OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

News Release: Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession, and Vehicle Theft (10/29/17)

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Vehicle Theft, Firearm Possession, and Gang Injunction Violation
DATE/TIME:	October 29, 2017 at 12:06 a.m.
LOCATION:	N. alley of the 900 Blk. of West Juniper
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Angel Cardona, 35-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On 10/29/17, at 12:06 a.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit located a white Volkswagen Passat, that had been reported stolen from the City of Camarillo, in the area of Kamala St. and “M” St. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the suspect attempted to evade the officers. The suspect, 25-year-old Oxnard resident Angel Cardona, collided with a brick wall and the vehicle he was driving overturned in the north alley of the 900 block of W. Juniper St. Officers extracted suspect Cardona and his 24-year-old female passenger from the vehicle. Officers found a loaded handgun in the stolen vehicle that Cardona was driving. Suspect Cardona and his passenger were both transported to local hospitals and treated for minor injuries sustained in the collision.

Cardona is a documented criminal street gang member who has been served with a court ordered gang injunction. Cardona was charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, vehicle theft, and for violating the gang injunction (possession of dangerous weapons and for vehicle theft). Cardona was also charged with being a Parolee at Large.

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. 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: October 29, 2017 / 0130 hours

INCIDENT:

Arrest of Wanted Barricaded Subject

DATE/TIME:

10-27-17 1150 hours

LOCATION:

400 Block of Palm Drive

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Reyes Sagastume 27 years old (resident of Oxnard)

PREPARED BY:

Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez

805-385-7650

DETAILS:

On 10/27/17, at approximately 1150 hours, a member of the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force observed Reyes Sagastume in the 400 block of Palm Drive. Sagastume was wanted for violating his probation for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Officers attempted to make contact with Sagastume when he fled into his residence and barricaded himself. Approximately one hour later, Sagastume exited the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Reyes Sagastume was booked for the outstanding felony warrant and resisting arrest.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created in 2015 to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Department has added additional officers to the Auto Theft Task Force and is conducting enhanced enforcement to combat vehicle theft. As part of this effort, the Oxnard Police Department is utilizing bait cars to increase apprehension of auto theft suspects.

The Oxnard Police Department urges residents to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and to use anti-theft devices. It is also recommended to not leave vehicles unattended with the engine running as this is a common method of vehicle theft. Additionally, don’t leave spare keys (including valet keys) in your vehicle, even if it is locked. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity, therefore, prevention is the most effective way to avoid it.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. 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 or via email at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus. Anyone with information regarding auto theft in Oxnard is encouraged to contact auto theft detectives at 805-385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-27-17/1630 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Weekend

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on October 28, 2017, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing 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 can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI checkpoints like this one 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, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard PD officers have investigated 746 DUI collisions which have claimed eight lives and resulted in another 490 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.

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. 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.

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 feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD 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 suspensions and 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:	DRAGG After School Program Unveils New Police Themed Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	10/31/17 0800 Hours
LOCATION:	Las Vegas Convention Center (SEMA Show)
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Sergeant Daniel Shrubb
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 8300 [email protected]

The DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) after school program has done it again! DRAGG, along with Ford Motor Company, have teamed up to design this new 2018 Police Themed Mustang like no other – and DRAGG is extremely honored to be a partner with Ford. The Mustang will be unveiled next week on October 31, 2017, at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In January, the DRAGG team submitted a project vehicle proposal to Ford and were chosen from thousands of other entries.

DRAGG was selected to build this 2018 Ford Ecoboost Mustang alongside several other teams that will be displaying their projects at the show for thousands to see. Along with Ford, DRAGG teamed up with several other after-market equipment companies to help design the vehicle. The Mustang, referred to as “The Guardian”, symbolizes the commitment of the police to the communities they serve.

The DRAGG program began here at the Oxnard Police Department in 2011 and continues to grow throughout Ventura County thanks to the Ventura County Office of Education. High school students attend the DRAGG program twice a week at facilities here in Oxnard, and Fillmore where students receive 5 to 10 credits per semester. The DRAGG program has graduated over 350 students and have awarded over 75 scholarships to further their educational endeavors.

DRAGG is also expanding its youth program to the Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Santa Barbara Police Departments.

Follow all the exciting action on DRAGG’s social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @draggteam, or visit www.draggteam.org .

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 26, 2017 / 1045 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with a Handgun
DATE/TIME:	October 25, 2017 / 9:53 pm
LOCATION:	Baskin Robbins 3520 Saviers Road, City of Oxnard
VICTIM:	Baskin Robbins
SUSPECT(S):	White Male Adult, 37 years, 6’1”, medium build, with a ponytail. Wearing a black baseball hat, bright yellow shirt and khaki pants.
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander (805) 385-7600 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brett Smith (805) 486-6211 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On October 25, 2017 at 9:53 pm officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an armed robbery at the Baskin Robbins, 3520 Saviers Road in Oxnard. The officers determined the suspect entered the business, brandished a black handgun and demanded money. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the business running in an eastbound direction.

The suspect was described as a white male adult, 37 years old, 6’1” tall, medium build, with his hair in a ponytail. He was wearing a black baseball hat, bright yellow shirt and khaki pants. The suspect was not located in the area after the robbery.

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 to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 25, 2017 / 10:30 pm

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search warrant / Firearms recovered
DATE/TIME:	October 25, 2017 / 2:00 pm
LOCATION:	3000 block Merced Pl, City of Oxnard
VICTIM:	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Henry Magana, 19 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Brett Smith (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody J Collet (805) 486-6228 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On October 20, 2017, at approximately 7:00 am, Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served a search warrant at a residence located in the 3000 block Merced Pl, City of Oxnard. During the service of the search warrant investigators located one shotgun, two home-made zip guns, and over 100 rounds of ammunition. The suspect, Henry Magana, was not at home at the time the warrant was served. Update: VCU investigators arrested Magana today. Magana was booked into county jail and charged with assault with a deadly weapon (firearm).

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 25, 2017 / 2:00 pm

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Detectives Need Help Identifying a “Person of Interest” in a Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

October 15, 2017, at approximately 2:56 A.M.

LOCATION:

South alley of the 1300 block of Azalea Street

VICTIM(S):

Guillermo Garcia, 27-year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PERSON OF INTEREST:

Hispanic male, thin build wearing a red and white horizontally striped jacket

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, Calif) – Detectives need the community’s assistance in identifying a “person of interest” that was seen with a homicide victim minutes before the murder.

On October 15, 2017, at approximately 2:56 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call of gunshots heard in the 1300 block of Azalea Street. The officers arrived on scene and searched the area. The officers located a Hispanic male, later identified as 27-year old Guillermo Garcia, unresponsive in the alley. Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy confirmed that Garcia was shot and killed.

Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and immediately began their investigation. Detectives canvassed the area and collected surveillance footage. In the footage, detectives observed a person that was with Garcia several minutes prior to his murder. The person is described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20’s with a thin build wearing a red and white horizontally striped jacket (Refer to pictures below). Detectives believe the person in the photographs was an associate of Guillermo Garcia.

Detectives say they need to interview the person depicted in the photographs. Detectives believe the person shown in the photographs can provide valuable information that will assist with the investigation.

If you are the person depicted in the photographs or if you know the person depicted in the photographs, you are asked to call Detective Steve Ramirez at (805) 385-7760. You can also 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: October 24, 2017, 1:30 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Grant for Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention
DATE/TIME:	October 24, 2017, 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Receives Grant For

Special Traffic Enforcement and Crash Prevention

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a $585,000.00 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries. The Oxnard Police Department will use the funding as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe and improve the quality of life through both enforcement and education.

Oxnard Police Commander Denise Shadinger commented that “through OTS grant funding, the Oxnard Police Department can supplement enforcement and education efforts to make our roadways safer for our community.” Commander Shadinger also expressed gratitude for “the support from OTS and mutual commitment to creating safer roadways for our motorists through collision and impaired driving reduction.”

After falling to a ten year low in 2010, the number of persons killed on roadways has climbed nearly 17 percent across the state, with 3,429 fatalities in 2015. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities that now comprise nearly 25 percent of all traffic deaths, along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies and the emergence of drug-impaired driving. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as speeding and crashes at intersections.

“Unsafe behaviors account for 94 percent of traffic crashes,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “This grant emphasizes the two most effective ways to change behaviors – education and enforcement. The Oxnard Police Department, with assistance from the Office of Traffic Safety, will use these tools to help keep Oxnard streets safe.”

Activities that the grant will fund include:

Educational presentations
DUI checkpoints
DUI saturation patrols
Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement
Motorcycle safety enforcement
Distracted driving enforcement
Seatbelt and child safety seat enforcement
Speed, red light, and stop sign enforcement
Warrant service on multiple DUI offenders

While alcohol remains the worst offender for DUI crashes, the Oxnard Police Department supports the new effort from OTS that aims to drive awareness that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription medications and marijuana can also be impairing by themselves, or in combination with alcohol, and can result in a DUI arrest.

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2017

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Scott Brewer, Emergency Services Manager

City of Oxnard

(805) 385-7717, [email protected]

OXNARD, Calif.- The City of Oxnard, in response to the heat wave, will be operating emergency cooling centers throughout the City to help residents beat the heat. Today, temperatures could reach as high as 100 degrees. With high temperatures and humidity, heat can become dangerous, especially for seniors, children, pets, people who work outside, and people with certain health conditions. Staying safe in high heat is important. Follow these simple tips to stay cool:

Drink plenty of cool water! Stay hydrated.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.
Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.
Never leave children or pets in a car – not even for one minute. Temperatures inside a car can quickly skyrocket to deadly levels.
If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
Don’t forget the pets! Keep pets indoors if possible. If kept outside, give them plenty of water and shade to rest in.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Move to cooler locations that are generally open to the public such as movie theatres, malls, restaurants, or other locations with air conditioners.

If these locations are inaccessible to you the City of Oxnard offers emergency cooling centers where you can beat the heat. These emergency cooling centers are in City facilities. Cooling centers are open and available from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM unless otherwise noted.

Oxnard Public Libraries

Main Library- 251 S. A Street, (805) 385-7500
South Oxnard Library- 4300 Saviers Road, (805 ) 385-8129

Recreation Facilities

- - - Colonia Gymnasium (open till 3:00pm)- 195 Marquita St., (805) 385-7966
    - South Oxnard Center-200 Bard Rd., (805) 488-8539

It is requested that residents do not bring large packages, items, or pets to the cooling centers since these items will not be permitted inside the buildings.

Heat-Related Illnesses

High heat can lead to severe health problems. If you experience the following conditions, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms include muscular pains and spasms, usually in the stomach, arms or leg muscles.
Heat cramps usually result from heavy exertion, such as exercise, during extreme heat.
Although heat cramps are the least severe of all heat-related problems, they are usually the first signal that the body is having trouble coping with hot temperatures. Heat cramps should be treated immediately with rest, fluids and getting out of the heat.
Seek medical attention or call 911 if pain is severe or nausea occurs.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include heavy sweating, pale and clammy moist skin, extreme weakness or fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness or confusion, nausea or vomiting, fast and shallow breathing, or fainting.
First Aid: Heat exhaustion should be treated immediately with rest in a cool area, sipping water or a sports drink, applying cool and wet cloths.
If left untreated, victims may go into heat stroke.
Seek medical attention if the person does not respond to the above, basic treatment.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms include flushed, hot, moist skin or a lack of sweat, high body temperature, confusion or dizziness, possible unconsciousness, throbbing headache, rapid, or strong pulse.
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness and occurs when a person’s temperature control system, which produces sweat, stops working.
Heat stroke may lead to brain damage and death.
First Aid: Call 911. Move victim to a cool shaded area. Fan the body, and spray body with water.

Staying Healthy and Hydrated

The best way to avoid heat-related illness is to stay hydrated. Make sure you look out for your neighbors in the heat! If you see someone who needs help, contact emergency services by calling 911.

For more information contact Scott Brewer, Emergency Services Manager, at [email protected] or (805) 385-7717.

The City of Oxnard is a full-service general law city incorporated in 1903. Oxnard is the largest and most populous city in the County of Ventura, serving 200,000 culturally diverse residents. Read more about the City of Oxnard at www.oxnard.org. Follow us on social media at www.twitter.com/CityofOxnard (@CityofOxnard), www.facebook.com/CityofOxnard and www.vimeo.com/cityofoxnard.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multi-agency “Notice to Vacate Halaco” Effort
DATE/TIME:	October 19, 2017 @ 6:30 AM
LOCATION:	Halaco site, 6200 Perkins Road, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief Jason Benites (805) 385-7624 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Assistant Chief Jason Benites (805) 385-7624 [email protected]

DETAILS:

During the early morning hours of Thursday, October 19, the Halaco property at 6200 Perkins Road was the focus of a multi-agency effort to begin the process of vacating trespassers. The operation included social service workers to assist Halaco’s inhabitants.

Led by the Oxnard Police Department, a number of agencies participated in the effort, including Ventura and Simi Valley Police Department’s homeless liaison officers, and California State Parole. Other City of Oxnard resources that were involved included: Code Compliance, Animal Safety, the City Attorney’s Office, and Public Works.

Twenty (20) social services workers from nine (9) support agencies participated in the effort, including:

Rescue Mission Alliance
Salvation Army
Project Understanding
Ventura County Behavioral Health
Saint Vincent de Paul
County Homeless Services
Community Action
Ventura County Public Health
Ventura County Ambulatory Care

The agencies converged upon the Halaco site in an attempt to contact inhabitants, and serve them with notice that they are trespassing. Eighty-five (85) persons were served notice during this morning’s operation. Sixty (60) of the eighty-five were connected directly with a social services worker. All inhabitants are being directed to vacate the premises by December 5, 2017, or be subject to arrest.

During the course of contacting and serving notice to the site’s inhabitants, seventeen (17) persons were arrested for warrants. A stolen camper trailer was recovered behind a makeshift structure, complete with a garage that housed a pickup truck.

Notices were posted in conspicuous places in both English and Spanish. Officers will make return visits before the December 5th deadline. Social services workers and assistance providers will continue to help inhabitants with their relocation or decision to accept appropriate services.

The Halaco population dramatically increased since this past summer, as did demands upon local public safety resources. During the course of the past several months, an estimated 120 squatters have set up camp at the site. The campsites are mainly on Halaco’s westernmost section, and there are several dozen noticeable makeshift structures. In addition to tents and hazardous structures, approximately fifty (50) cars, trucks, recreational vehicles, and trailers are on the site. Large piles of refuse, including human waste, have been growing on the site as well.

(Several photographs depicting conditions at the Halaco site are included in this news release).

Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites stated: “In addition to being a hazard to public health and the environment, Halaco has become a public safety hazard. The type of activity, as well as the amount of activity that has been occurring at the Halaco site has far surpassed a tipping point, and requires intervention by a number of stakeholders.”

At the Oxnard City Council Meeting on Tuesday, October 17, an update and overview of the Halaco situation was provided by Development Services Director Ashley Golden and Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites. The report to the City Council included the following information:

Since the beginning of the year, the Oxnard Fire Department has responded to the Halaco site twenty-nine (29) times. Sixteen (16) of these responses involved medical assists, including three (3) overdoses, and four (4) responses related to assault/penetrating wounds/traumatic injury. Seven (7) responses by the Fire Department involved fires at the site, including an encampment that burned down.

The Halaco site has placed an increasing demand upon public safety resources, and has become one of the greatest “repeat call locations” in South Oxnard. During calendar year 2016, there were eighty-six (86) police-related incidents that were directly attributable to the Halaco site. As of October 16, 2017, that number was eighty-seven (87). During the thirty day period prior to October 16, the following noteworthy events occurred at the site:

A carjacking with the use of a firearm (September 26)
A gang member was arrested for being in possession of a shotgun (October 6)
Three assaults (October 6, 11, and 13)
Seven (7) stolen vehicles were recovered (another stolen vehicle was recovered during this morning’s operation)

A homicide occurred immediately outside of the property on January 3, and is related to the site.

Assistant Chief Benites added: “These Police and Fire Department responses to Halaco are directly attributable to the actual site. However, there are many more reported incidents that have connection to the surrounding area.”

Residents and employees from nearby businesses and facilities have also repeatedly stated concerns about the Halaco site. These concerns are echoed by environmental advocates for the Ormond Beach Wetlands, a nature preserve which is adjacent to the site, and contains endangered and threatened species. Given the unsanitary conditions that exist, health concerns are also cited as something that need to be addressed.

Background on Halaco:

The site includes a portion of the Ormond Beach wetlands, one of the few remaining wetlands in the area and home to several endangered or threatened species.

The Halaco Engineering Company operated a secondary metal smelter at the site from 1965 to 2004, recycling aluminum, magnesium, zinc castings, cans, car parts, and scrap metal. The site includes an 11-acre area containing the former smelter, and an adjacent 26-acre waste management area where wastes were deposited.

While it operated, Halaco produced a large quantity of hazardous waste (slag), containing residual metals from the smelting process. Approximately 700,000 cubic yards of waste were deposited in the waste management area, and an estimated 50,000 cubic yards are buried in the eastern side of the 11-acre area where the smelter operated. In 2007 the United States Environmental Protection Agency added Halaco to its Superfund “National Priorities List.”

Halaco’s smelter site, where the majority of the encampments exist, is currently owned by the Haack Family Trust. Another entity, Asset Resolution Management, LLC is currently leasing the smelter site. Halaco’s 26-acre slag heap portion is currently owned by Alpha and Omega Church, LLC.

Asset Resolution Management LLC has provided the City of Oxnard with “agent authorization” which provides it with authority enforce issues such as trespassing on the property.

Row of tents at Halaco site (10/19/2017)

Halaco inhabitant reads notice to vacate (10/19/2017)

Several makeshift structures at the Halaco site (10/19/2017)

Officers recovering a stolen trailer at the east side of Halaco’s former smelter site (10/19/2017)

There were dozens of vehicles and makeshift structures at the Halaco site. This is at the east side of the former smelter site (10/19/2017)