INCIDENT:

Gang member arrested with an illegal shotgun

DATE/TIME:

August 26, 2017; 5:00PM

LOCATION:

100 Block of S. Juanita, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM(S):

State of CA

SUSPECT(S):

John Rodriguez (20 years old)

PREPARED BY:

Sr. Officer Jon Wilkie

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Jon Wilkie (805) 385-7644

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On August 26, 2017 Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting directed gang enforcement in the Colonia neighborhood.

At approximately 4:00PM hours, SEU officers contacted Colonia gang member John Rodriguez. Rodriguez was found to be on probation and he was escorted to his residence where a probation search was conducted. Officers located a loaded, illegal shotgun in Rodriguez room. Rodriguez was also found to be in possession of narcotics. Rodriguez was arrested without incident and charged with several firearm related violations and possession of narcotics.

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: August 26, 2017/6:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Inaugural Downtown Community Car Show

DATE/TIME:

Sunday, August 27, 2017 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

LOCATION:

Oxnard Police Station, 251 S. C Street / 3rd Street

PREPARED BY:

Community Affairs Manager, Melissa Valdez

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Melissa Valdez

[email protected] or (805) 342-8292

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce its Inaugural Downtown Community Car Show taking place this Sunday, August 27, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event will take place in front of the Police Station at 251 South C Street. Join us for an afternoon full of fabulous show cars, food, and the people who serve the community every day. The show will feature unique and one-of-a-kind vehicles, including Oxnard PD’s DRAGG Police Mustangs, police cruisers and special SWAT team vehicles, K-9 Unit, the Stanley Steamer vehicle from the Murphy Auto Museum, and the Lucas Oil Jet Drag cars by Caliente Racing.

The goal of this event is to bring area car enthusiasts together for a chance to show off their vehicles and build stronger community partnerships. The car show proceeds will benefit the DRAGG and PAL programs which serve our youth in Oxnard. The event is free to attend and open to the public. In addition to the show vehicles on display, we will also have vendors from the automotive industry on hand. Special thanks to The Oxnard Peace Officers Association, Borla Exhaust, and State Farm Insurance for proudly sponsoring this event.

Music will be provided by 104.7 Old School Radio so bring the family out to enjoy the show cars and have plenty of family fun.

If you have any questions regarding the Downtown Community Car Show, please contact Community Affairs Manager, Melissa Valdez at [email protected] or (805) 342-8292.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Pharmacy Burglary
DATE/TIME:	8/24/17; 0232 hours
LOCATION:	Walgreens, 2851 S. Rose Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Walgreens
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Jeff Long, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jeff Long, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On the above date/time, officers responded to a call of a burglary in progress to the Walgreens located at 2851 S. Rose Ave. Several Oxnard officers arrived within two minutes of the call and observed the suspect vehicle fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. A vehicle pursuit was initiated. Officers pursued the vehicle for several minutes through the Oxnard Plains before the suspect vehicle entered the 101 Fwy. at Santa Rosa Rd. The suspect vehicle exited on Westlake Blvd. The vehicle ran several red lights at a high rate of speed without slowing. Due to public safety concerns, officers slowed for the red lights and temporarily lost the suspect vehicle.

Within a couple minutes, the suspect vehicle was located abandoned in the Westlake area. Several Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies arrived including two K-9’s to assist with the area search. The suspects were not located. The suspect vehicle was recovered and the stolen prescription medication was recovered.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/24/2017; 0650 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited gang members arrested for possession of a loaded shotgun and handgun
DATE/TIME:	8/21/17 / 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Kamala St at “C” St
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Arturo Avalos, 20 year old Oxnard resident Victor Aguirre, 20 year old Oxnard resident Gabriel Enriquez, 19 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On August 21, 2017, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the area of Fir St and “N” St. The officers attempted to stop the vehicle in this area for a traffic violation and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The vehicle eventually stopped and the right front passenger, Victor Aguirre, ran from the vehicle. During the foot pursuit Aguirre threw a loaded handgun into an alley. Aguirre was apprehended by the pursuing officers and the gun was recovered. The driver of the vehicle, Arturo Avalos, remained in the vehicle. The vehicle was searched and a loaded shotgun was located in the trunk. All three of the vehicle occupants are documented gang members.

Aguirre was arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of a loaded firearm along with numerous other firearm charges. Avalos was arrested for the vehicle pursuit, probation violations, and possessing a loaded shotgun. Gabriel Enriquez was arrested for misdemeanor warrants.

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.

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.

Arturo Avalos

Victor Aguirre

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/21/17 / 1700 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shoulder Tap Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 20, 2017 / 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
LOCATION:	Various Locations – Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Leonardo Sales, 56 year old Oxnard resident Miguel Marquez, 50 year old Oxnard resident Randy Cervantez, 26 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Castillo, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Castillo [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department arrested three adults on Sunday, August 20, 2017, for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. One of the adults arrested was also found to be in possession of narcotic paraphernalia. Another subject was contacted during the operation and found to be a Post Release Offender. He was found to have an outstanding felony warrant and arrested. The operation was conducted at various locations throughout the city.

The Oxnard Police Department conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, officers then arrest and cite the adult for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics show they generally have a higher rate of drunken driving crashes than adults. Studies also show the combination of alcohol and youth tends to increase criminal conduct. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.

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: 8/20/17 2030 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 19, 2017 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on August 19, 2017, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint was located southbound Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue. 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 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.

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:

• 552 vehicles screened
• Three DUI-alcohol drivers arrested
• One DUI-drugs driver arrested
• 16 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended
• 28 citations issued
• Four vehicles were towed

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 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 upon 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: 08/20/17 3:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Officer-Involved Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: August 19, 2017 / 12:10 a.m.

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd. at Ash Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Andres Lopez Hernandez, 38-year-old Port Hueneme resident – Tan 2003 Mazda Protégé

PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847
[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750
[email protected]

DETAILS:

On August 19, 2017, at approximately 12:10 a.m., an Oxnard police officer was involved in a serious injury collision while responding to a call for service regarding a disturbance in the 1600 block of South Oxnard Blvd. The officer was traveling southbound Oxnard Blvd. and was involved in the collision after a driver of a 2003 Mazda Protégé failed to stop for a stop sign at Ash Street and attempted to make a left turn northbound Oxnard Blvd. After the collision, the officer lost control of the police vehicle and collided with a parked semi-truck.

The driver, identified as 38-year-old Andres Lopez Hernandez, and the involved officer were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The officer was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. Hernandez was admitted to the hospital due to critical injuries but is listed in stable condition.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

INCIDENT:

Theft Operation

DATE/TIME:

8/18/17; 1400-2000 hours

LOCATION:

Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road

VICTIM(S):

Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road

SUSPECT(S):

Five Oxnard residents

PREPARED BY:

Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant, Neighborhood Policing Team

[email protected]

805-385-7746

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant, Neighborhood Policing Team

[email protected]

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a theft operation in partnership with Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road. This Rite Aid retail store has historically been a “hot spot” in recent years for theft and other nuisance type activity that require a police response. The Oxnard Police Department is partnering with several retail stores like Rite Aid and conducting extensive Crime Prevention inspections of several retailers to give merchants tips and tools to reduce crime in and around their stores.

On Friday afternoon several officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a plain clothes theft operation with Rite Aid loss prevention agents. The store loss prevention agents are in direct contact with police officers who are stationed inside and outside the store. When a theft is observed the police officers are signaled and detain suspects outside after they exit the store without paying for merchandise. Today’s operation resulted in five arrests for theft. One of the women arrested had her infant child with her and had encouraged a 16 year-old girl to steal alcohol. She was also arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and conspiracy to commit theft.

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, as you never know when you will be greeted outside by an Oxnard Police Officer.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/18/2017; 2140 hours

INCIDENT:

Brandishing of a Firearm & Battery Arrest

DATE/TIME:

8/18/17; 1710 hours

LOCATION:

1200 Block of Camelot Way

VICTIM(S):

24 year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Fred Vargas, 65 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

[email protected]

805-385-7746

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

[email protected]

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On the above date/time, officers responded to a call of a dispute involving a firearm in the 1200 Block of Camelot Way. Officers contacted the victim, who said he was battered by the suspect, and that the suspect brandished a handgun at the victim.

Officers made contact with the other occupants of the residence in an effort to locate the suspect. A short time later, officers located the suspect in the area of Ventura Road and Devonshire Road. The suspect was ultimately arrested for brandishing and battery. The firearm was located at the residence.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/18/2017; 1955 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Summer Mobilization DUI Enforcement Period
DATE/TIME: August 18, 2017 through September 4, 2017
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749
[email protected]

DETAILS:

This Labor Day, the Oxnard Police Department Reminds Motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over in Effort to End Impaired Driving

The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is celebrated with picnics, pool parties, and barbecues, as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with alcohol and drug-impaired drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.

This year, Oxnard Police Department is partnering with police, sheriffs, and the CHP across the state to stop impaired drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from August 18 through September 4, 2017.

The Oxnard Police Department DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy on August 24-26 and August 31 through September 2, 2017, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints are scheduled on August 19 and August 31, 2017, between the hours of 6:00 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.

Statistics nationwide show a dangerous trend in impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2015, a three percent rise in deaths over 2014. That’s roughly one person killed every 51 minutes in 2015. That’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. This is why the Oxnard Police Department is working to remind drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. 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.

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.

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins as the end of summer activities wraps up. It is never okay to drive impaired. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.

Have family or a friend who is about to drive buzzed or impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely. The cost of a ride home is cheap. 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.

Funding for these DUI operation’s 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’.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 18, 2017 / 2:30 p.m.