OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police and FBI Arrest Homicide Suspects

DATE:

April 28, 2017

LOCATION:

Farmington, New Mexico and Oxnard, California

VICTIM(S):

Giovanni Vega, 25 year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Christopher Arevalo, 24 year old Oxnard resident

Joseph Minister, 23 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Major Crimes Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Major Crimes Detective Steven Ramirez II (805) 385-7760

steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested two suspects that authorities say were involved in the murder of 25 year old Oxnard resident Giovanni Vega.

On December 8, 2016, Vega was found shot to death in the 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue. Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit and Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to investigate the murder. During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify two suspects. Detectives say that 24 year old Christopher Arevalo and 23 year old Joseph Minister were involved in Vega’s death. Detectives believe the motive for the killing was gang related.

Major Crimes Detectives diligently and persistently investigated the homicide case, and worked very closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The detectives were able to obtain sufficient evidence against Arevalo and Minister in order to arrest them for the murder of Giovanni Vega. During the investigation, detectives learned that Arevalo fled California shortly after the murder and was possibly hiding out in New Mexico.

Major Crimes Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Arevalo and requested assistance from the FBI. The Ventura County FBI Office joined in the search for Arevalo. Additional FBI Agents and other investigative resources stationed in New Mexico participated in the search for Arevalo.

On April 28, 2017, at approximately 7 a.m., FBI Agents spotted Arevalo at a residence in Farmington, New Mexico. The FBI’s SWAT Team served a federal search warrant at the residence and took Arevalo into custody without incident. The FBI and their agents were instrumental in the search and arrest of Arevalo. Arevalo is in the process of being extradited back to Ventura County. He is currently being held at the San Juan County Adult Detention Facility in New Mexico.

On April 28, 2017, at approximately 6 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) contacted and arrested Joseph Minister at his residence. Minister is currently in custody at Ventura County Jail for murder. His bail is set at $2,000,000.00.

Major Crimes Detectives will continue to investigate the murder of Giovani Vega. Anyone with information regarding the murder of Giovanni Vega is asked to call Major Crimes Detective Steven Ramirez at (805) 385-7760. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 1, 2017 at 9 a.m.

Arevalo being taken into custody

Booking photo of Arevalo (courtesy of SJCADC)

Booking photo of Minister (OPD)

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, April 29, 2017 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DUI Checkpoint Nets Three Arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on April 29, 2017, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The location of the checkpoint was southbound Rose Avenue north of Lindsey Drive. 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.

The following are the results of the checkpoint:

825 Vehicles Screened

Three DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested

22 Drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked

37 Total citations issued

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: 04/30/17 3:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, April 29, 2017/ 10:00 – 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Police Department – 251 So; “C” St., Oxnard CVS Pharmacy – 551 So. Ventura Rd., Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Crystal Walker, crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7668

DETAILS:

Oxnard, California – On April 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Oxnard Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) gave the public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Two locations were available for medication disposal: the Oxnard Police Department located at 251 South C Street and the CVS Pharmacy at 551 S. Ventura Rd. The service provided was free and anonymous, no questions asked. At the conclusion of this event, the Oxnard Police Department collected approximately 450 pounds of medications. That is almost 400 pounds more than what was collected in October of 2016!

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to partner with the DEA to hold these events. Please continue to monitor our social media and website for additional dates.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 04/29/17, 2135 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	April 29, 2017 / 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

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 April 29, 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. Oxnard PD 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, afford 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 718 DUI collisions which have claimed eight lives and resulted in another 468 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 affects.

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’.

The Oxnard Police Department conducts sobriety and license checkpoints in an effort to deter impaired driving. It is not the Oxnard Police Department’s policy to utilize these checkpoints to enforce federal immigration laws.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 28, 2017 / 11:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victims

DATE/TIME:

4/27/17; 1114 P.M.

LOCATION:

2000 Block North Ventura Road

VICTIMS:

54 year old male

55 year old male

SUSPECT:

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Detective Jess Aragon

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Jon Ballow

Jonathan.Ballow@oxnardpd.org

(805) 288-3289

DETAILS:

On 4/27/17 at 11:14 P.M. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 2000 Block of North Ventura Road reference a shooting victim. Upon arrival, Officers located an additional shooting victim in the immediate area. One male victim sustained a minor gunshot wound and the second male victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries and are listed in stable condition. Detectives are attempting to locate any witnesses and the investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Jon Ballow at (805) 288-3289. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 28, 2017 / 0432 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision involving a Pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	April 27, 2017 / 4:16 p.m.
LOCATION:	Wooley Road at Commercial Avenue, Oxnard
DRIVERS/VEHICLES:	· Pedro Luis Murillo Orellana, 29-year-old Oxnard resident – White 2016 Dodge Challenger · Dark unknown type sedan
PEDESTRIAN:	21-year-old Hispanic female from the Los Angeles area (name withheld pending notification of family)
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpdorg
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Senior Officer (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On April 27, 2017, at approximately 4:16 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision which occurred at the intersection of Wooley Road and Commercial Avenue. When officers and EMS personnel arrived, they discovered a 21-year-old Hispanic female pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle and sustained serious injuries. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the driver of the white 2016 Dodge Challenger was traveling westbound on Wooley Road through the intersection of Commercial Avenue and was struck by dark sedan attempting to make a left turn from eastbound Wooley Road to northbound Commercial Avenue. After the collision, the driver of the Dodge Challenger lost control of his vehicle and collided with the pedestrian who was walking on the north sidewalk of Wooley Road.

EMS personnel transported the pedestrian to the Ventura County Medical Center due to her injuries where she is currently listed in critical condition. The driver of the Dodge Challenger, identified as Pedro Luis Murillo Orellana, was uninjured and cooperated with the investigation. The driver of the dark sedan fled the scene of the collision and was last seen driving away from the intersection.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are involved. The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at (805) 385-7750 or via email at maria.pena@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 27, 2017 / 8:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Crime Advisory – Commercial Burglaries
DATE/TIME:	04/23/17 – 04/26/17
LOCATION:	Oxnard Police Department, 251 South “C” Street, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Crystal Walker, (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit would like to inform the residents and business owners of Oxnard that there have been eight (8) commercial burglaries between April 23, 2017 and April 26, 2017. These particular commercial burglaries are set apart by the fact that the burglars are targeting cash registers and safes located inside the businesses. Force was used to gain entry to all of the businesses and the burglaries have been taking place during the late hours of the night to early hours of the morning.

This information is not being disseminated to alarm the business owners of Oxnard but to inform and prepare them to take precautions after-hours.

During these investigations, it has come to the attention of the Property Crimes Unit that it is common practice for some businesses to leave cash in the till for business use the next day. Please be cognizant that while it may seem more efficient, it does leave your business open to being a target for crime. The Property Crimes Unit encourages you to consider the following tips to help your business avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Remove all currency on-site and deposit it at your preferred financial institution.
Leave the cash drawer open and empty after-hours.
After-hours, if possible and your register is located close to windows, remove the cash register altogether and store in a safe, locked area.
Consider purchasing and installing a surveillance system with cameras both in front and to the rear of your business (make sure it has the ability to record clear images at night).
Test alarm and surveillance systems for functionality when you test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit, in its ongoing crime prevention efforts, would like to advise business owners that security assessments, crime prevention for businesses information and training are available by request. If you are interested in receiving further information, please contact Det. Crystal Walker at (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org.

Help keep Oxnard crime free and safe. If you see suspicious activity, please report to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385–7740 or dial 9-1-1. Anonymous information and tips can also be made with the Ventura County Crimestoppers at (805) 385–8255.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 04-27-17/1700

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle-Pedestrian Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	April 25, 2017 / 2:18 a.m.
LOCATION:	Wooley Road at Commercial Avenue, Oxnard
DRIVER/VEHICLE:	Rodney Anthony Bennett, 25-year-old, Oxnard resident – Black 2008 Lexus IS250
PEDESTRIAN:	White Male, 39-year-old ( Name withheld pending notification to family)
PREPARED BY:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator (805) 385-7750 Maria.pena@opxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Senior Officer (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On April 25, 2017, at approximately 2:18 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury collision in the area of Wooley Road and Commercial Avenue. When officers and EMS personnel arrived, they discovered a vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Based on the preliminary investigation, the driver of the black Lexus was traveling westbound on Wooley Road approaching Commercial Avenue. For unknown reasons, the pedestrian was in the westbound lanes of Wooley Road and was struck by the Lexus.

EMS personnel rendered aid to the pedestrian and transported him to the Ventura County Medical Center with major injuries. He is listed in critical condition. Mr. Bennett was not injured in the collision.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are involved. The collision is still under investigation.

Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750 or via email at maria.pena@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 25, 2017 / 8:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	April 23rd, 2017 at 1:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	1000 blk Cheyenne Way
SUSPECT(S):	Alejandro Guzman, 19 year old Oxnard Resident Adrian Manriquez, 19 year old Oxnard Resident Ignacio Leyva, 18 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bakari Myers
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Bakari Myers (805) 385-7771 bakari.myers@oxnardpd.org

Details:

On 4/23/17, at approximately 1:50 p.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Cheyenne Wy. reference a robbery with a hammer. The victim stated that he was approached by three suspects riding in an older model Nissan Sentra. One of the occupants exited the vehicle while in possession of a hammer and approached the victim. The suspect, a 19 year old Oxnard resident identified as Alejandro Guzman, threatened the victim with the hammer and took the victim’s cellular phone. Guzman fled the scene in the vehicle along with the two other suspects who were identified as 18 year old Ignacio Leyva, and 19 year old Adrian Manriquez, both Oxnard residents.

Officers located a vehicle that matched the description on Terrace Ave. at Bard Rd. The above mentioned suspects were located in the vehicle along with the victim’s cellular phone. During a search of the vehicle, officers located two hammers. The suspects were booked for robbery and conspiracy. All of the suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail.

(Manriquez’ photo and photo of the recovered hammers below. No adult booking photos available for Leyva or Guzman)

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Seizure
DATE/TIME:	April 22, 2017 / 2130 hours
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road and C Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Hernandez, 24 years, Oxnard Resident Luis Renteria, 21 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Gray 2003 GMC Envoy 5AWH838
PREPARED BY:	Greg Hebert, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Greg.Hebert@OxnardPD.org 805-432-8772

DETAILS:

On April 22, 2017, at about 2130 hours, officers from the California Highway Patrol observed a Gray 2003 GMC Envoy being driven in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and C Street with loud music in violation of the California Vehicle Code. The vehicle quickly parked and the driver, Luis Hernandez, and passenger, Luis Renteria, attempted to walk away. The CHP officers contacted both Hernandez and Renteria. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrived to assist the CHP.

Renteria was found to have a civil warrant. Renteria was arrested and later booked into Ventura County Jail. Hernandez was found to be driving with a suspended license. Hernandez was arrested and later released from the Oxnard Police Department with a citation. A loaded .22 rifle was found in plain view in the vehicle. The firearm was seized. Firearms related charges are pending further investigation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 23, 2017 / 1200 hours