OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Lights Not Functioning
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2017
LOCATION:	C Street at 9^th Street, Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Chris Inglehart
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Chris Inglehart, 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

The traffic signals controlling the intersection of C Street and 9^th Street are currently not functioning. Although stop signs have been placed at the intersection, officers have noted vehicles failing to stop at the intersection. Therefore, residents are advised to use an alternative route if possible or use caution when proceeding through this intersection.

The City of Oxnard Traffic Engineers are working to repair the intersection but estimate that it may take several days to return to normal functioning.

Drivers are reminded that if traffic signals are not functioning properly at a controlled intersection, they are required by law to stop at the intersection and proceed according to stop sign law.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/4/17 @ 0900 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Residential Burglary Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Property
DATE/TIME:	February 4, 2017 / 0108 hours
LOCATION:	4800 block of Shoreline Way, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Jess Gutierrez (24 years old, Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2014 Chevy Pick Up
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Jeff Long
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Jeff Long (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On February 4, 2017, at approximately 0108 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a residential burglary in the 4800 block of Shoreline Way. The resident saw the suspect removing property from the garage and provided police dispatchers with a description of the suspect and his vehicle.

Responding officers located the suspect vehicle fleeing the area and stopped the vehicle. Officers confirmed that a burglary had occurred and arrested Jess Gutierrez. The property from the burglary along with additional stolen property was located in Gutierrez’s vehicle. Gutierrez was booked into Ventura County Main Jail. The property was returned to the victim.

Persons with information regarding this crime are encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7600. If someone wishes to remain anonymous, they can call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and to submit a tip via text or e-mail. www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/4/17, 0215 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

On 2/3/17, at approximately 11:00 a.m., a detective from the Auto Theft Vehicle Task Force, located a grey Nissan Maxima near the intersection of Ninth St. and Hobson Wy. The detective noted that the vehicle matched the description of a recently stolen Maxima and that the license plate on this vehicle appeared to be false. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Hobson and Rigging. The driver, identified as 36 year old Oxnard resident Jose Rodriguez (photo below), attempted to quickly walk away from the vehicle but was detained.

Officers checked the vehicle’s identification number and learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Rodriguez was arrested for vehicle theft. Rodriguez was searched incident to his arrest and officers located a meth pipe. Rodriguez was booked for vehicle theft, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Jose Rodriguez

News Release

INCIDENT:	Super Bowl LI – DUI Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	February 5, 2017 / 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Call the Right Play for Super Bowl LI

Pass the keys to a sober driver before the big game begins

Oxnard, CA – Football fans across the country will tune into the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 5^th and for many, the event often includes alcohol. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Oxnard Police Department are teaming up with law enforcement across the state for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign to urge all football fans to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend and pass the keys to a sober driver before the drinking begins.

The Oxnard Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI saturation patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment during and following the game. As part of the Super Bowl Sunday enforcement efforts, police, sheriff, and the CHP will be on heightened alert ready to stop and arrest any impaired driver.

Impaired driving can be deadly. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, but even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times enough to make driving unsafe. Drugs such as many prescription medications, marijuana, or illicit drugs can also lead to impairment and unsafe driving leading to a DUI.

“Volunteer to be a designated driver to help your family and friends get home safely,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Impaired driving only leads to disaster and tragedy. It is never worth the risk. If you do plan to drink and/or are taking medications or using marijuana, plan now to pass the keys to a sober driver before kickoff.”

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.

For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol and be aware of possible drug impairment. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

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!

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon/ Road Rage
DATE/TIME:	2/1/17 at 6:40 PM
LOCATION:	Ventura Road at Fifth Street
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Albert Rojas, 49 year old Oxnard Resident Martin Rojas, 20 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2001 Ford Expedition
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Mike Gregson
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Mike Gregson 805-385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 2/1/17 at about 6:40 PM, Officers were dispatched to a fight in the street in the area of Fifth Street and Ventura Rd. Officers arrived and contacted the victim who stated that he was the victim of a road rage incident. He said that he was the passenger in a vehicle driven by his girlfriend and also occupied by his juvenile son. They were southbound on Ventura Road when the suspect vehicle began to tailgate them and cut them off. When they stopped for traffic in the area of Fifth Street, the driver of the suspect vehicle exited and began to approach the victim’s vehicle. The victim said that the suspect began to fight with him. The passenger in the suspect vehicle also exited the vehicle and began to fight with the victim also. During the fight, the victim dropped his cell phone which was taken by the passenger in the suspect vehicle.

The victim was able to get back to his vehicle and drive away. The suspects continued to follow the victim and when the victim’s vehicle had to again stop for traffic, the driver of the suspect vehicle swung a hatchet at the passenger’s door where the victim was seated causing damage to the vehicle.

Officers later located the suspect vehicle driving in the area. The driver of the vehicle, Albert Rojas, was identified and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. The passenger, Martin Rojas, was arrested for theft of the cell phone.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/1/17 2200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serial Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME:	February 1, 2017, 10:20 AM
LOCATION:	1955 Patterson Road, Oxnard, CA
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Alberto Saldana, 25 years, Oxnard Resident Osvaldo Rafael Saldana, 27 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vega, (805) 746-6748 [email protected]

DETAILS:

February 1, 2017, 10:00 AM, The Oxnard Violent Crimes Unit and K-9 Unit were conducting surveillance along Ventura Road where several armed robberies had occurred over the last three weeks. Violent Crimes Unit detectives were able to identify the black Ford Fusion the suspects used during several of the robberies. During the surveillance detectives followed the Ford Fusion to the area of Patterson Road and Hemlock Avenue. Detectives observed Luis Saldana exit the vehicle and enter the convenience store.

Detectives observed Luis Saldana running out of the store. He was quickly apprehended by detectives and the K-9 Unit. While this was occurring, the convenience store clerk had reported to police that his store had just been robbed. Luis was in possession of a large hunting style knife and US currency taken during the robbery. Luis’s brother, Osvaldo was also apprehended as he sat in his vehicle waiting for his brother Luis to return.

Both Luis and Osvaldo were charged with one count of armed robbery. They were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Detectives are investigating whether Luis and Osvaldo were responsible for the other robberies in the area. If you have any information regarding these robberies, please contact Detective Vega at (805) 746-6748.

Osvaldo Saldana/Luis Saldana

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle / Handgun Arrest
DATE/TIME:	1-31-17 1850 hours
LOCATION:	Wooley Road @ H Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Landeros 28 years old (resident of Oxnard)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Honda Accord (stolen)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez 805-385-7650

DETAILS:

A member of the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force observed a stolen Honda Accord in the area of Wooley Road and H Street. Neighborhood Policing Officers attempted to contact the driver and passenger of the vehicle, at which time both subjects fled from the officers. The driver was apprehended a short time later and identified as Juan Landeros.

During a search of the stolen vehicle a loaded handgun was located in the interior of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning a handgun.

The driver identified as Juan Landeros was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and numerous firearm related charges. Juan Landeros was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department advises residents to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles, and use anti-theft devices to secure their vehicles.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1-31-17/2035 hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Minor Decoy Program
DATE/TIME:	January 29, 2017 1400 Hours to 2200 Hours
LOCATION:	Various Locations – Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	AM/PM, 500 S. Victoria Ave. Sea Rounders, 2670 S. Ventura Rd Liquor Cellar, 150 W. Channel Islands Blvd. Puerto Vallarta, 3021 Saviers Rd. Fiesta Liquor, 1637 S. Oxnard Blvd.
PREPARED BY:	David Castillo, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Castillo (805) 385-8212

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department cited five clerks for selling alcohol to minors on January 29, 2017. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which minors under the direct supervision of officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 17 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard. The following establishments were cited for selling alcohol to minors:

AM/PM, 500 S. Victoria Ave.
Sea Rounders, 2670 S. Ventura Rd
Liquor Cellar, 150 W. Channel Islands Blvd.
Puerto Vallarta, 3021 Saviers Rd.
Fiesta Liquor, 1637 S. Oxnard Blvd.

Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting the compliance checks to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980’s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

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: 1/29/17 2100 Hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Felon arrested for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle
DATE/TIME:	January 29, 2017/ 3:50 PM
LOCATION:	2000 Blk of Napoleon Ave
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alvaro Saldivar , 29 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eric Alinaya, Officer [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On January 29, at approximately 3:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the 2000 block of Napoleon Ave when they conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle violation.

A search of the vehicle was conducted and officers located a loaded firearm and ammunition in the vehicle.

Saldivar was arrested for being a prohibited felon in possession of a loaded firearm along with other firearm related charges.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	January 23, 2017 / 6:20 p.m.
LOCATION:	Edison Drive north of McWane Blvd., Oxnard
DRIVER/VEHICLE:	17-year-old male, Oxnard resident (name withheld pending notification of family) – 2017 Nissan 370Z
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpdorg
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Senior Officer (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 23, 2017, at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision in the area of Edison Drive and McWane Blvd. When officers and EMS personnel arrived, they discovered a single vehicle collided into a parked semi-truck trailer. Based on the preliminary investigation, the driver of the Nissan swerved to the right side of the road while traveling northbound on Edison Road and collided into the rear of the semi-truck trailer.

The collision caused the driver, a 17-year-old male of Oxnard, to be partially ejected from the vehicle. EMS personnel attempted to render aid to the driver, however; he succumbed to his 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 [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 24, 2017 / 1:00 a.m.