OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Multi-Location Search Warrant Operation

DATE/TIME:

May 19, 2017, at approximately 9:00 p.m.

LOCATION:

Three locations in Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):

A 14 year old male juvenile (name withheld due to age)

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett

CONTACT PERSON

AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.or

DETAILS: On May 19, 2017 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Officers and detectives from the Oxnard Police Department along with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and Ventura Police Department, served simultaneous search warrants. The search warrants are a direct follow-up to the recent violence in the city of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department will be persistent with these efforts and leave no stone unturned.

During today’s search warrants, a 14 year old juvenile was arrested for attempting to flee from police officers. Police officers and detectives also seized one firearm and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public to report criminal behavior or suspicious activity.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in homicide cases. If you have information about this homicide, or any of the recent homicides, please contact Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 385-7763, or Detective Edgar Fernandez at (805) 385-7645. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can still provide valuable information to detectives by texting the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 394-8370 or calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/20/2017 1:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Investigations
DATE/TIME:	May 19, 2017 at approximately 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	2700 block of El Dorado Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Jorge Coria, 42-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Interim Investigations Commander Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620 sharon.giles@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is investigating the third homicide to occur in the city in the last three days.

On May 19, 2017, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to several 9-1-1 calls of gunshots heard in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. Shortly thereafter, a shooting victim was reported in the same area where the gunshots were heard. The first police officers on scene located the victim, later identified as 42-year old Jorge Coria. The police officers administered first-aid until Fire and EMS personnel arrived. Coria was placed in an ambulance and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC). Unfortunately, Coria died at the hospital.

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation from patrol officers. Preliminary investigation has determined that the victim has affiliation with a known Oxnard gang. The motive for the murder is unknown, but gang motivation has not been ruled out. There are no indications that this incident is related to the two homicides earlier in the week.

This is Oxnard’s ninth homicide of the year and third within the last three (3) days:

On May 16th, 29 year old Aaron Austin was shot and killed in the 300 block of North G Street.
On May 16th, 23-year old Eduardo Leon Viveros was shot and killed in the 5400 block of Perkins Road
On May 18th, 42-year old Jorge Coria was shot and killed in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue

Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney stated: “We take every one of these homicides personally, regardless of the circumstances. Our detectives are working day and night on these cases to bring justice for the victims’ families.” Since March 2017, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested 19 individuals for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Police Department will be increasing its patrol presence. In addition to increased overtime and reallocating resources, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Port Hueneme Police Department and the California Highway Patrol have offered their assistance. The Police Department will also be creating a special investigative workgroup to focus on the recent violence. This workgroup will include personnel from the FBI and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

City Manager Greg Nyhoff stated: “The city will utilize whatever resources are necessary to support the police department in its efforts to keep our community safe.”

Just as importantly, the Oxnard Police Department needs the help and assistance of our community partners. We are asking the public to report suspicious behavior or criminal activity to police IMMEDIATELY by calling 911. Stolen weapons and stolen cars are often used to commit violent crimes. The Police Department urges our residents to lock their vehicles and secure their firearms.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 19, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police & Fire Department along with families and community members participated in the annual Ride of Silence
DATE/TIME:	5/18/17; 6:00 PM
PREPARED BY:	Community Affairs Manager, Melissa Valdez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org (805) 342-8292

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, May 17, 2017, the Oxnard Police Department & Fire Department along with Channel Island Bicycle Club, Bike Ventura Hub, community members and families of victims participated in the annual Ride of Silence memorial event. The 8 mile bike ride coordinated by Anthony Martinez in memory of his son Anthony Martinez Jr. and victims of bicycle related deaths honored the memory of their loved ones and raised awareness of bicycle safety. Adorned with colorful butterflies symbolizing the cycle of life riders made their way through the City visiting ghost bikes memorials.

The Ride of Silence is a community group ride that asks participants to proceed no faster than 12 mph, wear helmets, follow the rules of the road, and remain silent during the ride. The ride, which is held during National Bike Month, aims to raise the awareness of motorists, police, and city officials that bicyclists have a legal right to ride on public roadways and to remind motorists of the vulnerability of those with whom they share the road. The ride is a chance to show respect for the lives of those cyclists who have been killed or injured while riding their bikes.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Investigating Two Homicide Cases
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2017 at approximately 9:15 P.M. May 16, 2017 between 9-9:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	300 block of North G Street, Oxnard 5400 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	29-year old Oxnard resident and 23-year old Oxnard resident; names withheld pending family notification
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7680 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is investigating two homicides that occurred at different locations within the city. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the crimes are related.

The first homicide occurred on May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 300 block of North G Street. Oxnard police officers responded to the report of a shooting victim and upon their arrival, they located a 29-year old African-American male with gunshot wounds. The victim was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center by ambulance. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

While this investigation was still in its initial stages, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of another shooting victim. On May 17, 2017, at approximately 5:30 a.m., residents in the 5400 block of Perkins Road called the police department after they found a shooting victim lying in the west alley. Police officers responded and located the shooting victim, a 23-year old Hispanic male. Fire and EMS personnel arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. During this investigation, police officers and investigators spoke to several residents who said they heard gunshots or fireworks the previous evening, but did not report it to the police.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to both incidents and is leading both investigations. All investigative resources within the Department are being utilized around the clock to assist with the investigations. Patrol staffing has been increased in the coming nights to provide an enhanced uniformed presence in the affected neighborhoods. At this early stage in the investigations, detectives do not have any suspect information nor do they have a motive for the murders.

These incidents mark the seventh and eighth homicides that have occurred in the city of Oxnard in 2017. 7 of the 8 homicides this year have occurred between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and midnight. The Oxnard Police Department encourages all of our residents to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity, particularly if they believe they heard gunshots. Both incidents last night occurred in densely populated residential neighborhoods. Detectives believe there are residents in those neighborhoods that have information that would be helpful to the investigations. If anyone has any information about either of the incidents, please do not hesitate to contact detectives.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. Please call Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7680 with any information. You can also remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via test or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 17, 2017 at 3:00 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2017; 8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	3200 Block Merced Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Franco, 33 years, Oxnard Resident Ray Fernandez, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Martin, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Martin (805) 385-7600 Jonathan.Martin@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 16, 2017, at approximately 8:30 P.M., Oxnard police officers conducted a traffic stop on three subjects in a parked vehicle with no license plates in the 3200 block of Merced Place. During the stop, officers contacted Ray Fernandez, who was in the driver seat of the vehicle, and Victor Franco, who was in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Fernandez was found to be on probation and had search terms. Franco was found to be on parole and had search terms.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded .38 caliber handgun was found. The handgun’s serial number had been removed. Franco and Fernandez were arrested for being prohibited persons in possession of a firearm, as well as several other weapons 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 (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: May 17, 2017/ 0050 hours

Ray Fernandez Victor Franco

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2017; 4:45 P.M.
LOCATION:	6200 Block Perkins Rd
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Eric Reza, 49 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Jared Battles, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jared Battles (805) 385-7600 Jared.Battles@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 16, 2017, at approximately 4:45 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a foot patrol at the Halco Plant in the 6200 block of Perkins Road. During the patrol, officers contacted Eric Reza near a reported stolen vehicle which was in the process of being stripped. Reza was found to be on probation and had search terms.

During a search of Reza’s property, a loaded 9mm handgun was found. The handgun had been reported stolen the day prior, as it was taken with the above listed vehicle. Reza was arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, as well as several other weapons related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2017/2040 hours

Eric Reza

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2017; 6:40 P.M.
LOCATION:	Carnegie Street @ San Mateo Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Cardenas, 21 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Ignacio Coronel, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ignacio Coronel (805) 385-7600 Ignacio.coronel@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 14, 2017, at approximately 6:40 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the Lemonwood Neighborhood. Officers contacted the passenger in the vehicle who was identified as Jose Cardenas. Cardenas was found to be on probation and had search terms.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun was found next to Cardenas. Cardenas was arrested for being in possession of the loaded firearm in a vehicle and other firearm related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 14, 2017/2140 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Collision into Residence
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2017 / 03:07 a.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block Juneberry Place
VEHICLE:	Grey Mitsubishi SUV
RESIDENCE:	1200 Block of Juneberry Place
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 385-7600 mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 385-7600 mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org

Details:

On May 14, 2017, at about 3:07 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the area of the 1200 block of Juneberry Place regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle that had collided into a residence. Preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a grey Mitsubishi SUV was northbound on Lantana Street when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the roadway and drove into a residence on Juneberry Place. The vehicle struck a bedroom which was occupied by three female juveniles. One of the juveniles sustained minor injuries. The driver of the SUV fled the scene on foot. An alert citizen followed the driver and alerted police to his location. The driver was contacted and the investigation is continuing.

Alcohol and/or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the collision.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 14, 2017 / 4:30 a.m.

/news-release-05142017-traffic-collision/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Makes 5^thAuto Theft Related Arrest In Two Day Period
DATE/TIME:	May 10^th, 2017/6:10 P.M.
LOCATION:	1900 block N. Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Stephanie Blanco – 19 year old Oxnard resident Virginia Rivera – 44 year old Oxnard resident
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7755 or Charles.buttell@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 10, 2017 at 6:10 P.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) conducted an investigation regarding a stolen Lexus LS400 out of the city of Oxnard. Investigators observed the vehicle, which was occupied by three passengers, in the area of Gonzales Road and Ventura Road. Investigators stopped the vehicle in the 1900 block of North Oxnard Boulevard and arrested the driver, Stephanie Blanco, for auto theft related charges. In addition to Blanco’s arrest, one of the passengers, identified as Virginia Rivera, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant. These arrests mark the 4^th and 5^th arrests in the past two days related to auto theft. Despite these five (5) arrests, the Oxnard Police Department will continue its enforcement and crime prevention efforts.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created in 2015 to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. Since then additional officers have been added to the OATTF to help combat the instances of vehicle theft. Due to the increase in stolen vehicles reported (within the last 30 days) the OATTF is conducting enhanced enforcement that includes the use of bait cars.

In a large majority of the cases for the past 30 days, the keys were easily accessible to the suspects. According to OATTF investigators, the suspects in the above case admitted that they observed the Lexus, unoccupied, with the engine running prior to taking it.

The Oxnard Police Department urges citizens to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and to use anti-theft devices. It is also suggested that you not leave your vehicles unattended with the engine running, as this is a common precursor of vehicle theft. Leaving spare keys (including valet keys) in your vehicle, even if it is locked, is highly discouraged. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity and being proactive about crime prevention is the most effective way to avoid theft.

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 the OATTF at (805) 385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5-11-17/0945 hours

Stephanie Blanco Virginia Rivera

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotic Search Warrant
DATE/TIME:	May 11, 2017 / 1900 hours
LOCATION:	600 Block of Palm Drive Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard, State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Aguayo, 58-year-old Oxnard resident Monica Ramirez, 28-year-old Oxnard resident Jordan Thayer, 31-year-old Oxnard resident Jesus Morones, 32-year-old Oxnard resident Cynthia Rizalla, 47-year-old Oxnard resident Gerardo Rocha, 43-year-old Oxnard resident Breanna Flores, 22-year-old Oxnard resident Leonel Barrera, 22-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, jeffrey.mcgreevy@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 11, 2017, at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department served a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Palm Drive. This residence has been a concern for residents of the Wilson Neighborhood for over a year because of the suspected drug activity and known gang members who frequent the house.

The Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) worked closely with narcotics detectives for several months and authored a search warrant as a result of numerous drug related arrests of persons leaving the home and the high frequency of suspected drug users that were in and out of the home at all hours of the day and night. One of the alarming aspects of the investigation was the high number of known Oxnard criminal street gang members and associates that were seen visiting the house.

Oxnard Police SWAT, K-9, NPT and Narcotics Investigators detained eight individuals, both men and women, at the house and conducted drug influence investigations resulting in all eight being arrested. Two of the eight had active arrest warrants and each of them was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Jose Aguayo was the person in control of the house and was booked for a felony violation of Health and Safety Code 11366 for operating a drug house. Aguayo was allowing narcotics offenders to visit his house to use illegal narcotics.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 11, 2017 / 2330