Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	September 1, 2011 1800-0000
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Peña, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7750

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department will continue its crackdown on DUI drivers by conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint this Thursday, September 1, 2011.

These DUI operations are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to improving traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol related crashes to make our roadways and community safer.

How to Report a Drunk Driver

Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver. **You do not have to give your name.
Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction they’re traveling.
Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750 or via e-mail at mariapena@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/30/11, 1100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	9/18/11 0103 hours
LOCATION:	3120 Saviers Road (McDonald’s)
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Hernandez, 20 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796 Steve.Funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 9/18/11 at approximately 0103 hours, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to 3120 Saviers Road (McDonald’s) in regards to several shots being fired. When officers arrived they observed two subjects fighting in the bushes next to the McDonald’s drive thru. One of the subjects, Salvador Hernandez, was armed with a firearm. Officers were able to disarm Hernandez and take him into custody. During the investigation, it was discovered that Hernandez had fired several shots at the victim at close range. One of the bullets went through the victim’s shirt, but the victim was uninjured.

The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but it doesn’t appear to be gang related. Investigators are attempting to locate additional witnesses who fled the scene prior to officers arriving. If you witnessed this incident, please contact Detective Steve Funk at (805) 385-7796 or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-TIPS.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/18/11 0502 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	September 29th, 2012 1900-0100
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoint on September 29th, 2012, from 7:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.

The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Ave@ First St.

Officers screened 1160 motorists who passed through the checkpoint. Officers conducted three DUI investigations that lead to the arrest of two drivers for DUI.

18 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 6 vehicles were towed and the owners of those vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of 241.00. 15 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and 3 drivers were cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org.

Additional information- At 9:30 p.m. a vehicle was found blocking traffic on Rose Ave in the lane of the checkpoint. Officers made contact with the driver, Epifanio Tello, 27 years old from Oxnard, and began to evaluate him for driving under the influence of alcohol. Tello fled from officers during the evaluation, running through Del Sol Park. Officers were able to locate Tello in the park. Tello was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and fleeing from officers.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	**Operation Safer and Stronger– Firearms Strike Team (FAST) Efforts**
DATE/TIME:	May 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7632 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, Oxnard police launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the City. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of May, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty one firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole sweeps, and the services of search warrants. Fourteen of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On May 2, 2014, wanted gang member Jovan Mathews, a 22 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. During his arrest, he was found to be in possession of two loaded firearms.

On May 2, 2014, Mykal Rodriguez, 22 year old Oxnard resident, was stopped for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, officers located a sawed off shotgun concealed in the vehicle. Rodriguez was arrested for carrying a loaded and concealed firearm in a vehicle.

On May 7, 2014, Jorge Ortiz, 27 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. During his arrest, Ortiz was found in possession of a firearm. He was also arrested for brandishing a firearm and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

On May 18, 2014, John Carrillo, a 24 year old Oxnard resident, was contacted reference a domestic dispute. Carrillo fled from officers but was later detained. Officers conducted a search of the area where Carrillo was located and found a handgun. Carrillo was arrested for the weapons violation and for a misdemeanor warrant.

Anyone with information about persons illegally in possession of firearms may call the Violent Crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:June 12, 2014 at 1200 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Prohibited Persons Compliance Checks
DATE/TIME:	December 8, 2015
LOCATION:	Several Location throughout the City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Detective Cody Collet
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Cody J Collet, cody.collet@oxnardpd.org (805)486-6228

DETAILS: On December 8, 2015, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Firearms Strike Team in conjunction with agents from the Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms conducted several compliance checks throughout the City of Oxnard. The compliance checks focused on persons who are prohibited from owning firearm(s) and have a firearm(s) registered to them. During the sweep detectives made one arrest for possession of firearms and ammunition. Overall, detectives recovered two handguns, one rifle, several hundred rounds of ammunition, 18 inert hand grenades, and a grenade simulator device.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct compliance checks with prohibited persons and subjects on probation or parole living in the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to working with the Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms in our efforts. The purpose of these checks is to remove dangerous firearms from prohibited persons in an effort to reduce gun violence throughout the city.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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:
December 10, 2015, 1000 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	October 30, 2009
LOCATION:	# 1 Rose Ave @ Emerson Ave. # 2 Victoria Ave @ Gonzales Rd.

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted two Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints on October 30, 2009 from 8:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Ave at Emerson Ave.

The second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Victoria Ave at Gonzales Rd.

Officers screened 931 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers conducted seven DUI investigations that led to the arrest of three drivers for DUI. 37 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 15 vehicles were towed and the owners of the vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue conducting DUI enforcement and Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

By: Officer Charles Woodruff

Oxnard Police Department

(385-7749)

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	November 21st, 2009
LOCATION:	# 1 Channel Islands Blvd. @ M Street # 2 Oxnard Boulevard @ Citrus Grove Lane

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted two Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints on November 21, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. to midnight.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the westbound lanes of Channel Islands Boulevard from M Street.

The second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard at Citrus Grove Lane.

Officers screened 1025 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers conducted five DUI investigations that led to the arrest of one driver for DUI. 33 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 33 vehicles were towed and the owners of the vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00.

By: Senior Police Officer Brian Woolley
Oxnard Police Department Traffic Coordinator
(385-7749)

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	187 Homicide
DATE/TIME:	01/30/2010 12:25 am
LOCATION:	700 Block Rialto St Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	16 year old male. Resident of Camarillo. Name with-held
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay 385-8174

DETAILS:

A 16 year old male, resident of Camarillo was shot and killed while attending a party in Oxnard Saturday Morning. On 1-30-2010 at approximately 12:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 700 block of Rialto St. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located the victim inside of a residence who suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

While officers were on scene, they learned that two additional victims were hit by gunfire. The victims included an 18 year old female from Oxnard and a 22 male, also an Oxnard resident. Both subjects were transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive.

Investigators determined that the victims were attending a party at a residence located on Rialto St. The three victims were inside of the house standing in front of the entry way when several gunshots were fired through the door hitting the victims. Several people attending the party ran out of the back of the house to get away from the gunfire. The suspect has not been identified and it is not clear as to why the house was targeted. The name of the deceased victim is being with-held pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Detective Jeff Kay at 385-8174 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 982-7070.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Related Search Warrant and Arrest
DATE/TIME:	03/10/2010 12:00 PM
LOCATION:	Surrey Circle Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):	15 year-old, Ventura resident
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Diego Avalos 23 year old Oxnard Resident Armando Gonzalez 19 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jeff McGreevy
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff McGreevy 805-385-3982

DETAILS:

On 2-21-10 Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to the Wagon Wheel Bowling Alley 2801 Wagon Wheel Road regarding a man with a gun under his clothing. Patrol Officers detained 2 men who fit the description given by the reporting party. While searching the men for weapons, Officer Joseph Bentley located a loaded assault pistol with a high capacity magazine in Juan Avalos’ waistband. Avalos was arrested and he later posted bail.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into gang association between Juan Avalos and Armando Gonzalez to an Oxnard criminal street gang. Detectives obtained a search warrant for both men’s homes and served the warrants on Wednesday afternoon. During the investigation Detectives learned that Avalos was living at another nearby home and obtained a search warrant for that home was well. Three residences on Surrey Circle were searched and items of gang paraphernalia, membership, and association were located.

Juan Avalos was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a loaded assault pistol, possession of a loaded unregistered handgun, carrying a concealed firearm in public, and a gang allegation.

This is an ongoing investigation.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	3-28-2010 / 1334 hours
LOCATION:	4901 S. “F” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	3-year old male of Oxnard 11-year old male of Oxnard
DRIVER:	Estella Cruz Lopez, 19 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE(S):	1994, Mercury Villager Van
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant 805-385-7749

DETAILS:

On March 28, 2010, at approximately 1334 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with EMS personnel responded to 4901 S. “F” Street after receiving a call of a child that had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found that two children, a 3-year old male and an 11-year old male, had been struck by a vehicle driven by Estella Cruz. Both victims were transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center where the 3-year old succumbed to his injuries. The 11-year old was treated for a broken arm and was later released.

An investigation revealed that the driver of the van, Ms. Cruz, was pulling the vehicle onto the lawn to wash it. While driving onto the lawn, she inadvertently pressed the gas pedal causing the vehicle to lunge forward striking both children who were standing in the yard.

Alcohol was not a factor in the collision, however, the driver was found to be unlicensed.

An investigation is continuing.