OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	December 28, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	4400 block Phoenix Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM (S):	Jesus Michel, 19 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122

DETAILS: On December 28, 2017, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 4400 block of Phoenix Drive, Oxnard. Officers located Michel (victim) who suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Michel was transported to Ventura County Medical Center by ambulance where he underwent surgery and is currently listed in critical, but stable condition. The Oxnard Violent Crimes Unit is currently investigating the circumstances of the attack.

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:	Burglar Arrested After Alarm Activation At Performance Bicycle; Other Suspects Sought
DATE/TIME:	12/28/17, 3:25 a.m.
LOCATION:	Performance Bicycle, 1700 Ventura Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Performance Bicycle
SUSPECT(S):	Mario Montez, 08/15/77
LOSS:	All property recovered during this incident (over $11,000 in loss over the past year)
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jason Coleman, Detective (805) 385-7687 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

Your Oxnard Police Department is requesting your assistance to recover property stolen from Performance Bicycle in separate burglaries throughout the year.

This morning at approximately 3:25 a.m., officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm activation at Performance Bicycle located at 1700 Ventura Boulevard. Officers checking the area observed a subject leaving on a bicycle and attempted to contact him. The subject fled across the 101 freeway, traveling against traffic but was eventually detained in the area of Rose Avenue and Lockwood Street.

Mario Montez, 08/15/77, was identified as the suspect and found to be in possession of property from the business. It was discovered that the bicycle Montez was using to flee had been stolen from the bicycle shop. Officers on scene advised that several other bicycles had been removed from the business and had been staged outside by the suspect.

Over the past year, Performance Bicycle has been burglarized several times for a total of over $11,000 in loss to the business. After the first incidents took place, Performance Bicycle took several crime prevention measures, including locking bicycles with chains and contacting the Oxnard Police Department for security recommendations. Bicycles taken in previous burglaries include a black Fuji Grand Fondo 2.5, silver GT Zaskar 29”, green Americano single speed, maroon SE Monterey Hybrid, white 2017 Diamondback clutch (women’s) and 2 grey Marin Rock Spring mountain bikes.

Montez admitted to burglarizing the business this date and on one prior occasion. Montez also admitted to having knowledge of other burglaries but did not provide that information.

Detectives charged Montez with burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Montez has an extensive criminal history that goes back years. Since 2004, Montez has been arrested 11 times for PROs violations, 5 times for parole violations, 10 times for narcotics related crimes, 4 times for a stolen vehicle and 3 times for weapons violations including once each for conspiracy and attempt murder. Montez is currently out on bail for evading and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Your Oxnard Police Department is asking your assistance in solving these burglary cases. While one suspect has been taken into custody, it is believed that there are other outstanding suspects from previous burglaries. If you have any information about the past burglaries or the whereabouts of the bicycles taken from Performance Bicycle, contact Detective Jason Coleman at (805) 385-7687 or [email protected].

As always the Oxnard Police Department is here to provide you with “Exceptional Service.” If anyone has information regarding any crime or suspicious activity, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222–8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-28-17 / 9:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Holiday Weekend Impaired Driving Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	December 29, 2017 to January 1, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department DUI Officers are out in force

this New Year’s Weekend

The Office of Traffic Safety and Law Enforcement remind the public that DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze

While alcohol-impaired driving remains the most serious problem on our roadways, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with other impairing substances in their system keeps rising. Faced with more instances of DUID – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs – state and local officials are reiterating the message that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” The message takes on increased importance with the state set to begin licensing commercial nonmedical marijuana sales on January 1, 2018, under provisions of Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act.

The Oxnard Police Department DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this holiday weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI saturation patrols will deploy on Friday, Saturday and, Sunday, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests. These extra officers on the road, along with routine patrols, are aimed to drastically reduce impaired driving on our community’s roadways.

“It has taken more than 35 years to convince the vast majority of the public that driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous, illegal and socially unacceptable,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the Office of Traffic Safety. “With more dying on our roadways every day, we can’t afford to take that long when it comes to driving under the influence of prescription medications, marijuana, illicit drugs and even some over-the-counter medications.”

In the ten years from 2005-2015, the percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with an impairing drug other than alcohol in their system has risen from 26.2 percent to 42.6 percent. As far back as 2012, a roadside survey in California showed more drivers 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.

In addition to marijuana, a driver could be subject to a DUI arrest if they are under the influence of prescription medications like sleep aids, tranquilizers, barbiturates, opiates and other pain killers, anti-depressants, and even over-the-counter allergy or cough medications.

In the face of more drug-impaired drivers on the road, Police, Sheriff and CHP are training more officers in Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Evaluation (DRE). The advanced training augments the Standardized Field Sobriety Test to help identify what substances other than alcohol a driver may be impaired by and how seriously they are impaired.

During December, the Office of Traffic Safety ran public awareness announcements concerning prescription medication DUI. Starting December 27 and running through much of January, the emphasis of the “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze” campaign switches to one that points out that no matter your age or circumstance, and no matter your reasons for consuming marijuana, you should never drive while high. OTS has posted this PSA on social media with the hopes that it can reach every Californian with the safety message that marijuana impaired driving will end in an arrest –

– So share the link with a friend!

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins this holiday weekend. Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “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, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The app has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Funding for this DUI operation 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’

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Continued Road Closure
DATE/TIME:	12/26/2017, 0730 hrs
LOCATION:	3500 Block of Saviers Rd.
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 395-7771

DETAILS:

As a result of a single vehicle collision into a power pole that occurred yesterday, two northbound lanes of Saviers Rd. remained closed today as Southern California Edison continues to make repairs. Edison officials have advised that the lanes will remain closed until approximately 5 p.m. today. One lane for northbound Saviers Rd. remains open. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/26/17, 0745 hrs.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Single Vehicle Collison- Lanes Closed
DATE/TIME:	December 25, 2017/ 0834 hrs.
LOCATION:	Saviers Rd. and Bryce Canyon Ave
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is currently on-scene of a single vehicle injury traffic collision near the intersection of Saviers Rd. and Bryce Canyon Ave. As a result of the collision, there is a downed power pole blocking some of the northbound lanes of Saviers Rd. Southern California Edison is on-scene and it is estimated the northbound lanes of Saviers Rd. will remain closed for a couple hours. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/25/17, 1015 hrs.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, December 21, 2017 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Thursday, December 21, 2017, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue south of Emerson Drive. This location was chosen due to an increase in alcohol-related arrests and/or DUI collisions in the area. The DUI Saturation Patrols were conducted throughout the city limits.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

1,298 vehicles through

680 drivers screened
1 DUI investigations
1 DUI drug arrest
16 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
18 total citations issued
1 vehicle towed

The DUI Saturation Patrols resulted in the following:

2 DUI investigations
1 DUI alcohol arrest
1 DUI drug arrest
1 misdemeanor warrant arrest
4 citations issued
1 vehicle was 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 Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/22/17 12:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

**UPDATE**

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	December 21, 2017 / 5:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Update (see original news release information below):

Due to the mutual aid request related to the Thomas Fire, the DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint scheduled on December 16, 2017, was canceled. However, in order to educate the public about the dangers of impaired driving and to create safer roadways during this holiday season, the Oxnard Police Department rescheduled the DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint to be held December 21, 2017, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.

Funding for these DUI operations 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’.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Date and time prepared: 12/20/17 2:45 p.m.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is Arresting Drunk Drivers This Holiday Season

Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

This holiday season, The Oxnard Police Department will work around the clock to keep drivers and passengers safe as they search for impaired drivers. From December 15, 2017, through January 1, 2018, law enforcement is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a special year-end Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization to get impaired drivers off the street and to spread the word about this dangerous crime.

As part of the holiday enforcement campaign period, police, sheriff and the CHP will be deploying DUI Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols during the upcoming 18-day DUI crackdown throughout the region. The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on December 16, 2017, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The Oxnard Police Department will also be conducting DUI Saturation Patrols on the weekends leading up to the New Year, including New Year’s Eve.

Driving under the influence of alcohol can have deadly, devastating consequences. Nationally in 2016, 37,461 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and 28 percent (10,497) died in crashes where a driver had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over the limit of .08. California reported 1,059 DUI deaths at .08 or above.

In recent years, California has seen an increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. 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.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana use can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

“Two simple words can keep your holiday festivities safe – plan ahead,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Before you head out to any celebration, plan how you are getting home safely. If you are drinking, that means knowing what sober driver or service you will be using.”

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “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, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/15/17 9:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglars Who Victimized Thomas Fire Evacuees Arrested / Request For Public Assistance
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, December 6, 2017
LOCATION:	3000 blk of Dunkirk Drive, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	David Rosales, 28 years old Jasmine Zavala, 29 years old Maryann Zuniga, 29 years old Juan Carrillo, 44 years old Lisette Topete, 28 years old
VICTIM VEHICLE:	Black 2007 Chevrolet Suburban Black 2016 Chevrolet Suburban
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell [email protected] or (805) 385-7755

DETAILS:

Your Oxnard Police Department is urgently requesting your assistance to recover property stolen from Thomas Fire evacuees’ vehicles.

Sometime during the night of 12/05/17, as the Thomas fire was ravaging Ventura County, a burglary occurred to two black Suburbans parked in the 3700 block of Dunkirk Drive. The owners of the vehicles had recently evacuated their residence and placed a large number of their personal belongings in their Suburbans. The evacuated family drove to the address on Dunkirk to spend the night with friends, when the burglary occurred. The property taken included jewelry, a guitar, clothing, electronics and personal papers; all-in-all, over $75,000 worth of property.

The Oxnard Police Department was notified of the crime on 12/06/17 and the investigation began immediately. Based on $10,000 in charges made to a credit card, Property Crimes Detectives were able to identify the suspects involved.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a disturbance call on 12/10/17 in the late afternoon at the Channel Islands Inn. Officers contacted a subject that Investigators believed to be involved in the burglary. Investigators later acted on the information and served a search warrant on a room at the Channel Islands Inn. Investigators contacted Jasmine Zavala, Maryann Zuniga and Juan Carillo. During the search warrant, Investigators located property belonging to the burglary victims.

Zavala was taken into custody for possession of stolen property and child endangerment. Zuniga was arrested for possession of stolen property and a warrant, Carrillo was arrested for possession of stolen property. Rosales was not located that day.

On 12/18/17, Sheriff’s Deputies located Rosales and arrested him on unrelated charges. During his arrest, he was in possession of property belonging to the burglary victims.

Property Crimes Investigators connected Rosales to a residence in Camarillo. Investigators served a search warrant at that residence and additional property belonging to the burglary victims was recovered.

During the execution of the search warrant, Lisette Topete was arrested for receiving stolen property, possession of stolen credit cards, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

The victims, because of their urgency to evacuate their home grabbed what they could and therefore are unsure of what exactly was stolen. Your Oxnard Police Department is seeking information about this burglary and the stolen property, please contact Detective Chip Buttell at (805) 385-7755, if you have information to provide.

As always the Oxnard Police Department is here to provide you with “Exceptional Service.” If anyone has information regarding any stolen property or suspicious activity, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222–8477.

David Rosales

Jasmine Zavala

Maryann Zuniga

Juan Carrillo

Lisette Topete

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 19, 2017/ 2030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Person Arrested with a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	December 18, 2017 @ 6:06 p.m.
LOCATION:	H Street @ Doris Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	David Flores, 20 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mellisa Valdez [email protected]

DETAILS:

On December 18, 2017, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of H Street and Doris Avenue.

Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and learned that a passenger, David Flores, had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. Flores was also found to be on active probation with search terms. Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded 9mm handgun hidden in a compartment accessible by Flores. He was arrested for his felony warrant as well as six other felony charges related to the possession of the firearm.

The driver, Ricardo Camarena, (24 year old Oxnard resident) was also arrested for allowing Flores to possess the firearm in his 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 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 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: December 18, 2017 / 10:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Investigators Seek Information in Homicide Case

DATE/TIME:

June 25, 2016, at approximately 10:50 P.M.

LOCATION:

The alley of the 1300 block of South “C” Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

David Garcia, 21-year old Oxnard resident (see picture below)

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

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: (Oxnard, CA.) – Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is seeking information regarding the murder of 21-year old David Garcia.

On June 25, 2016, at approximately 10:50 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the alley of the 1300 block of South “C” Street. When the police officers arrived on scene, they found David Garcia lying in the alley. Garcia had been shot and was mortally wounded. The Oxnard Fire Department and Gold Coast Ambulance arrived on scene and rendered aid. Unfortunately, Garcia was declared deceased at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the scene and conducted the initial investigation. Subsequently, the Major Crimes Unit took over the case and is leading the investigation.

Since the night of the murder, investigators have received valuable information and “tips” that have assisted in moving the investigation forward. Recently, new information has come forward that has helped investigators who are actively working this investigation. Based on this new information, Major Crimes Investigators believe there are additional people in the community that have intimate knowledge of the murder of David Garcia. Investigators will continue to pursue the various leads and “tips” that are provided to investigators.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in homicide cases. Investigators are requesting that anyone with information on the murder of David Garcia 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: December 16, 2017, 8:30 A.M.

David Garcia