OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	September 18, 2017/ 4:35pm
LOCATION:	Ventura Rd. @ Second St.
VICTIM(S):	23-year-old female Oxnard resident Name withheld pending notification of family
Driver/ vehicle 1:	24-year-old Oxnard resident Red 1991 Acura Integra
Vehicle 2:	79-year-old Santa Paula resident 2017 Lexus GS350
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Manuel Perez (805)385-7750 Manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 18, 2017, at approximately 4:35 pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury collision at the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Second St. Based on the preliminary investigation it was determined that a white 2017 Lexus GS 350 driven by a 79-year-old female Santa Paula resident was traveling southbound on Ventura Rd. and attempted to make a left-hand turn onto Second St. The Lexus was struck in the intersection by a red 1991 Acura Integra driven by a 24-year-old male Oxnard resident that was travelling northbound on Ventura Rd. Both drivers were transported to a local area hospital and are in stable condition. A 23-year-old female passenger in the Acura was also transported to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the family.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were involved. The collision is still under investigation.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested for possession of a loaded AR 15 rifle, stolen vehicle, and outstanding felony warrants.
DATE/TIME:	9/17/17 / 5:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	2100 Block of Hughes Dr
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Brandon Guerra, 33 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Chris Williams, Commander Christopher.Williams@oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On September 17, 2017, at approximately 5 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the 2100 block of Hughes Dr. Officers received a call of suspicious activity at a residence from a concerned citizen in this area. While officers were patrolling the area they noticed a wanted felon who was considered armed and dangerous, in front of his residence.

Officers surrounded the residence and conducted a warrant service for Brandon Guerra. Guerra attempted to run out the back yard and was confronted by additional officers. Guerra ran back inside his residence and then came out to officers at the front door. Guerra was taken into custody and his residence was searched. Guerra is a documented gang member. Guerra was arrested for being in possession of a loaded AR 15 rifle, stolen property, a stolen vehicle, and numerous other firearms related charges.

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

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

Brandon Guerra

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09/17/17 / 1930 hours

INCIDENT:

Theft Operation

DATE/TIME:

09/15/2017; 1300-2200 Hours

LOCATION:

Walmart 2001 N. Rose Ave.

SUSPECT(S):

5 Oxnard Residents

PREPARED BY:

Senior Officer Mike Marostica

North District Coordinator

Oxnard Police Department

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Senior Officer Mike Marostica

mike.marostica@oxnardpd.org

805-385-8241

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a theft operation in partnership with Walmart, located at 2001 N. Rose Avenue in the City of Oxnard. This location has historically been a “hot spot” for theft and other nuisance type activity in recent years that requires a police response. The Oxnard Police Department has partnered with several retail stores like Walmart and conducted extensive crime prevention inspections of several retailers to give merchants tips and tools to reduce crime in and around their stores. You never know when security or the police are monitoring the store and working together.

On Friday afternoon, several officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a plain clothes theft operation with Walmart loss prevention agents. During the operation, store loss prevention agents are in direct contact with police officers who are stationed inside and outside the store. When they observe a theft the police officers are signaled and detain suspects outside after they exit the store without paying for merchandise.

Today’s operation resulted in four arrests for theft and one arrest for outstanding warrants. In addition to the thefts, two of the suspects were also arrested for narcotics violations. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to work with our retail partners towards reducing shoplifting crimes and helping them with crime prevention education resources. We ask our community members to think twice before you steal from a store in Oxnard, you never know when you will be greeted outside by an Oxnard Police Officer who is waiting for you.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09-15-2017 2130 Hours

INCIDENT:

Intermittent Road Closure

DATE/TIME:

September 15, 2017 / 8:00PM

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander (805) 385-7771

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander (805) 385-7771

Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

Due to a small sinkhole that has developed on southbound Rose Avenue at Gary Drive, portions of southbound Rose Avenue will be intermittently closed while work is performed throughout the weekend. Rose Avenue is expected to re-open this evening, but work will resume early tomorrow morning. It is not known how long the work will take or the extent of any road closures.

Motorists are asked to take alternate routes to avoid congestion throughout the weekend.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 15, 2017 / 8:10PM

INCIDENT:

Firearm arrest

DATE/TIME:

September 14, 2017/ 10:30 PM

LOCATION:

Victoria Ave and Marina Village

SUSPECT(S):

Anthony Cardona, 21 year old Oxnard resident

Gary Morales, 26 year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Gray sedan

PREPARED BY:

Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant

Bill.Crisostomo@OxnardPD.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Chris Williams, Commander (805) 385-8290

Christopher.Williams@OxnardPD.Org

DETAILS:

On September 14, 2017 at approximately 10:30 PM officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were working gang enforcement in the west district area of the City of Oxnard. The officers conducted a traffic stop in the area of Victoria Ave and Marina Village regarding a vehicle code violation.

The vehicle was occupied by Anthony Cardona, Gary Morales and a female juvenile. Morales is on probation under the PRO (Post Release Offender) program. A probation search was conducted during which Cardona was found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic pistol. Morales was arrested for a PROs violation and Cardona was arrested for several weapons related violations. The female juvenile was released to a family member.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 14, 2017/11:45 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2017 Fiestas Patrias Parade road closures
DATE/TIME:	September 17, 2017 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Downtown Oxnard – C Street from Wooley Road to First Street
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Sunday, September 17, 2017, Mexico’s independence from Spain will be celebrated during the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade held in downtown Oxnard. Over 60 entries are expected to participate in this year’s parade. The parade is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. and is expected to end at approximately 12:00 p.m.

The parade will start at the intersection of C Street at Ninth Street and travel northbound to Second Street where it ends in the parking lot of Oxnard’s City Hall. The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be handling the traffic control along the parade route and some of the nearby streets. The following streets will be closed for the parade activities:

6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

B Street between Fourth Street and Fifth Street

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A Street, B Street, and C Street between First Street and Second Street
A Street between Eighth Street and Wooley Road
Ninth Street between A Street and C Street
First Street and Second Street between A Street and C Street

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

C Street between Wooley Road and First Street

Spectators arriving to watch the parade are urged to park their vehicles in the multi-level parking structure located at the corner of Third Street and B Street.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/13/17, 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang members arrested for possession of a loaded firearm and felony pursuit
DATE/TIME:	9/12/17 / 11:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Ave at Gonzalez St
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gilberto Aldana, 24 year old Oxnard resident Jesus Vazquez, 24 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On September 12, 2017, at approximately 11:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the area of Rose Ave and Gonzalez St. The officers attempted to stop a vehicle in this area for a traffic violation and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The vehicle slowed down in an alley and two passengers fled on foot while the vehicle continued to drive away. Gilberto Aldana was apprehended during the foot pursuit and had a loaded firearm and drugs in his possession. The vehicle pursuit ended on the 101 off ramp at Rice Ave and the driver fled on foot towards the Hilton Hotel. Jesus Vazquez was apprehended shortly after.

Aldana was arrested for warrants, various firearm charges, drugs, and gang charges. Vazquez was arrested for felony evading. Aldana and Vazquez are documented gang members.

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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

Gilberto Aldana

Jesus Vazquez

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09/13/17 / 0245 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, September 9, 2017 7:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DUI Checkpoint Nets Four DUI Arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit, Port Hueneme Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol conducted two DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints on September 9, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m. The first checkpoint was located southbound Oxnard Boulevard south of Esplanade Drive. The second checkpoint was located southbound Victoria Avenue south of Hemlock Street. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

In recent years California has seen a disturbing increase in the number of traffic collisions involving drug impairment. The Oxnard Police Department supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a “driving or operating machinery” warning label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also cause impairment, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs which may also result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers have shown 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.

The following are the results of the DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint:

1,914 vehicles through the checkpoint
1,657 vehicles screened
2 drivers arrested for felony warrants
1 DUI (drugs) arrest
6 DUI (alcohol) arrests
18 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle while unlicensed and/or while suspended
35 citations issued
5 vehicles were towed

One driver was cited for reckless driving after he sped through the DUI checkpoint located at Oxnard Blvd. and Esplanade Drive. Officers evaluated the driver for DUI but determined he was below the legal limit.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP (DDVIP) free mobile app for Android or IPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver including free non-alcoholic drinks, free appetizers, and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-designated driver to call Uber, Lyft, or Curb.

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

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting additional DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries on our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded 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: 09/10/17 3:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	September 10, 2017 12:29 A.M.
LOCATION:	200 block of Glenwood Drive
VICTIM:	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Joey Dennis, 27 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org 805-385-8290

On September 10, 2017, at about 12:29 A.M., officers were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle in the 200 block of Glenwood Drive. When the officers arrived they located the vehicle occupied by Joey Dennis, 27 year old Oxnard resident. Dennis was on probation and during the search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm and illegal narcotics.

Dennis was arrested and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for various weapon and drug violations.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing violent crime in our 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 (805) 222-8477.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 10, 2017 1:12 A.M.

INCIDENT:

Vehicle pursuit

DATE/TIME:

September 8, 2017/9:25 PM

LOCATION:

Ventura Road and Park Avenue/600 block of Yale Court

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Jessie Cortez, 29 year old Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

N/A

SUSPECT

VEHICLE(S):

White SUV

LOSS:

None

PREPARED BY:

Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Bill Crisostomo (805) 385-7644

Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 8, 2017 at approximately 9:25PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation at the intersection of Ventura Road and Park Ave in the City of Port Hueneme. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit lasted approximately 3 minutes and ended when the vehicle stopped in the 600 block of Yale Ct. in the city of Oxnard. The driver was identified as Jessie Cortez. Cortez is a documented gang member and is currently on active parole. There were two other adult occupants in the vehicle.

A loaded 38 caliber revolver which had been thrown from the suspect vehicle was recovered.

Cortez was arrested for violation of parole and an investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 8, 2017/11:35 PM