms 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: February 5, 2018 / 2300 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI Saturation Patrols and Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation Results
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2018 / 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Sunday, February 4, 2018, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in an effort to lower deaths and injuries resulting from motorcycle-involved collisions. Officers patrolled areas frequented by motorcyclists focusing on primary causes of motorcycle collisions including speed, unsafe turning, and right of way violations.

Additional officers also conducted DUI saturation patrols between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. specifically to stop and arrest drivers and riders showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment. DUI saturation patrols were conducted in areas where alcohol-related arrests and/or DUI collisions have occurred.

The Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation resulted in the following:

51 total citations issued (31 citations issued to motorcyclists)
One motorcyclist arrested for DUI alcohol
One misdemeanor warrant arrest

The DUI saturation patrols resulted in the following:

Four DUI alcohol arrests
Two DUI drug arrests
28 total citations issued
Two vehicles towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these types of operations in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and motorcycle-involved collisions. These 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 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2018 / 4:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	Emerson Ave. at Dupont St.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Omar Baez, 31-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On February 4, at approximately 4:50 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the Lemonwood neighborhood near the intersection of Emerson Ave. and Dupont St. During the traffic stop, officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view and smelled what appeared to be burnt marijuana in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and located a semiautomatic handgun. The driver, Omar Baez, was ultimately arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm as well as ammunition.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Teen Arrested with Two Loaded Guns in Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2018 @ 12:52 a.m.
LOCATION:	Watt Drive @ Pine Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	17-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon Ordelheide (805) 385-7740 Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On February 4, 2018, at approximately 12:52 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit were conducting enhanced DUI enforcement and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Watt Drive and Pine Street.

Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle and observed signs and symptoms of driving under the influence of alcohol. During the investigation, a passenger of the vehicle who was identified as a 17-year-old Oxnard gang member was asked to exit the vehicle. As the minor was exiting the vehicle, a loaded firearm fell from his sweatshirt pocket. Officers detained the minor and located an additional loaded firearm in the minor’s rear pant pocket.

The minor was arrested for being in possession of a concealed loaded firearm. The driver was arrested for DUI and allowing a passenger to carry a concealed loaded firearm in the vehicle.

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: February 4, 2018 / 02:54 a.m.

Loaded handguns

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Super Bowl LII – Motorcycle Safety Enforcement / DUI Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2018 / 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

Don’t Fumble: Tackle Impaired Driving Before the Clock Starts

Kickoff on America’s favorite pastime is just about ready to start. For many football fans, when it’s time for Super Bowl LII, everyone’s a fan…and Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. The California Office of Traffic Safety, Police, Sheriff and the CHP are huddling up for a special designated driver reminder to urge football fans across the nation not to drop the ball on this issue.

Prior to the start of the Super Bowl, the Oxnard Police Department will deploy additional officers who will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Officers will be patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Additional officers will also be conducting DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during and following the game.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles that are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a 5 year high. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions have resulted in four fatal and 111 injury crashes.

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Impaired driving near or above the .08 BAC limit can be deadly, and even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment to make driving unsafe. In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 10,497 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving drunk drivers nationwide. California recorded 1,059 DUI deaths at .08 BAC or above according to the NHTSA.

The Oxnard Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Drug-impaired driving is a problem on California roadways. Like drunk driving, drugged driving is impaired driving, which means it is dangerous and illegal. Whether the drug is legally prescribed, an illicit drug, or marijuana, driving while drug-impaired poses a threat to the driver, vehicle passengers, and other motorists, and driving high can lead to a DUI.

There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The OTS DDVIP app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The app offers enhanced features, allowing users to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Additionally, the app users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb.

This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. Don’t fumble! Designate your sober driver before the big game begins. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

These enforcement operations are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	February 2, 2018, 11:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	5000 blk Charles Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Angel Tejada Cortez, 20 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 January 24, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery with a firearm in the 4000 blk of Tradewinds Drive. Officers located the victim and learned the subject fled prior to their arrival. The subject took several items of the victim’s property, and was last seen leaving the area in an unknown type vehicle. The Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continued to work the case and was able to identify, Angel Tejada Cortez, as the person who committed the robbery.

On February 2, 2018, The Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit, K-9 Unit and Special Enforcement Unit located and arrested Cortez in the 5000 blk of Charles Street, Oxnard. Cortez was subsequently charged with 2^nd degree robbery (firearm) and booked into Ventura County Jail.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service / Robbery Arrest / Firearm recovered
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 7:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	2100 Block Mono Street
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Andres Guzman, 21 Year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective Carey.Everhart@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097

DETAILS:

On January 31, 2018, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K-9 Unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 2100 block of Mono Street, City of Oxnard. The search warrant was in response to a robbery that occurred in the City of Oxnard back in November of 2017. During the search warrant a firearm and evidence was located that was directly linked to the armed robbery. Andres Guzman was arrested for armed robbery and firearm related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department, Violent Crimes Unit, and the Special Enforcement Unit are committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known and active gang members residing in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Oxnard Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or witness a crime.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6228. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 31, 2018 / 9:45 a.m.