OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 22, 2018 / 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	San Gorgonio Avenue @ Driskill Street
VICTIM:	State of California
SUSPECT:	Alejandro De La Cruz, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Brown Saturn Sedan (stolen)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez (805) 385-7650 enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2018, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 500 block of Cooper Road reference a theft of a vehicle that just occurred. Officers contacted the owner of the vehicle and learned that the vehicle was left unattended with the engine running. Approximately 15 minutes later, a detective from the Oxnard Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force observed the vehicle being driven in the area of Sarita Drive and First Street. Responding officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver led officers on a brief pursuit. At the conclusion of the pursuit, the vehicle collided into three parked vehicles at the intersection of San Gorgonio Avenue and Driskill Street where it became disabled. The driver, suspect Alejandro De La Cruz, fled from the vehicle on foot but was apprehended by officers a short distance away.

Suspect De La Cruz was arrested for and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and evading the police. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail. De La Cruz was previously arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and evading police in 2016.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department encourages community members to never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running, lock their vehicles and use anti-theft devices to help secure their vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/22/18 / 2200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Home Invasion / Attempt Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 10, 2018 7:55 p.m.
LOCATION:	4600 block Terrace Ave
VICTIM(S):	Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Seferino Mendez, 19 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vega, Detective Ricardo.Vega@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8291

DETAILS:

On February 10, 2018, at approximately 7:55 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a home invasion robbery that had just occurred in the 4600 block of Terrace Ave, City of Oxnard. Upon arrival Officers learned that two suspects knocked on the front door of an apartment and when the victim answered the door, the suspects forced their way into the apartment and pistol whipped a female victim. The suspects demanded money from the family and took money from a juvenile victim. As the suspects left the apartment they approached a pizza delivery driver who was delivering pizza to another apartment. The suspects demanded money from the pizza delivery man and threatened to shoot him. The pizza delivery man refused to hand over his money and was punched. The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to assist with the investigation. Through the course of the investigation, investigators learned that 19 year old Seferino Mendez was possibly involved. Mendez was positively identified by two of the victims. Mendez was located and subsequently arrested by VCU investigators with the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Police team.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-8291. 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: February 22, 2018 / 1:30 p.m.

Seferino Mendez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

UPDATE:

Nicholas was located and reunited with his family. Thanks for your assistance.

INCIDENT:	Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	2/22/18 0630 hours
LOCATION:	600 block Rosalinda Dr.
VICTIM(S):	Nicholas Penaloza, 23 years old
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is currently searching for a missing 23 year-old dependent adult. Nicholas Penaloza was last seen in the area of the 600 block of Rosalinda Dr., in Oxnard, around 10:30 pm last night. Nicholas is autistic with an impaired mental capacity. Nicholas is described as a Hispanic male, 5’-8”, 300 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Nicholas was last seen wearing a blue shirt and black shorts.

Currently, the Oxnard Police Department is conducting an area search for Nicholas.

Anyone who has seen Nicholas or knows his possible whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or dial 911.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/22/18 7:30 am

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department to receive the 2018 James Q. Wilson Award for excellence in community policing
DATE/TIME:	February 20, 2018
LOCATION:	Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief Jason.benites@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7626

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce that it will receive the 2018 James Q. Wilson Award, for excellence in community policing.

This prestigious award is presented by the Regional Community Policing Institute – California, the California Police Chiefs Association, and the California Attorney General’s Office. The purpose of the award is to recognize California law enforcement agencies that demonstrate excellence in community policing philosophies. One California agency is selected to receive the award each year, along with two finalists.

Overall, the award is based upon the following areas:

Problem Solving – The level of agency commitment to solving public safety and disorder issues.
Partnership with the Community – The level of agency collaboration with the community while addressing public safety and disorder issues.
Partnership with Public and Private Organizations/Agencies -The level of agency collaboration with other public and private organizations/ agencies while addressing public safety and disorder issues.
Institutionalization – The extent that the Community Policing philosophy has been integrated throughout the agency (e.g. percentage of personnel involved, training, relationship to promotional processes, etc.).
Results – What have been the positive outcomes that can be linked to the chosen Community Policing Strategy and how were they determined?

Oxnard’s proposal, Turning the Tide on Crime, focused on the developing of clear agency priorities, and communicating them with not only the department, but also with the community. The five-page proposal also centered on the Oxnard Police Department’s commitment to crime reduction strategies, efforts to improve traffic safety, prioritizing problem-solving at the neighborhood level, and the importance of community partnerships/engagement.

The award will be presented during the California Police Chiefs Association Annual Training Symposium Luncheon on March 19, 2018. Chief Scott Whitney plans for the agency to be well-represented on this date, and will have a number of officers present from every level of the department, in addition to community members:

Chief Scott Whitney: “I am very proud of our officers and civilian staff at every level of the department. We are also very grateful for all of our community members that are willing to step up, partner with us and help make our city safer.”

Chief Whitney added in an email message to all members of the Police Department: “Most importantly, this award was based upon the work that you all do every day. I am very proud of this agency and everyone in it, and am very grateful for not only what you do, but how well you do it!”

The Oxnard Police Department also received this award in 2008.

More information about the James Q. Wilson award can be found at the Regional Community Policing Institute – California’s website at: https://www.rcpi-ca.org/james_q_wilson_award

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 20, 2018 / 1600 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

December 5, 2017, at approximately 11:30 P.M.

LOCATION:

300 block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Jesus Pizano, 26-year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Omar Alan Tapia, 25-year old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669

ken.tougas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: (Oxnard, Calif) – Major Crimes Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department have arrested a person in connection with the murder of Oxnard resident, Jesus Pizano.

On December 5, 2017, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 300 block of North Rose Avenue. Police officers arrived on scene and located the victim, 26-year old Jesus Pizano, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Pizano was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and was listed in critical condition. Despite the life-saving efforts of the medical staff, Pizano died on December 8, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Initially, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the crime scene to investigate the stabbing. Major Crimes Detectives took over the investigation upon Pizano’s death. Major Crimes Detectives diligently and thoroughly investigated the murder of Pizano to identify the person or persons responsible for his death. During the investigation, Major Crimes Detectives interviewed numerous people who provided detectives with valuable information. Detectives also located and collected important items of evidence. As the homicide investigation progressed, detectives were able to positively identify 25-year old Omar Alan Tapia, an Oxnard resident, as the person responsible for the death of Jesus Pizano.

Major Crimes Detectives worked closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation. The District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and all the information detectives obtained during the investigation. After a thorough review of the information, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Tapia.

On February 21, 2018, Major Crimes Detectives arrested Tapia at Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of Jesus Pizano. Tapia, who was in custody on charges unrelated to the homicide investigation, will remain in custody with a bail amount of $500,000.00.

Major Crimes Detectives will continue to investigate the murder of Jesus Pizano with the possibility of additional arrests. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669. 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 21, 2018, at approximately 8:00 A.M.

Omar Alan Tapia

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man arrested on warrant had loaded rifle
DATE/TIME:	February 17, 2018 / 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	5400 block of Roland, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Marco Cerda, 19 year-old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant Brandon.Ordelheide@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 17, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers were conducting a warrant service in the 5400 block of Roland Street. Officers observed the warrant suspect, Marco Cerda, entering a vehicle to the rear of a residence. Officers contacted Cerda and observed a .22 caliber rifle next to him in the vehicle. Officers inspected the rifle and found that the rifle was loaded. Cerda was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearms 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.

.22 Caliber Rifle

Marco Cerda, 19

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Warrant Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 17, 2018 / 12:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	300 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd, Pt. Hueneme
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gary Meza, 36 years, Oxnard resident Frank Duran, 31 years, Oxnard resident Misty Lopez, 37 years, Oxnard resident Emmanuel Estrella, 26 years, Oxnard resident Lauren Evans, 26 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez, Sergeant rick.marquez@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On February 17, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact a wanted subject in the 300 block of west Channel Islands Blvd in Port Hueneme. Gary Meza, who was walking with an unidentified male, was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants. As officers approached Meza, he and the unidentified male fled into a hotel room at the Casa Via Mar Inn. Additional officers responded and attempted to establish contact with the subjects for over two hours without success.

Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and K-9 Unit responded to assist. Officers continued to try and establish communication with Meza and his companion and instructed them both to exit the hotel room. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to gain the cooperation of Meza and his partner, Violent Crimes Unit detectives authored a search warrant for the hotel room.

After a six hour stand-off, SWAT officers forced the hotel room door open. Meza immediately complied with officers and he was taken into custody without incident. Four additional subjects were found inside the room. Emmanuel Estrella was arrested for a violation of probation under the Post Release Offender program. Frank Duran, a documented gang member, and Lauren Evans were arrested for delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties. Misty Lopez was arrested for a violation of parole. Gary Meza was arrested for his outstanding warrants and for a violation of probation under the Post Release Offender program. Meza is also a documented gang member.

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 17, 2018 / 1100 hours

Gary Meza, 36

Emmanuel Estrella, 26

Misty Lopez, 37

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Parents of Missing 3-year old Kimberly Lopez Arrested for Murder

DATE:

February 14, 2018

LOCATION:

Ventura County Superior Court

VICTIM(S):

Kimberly Lopez, 3-years old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Mayra Alejandra Chavez, 26-years old, Oxnard Resident

Omar Misael Lopez, 33-years old, Oxnard Resident

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) – After nearly a year and a half long investigation, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department announce that arrests were made in the disappearance of 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against Kimberly’s parents, Mayra Alejandra Chavez and Omar Misael Lopez.

The official police investigation started on September 7, 2016. At that time, officials from Ventura County Children and Family Services (VCCFS) notified the Oxnard Police Department that 3-year old Kimberly Lopez was missing. Kimberly was last seen by a VCCFS social worker in the custody of her guardian, Omar Lopez. Guardianship was given to Omar after he completed the required classes to become the guardian of Kimberly. Mayra Chavez was granted supervised home visits with Kimberly. The visits were to be supervised by Omar and Maria Lopez, Mayra’s mother. The last reported sighting of Kimberly was during a home visit by a VCCFS social worker on March 10, 2015.

In July of 2016, VCCFS social workers received information concerning the well-being of Kimberly. Social workers made several home visits in an attempt to check on Kimberly. However, Omar and Mayra provided social workers with unverified information that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. After numerous home visits, neither Omar nor Mayra were able to provide verifiable documentation or proof that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. VCCFS notified the Oxnard Police Department on September 7, 2016, that Kimberly was missing and unaccounted for. A missing person report was filed, and detectives immediately began investigating the whereabouts of Kimberly.

Also in September of 2016, VCCFS initiated a new juvenile dependency case on Kimberly, and the Ventura County Juvenile Court issued an order to take Kimberly back into protective custody once she was located.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Family Protection Unit, along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all worked diligently in an attempt to locate missing 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. Detectives interviewed family members, friends and associates of Mayra and Omar who expressed their concern for Kimberly’s disappearance. Detectives also conducted extensive and detailed interviews with Mayra Chavez and Omar Lopez. Detectives believed that Mayra and Omar were the key to finding Kimberly.

During the police investigation and search for Kimberly, Mayra and Omar were in custody on civil arrest warrants for failing to provide accurate information on the whereabouts of Kimberly.

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence and information to believe that Kimberly Lopez was deceased and that Mayra Chavez and Omar Lopez were responsible for her death. Detectives believe Kimberly was placed in a situation that resulted in her death while in the care and custody of Mayra and Omar.

Detectives, working closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, submitted police reports and other items of evidence for review. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office examined all the information obtained during the extensive police investigation. On February 14, 2018, Mayra Chavez was officially charged with murder (187 P.C.), child endangerment resulting in death (273ab (a) P.C.), and torture (206 P.C.). Omar Lopez was charged with murder (187 P.C.) and child endangerment (273a (a) P.C.). If convicted of all charges, Mayra could face a maximum of 47 years to life in prison. Omar could face a maximum of 42 years to life in prison. Mayra and Omar, who were still in custody on the civil arrest warrants and perjury charges, were arrested at Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 14, 2018 at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Mayra Alejandra Chavez

Omar Misael Lopez

Kimberly Lopez

INCIDENT:

Missing Elderly Dependent Adult

DATE/TIME:

02/11/2018; 0130 hours

LOCATION:

400 Block of South “F” Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Gabriel Santana, 89 years

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger (805) 385-7746

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.Org

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult. Mr. Gabriel Santana, 89 years old, walked away from his residence in the 400 Block of South “F” Street, Oxnard, around 1:30AM this morning. Mr. Santana is described as a Hispanic male, 5’-10” tall and weighs approximately 175 lbs. He was wearing a tan jacket, grey long sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. He is known to frequent the local shopping areas including Circle K at First Street and Rose Avenue, and the WalMart shopping center. If you see Mr. Santana, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 11, 2018 @ 1030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

February 11, 2018 at approximately 12:00 a.m.

LOCATION:

Community Center Park, 801 Hobson Way

VICTIM(S):

African American male, 26-year old Oxnard resident; name withheld pending notification

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On February 11, 2018, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service of gunshots heard in Community Center Park, located at 801 Hobson Way. Police officers arrived on scene and located a shooting victim. The victim, a 26-year old African American male, was found lying on the sidewalk near the northern parking lot. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, detectives do not have any suspect information nor do they have a motive for the murder.

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 Detective Robert Valenzuela at (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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February, 11 2018, at 5:00 a.m.