OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Recovered Stolen Vehicle, Firearm Located
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 9:30 hours
LOCATION:	2000 block of North Ventura Road, Pt. Hueneme
SUSPECT(S):	Flavio Gasca, 09/26/93
VICTIM VEHICLE:	White 2002 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-up
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

This morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., an undercover officer with the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) spotted a reported stolen vehicle in a high crime area of Oxnard. The officer followed the vehicle, which had originally been reported stolen in Pt. Hueneme, until marked patrol units were able to perform a traffic stop. Ultimately, patrol officers were able to stop and detain the vehicle in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road in Pt. Hueneme.

After the driver was arrested, a search was conducted of his person and several shotgun rounds were located in his possession. During a search of the vehicle, several more shotgun rounds were located along with a 14” sawed-off shotgun. The shotgun had been pushed between the center console and driver’s seat.

The driver, later identified as Flavio Gasca, 09/26/93, was interviewed and Gasca admitted to knowing that the vehicle was stolen. Gasca also admitted to the possession of the shotgun. Gasca’s charges include unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, receiving stolen property (motor vehicle), under the influence in possession of a firearm, own/possess/control a firearm in violation of probation, carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Based on the initial stolen vehicle report, Gasca was able to steal the victim vehicle due to a spare key being left in the vehicle with the doors unlocked. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe and illegal, and someone can steal your car.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7664.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 9, 2017 / 1413 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited gang member arrested for possession of a shotgun
DATE/TIME:	8/8/17 / 1820
LOCATION:	400 Block of Cuesta Del Mar
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	15 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 August 8, 2017, at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the 400 block of Cuesta Del Mar when they responded to a call of ten subjects tagging walls in the alley. The caller also advised that the subjects were passing a gun back and forth between each other.

When Officers arrived the group of subjects ran away and officers chased after them. Several of the subjects were stopped in the area. A 15 year old gang member was contacted and in possession of a Mossberg 410 pump action shotgun. The juvenile is a documented gang member who is a prohibited person due to prior gun arrests. The juvenile was arrested for various gun 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/08/17 / 2030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Heroin Overdose Case

DATE/TIME:

April 27, 2017 at approximately 10:30 a.m.

LOCATION:

1000 block Offshore Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Christopher Ariaz, 32-year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Ryan Tepezano, 36-year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Detective James Langford (805) 385-7600

james.langford@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective James Langford (805) 385-7600

james.langford@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On December 15, 2015, Oxnard police officers and EMS personnel responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Offshore Street regarding an unresponsive person. EMS personnel attempted to provide medical aid; however, the person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased person was later identified as 32-year old Oxnard resident Christopher Ariaz. Officers located evidence of drug use at the scene. An autopsy later confirmed that Ariaz died as a result of a heroin overdose.

Detectives assigned to the Ventura County Narcotics Task Force responded to the scene and led the investigation. Narcotics detectives were able to identify 36-year old Ryan Tepezano as the source from which Ariaz obtained his heroin.

In the early morning hours of January 28, 2016, detectives from the Ventura County Narcotics Task Force and members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served search warrants at two residences next door to one another in the 2000 block of Curran Street in the City of Oxnard. During the search warrant service, Ryan Tepezano was arrested for maintaining a place for drug use and/or sales, being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, and felon in possession of a firearm. Tepezano was booked into the Ventura County Jail and later pled guilty to the above listed charges.

On April 27, 2016, detectives with the Ventura County Narcotics Task Force concluded their investigation into the death of Christopher Ariaz and presented the case to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Based on their investigation, detectives believed that Tepezano provided Ariaz with heroin, which resulted in his death. Tepezano was arrested for manslaughter and for selling illegal narcotics with the enhancement of causing great bodily injury.

Tepezano, who was in custody at the Ventura County Jail – Todd Road Jail Facility, was arrested and charged with manslaughter and sales of heroin with an enhancement of causing great bodily injury. Ultimately, Tepezano pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter with an enhancement.

On August 4, 2017, Tepezano was sentenced to 3-years in jail, 3-years of mandatory supervision following his release and was ordered to pay restitution to the state and the victim’s family.

The arrest of Tepezano was due to a dedicated and exhaustive investigation by members of the Ventura County Narcotic Task Force and in direct partnership with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. This conviction helps to serve as a message to drug dealers that Ventura County Law Enforcement will not tolerate the sales of illegal narcotics in our the communities. Ventura County Law Enforcement will continue to investigate narcotics related overdose deaths and bring those responsible to justice.

The Ventura County Narcotic Task Force – West County Street Team is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department. These detectives work cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.

Ryan Tepezano

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 8, 2017 / 1:00 p.m.

INCIDENT:

13 Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

DATE/TIME:

Saturday, August 5, 2017 / 2000 hours

VICTIM(S):

State of California

LOCATIONS:

Oxnard Shores Bottle Shoppe, 1035 S. Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard
Express Mini Market II, 400 W. Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard
Auto Fuels Gas Station, 2460 Auto Center Drive, Oxnard
7-Eleven, 2201 E. Gonzales Road, Oxnard
Town and Country Market, 611 W. First Street, Oxnard
Circle K, 2323 N. Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard.
“C” Street Market, 122 N. C Street, Oxnard
Doc’s Liquor and Market, 2195 E. Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard
Walgreens, 2303 E. Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
Doc’s Meat Market, 630 S. C Street, Oxnard
El Maguey Liquor, 3610 Saviers Road, Oxnard
CVS Pharmacy, 551 S. Ventura Road, Oxnard
Fred’s Gas, 3211 Saviers Road, Oxnard

PREPARED BY:

Rocky Marquez, Neighborhood Policing Team Sergeant

Rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Officer David Castillo

david.castillo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 5, 2017, the Oxnard Police Department cited 13 store clerks for selling alcohol to minors. The actions were the result of three simultaneous minor decoy operations in which minors, under the direct supervision of officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 57 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

Those who sold to the minors face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, the Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting the compliance checks to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Education and Teen Alcohol Enforcement Program Grant, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 5, 2017 / 2030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspects Arrested for Attempted Vehicle Theft, Narcotics, and Stolen Property
DATE/TIME:	July 31, 2017 / 3:54 a.m.
LOCATION:	1500 block of Cypress Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Alberto Herrera, 27-year-old Oxnard resident Felipe Ventura, 34-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant david.walker@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On July 31, 2017, at approximately 3:54 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of Cypress Street after an alert citizen reported that a possible auto theft was in progress. Officers responded to the area and contacted Felipe Ventura inside the victim vehicle. Alberto Herrera was contacted waiting nearby. During the investigation, officers learned that the suspects intended to steal the vehicle. The suspects also had stolen property from the vehicle in their possession as well as a substance believed to be methamphetamine. The suspects were taken into custody and later booked into the Ventura County Jail for outstanding warrants, possession of stolen property, vehicle tampering, possession of narcotics and possession of burglary tools.

This incident was another example of how members of the public assisted the Oxnard Police Department by calling 911 to report suspicious individuals and crimes in progress. Anyone with information regarding this incident or other 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: July 31, 2017 / 6:00 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:

July 27, 2017 / 8:30 PM

LOCATION:

251 S. C Street

SUSPECT(S):

Francisco Zapien, 22 year old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Nathan Langelier, Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander, 385-7746

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 27, 2017, officers conducted a traffic stop on an erratic driver that was reportedly following another vehicle in the area of the Oxnard Police Station.

Officers made contact with the driver, Francisco Zapien. Zapien admitted to officers that he had a loaded firearm in the vehicle. Officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun concealed on the passenger seat. They also found narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia on his person. Zapien was arrested for several gun and narcotic related charges.

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: July 27, 2017 / 10:58 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm’s Arrest of Wanted Felon
DATE/TIME:	July 26, 2017, 8:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	Deodar Avenue and “A” Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Valenzuela, 24 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant brett.smith@Oxnardpd.org, 805-486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet, (805) 486-6228 Cody.collet@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On July 26, 2017, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) along with the departments K-9 Unit and Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), observed wanted subject Robert Valenzuela, walking in the area of Deodar Avenue and “A” Street. As officers approached Valenzuela he discarded a loaded firearm and was subsequently apprehended by a police canine.

Valenzuela is a documented member of a violent criminal street gang in Oxnard, and has two prior firearm convictions. If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6228. 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: July 27, 2017, / 11:00 AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	July 27, 2017 / 01:46 hours
LOCATION:	Rose Ave @ 101 Freeway Overpass
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Fernando Reyes, 18 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Roger Garcia, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Cumming, Sergeant Paul.Cumming@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On July 27, 2017, an officer from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Rose Avenue over the 101 Freeway overpass.

During the traffic stop, the front passenger, identified as Oxnard resident Daniel Fernando Reyes, was making suspicious movements and was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. Reyes was arrested for firearms related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 27, 2017 / 03:30 AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking/Robbery Arrests
DATE/TIME:	July 26, 2017, 12:30 PM
LOCATION:	Ventura County Jail
SUSPECT(S):	Marlene Sanchez, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vega, 385-8291 orricardovega@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On July 11, 2017, at approximately 2:00PM, Oxnard police officers responded to the 600 block of W. Hueneme Road, Oxnard, reference a robbery and carjacking that just occurred. Officers learned a male and female held the victim at knife point and ordered the victim out of his vehicle. When the victim refused, the male suspect forced his way into the vehicle and held a knife to the victims’ abdomen. The female suspect then removed the victim’s wallet from his pant pocket. The suspects told the victim to exit his vehicle, and leave the keys in the ignition. Fearing for his life, the victim complied and both suspects drove away in the victim’s vehicle.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continued to investigate robbery/carjacking after the initial police response. During the course of their investigation, investigators learned the identity of the female suspect, Marlene Sanchez.

On July 26, 2017, VCU investigators arrested Sanchez at the Ventura County Jail for the above charges. Sanchez is currently in jail on charges related to a stolen vehicle.

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:	Oxnard Police and Fire announce National Night Out events across the City,Tuesday, August 1st
DATE/TIME:	August 1st, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. and August 4th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	August 1st North District: Cabrillo North Oxnard Methodist Church 1801 Joliet Place, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Carriage Square Eastwood Park 703 Ivywood Drive, 5:00-8:00 pm West District: Sycamore Senior Village 333 N. “F” Street, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Hobson Park East: 801 Hobson Way, Community Park East, 5:00-8:00 pm East District: Del Sol Park 1800 Camino del Sol, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. August 4th South District: Southwinds Park 300 W. Clara, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Community Affairs Manager, Melissa Valdez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org or (8050 342-8292

DETAILS:

Oxnard residents are partnering with the Oxnard Police and Fire Departments to bring you a series of National Night Out (NNO) events scheduled for next Tuesday, August 1, 2017 and Friday, August 4, 2017.

NNO is a national effort of cities, law enforcement agencies, crime prevention organizations, community groups and neighborhoods. Along with traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals, visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) heighten crime prevention awareness, (2) generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs, (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that community members are organized, vigilant and willing to report crime.

Events throughout Oxnard will bring the District Teams who patrol and serve each District to a location where they can meet their neighborhood members. District Teams focus on crime, traffic safety, and quality of life issues at the neighborhood level and need the public’s help to best do their jobs. Also participating in the event is the Oxnard Fire Department who will be sharing risk reduction and fire prevention strategies.

There is still time to schedule your own event! Just follow the below steps to have your own NNO event:

Each group that is participating is asked to notify the police department so that we can make arrangements to stop by.
You do not have to be part of an organized group (Neighborhood Council, Neighborhood Watch) to have an event.
This is about neighbors getting to know neighbors and celebrating together!
Contact your beat coordinator for assistance in setting up your event.
We can’t wait to hang out with you!

If you have any questions regarding National Night Out events in Oxnard, please contact Community Affairs Manager, Melissa Valdez at melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org or (805) 342-8292.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 07-26-17/ 11:00 am