OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

March 27, 2017 at approximately 10:27 p.m.

LOCATION:

400 block of North Bonita Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Name withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT INFO:

Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688

miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: (Oxnard, Calif) – On March 27, 2017 at approximately 10:27 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a shooting victim in the 400 block of North Bonita Avenue. The police officers arrived on scene and located a shooting victim in the street. The police officers provided first aid until EMS personnel arrived. Despite the lifesaving efforts given by the police officers and EMS personnel, the victim died at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation. At this early point in the investigation, there is no clear motive for the murder. Gang motivation has not been ruled out.

This is Oxnard’s fourth homicide of the year.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction in homicide cases. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805)385-7688. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call 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 text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 28, 2017 at 2:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Businesses Partner With Police To Fight Crime
DATE/TIME:	03/27/2017 at 11:35 am
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell, Oxnard Police Department
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell, Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7594 Information Technology Manager Raja Bamrungpong Raja.bamrungpong@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is pleased to announce an online reporting portal that will allow businesses to report crimes, upload documents and submit suspect photos for faster service. Businesses will no longer have to wait for police to arrive and complete the report as the businesses can now report these incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of calls pending within the city. Businesses can log onto the Oxnard Police Department website and access the online reporting system to get the reports filed instantly. Businesses without internet access are welcome to use the service centers located inside of the Oxnard Police Department lobby.

In 2016, the Oxnard Police Department had 7,061 confirmed property crimes with a majority of those crimes being theft related. With so many thefts occurring at businesses, reports are often prioritized, causing the patrol officer to have a delayed response. Many of these reports are time consuming, so an officer may be on the call for a significant time. By having the businesses file their own reports, officers will be available for more immediate emergency calls. This partnership will allow more uncommitted patrol time for officers to focus on crime prevention efforts.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to thank our local businesses for doing their part to provide better service to our community.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 27, 2017 at 11:35 hours.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Carjacking Arrest

DATE/TIME:

March 24, 2017

LOCATION:

1000 block Isleton Place, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT(S):

16 year old female, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Scott Coe, Senior Officer

scott.coe@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7796

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Cody Collet

cody.collet@oxnardpd.org; (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On March 21, 2017 officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1000 Block of Isleton Place regarding a carjacking that had just occurred. The suspects were described as a one male and one female, both approximately 15 years old. The female suspect was armed with a knife and threatened the victim. The victim was not injured. The victim’s vehicle was taken and located abandoned a short distance away.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit were able to identify the female suspect as a 16 year old Oxnard resident.

On March 24, 2017 members from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and Violent Crimes Unit served a search warrant in the 1000 block of Isleton Place. During the search warrant the 16 year old female suspect was located and arrested.

Investigators are working to identify the male suspect who was involved in the violent crime.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6228. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE/TIME PREPARED: 3/24/17; 1935 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Commercial Burglary Arrests
DATE/TIME:	3-23-17/1:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	Kaiser – 300 block E. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park Verizon Wireless – 2300 block of Las Posas Road, Camarillo Kaiser Pharmacy – 2200 block of East Gonzales Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Kaiser Verizon
SUSPECT(S):	Aaron Charles Carter (29 year old male) – Upland, Ca. Keitra Penn (30 year old female) – Los Angeles, Ca. Teresita Trapp (29 year old female) – Hawthorne, Ca.
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Infiniti FX30 SUV
LOSS:	Kaiser Optometry – $34,000.00 (prescription eyeglasses) Verizon Wireless – No loss Kaiser Pharmacy – $51, 000(prescription medication)
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell – Oxnard Police
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell – Oxnard Police (805)-385-7755 Detective Chris Zapata – Thousand Oaks Police Department/Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (805) – 494-8221

DETAILS:

On March 22, 2017, the Oxnard Police Department and Thousand Oaks Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office concluded a five month joint investigation regarding several commercial burglaries that occurred on October 17, 2016, with the arrest of several suspects.

On October 17, 2016, at approximately 2:20 A.M., Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a burglary at the Kaiser Optometry Office located in the 300 block of East Hillcrest Drive in the City of Newbury Park. The suspects forced entry to the business and stole approximately $34,000 worth of prescription eyeglasses.

At approximately 2:35 A.M., the Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a burglary at Verizon Wireless located in the 2300 block of Las Posas Road in the City of Camarillo. The suspects forced entry into the business but were unable to take any property.

At approximately 2:56 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers responded to a burglary at the Kaiser Pharmacy located in the 2200 block of East Gonzales Road. The suspects forced entry into the business and stole approximately $51,000 worth of prescription medication.

The Oxnard Police Department along with the Thousand Oaks Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit and Crime Analysis Units investigated the burglaries.

Surveillance footage from the three businesses was obtained which provided investigators with several leads that eventually led to the identification of the persons involved.

Two subjects were arrested and identified as Keitra Penn (30 year old female) and Teresita Trapp (29 year old female). Penn is currently on California Department of Corrections Parole for burglary. A third suspect was identified as Aaron Charles Carter who is currently in custody in the California Department of Corrections on unrelated charges. An arrest warrant is currently being sought for Carter. Carter also has affiliation with a criminal street gang in Los Angeles County.

Penn was charged with three counts of burglary and conspiracy to commit a crime. Trapp was charged with one count of accessory to a crime.

Penn and Trapp are currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail and are being held on $250,000 bail.

If anyone has any further information regarding these crimes please contact Detective Chip Buttell at 805-385-7755 or Detective Chris Zapata at 805-494-8221.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-22-17/1340 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Single Vehicle Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	March 21, 2017 / 8:09 p.m.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road east of Longfellow Way, Oxnard
DRIVER/VEHICLE:	Mario Gurrola, 22-year-old Port Hueneme resident – Green 2002 Chevy 1500 Pickup Truck
OCCUPANTS:	· Luis Fernando Hernandez, 20-year-old Oxnard resident · Felipe Coria, 20-year-old Oxnard resident · Carlos Pena, 18-year-old Oxnard resident
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 March 21, 2017, at approximately 8:09 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Longfellow Way. When officers and EMS personnel arrived, they discovered a single vehicle was involved in a collision with a driver and three passengers trapped in the vehicle. Based on the preliminary investigation, the driver of the Chevy Pickup truck was traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the pickup truck as he traversed over a railroad grade crossing located east of Longfellow Way. The driver was unable to gain control of the pickup truck and collided into an electrical pole and large palm tree.

EMS personnel used extrication tools to rescue the driver and occupants from the vehicle. Passengers Felipe Coria (20-year-old Oxnard resident) and Carlos Pena (18-year-old Oxnard resident) were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries and are listed in stable condition. EMS personnel attempted to render aid to the driver, Mario Gurrola (22-year-old Port Hueneme resident) and passenger Luis Fernando Hernandez (20-year-old Oxnard resident); however, both succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the collision.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are involved but speed is believed to be a contributing factor in the collision. 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: March 22, 2017 / 2:00 a.m.

/18205-2/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Arrest

DATE/TIME:

March 17, 2017, 2215 hours

LOCATION:

1600 Block of Pacific Ave, Oxnard, CA.

VICTIM(S):

22 Year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Freddie Castro, 36

PREPARED BY:

Detective Michael Velasquez

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Michael Velasquez, michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org

805-385-8287

DETAILS:

On March 17, 2017 at approximately 10:15 pm officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a stabbing victim in the 1600 block of Pacific Ave. When Officers arrived on scene they located a 22 year old Oxnard resident with a stab wound to the back. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The suspect was described as a male subject with a shaved head.

On March 18, 2017 at approximately 1845 hours a witness to the incident located the suspect in the area of Channel Islands Blvd. and Statham Blvd. Officers detained the 36 year old Oxnard resident, Freddie Castro. Castro was positively identified as the suspect from the stabbing. Castro was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and is currently being held on a $30,000 bail at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Main Jail. Castro is a Post Release Offender and convicted felon.

The Post Release Offender program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Michael Velasquez at (805) 385-8287. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang members arrested for being in possession of concealed, loaded, stolen firearms
DATE/TIME:	March 17, 2017/ 6 PM
LOCATION:	300 Block of Featherstone
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Sergio Zendejas, 25 year old Oxnard resident Jose Salazar, 22 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On March 17, 2017, at approximately 6 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the 300 block of Featherstone.

Officers saw several subjects drinking alcohol outside of a known gang member’s house in the area. The subjects were contacted by officers and during a search two loaded firearms were located.

Sergio Zendejas was arrested for being a felon in possession of a concealed, loaded rifle. Jose Salazar was arrested for being in possession of a concealed, loaded, stolen handgun. Two other subjects with them were arrested for violations of probation terms by being with gang members who were in possession of loaded firearms.

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 (805) 222-8477.

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

Jose Salazar

Sergio Zendejas

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driver Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	March 17-18, 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:

This St. Patrick’s Day, Plan Before You Party!

Remember: Impaired Driving, Drugs and Alcohol can Kill

St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the nation’s favorite holidays to celebrate and party. Unfortunately, too many people are taking to the roads after drinking, making the holiday one of our most dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 252 people lost their lives in drunk driving-related crashes during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period from 2011-2015. More than a fourth of them were killed in drunk driving crashes that occurred in the early morning, post-party hours (midnight to 5:59 a.m.).

That’s why the Oxnard Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety are teaming up to reach all drivers with an important life-saving message and warning: Don’t Drive Impaired by Drugs or Alcohol.

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, March 17, 2017 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. and will deploy additional officers on special DUI Saturation Patrols over the weekend specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment. In addition to this St Patrick’s Day enforcement effort, all police, sheriff and the CHP will be on heightened alert ready to stop and arrest any impaired driver throughout the long weekend.

These needless deaths can be prevented. Planning a sober ride home before the party begins is the first step in staying safe on St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t wait until you’ve already been drinking to make your transportation decision. Designate your sober driver in advance, and never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.

If you plan to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day, follow these tips to stay safe:

Before celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, decide whether you’ll drink or you’ll drive. You can’t do both. “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving”

If you’re planning on driving, commit to staying sober. If you’ve been out drinking and then get behind the wheel, you run the risk of causing a crash or getting arrested for a DUI.

Drugs such as many prescription medications, marijuana or illicit drugs can also lead to impairment and unsafe driving, leading to a DUI. When mixed with even a small amount of alcohol the affects can be compounded.

If you have been drinking, call a taxi or sober friend or family member, or use another public transportation. You can download the Designated Driver VIP free mobile app, “DDVIP,” 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.

Help those around you be responsible, too. Walking while impaired can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. If someone you know is impaired by alcohol or drugs, do not let them get behind the wheel and help them find a sober ride home.

This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911’ if you see a dangerous driver call immediately!

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 16, 2017 / 1400 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

UPDATE – NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Found – Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	3/15/17 0730 hours
LOCATION:	600 block S. E Street
VICTIM(S):	Robert Ciari, 62 years old
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mike Adair, Commander mike.adair@oxnardpd.org Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

UPDATE: The missing person was located in the area of Oxnard Blvd. and Magnolia Ave. this morning by a citizen. Mr. Ciari was found unharmed and returned to his place of residence.

—————-

The Oxnard Police Department is currently searching for a missing 62 year old dependent adult who walked away from his group home. Robert Ciari was last seen in the area of Sixth Street and D Street, in Oxnard, around 7pm this evening. Mr. Ciari has “memory impairment” due to a past brain injury. Mr. Ciari is described as a white male, 5’-9”, 160 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes. Mr. Ciari was last seen wearing a red jacket and blue jeans.

Currently the Oxnard Police Department is conducting an area search for Mr. Ciari.

Anyone who has seen Mr. Ciari or knows his possible whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/15/17 7:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Investigation
DATE/TIME:	March 13, 2017 at approximately 9:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 Block of Dolores Court, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld pending notification of family
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7680 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) – On March 13, 2017 at approximately 9:50 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to several 911 calls of a shooting victim in the 100 block of Dolores Court. When the police officers arrived on scene they located a shooting victim. The victim, a Hispanic male in his 40’s, was pronounced deceased at the scene by EMS personnel.

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The investigation is continuing.

This is Oxnard’s third homicide of the year.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7680. 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: March 14, 2017 at 3 a.m.