OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police Arrest 16-Year old for Murder

DATE/TIME:

June 8, 2018, at approximately 8:00 a.m.

LOCATION:

Ventura County Juvenile Hall

VICTIM(S):

Juan Oscar Gutierrez, 44-year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Abraham Luna, 16-year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Steven Ramirez II (805) 385-7760

[email protected]

DETAILS:

Major Crimes Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department have arrested a 16-year old and charged him with the murder of 44-year old Juan Oscar Gutierrez of Oxnard.

The incident occurred on March 19, 2018, at approximately 12:55 p.m. in the north alley of 1001 West Gonzales Road. Oxnard police officers were dispatched to that location in regards to an injured person lying in the alley. Oxnard police officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene. The victim, later identified as Juan Oscar Gutierrez, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) in critical condition with a gunshot wound. Despite the lifesaving efforts of the medical staff, Gutierrez died on March 20, 2018, shortly before 3:00 p.m.

Major Crimes Detectives responded to the crime scene to lead the investigation. From the first day of the investigation, Major Crimes Detectives diligently investigated the shooting searching for information and evidence that would identify the person responsible for the senseless murder of Juan Oscar Gutierrez. During the past 11 weeks, Major Crimes Detectives were able to collect sufficient evidence and information to identify 16-year old Abraham Luna, an Oxnard resident, as the person responsible for killing Juan Oscar Gutierrez.

On June 8, 2018, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Luna was officially arrested and charged with murder. Luna was in custody at Ventura County Juvenile Hall when he was notified of the murder charge. Luna will remain in custody at the Ventura County Juvenile Hall Facility and he is not eligible for bail.

Major Crimes Detectives will continue to search for additional evidence and information in this case. Anyone with information regarding the murder of Juan Oscar Gutierrez is encouraged to contact Detective Steven Ramirez II at (805) 385-7760. 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: June 8, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	June 7, 2018, 7:00 PM
LOCATION:	600 block Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Angel Ramos, 18 years, Oxnard resident
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 June 7, 2018, at 7:00 PM, Officers from the Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), K-9 Unit, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Departments Air Unit, located and arrested Angel Ramos for robbery after a lengthy foot pursuit in the 600 block of Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard. The arrest was in response to recent robberies in North Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing violent crime in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws. 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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Be a Good Neighbor– Don’t Use Illegal Fireworks in Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	June 4, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez (805) 342-8292 [email protected]

Click here to access Oxnard 311

DETAILS:

With the Independence Day Holiday approaching next month, the Oxnard Police & Fire Departments would like to remind the public that ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL in the City of Oxnard. This includes those that are marked “Safe & Sane” and are legally purchased in other cities. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting, or handling fireworks is subject to arrest or fines of up to $1,000. The City of Oxnard asks its residents and visitors to be good neighbors by not engaging in illegal fireworks activity.

Be a Good Neighbor

Fireworks are not only dangerous, they are a nuisance in the community. Fireworks can be extremely frustrating for neighbors, especially when homes are close to each other, or when people are trying to sleep. Small children and pets are frightened, and the latter are more likely to panic and escape from their homes. Fireworks pose a risk of injury as well as fire danger, and are responsible for injuries every year. The large influx of fireworks disturbance calls ties up 9-1-1 lines, and also competes with other emergency calls. The City of Oxnard encourages the public to help keep family, friends, and neighbors safe during the Independence Day Holiday by joining the Good Neighbor Campaign. The Good Neighbor Campaign takes a stand against illegal fireworks, and asks residents to BE Courteous, BE Responsible, and Be a Partner with public safety by reporting illegal activity.

Illegal fireworks bring consequences

Under California Health & Safety Code section 12677, it is unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit. Any person who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor, and may be punished by a fine ranging from $500 and $1000 and/or imprisonment in the county jail up to a year. (See HSC 12700[a].).

The City of Oxnard has ordinances that prohibit the sale, use, or possession of fireworks within the city, and fines range from $250 to $1,000 per offense. On April 10, 2018, the Oxnard City Council adopted an ordinance that establishes “host liability” for fireworks violations. The ordinance went into effect on May 10, 2018. Under its provisions, property owners, tenants, or hosts can be held liable for the sale, possession, or use of fireworks on their property. Once a “host liability” case is opened, follow-up investigation will be done by Code Compliance or Police Department staff, and the responsible party will receive a citation at a later time.

“The Oxnard Police Department plans a focused enforcement effort for fireworks violations this year,” said Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites. “Police Officers and Code Compliance staff will be stepping up our efforts to hold fireworks offenders accountable. However, we will make efforts to express this to the community in advance, with some hope that the public thinks twice about it. If someone really wants to see fireworks, please consider other options out there, such as the Fireworks by the Sea event at the Channel Islands Harbor.”

Public Outreach

The Police Department will present information about fireworks at the Wednesday, June 6, 2018 Inter Neighborhood Council Organization (INCO). This meeting starts at 7PM, and will be held in the Oxnard City Council Chambers. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

Benites added, “We want to let our residents know that fireworks are prohibited in Oxnard, and we will also communicate this through our ongoing and everyday discussions with the community. We also plan to send fireworks information and admonishments out on the Department’s social media platforms, primarily Facebook, Nextdoor.com, Twitter, and the department’s web page (www.OxnardPD.org). People really need to know fireworks not only present a risk of injury and fire, but they simply disturb a lot of people.”

Reporting Fireworks Activity

The Independence Day Holiday is typically one of the busiest days for the Police Department. On the actual 4th of July, it is not unusual for the Oxnard Police Department to receive over 400 fireworks-related calls (441 in 2016, and 428 in 2017) in addition to the nearly one thousand phone calls it normally processes each day. During June and July of 2017, the Police Department’s dispatch center received some 2,033 phone calls that concerned fireworks disturbances. Many of the calls are from frustrated residents. The Police Department would like to provide the public with some reporting options that best address the type of fireworks issue, in hopes of reducing frustration and increasing the Police Department’s ability to address the problem.

To report fireworks disturbances, community members can be Good Neighbors by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (805) 385-7740. Having as much specific information as possible regarding the firework activity, such as an address, suspect description, etc. is most helpful to the response.

To report the ongoing, habitual use of fireworks, the public can contact the Oxnard Police Department Fireworks Hotline at (805) 394-5884, or by email at [email protected]. Tips received through the phone and email hotlines will help the Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team better identify fireworks-active areas, and address illegal activity. The hotline can be used through July 4th. Hotline/email tipsters can state that they want to remain anonymous. Police Department staff members will check these tip lines daily and follow up when possible. Please note that these options are not continuously staffed and are for messages only, so they are not intended for disturbances that are in progress.

This week, the City of Oxnard launched a new feature on the Oxnard 3-1-1 app that allows residents to conveniently report fireworks “host liability” violations at specific locations on the internet or via smart phones. With the Oxnard 3-1-1 app, residents can anonymously report, and upload video/photos. Complaints will be reviewed by Code Compliance officers, who will share information with the Police Department. Follow-up will be done on those complaints, which can result in the issuance of citations for fireworks violators, or the property landlord/tenant/host. The Oxnard 3-1-1 app is free, and can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or on Google Play. It is also available on the City of Oxnard’s website at https://www.oxnard.org/your-service-connection/. Please note that 3-1-1 is not intended for fireworks disturbances that are in progress.

Fireworks disposal

Members of the public who want to dispose of illegal fireworks can stop by any of the Oxnard Fire Department’s eight stations to hand over fireworks without facing penalties:

Station 1: 491 S. K St.
Station 2: 531 E. Pleasant Valley Rd.
Station 3: 150 Hill St.
Station 4: 230 W. Vineyard Ave.
Station 5: 1450 Colonia Rd.
Station 6: 2601 Peninsula Rd.
Station 7: 3300 Turnout Park Circle
Station 8: 3000 S. Rose Ave.

The City encourages the public to enjoy the free annual fireworks show, Fireworks by the Sea, at Channel Islands Harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Please share this information with your neighbors and your Neighborhood Councils. A little prevention will make our summer holidays more fun!

Be a good neighbor – DON’T USE ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN OXNARD!

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 4, 2018/ 4:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision Involving a Pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	June 4, 2018 / 10:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	500 block of East Channel Islands Blvd.
PEDESTRIAN:	14-year-old male, Jason Anthony Ortega
VEHICLE:	Silver 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
DRIVER:	41-year-old female Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Sergio Figueroa (805)385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 30, 2018, at approximately 7:10 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian in the 500 block of East Channel Islands Blvd. Officers arrived and located a 14-year-old male resident of Oxnard in the roadway suffering from serious injuries. The subject was transported to a nearby hospital and later to Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries.

The juvenile has been identified as Jason Ortega, a 14-year-old Oxnard resident.

Anyone that may have witnessed the collision is asked to call or email Officer Sergio Figueroa at (805)385-7750 [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED:

6-4-18 / 10:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	1 arrested; 2 sought in carjacking
DATE/TIME:	June 3, 2018, 2:09 a.m.
LOCATION:	Alley of Colonia Road, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Adult male
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic female, late teens, Hispanic male 20’s, dark clothing
PREPARED BY:	Luis McArthur, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis McArthur, Commander [email protected] Cell (805) 207-7234

DETAILS:

Officers are searching for at least two carjacking suspects and one is in custody.

The suspect and accomplices carjacked a red Mazda 3 sedan at gunpoint just after 2 a.m. near Colonia Road.

The suspects drove the man to nearby ATM’s where they made withdrawals from his bank accounts. The suspects then drove the man to a convenience store near Oxnard Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue where the man was able to escape and call police.

An Oxnard police sergeant later spotted the suspects in the car on Anita Avenue near Camino Del Sol. One subject was taken into custody and at least two others are still at large.

One suspect is a Hispanic female in her late teens and the other is a Hispanic male, 20’s wearing dark clothing.

No one was injured.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	June 2, 2018 / 1:15 a.m.
LOCATION:	600 block of West Channel Islands Blvd. Oxnard, Ca
DRIVER 1: DECEASED	18-year-old male Oxnard resident (Name withheld pending notification to family)
DRIVER 2:	56-year-old female Oxnard resident
VEHICLE 1:	Gray 2003 Nissan Altima
VEHICLE 2:	White 2016 Acura ILX
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Alvaro Pulido (805)385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On June 2, 2018, at approximately 1:15 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision in the 600 block of West Channel Islands Blvd. Emergency personnel located two vehicles, an Acura ILX and a Nissan Altima, which collided with one another. The Acura was occupied by a 56-year-old female driver and three adult passengers. All of the occupants were transported to local area hospitals for minor injuries. The driver of the Nissan, an 18-year-old male Oxnard resident, was pronounced dead at the scene. The deceased driver’s name is being withheld pending notification to the family.

During the initial investigation, Officers determined that the Acura was traveling westbound on Channel Islands Blvd. The Nissan was traveling in the opposite direction and for reasons that are not known, crossed into the opposing lane of traffic and collided with the Acura. Several parked vehicles were also struck before the Nissan and Acura finally came to rest.

It is unknown whether alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information is asked to contact Officer Alvaro Pulido at (805)385-7750 or [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-2-18 / 9:40 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	June 2, 2018 / 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Saturday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, June 2, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 724 DUI collisions, which have claimed 13 lives and resulted in another 476 injuries.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also, through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 1, 2018 / 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Armed Robbery to a Business

DATE/TIME:

5/31/18, 9:21 p.m.

LOCATION:

1800 block North Ventura Road

VICTIM(S):

Shell Gas

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

LOSS:

Undisclosed

PREPARED BY:

Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Dale McAlpine, Patrol Sergeant

(805) 857-4655

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5/31/18, at approximately 9:21 p.m., an armed suspect entered Shell Gas, in the 1800 block of North Ventura Road. The suspect confronted an employee at gunpoint and demanded money from the cash register. The employee handed over an undisclosed amount of currency. The suspect fled in on Gonzales Road in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as a Hispanic, Male, 20-30 years old, 5-06, 180 lbs., wearing a black hat, black jacket and black jeans.

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: 5/31/18, 2200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Occupied Stolen Vehicle Arrest- Firearm Recovered
DATE/TIME:	May 31, 2018, 0216 hours
LOCATION:	3800 block of South G Street
VICTIM(S):	Undisclosed, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Hinojosa, 22 year old, Oxnard resident Female -17 year old, Oxnard resident Female -16 year old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Edgar Fernandez, 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Edgar Fernandez, 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On 5/31/18, at approximately 2:15 a.m., Oxnard Police Department Officers were dispatched to the 3800 block of South G Street regarding a vehicle having just been stolen from a victim’s residence. Responding officers searched the surrounding neighborhood for the stolen vehicle. After a brief search, officers located the vehicle in the nearby area and a traffic stop was initiated. The driver and two juvenile passengers were removed from the vehicle without incident.

During the search of the vehicle, a loaded semi-automatic handgun was located inside of the vehicle.

The driver, Robert Hinojosa, a 22 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle. He was additionally charged with being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and other related gun charges. The juveniles were also arrested for various related charges, including outstanding warrants and were subsequently housed at Ventura County Juvenile Hall.

Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 31, 2018, at 4:45 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Violent Altercation Results in Oxnard Man’s Death

DATE/TIME:

May 30, 2018, at approximately 6:30 A.M.

LOCATION:

490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Hispanic Male, 24-year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Hispanic male, 31-year old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688

[email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is investigating a violent altercation between two men that resulted in the death of one of the men.

On May 30, 2018, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a person that was hit by a vehicle in the gas station parking lot, located at 490 South Victoria Avenue. When the police officers arrived at the scene, they located a 24-year old Hispanic male lying in the driveway of the gas station. Next to the 24-year old male was a red colored sedan with significant front-end damage. Bystanders provided first-aid to the male as police officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on-scene. The 24-year old was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center by ambulance. Unfortunately, the 24-year old succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

At the scene, police officers contacted a 31-year old Hispanic male who was identified as the driver of a black SUV, which was in the parking lot next to the crime scene. Police officers spoke to several eye-witnesses that provided detailed statements. Police officers also located a replica firearm in the vicinity of where the altercation occurred.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the incident. Based on information obtained during the investigation, detectives believe a violent altercation occurred between the two males that resulted in the death of the 24-year old. The motive or cause of the altercation is still being investigated. Detectives believe all persons involved in the incident are accounted for and have been interviewed.

Detectives are requesting anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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.

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/fifthandvictoria

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 30, 2018, at 1:30 P.M.