NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felons in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
DATE/TIME:	January 22, 2018, 0004 hours
LOCATION:	1719 S. Oxnard Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	George Glass (age 24) Christian Andrade (age 26)
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

On 1/22/18, at approximately 0004 hours, several Oxnard Police Officers were conducting a foot patrol at the apartment complex located at 1719 S. Oxnard Blvd. when they detained two suspicious subjects seen leaving the apartment complex. The subjects were identified as George Glass (age 24) and Christian Andrade (age 26).

During a search of suspect George Glass, a high capacity handgun magazine fell to the ground. As Officers continued the search, they subsequently located a handgun in Glass’ waistband. Glass is a convicted felon and was arrested for being a felon in possession of firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm in a public place, and possession a high capacity magazine. During a search of Andrade’s property, he was found to be in possession of ammunition and small quantity of heroin. Andrade is a convicted felon and was arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a controlled substance.

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: January 22, 2018/ 0200 hours

George Glass

Christian Andrade

INCIDENT:

Person Arrested with a Loaded Shotgun

DATE/TIME:

January 21, 2018 @ 10:05 a.m.

LOCATION:

5200 Block of S. “J” Street

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Benjamin Herrera, 19 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger; 385-7746

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 21, 2018, at approximately 10:00AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex located in the 5200 block of S. “J” Street in Oxnard reference a subject sleeping in a vacant apartment while in possession of a shotgun.

Officers entered the apartment and detained the subject, 19 year old Benjamin Herrera, without incident. A loaded shotgun was located adjacent to Herrera. Herrera was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest; he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Herrera was arrested on two felony charges and two misdemeanor charges including burglary, possession of a dangerous substance while in possession of a firearm, and probation violations related to possessing a firearm.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at 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: January 21, 2018 / 2:30 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man arrested with drugs and loaded stolen gun
DATE/TIME:	January 20, 2018 @ 5:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Blvd. @ Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Torres, 31 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robert Flinn Robert.flinn@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 20, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Oxnard Boulevard and Gonzales Road.

Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle who was identified as Carlos Torres. Officers determined Torres to be under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested. During a search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun within arm’s reach of a four year old child in the back seat. The gun was later found to be stolen from a burglary in Oxnard in 2009. Officers additionally found narcotics in the vehicle belonging to the suspect.

Suspect Torres was arrested on four felony charges and four misdemeanor charges ranging from child endangerment, possession of stolen property, under the influence with a firearm and being in possession of a concealed loaded firearm in a vehicle.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang 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. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

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: January 20, 2018 / 7:30 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious injury hit and run traffic collision involving a pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	January 20, 2018 / 10:25 a.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road north of Devonshire Drive, Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	Jason Gonzalez, 30-year-old Oxnard resident
VEHICLE:	Black newer model midsize vehicle similar to a Chevy Camaro
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpdorg
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750 manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 20, 2018, at approximately 10:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a hit and run collision involving a pedestrian which occurred in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road north of Devonshire Drive. When officers arrived, they discovered a 30-year-old male pedestrian in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was identified as Jason Gonzalez of Oxnard. He sustained major injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that Gonzalez was walking northbound along the west curb line of Ventura Road and was struck by a black newer model midsize vehicle similar to a Chevy Camaro. The vehicle was described as having dark tinted windows and should have damage to the right front quarter panel as a result of the collision. After the pedestrian was struck, the vehicle was seen fleeing the area southbound on Ventura Road.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved. The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) involved in hit and run traffic collisions. You can 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.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 20, 2018 / 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint/Enforcement Saturation Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, January 19, 2018 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer (805) 385-7750 paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Friday, January 19, 2018, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard south of Spur Drive. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol-related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

Additional officers conducted a DUI saturation patrol throughout the city.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

959 vehicles through
737 drivers screened
Five DUI investigations
Four DUI alcohol arrests
One DUI alcohol/drug arrest
One misdemeanor warrant arrest
One citation issued to unlicensed driver
Five total citations issued
Two vehicles towed

The DUI saturation patrol resulted in the following:

Eight DUI investigations
Four DUI alcohol arrests
One DUI drug arrest
One citation issued to an unlicensed driver
14 total citations issued
One vehicle towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI 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 Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via e-mail at paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police K9 Suddenly Passes Away
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2018 @ 7 PM
PREPARED BY:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief Jason.benites@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett Smith, Police Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 248-9122

DETAILS:

It is with great sadness that the Oxnard Police Department announces the sudden passing of one of its police service dogs, K9 Jax.

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Jax began showing symptoms of an illness during regularly scheduled training. Jax was taken to a local veterinary hospital, and following a series of procedures, it was discovered that the 5 ½ year-old Belgian Malinois had a large, inoperable tumor near his heart and lungs. The tumor was bleeding, further compounding his condition, and impeding his lung function. Surrounded by his partner/handling officer, family, and friends, Jax succumbed to his illness.

“With Jax’s passing, we have lost a beloved family member of the Oxnard Police Department” said Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites. “Our K9 officers are tightly bonded with their canine partners, who work tirelessly to help protect our community. Jax will be missed by many. Please keep Jax, his handler, and their family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

Jax began his service with the Oxnard Police Department in 2013. He was known as a driven and determined award-winning K9. Jax’s most recent public appearance was in the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade on the Lucy Pet Foundation float. More information about Jax can be found on Instagram under oxnardpolicek9.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 18, 2018 @ 11:10 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	January 19, 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 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 19, 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 683 DUI collisions, which have claimed eight lives and resulted in another 428 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’.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service / Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 07:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	4600 Block Phoenix Drive
SUSPECT(S):	Edgar Ventura, 19 year old Oxnard resident Rafael Alvarado, 19 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Detective Jess.Aragon@Oxnardpd.org 805-207-9097

DETAILS:

On January 18, 2018, at approximately 07:00 a.m., Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in conjunction with the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K-9 unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 4600 block of Phoenix Drive, City of Oxnard. During the search warrant several firearms were located including two shotguns, a stolen handgun and over 100 rounds of ammunition. One of the residents, Edgar Ventura, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearm related charges. Ventura’s associate, Rafael Alvarado, was arrested for a felony violation of probation.

The search warrant was in response to the recent violence throughout the city. 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 Jess Aragon at (805) 207-9097. 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 18, 2018 / 3:20 P.M.

Rafael Alvarado Edgar Ventura

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Halaco Inhabitants to Vacate Property
DATE/TIME:	January 17, 2018 at 6:30 AM
PREPARED BY:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

At sunrise this morning, members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team with assistance from the Special Enforcement Unit, Traffic Unit, and Ventura Police Department’s Patrol Task Force led an operation at the Halaco site, located at 6200 Perkins Rd. The purpose of the operation was to follow up with the inhabitants that were previously directed to vacate the property by January 17, 2018. Halaco inhabitants had been repeatedly advised that they were trespassing on private property, and would be subject to arrest if they did not vacate the property by the deadline.

During this morning’s operation, police and social service workers contacted thirty-six (36) persons on the site. All 36 individuals voluntarily left the premises and it was not necessary to make any arrests for trespassing.

Assistant Chief Jason Benites said, “We are pleased that we did not have to arrest anyone for trespassing this morning. Though some individuals had outstanding arrest warrants, our preference from the beginning has been to seek compliance from those who have been camping there. Hopefully those who vacated the premises do not return, as they will face arrest if they do. ”

Seven (7) were arrested for outstanding warrants. Seventeen (17) vehicles that were determined to be either abandoned or inoperable were towed.

“We first had the abandoned, inoperable vehicles towed, in order to afford others with operable vehicles to remove them from the site,” said Benites. “Vehicles are a means for the people that are here to leave, and we did not want to take away that option from them.”

In order to assist Halaco inhabitants with their ability to vacate the site, Police and workers from Oxnard City Corps also offered to place personal belongings into temporary storage. Several of the Halaco inhabitants took that option. Items that were stored were first photographed, geo-coded with a mobile app, then cataloged for storage. Halaco inhabitants were given instructions how to make arrangements to retrieve their belongings at a later time. The City of Oxnard will hold such property for up to ninety (90) days; unclaimed property will then be subject to disposal.

The intersection of Perkins Rd. and McWane Blvd. is temporarily blocked with barricades for up to ninety (90) days, while the scheduled abatement of the property takes place. Vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian access is restricted south of the intersection, and the barricade is being monitored by security guards, 24 hours a day. Several “no trespassing” signs were also posted in conspicuous places to deter people from entering the site.

The Police Department will continue future sweeps through to the Halaco site, to ensure that people have not returned. All of the Halaco inhabitants have been advised that moving forward, any individual found to be trespassing on site will be taken into custody and charged with trespassing, a misdemeanor.

The Halaco site, formerly a recycling facility and currently an EPA superfund location, is not safe to inhabit. The living conditions are unsanitary. Accumulated piles of refuse raise health concerns, and have negative environmental impacts on the adjacent Ormond Beach Wetlands, a nature preserve with protected and endangered species.

To remedy concerns about this site, the City of Oxnard initiated an abatement process for the site in August of 2017. Once abatement work begins later this month, this process will consist of trash cleanup, debris removal, vegetation abatement, and demolition of free-standing concrete walls.

We encourage those seeking temporary shelter to visit the West County Winter Warming Shelter located at the Ventura National Guard Armory through March 31, 2018. The shelter opens nightly at 6 PM and provides a hot dinner meal, a place to sleep, showers and breakfast. The shelter is a County collaborative and is available for single occupants and families. For information concerning this, as well as additional services, the public can call “211” or (805) 385-1800.

We would like to remind the public that while the City of Oxnard does not provide any direct homeless services or emergency housing, the City does provide funding to several agencies and non-profit organizations that do provide such services. Below is a list of service agencies and places that provide assistance:

EMERGENCY HOUSING

If you are facing homelessness or are already homeless and need emergency housing:

Homelessness Prevention Program

Rapid Re-Housing Program

County of Ventura Human Services Agency

805-385-8585

www.vchsa.org/hprp

The Kingdom Center

(women and children only)

805-487-3400

www.tkcoxnard.org

Turning Point Foundation

(services for homeless with mental illness)

805-652-0000

www.turningpointfoundation.org

RAIN Project Transitional Living Center

805-389-3308

www.raincommunities.org

OTHER SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PERSONS

Community Action of Ventura County

Day-time One-Stop Center; mail drop, counseling, job resources, showers

621 Richmond Ave., Oxnard CA 93030

805-436-4000

www.ca-vc.org

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Housing and utility assistance, health care, employment resources

Assistance hotline: 1-888-552-7872

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 17, 2018/ 5:30 pm

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Possession of a Stolen Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 14, 2018, 12:40 AM.
LOCATION:	Palm Drive and C Street
VICTIM:	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	David Gonzales, 30 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Roque Rivera, Police Officer, Roque.rivera@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Roque Rivera, Police Officer, Roque.rivera@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7600

Details

On January 14, 2018, at about 12:40 A.M., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Palm Drive and C Street. The driver of the vehicle, David Gonzales was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and arrested. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a stolen .357 caliber revolver as well as narcotics and paraphernalia indicative of drug sales. Gonzales is a documented gang member.

Gonzales was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for possessing a stolen firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for sales.