News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 3, 2024, at 10:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspects Arrested for March 2024 Shooting Death

LOCATION: 1000 block Industrial Ave, Oxnard

VICTIM: Yanelly Vargas 35-year-old Female, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: Margarita Jimenez 33-year-old Female, Oxnard resident

Jorge Garfias 36-year-old Male, Ventura resident

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 (Tues-Fri 7am-5pm)| [email protected]

On March 17, 2024, at approximately 11:53 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a fight with possible shots being fired in the 1000 block of Industrial Ave. Officers and EMS personnel arrived on scene and located a 35-year-old female, later identified as Yanelly Vargas, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Vargas was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department worked diligently to identify the two suspects in this case. On April 3, 2024, members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and K-9 team were able to apprehend both suspects without incident. The suspects were identified as Margarita Jimenez, a 33-year-old female Oxnard resident, and Jorge Garfias, a 36-year-old male Ventura resident. Investigators determined Garfias was previously involved in a romantic relationship with Yanelly. Jimenez and Garfias were transported to the Ventura County Main Jail, where they were booked for the murder of Yanelly Vargas.

Although the persons responsible for this senseless murder have been arrested, this is still an ongoing investigation. Investigators are still seeking any further information regarding this incident and are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at (805) 385-7688. Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website:www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 3, 2024, 4:30 P.M.

DATE: April 1, 2024, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION: 1000 block Bismark Way, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Harold "Woody" Underwood, 87-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Harasymowycz, Commander (Sunday-Wednesday 6 A.M. – 4 P.M.)

(805) 385-7650 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance locating an at-risk missing adult. Harold "Woody" Underwood is an 87-year-old white male, 6'0", 170 lbs., with white, ponytail-style hair and blue eyes. Mr. Underwood was last seen walking on foot in the 1000 Bismark Way, Oxnard area, today at 11:00 A.M. He was wearing a long-sleeve grey T-shirt, dark sweatpants, and a black backpack.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public to help find Mr. Underwood. If you have any information about his disappearance, please get in touch with the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

***Update***

Mr. Underwood was located.

Thank you to all those who assisted with the investigation.

Greg Harasymowycz

Commander – Patrol

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030

(805) 385-7600 Work Phone

www.oxnardpd.org

On Mon, Apr 1, 2024 at 1:51 PM Harasymowycz, Gregory <[email protected]> wrote:

DATE:                                    April 1, 2024, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION:                          1000 block Bismark Way, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Harold "Woody" Underwood, 87-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Harasymowycz, Commander (Sunday-Wednesday 6 A.M. – 4 P.M.)

                                (805) 385-7650 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the community's assistance locating an at-risk missing adult. Harold "Woody" Underwood is an 87-year-old white male, 6'0", 170 lbs., with white, ponytail-style hair and blue eyes. Mr. Underwood was last seen walking on foot in the 1000 Bismark Way, Oxnard area, today at 11:00 A.M. He was wearing a long-sleeve grey T-shirt, dark sweatpants, and a black backpack.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public to help find Mr. Underwood. If you have any information about his disappearance, please get in touch with the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

On April 3, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold additional distracted driving enforcement operations on April 9, 2024 and April 15, 2024.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 2, 2024

SUBJECT: Stabbing Victim

LOCATION: 3000 block Saviers Rd, Oxnard

VICTIM: 41-Year-Old Male Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Kevin Gormley

(805) 385-7686 (Tues-Fri 7 AM – 5 PM) [email protected]

On April 2, 2024 at approximately 5:01 PM, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the parking lot in the 3000 block of Saviers Rd regarding a stabbing, which had just occurred. Officers on scene located a 41-year-old male, suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

Officers located an extensive crime scene in the parking lot of the businesses in the 3000 block of Saviers Rd. The initial call for service was reference a fight between two males, which ultimately led to the stabbing. A motive for the stabbing is unknown at this time. No arrests have been made in connection to this incident.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Kevin Gormley at 805-385-7686 or by email at [email protected]

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 29, 2024

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Stay Focused, Stay Safe: Get Off Your Apps

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Oxnard, Calif. – April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat. The Oxnard Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern. In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light. This includes talking, texting or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine, and violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk. Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 28th, 2024 (5:52 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit Ends with Arrest of Documented Gang Member in Possession of Firearms

SUSPECTS: Ruben Romero, 24-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3000 blk. Merced Pl., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On March 28th, at approximately 5:52 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code infraction. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle traveled east on Channel Islands Blvd. and then south on Rice Ave. before returning to the Diamond Bar neighborhood where the pursuit concluded. Officers conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle and removed the occupants without incident. Officer checked the area where the pursuit began and located two loaded unregistered semi-automatic handguns that had been discarded from the vehicle. The driver, identified as Ruben Romero, was charged with reckless evading and firearm possession. Romero was also charged with child endangerment for having the juvenile passengers in the vehicle during the pursuit. Romero is a documented criminal street gang member with a prior felony firearms conviction. The adult and two juvenile passengers were released from the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s 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. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 29th, 2024 (4:44 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit Ends with Arrests for Firearms Violations and Child Endangerment

SUSPECTS: Victor Ortiz, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

Abigail Guerrero 19-year-old Oxnard resident

Julissa Guerrero 21-year-old Oxnard resident

14-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Rd. at Rice Ave., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On March 29th, at approximately 4:44 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) responded to a call for service in the area of Maulhardt Rd. and Ranchita Ln. reference possible gang members in possession of handguns. The caller also mentioned that they believed the gang members were under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. The officers observed the suspected gang members leave in a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle as it traveled west on Pleasant Valley Rd. from Dodge Rd. The driver, later identified as Abigail Guerrero, failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit came to a conclusion as there was heavy traffic and Guerrero was blocked in.

The right front passenger, identified as Victor Ortiz, quickly exited the vehicle and discarded a handgun while attempting to flee on foot. Ortiz was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit. The handgun was recovered and determined to be a loaded 9-millimeter, Glock, semi-automatic handgun. Ortiz, a documented criminal street gang member, was charged with felony firearms possession. Ortiz is on felony pretrial release from a previous firearm arrest from January 2024.

The driver and three additional passengers were removed from the vehicle. There was also a 1-year-old infant, sitting in a child seat that was not secured to the vehicle. There were several open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle and several loose deflated balloons in the vehicle. There was a loose deflated balloon in the infant seat next to the 1-year-old’s leg. Officers suspected that the balloons were used for inhaling hallucinogens. A 14-year-old juvenile passenger admitted possessing the handgun that was tossed from the vehicle. The juvenile was also charged with possession of the firearm. The 14-year-old also has a prior firearm arrest from January of 2024.

The driver, Abigail Guerrero, was charged with evading and child endangerment. Abigail is the 1-year-old’s aunt. The 1-year-old’s mother, Julissa Guerrero, was also a passenger in the vehicle. Julissa was also arrested for child endangerment.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 27, 2024, 7:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: High School Personal Trainer Arrested for Sexual Assault of Student

SUSPECT: Keith Dudley, 41-year-old, Oxnard resident

VICTIM: 15-year-old Juvenile, Moorpark resident

LOCATION: 400 block Forest Park Boulevard, Oxnard

CONTACT: Dale Mc Alpine, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | (Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM-6:00 PM)

[email protected]

On March 27, 2024, at about 7:30 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 41-year-old Oxnard resident Keith Dudley. Mr. Dudley was arrested after investigators learned he had sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student who attends Moorpark High School. Mr. Dudley works with students from various High Schools throughout Ventura County. At this time, there is no indication that any of these acts occurred on school grounds or at any school-sanctioned events.

Mr. Dudley was arrested for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. Mr. Dudley was taken into police custody, booked at Ventura County Main Jail, and later released on a bail amount of $20,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Mr. Keith Dudley is asked to contact Detective Juan Morales at (805) 385-3922.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 24, 2024 (11:10 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Two Persons Arrested for Possession of Firearm

SUSPECTS: Eli Flores, 46 year-old Oxnard resident

Jessie Cruz, 25 year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Oxnard Boulevard & Gonzalez Road

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On the above date and time, Oxnard police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The passenger, Cruz, was on probation with search terms. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun was located. Both Cruz and the driver, Flores, were arrested for multiple firearms violations.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.