OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Stabbing)
DATE/TIME:	September 21, 2016 @ 2215 hours
LOCATION:	4100 block of South “G” Street
VICTIM(S):	Robles, Raul Espinoza (49 years) Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Krystal Rodriguez (27 years), Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant D. Klug (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant D. Klug (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On Wednesday September the 21, 2016 at approximately 2215 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a stabbing victim in the 4100 block of South “G” Street. Upon arrival officers contacted the victim, Raul Espinoza Robles who informed them that he had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend, Krystal Rodriguez. Robles reported that the suspect stabbed him one time in his left leg. Robles was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of domestic battery and assault with a deadly weapon.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 22, 2016 @ 0020 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest Made in 2005 Homicide Case
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2005; 1855 Hours
LOCATION:	900 Block of Richmond Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Joaquin Castaneda (48 years old), Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Isaac Sinsun (31 years old), Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – On March 16, 2016, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested 31 year old Isaac Sinsun for the 2005 murder of Joaquin Castaneda.

On November 13, 2005, at approximately 1855 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a gunshot victim in the 900 block of Richmond Avenue. Officers arrived on scene at approximately 1901 hours and found the victim, Joaquin Castaneda, lying on the asphalt roadway suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. It was later determined that Castaneda had been shot in the face.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Investigators, and forensic scientists from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory, began an exhaustive investigation of the scene. Due to their diligent efforts, several critical pieces of evidence were located and recovered. The investigation at the scene revealed that Castaneda had likely been killed during a robbery.

The circumstances of Castaneda’s murder were very similar to a series of robberies that had been taking place in the City of Oxnard that same week. Oxnard Police Department Robbery Investigators teamed up with Major Crimes Investigators to work towards solving the cases in order to apprehend the individual(s) responsible for these crimes. Information about these cases and their possible relationship was disseminated to all patrol officers in the city.

While on routine patrol, two patrol officers noticed a parked vehicle that matched the description of a suspect vehicle from the robbery series. These officers notified investigators, who responded to the scene.

The investigators contacted several individuals associated with this vehicle. One of these individuals was Isaac Sinsun. Investigators focused on these individuals as possible suspects in the robbery series and the Castaneda murder. Detectives secured several search warrants for their residences and other locations associated with them. Additional evidence was collected at these locations.

Many of the recovered items of evidence were sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory for examination and analysis. Additional items of evidence were sent to the California Department of Justice Crime Laboratory. These forensic scientists conducted examinations in the areas of DNA, trace evidence, fingerprints, ballistics, blood spatter, shoeprints, tire impressions, and handwriting comparisons. Through the years, detectives and the forensic scientists continued to work together to utilize all advances in forensic technology and testing to further the information gathered from the seized evidence.

Over the past ten years, Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Investigators pursued all leads in this case, which lead to the discovery of additional evidence. In addition to the forensic examinations of the evidence, detectives conducted numerous interviews, employed undercover surveillance, and utilized digital forensics to investigate this murder. Oxnard Police Department Investigators worked cohesively with deputies and detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and with investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, many times over the years on this investigation.

The teamwork, perseverance, determination, and unwavering drive for justice, ultimately culminated in the Ventura County District Attorney filing the charge of murder against Isaac Sinsun for the homicide of Joaquin Castaneda.

This case is continuing to evolve. Additional arrests in this case are expected.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174. 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: 3/18/16 at 0800 Hours

Isaac Sinsun

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 30, 2016 / 10:56 AM
LOCATION:	1521 Morris St.
VICTIM(S):	37 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Robert Valenzuela, Detective [email protected] 805-385-8287

DETAILS:

On March 30, 2016 at approximately 10:56 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to 1521 Morris St. regarding several calls reporting shots fired. Officers located a 37 year old Oxnard resident suffering from a gunshot wound in the area.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative.If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7547. 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: 3-30-16 / 9:15 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Shooting at Oxnard Police Officer
DATE/TIME:	March 31, 2016 at Approximately 3:48 p.m.
LOCATION:	2300 Block of El Dorado Avenue, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Police Officer, Six Year Veteran
SUSPECT(S):	Erick Rene Garcia, 27 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department has released the name of the person arrested for shooting at an Oxnard police officer on March 31, 2016. The suspect, 27-year old Erick Rene Garcia, was arrested after he fled into an open apartment after being pursued by police.

On March 31, 2016, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of El Dorado Avenue after a 911 call was received of a suspicious subject waiving a gun in the air. An Oxnard police officer arrived on scene and located a subject, later identified as Erick Rene Garcia, which matched the description of the person seen with the gun. The police officer attempted to contact Garcia, and Garcia ran from the officer. The officer ran after Garcia and followed him into the carports of an apartment building.

As the officer was searching for Garcia in the carports, Garcia pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his service weapon and fired one shot at Garcia, missing him. Garcia then fired at the officer and the officer was struck in the upper body by debris and possibly bullet fragments. Garcia fled on foot while other Oxnard police officers were responding to the scene.

During the search for Garcia, the Oxnard Police Department received information from residents that live in the area that Garcia had entered an open residence in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) responded to the scene and eventually rescued several children that were in that residence. After several announcements were given to exit the residence, Garcia surrendered to SEU officers. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators searched the residence where Garcia was hiding. A loaded handgun was located and seized as evidence.

Garcia, a documented Oxnard gang member, was arrested for attempted murder of a police officer and booked into Ventura County Jail.

If anyone has further information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669 or via email at [email protected]. If a witness wishes to remain anonymous, they may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. They can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be partners in public safety with our Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP) Initiative. This is an excellent example or residents who not only reported a suspicious suspect with a gun, but other residents who then also provided critical information leading to this arrest. Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours per day.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/1/16 at 4:30pm

Erick Rene Garcia

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Release of Oxnard Police Officer’s Name Involved in Shooting; Charges Formally Filed Against Suspect

DATE/TIME:

April 4, 2016; 1:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

2300 Block of EL Dorado Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Officer Carey Everhart, 6 Year Veteran Officer

SUSPECT(S):

Erik Rene Garcia, 27 years old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
(805) 385-7756; [email protected]

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Detective Ken Tougas, Major Crimes Unit
(805) 200-5669; [email protected]

DETAILS: On March 31, 2016, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of El Dorado Avenue after a 911 call was received of a suspicious subject waving a gun in the air. An Oxnard police officer arrived on scene and located a subject, later identified as Erick Rene Garcia, which matched the description of the person seen with the gun. The police officer attempted to contact Garcia, and Garcia ran from the officer. The officer ran after Garcia and followed him into the carports of an apartment building.

As the officer was searching for Garcia in the carports, Garcia pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his service weapon and fired one shot at Garcia, missing him. Garcia then fired at the officer and the officer was struck in the upper body by debris and possibly bullet fragments. Garcia fled on foot while other Oxnard police officers were responding to the scene.

During the search for Garcia, the Oxnard Police Department received information from residents that live in the area that Garcia had entered an open residence in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) responded to the scene and eventually rescued several children that were in that residence. After several announcements were given to exit the residence, Garcia surrendered to SEU officers. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators searched the residence where Garcia was hiding. A loaded handgun was located and seized as evidence.

Garcia, a documented Oxnard gang member, was subsequently arrested for attempted murder of a police officer and booked into Ventura County Jail. During suspect Garcia’s arraignment this afternoon, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office formally arraigned suspect Garcia on the following charges: 664/187 PC- Attempted murder of a police officer; 245(a)(2) PC-Assault with a deadly weapon by use of a firearm; 246.3(a) PC-Discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner; and 69 PC – Resisting the duties of an officer through force or violence. Garcia remains in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with bail set at $505,000.00.

The Oxnard Police Officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Carey Everhart, a 6 year veteran of the department. Officer Carey Everhart is currently out on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer involved incident.

If anyone has further information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669 or via email at [email protected]. If a witness wishes to remain anonymous, they may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. They can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 4, 2016; 4:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Increase in Stolen Vehicles
DATE/TIME:	Year to Date
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

In the spirit of informing, educating and empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department, would like to advise the residents of Oxnard of a potential crime trend citywide. The Oxnard Police Department offers this reminder to take the necessary precautions to avoid being the victim of a vehicle theft.

Since April 1^st, there have been over thirty (30) vehicles reported stolen citywide. The vehicles being targeted are primarily 90’s Hondas, Civics or Accords. There are no similarities in the methods used to take the vehicles. Below are some tips to assist with preventing vehicle thefts.

Immediately report any suspicious activity! The police department encourages anyone with information about any criminal incident to call 911 or (805) 385-7740 from any phone.
DO make sure you do not leave your keys in your car, on or off. If your car is left on to warm up: stay with your car. Your car can easily be taken if you are not there to watch it;
DO make sure not to leave any valuable items in your car. These items are a temptation for someone to break your window and steal your things.
DO NOT enter if you find your vehicle broken into. Call 911 and wait elsewhere for police arrival. Try not to touch anything as officers can possibly obtain fingerprints or other evidence.
Make note of suspicious persons and vehicles (including license plates).

The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be partners in public safety with our Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP) Initiative. Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the above mentioned vehicles. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Crystal Walker at (805)385-7668 or [email protected].

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon Domestic Violence
DATE/TIME:	April 11, 2016 / 9:06 a.m.
LOCATION:	200 block West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic male, 24 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Tania Ramirez, 23 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Scott Aaron
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Scott Aaron, [email protected], (805) 385-7662

DETAILS:
On April 11, 2016, at approximately 9:06 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue regarding a possible stabbing victim.

When Officers arrived, they contacted Tania Ramirez. The investigation revealed that both Ramirez and the victim are involved in a dating relationship. Ramirez was involved in a verbal dispute with the male victim. During the verbal dispute it is believed that Ramirez obtained a knife and stabbed the victim. The victim was able to leave the residence and call for help on a cellular telephone. The victim’s wounds were not life threatening and he has since been released from the hospital.

Ramirez was arrested for violation of Penal Code sections 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon and 273.5(a), domestic violence, corporal injury. The couple’s three month old infant was present during the incident. The Ventura County Children and Family Services were contacted and responded and took custody of the infant child.

Ramirez was booked into Ventura County Jail and bail was set at $45,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 11, 2016 / 6:45 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	April 15, 2016 / 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, April 15, 2016, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 568 DUI collisions, which have claimed 10 lives and resulted in another 380 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.

Recent statistics reveal 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.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive.The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, 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.’

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol, Ventura Area, conducted a distracted driving enforcement operation in the City of Oxnard. The purpose of the enforcement operation was to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in an attempt to change behavior and save lives.

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?

Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

Texting
Using a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming
Reading, including maps
Using a navigation system
Watching a video
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Text messaging is by far the most alarming distraction because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.

The distracted driving enforcement operation resulted in the following:

54 citations issued to drivers using a cell phone or smartphone
20 citations issued to drivers who were texting
One citation issued to an unlicensed driver
Two citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
One misdemeanor warrant arrest
Two vehicles towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct similar type of enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. These enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For any questions related to traffic enforcement operations, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

17^th Annual Memorial Ceremony

DATE/TIME:

May 4, 2016 at 1030 Hours

LOCATION:

251South C St. Oxnard CA 93030

VICTIM(S):

SUSPECT(S):

WITNESS(ES):

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

LOSS:

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Charles Woodruff

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 8300
[email protected]

DETAILS:The Oxnard Police Department will be hosting its 17^th Annual Memorial Event on May 4, 2016 at 1030 hours. The Department welcomes the public to attend and celebrate the lives of seven Oxnard officers who lost their lives while in the line of duty. The Oxnard Police Department hosts this event every year with officers, families and the community attending.

The names of the officers that will be honored are;

Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton ..EOW March 23, 1906
Constable William E. Kelley…………….. EOW August 20, 1921
Officer Albert Gasperetti………………….EOW April 15, 1956
Officer Frederick J. Clark…………………EOW October 12, 1971
Senior Officer John Adair…………………EOW October 7, 1980
Officer James E. O’Brien…………………EOW December 2, 1993
Officer James R. Jensen, Jr…………..…EOW March 13, 1996

This year we will also have a special display from the Los Angeles Police Department. The End of Watch mobile wall will be on display during the ceremony. This wall proudly displays the names of 253 Los Angeles Police Officers who have lost their lives along with video displays of Law Enforcement Officers from Ventura County. The mobile display has been traveling throughout the nation and will be at our station on display until 2200 that night. The Oxnard Police Department invites the public to come by and take a look at the display in person and take the time to remember the officers who have lost their lives.

http://lapd.com/end_of_watch_memorial_wall/