Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department “Bicycle Safety Day”
DATE/TIME:	01/29/11, 1000 – 13000
LOCATION:	Valu+ Warehouse, 2800 Saviers Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Ofc. Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sr. Ofc. Dan Casson, danielcasson@oxnardpd.org or Ofc. Crystal Walker, 805-385-7600 or crystalwalker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 01/29/11 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department, in partnership with Ventura County Public Health/VCMC and Performance Bicycle, will be hosting a “Bicycle Safety Day”.

Bicycle registration will be available to the public free of cost. A raffle will be held and prizes such as water bottles, pads, helmets and bicycles will be given away. Engraving will be available for application of personal identification numbers. Bicycle safety information will be provided by Ventura County Public Health/VCMC and bike inspections will be completed by Performance Bicycle.

This event is being conducted in response to excessive bicycle thefts and bicycle vs. vehicle collisions. From November 2009, 85 bicycles have been reported stolen (7 per month) totaling $30,793.00. Since 2005, there has been an average of 76 collisions involving bicyclists per year.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Memorial Ceremony
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, May 11th, at 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Third Street/”C” Street, City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant David Villanueva (805) 385-8300 davidvillanueva@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, May 11th, the Oxnard Police Department will honor their seven (7) fallen officers with their 12th annual Oxnard Police Department Memorial Ceremony. Held in conjunction with the National Police Week each May, the ceremony pays tribute to Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton, Constable William E. Kelley, Officer Albert Gasperetti, Officer Frederick John Clark, Senior Officer John Adair, Officer Jim O’Brien, and Officer James Jensen who all gave their lives in service to their community.

Law Enforcement fatalities have seen a marked increase in the first four months of 2011 as sixty-seven (67) officers have lost their lives across the country compared to fifty-seven (57) at the same time last year.

The public is welcome to attend the ceremony that will be held directly outside the Oxnard Police Department near the intersection of Third and “C” Streets. Those community members wishing to attend are asked to park in the parking garage located at the corner of Third and “B” Streets and arrive before 10:00 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery, Kidnapping for the Purpose of Robbery, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Attempt Carjacking, and a Gang Allegation
DATE/TIME:	6/16/11 1900 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura County Jail
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Manuel Martinez, 20 year old Oxnard Resident A booking photo of Manuel Martinez has been attached.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff McGreevy (805) 385-3982 or jeffreymcgreevy@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) has been investigating a string of armed robberies and carjacking incidents that occurred in South Oxnard over a 3 week period. The suspect was identified as Manuel Martinez, an Oxnard gang member. Follow-up revealed that Martinez had recently been released from Folsom Prison just 2 months earlier. Gang Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit located Martinez at his home and arrested him for armed robbery. They conducted a parole search of his residence and located a wallet belonging to another victim, that had been robbed at gunpoint earlier in the day.

On 6/16/11 about 1715 hours, Martinez was arrested for two additional robberies. The robberies occurred in late March. One of the robberies was of a high school student, who was walking to school. During that incident the victim was forced to a secluded area, threatened, assaulted and some of his valuable were taken. Martinez has also been identified and arrested for an attempt Carjacking incident that also occurred in late March. During this incident, the victim sustained a serious injury to the upper body while the suspects tried to steal a vehicle.

A second suspect is being sought in at least one of the cases. The Oxnard Police Department is requesting anyone with information about these crimes or other crimes involving this suspect is urged to contact Detective Jeff McGreevy at (805) 385-3982 or remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

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:	9/21/11 1540 hours
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Blvd & Paula St
VICTIM(S):	18 year old Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, approximately 18-19 yrs. olds, 5’11” tall, 180 lbs., shaved head wearing black/blue/white flannel and black pants
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. John Sunia (805) 486-7386 johnsunia@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 9/21/11 at approximately 1540 hours, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to St John’s Regional Medical Center reference a stabbing victim. Officers responded and learned that the stabbing took place in the area of Channel Islands Blvd and Paula St.

The victim was walking in the area of Channel Islands Blvd and Paula St when he was approached by a Hispanic male, approximately 18-19 yrs. olds, 5’11” tall, 180 lbs., with a shaved head wearing black/blue/white flannel and black pants. The suspect stabbed the victim in the torso and ran towards Channel Islands Blvd. The victim was driven to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center by a private party. Due to his condition, the victim was transported to VCMC and is listed in critical condition.

The motive for the stabbing is unknown at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call Det. John Sunia at (805) 486-7386 or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/21/11 1910 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Recent Commercial Robberies
DATE/TIME:	2/13/13 at approximately 1920 Hours 2/18/13 at approximately 1950 Hours 2/19/13 at approximately 1900 Hours
LOCATION:	Golden Jewelry Emporium, 714 North Ventura Road Subway, 1021 South Harbor Boulevard Ego Joyeria Moda, 534 South C Street
VICTIM(S):	Businesses
SUSPECT(S):	#1 – Hispanic male, 5’-9” to 6’-2”, thin to medium build, 18-26 years of age #2 – Black male, 5’-10” to 5’-11”, thin to medium build, unknown age
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown vehicle involved
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jose Velazquez (805) 385-3982 jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public’s assistance for information regarding three robberies that occurred between 2/13/13 and 2/19/13.

Golden Jewelry Emporium on 2/13/13
Subway on 2/18/13
Ego Joyeria Moda on 2/19/13

The first robbery occurred on 2/13/13 at the Golden Jewelry Emporium, located at 714 North Ventura Road. At approximately 1920 hours, a white or Hispanic male, approximately 18-22 years of age, 5’-9” to 6’-2”, approximately 180 to 200 pounds, medium build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a bandana covering his face, dark jeans and blue latex gloves, walked into the store armed with a handgun. The suspect walked over to the cash register and opened it. The suspect made off with $700 to $1,000 in cash.

The second robbery took place on 2/18/13 at the Subway restaurant, located at 1021 South Harbor Boulevard. At approximately 1950 hours, a Hispanic male, approximately 26 years old, 5’-9” with a slender build, wearing a ski mask with eye cuts-outs, a dark hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, dark shoes and clear latex gloves, entered the business armed with a handgun. The robber confronted an employee and demanded the employee open the cash register. When the employee was unable to open the register, the robber manipulated the register and was able to open it. The robber took approximately $210.00 in cash from the register and fled the business.

The third robbery took place on 2/19/13 at the Ego Joyeria Moda, located at 543 South C Street. At approximately 1900 hours, a black male and a white male, both were 5’-10” to 5’-11”, thin to medium build, both wearing ski masks with eyes and nose cut-outs, entered the store wearing all dark clothing. Both suspects brandished handguns at the store employees and ordered them to the ground. Once behind the front counter, the suspects opened a safe and took some cash and jewelry before fleeing the store.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance. We ask that persons with information regarding these robberies to please contact Detective Jose Velazquez at (805) 385-3982. You can also email Detective Velazquez at jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can still provide information by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Or, contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477.

Visit the web site http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:2/28/13 1030 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Death not Caused by Assault (update)
DATE/TIME:	June 23, 2013 at approximately 0200 hours
LOCATION:	400 block West Hueneme Road
VICTIM(S):	Miguel Antonio Hernandez-Gomez, 26 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 gordon.currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 6/23/13 at approximately 0200 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to an assault victim at 441 West Hueneme Road. When officers arrived they contacted a Hispanic male that stated he was the victim of a battery. According to this victim, an unknown Hispanic male punched the victim once in the face and fled.

Officers also noticed second Hispanic male at the scene that was unconscious and in need of medical attention. It was unclear at the time if this second Hispanic male, later identified as 26 year old Oxnard resident Miguel Hernandez-Gomez, was the victim of an assault. Gomez was in critical condition and rushed by ambulance to Saint John’s Hospital then transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. Gomez was placed in the Intensive Care Unit, but unfortunately Gomez died on 6/24/13 at approximately 2230 hours.

An autopsy was performed by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office on 6/25/13. The result of the investigation and autopsy indicated that Gomez was not the victim of an assault. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office is awaiting toxicology reports before making an official ruling on the death.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/26/13 at 12:30 p.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting – Homicide Investigation
DATE/TIME:	11/6/2013 / 1806 hours
LOCATION:	900 block of S. H Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	3 male victims
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Bob Eckman robert.eckman@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7760

DETAILS: On 11/6/13 at approximately 1800 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to 900 block of S. H Street reference a shooting.

Oxnard Fire and Police responded to the scene where they found three shooting victims. All three victims were transported to Ventura County Medical Center for medical treatment. One of the victims succumbed to his wounds and was later pronounced dead. The identities of the victims have not been released, pending an active on-going investigation. It is too early in the investigation to identify a motive for the crime.

This is the tenth homicide this year.

If anyone has further information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD or Detective Bob Eckman at (805) 385-7760. 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: 11-6-13 / 2130 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Winter Holiday AVOID DUI campaign – SUNDAY update 2
DATE/TIME:	12/15/13
LOCATION:	County-Wide
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
Winter Holiday AVOID DUI campaign – SUNDAY update 2
DUI Arrests Down & No DUI Fatalities
The Winter Holiday Anti-DUI crackdown has resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments and routine patrols overnight in Ventura County.

From 12:01 AM Friday December 13, 2013 through Midnight Saturday December 14, 2013 officers representing Ventura county law enforcement agencies have arrested 11 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2012, 19 DUI arrests occurred during the same 48 hour time period.

Last year there were no DUI deaths reported.
(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

On Saturday night, December 14^th, 2013, between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 3:00 A.M., Avoid the 14 conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Simi Valley. The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Tapo Canyon Road south of Alamo Street. Officers from Simi Valley PD, Moorpark PD, Thousand Oaks PD, Oxnard PD and Cal State University of Channel Islands screened 694 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Three (3) DUI investigations were conducted and one (1) of those drivers was arrested for driving while under the influence. Citations were issued to 15 drivers for various Vehicle Code violations. Four (4) drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license, one (1) was issued for driving with a suspended driver’s license, and three (3) vehicles were towed from the checkpoint.

Extra local DUI Saturation Patrols will be deployed in the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark, and Thousand Oaks.

All regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts. Multiple DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, Multi Agency DUI Task Force operations and local Roving DUI patrols are all part of this region-wide crackdown during the 20 day Winter Holiday Campaign.

Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911! Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. DUI arrest data collection will continue through New Year’s Weekend, midnight Sunday, January 1, 2014.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Parental Abduction – Child Located
DATE/TIME:	6/2/14 at approximately 1330 Hours
LOCATION:	Marina West School, 2210 Carob Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Nadine Basquez, 7 years old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Brenda Quiroz, 32 years old, Transient
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dale McAlpine, (805) 385-3921 dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 6/2/14 at 2:30 P.M., the father of 7 year old Nadine Basquez came to the Oxnard police department to report that the child’s biological mother had picked her up from school. The mother, Brenda Quiroz, did not have parental custody rights per a court order and should not have contact with Nadine without the father’s consent. Brenda made contact with the child at Marina West Elementary at approximately 1:30 P.M. and left with the girl by unknown means.

Detectives from the Oxnard police department’s Family Protection Unit and Investigators with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office worked together to locate Nadine and Brenda. The investigators interviewed several family members and friends. Numerous locations within and outside of Ventura County were searched. Investigators followed up on every lead to locate Nadine and Brenda.

In the early morning hours of June 6, 2014, family members located Nadine in Orange County and reunited her with her father. Nadine was not injured and in very good health.

The Oxnard police department and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate this case to determine if criminal charges will be pursued. If you have information about this case, please call Detective David McAlpine at (805) 385-3921.

The Oxnard police department wants to thank those who called with information and assisted in the safe return of Nadine Basquez.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:6/6/14 at 1530 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	New Bicycle law, “Three Feet For Safety Act”
DATE/TIME:	September 25, 2014
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: California’s new bicycle law, “Three Feet for Safety Act” took effect on September 16, 2014 as a result of Assembly Bill 1371. The “Three Feet for Safety Act” will require that drivers provide at least three feet between any part of their vehicle and bicyclist when passing.

“Three Feet for Safety Act” California Vehicle code sections:

21760 (a) VC“This section shall be known and may be cited as the Three Feet for Safety Act.”
21760 (b) VC “The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle that is proceeding in the same direction on a highway shall pass in compliance with the requirements of this article applicable to overtaking and passing a vehicle, and shall do so at a safe distance that does not interfere with the safe operation of the overtaken bicycle, having due regard for the size and speed of the motor vehicle and the bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and the surface and width of the highway.”
21760 (c) VC “A driver of a motor vehicle shall not overtake or pass a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a highway at a distance of less than three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and any part of the bicycle or its operator.”
21760 (d) VC “If the driver of a motor vehicle is unable to comply with subdivision (c), due to traffic or roadway conditions, the driver shall slow to a speed that is reasonable and prudent, and may pass only when doing so would not endanger the safety of the operator of the bicycle, taking into account the size and speed of the motor vehicle and bicycle, traffic conditions, weather, visibility, and surface and width of the highway.”
21760 (e)(1) VC “A violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d) is an infraction punishable by a fine of thirty-five dollars ($35).”
21760 (e)(2) VC “If a collision occurs between a motor vehicle and a bicycle causing bodily injury to the operator of the bicycle, and the driver of the motor vehicle is found to be in violation of subdivision (b), (c), or (d), a two-hundred-twenty-dollar ($220) fine shall be imposed on that driver.”

State data show that 153 bicyclists were killed in California in 2012, a 7 percent increase from 2011. Those deaths accounted for 5 percent of the total collision fatalities in California. As important as it is for vehicles to be mindful of our bicyclists, those who ride must exercise safe practices and ride smart.
Here’s how the law works:

The law applies to any place a vehicle passes a bicyclist, regardless of whether there’s a bike lane in the road.
A law enforcement officer must witness a violation to issue a citation. Bystanders’ accounts or video recordings made by the bicyclist — on a GoPro, for example — aren’t admissible.
Violators face at least a $35 fine, and a $220 fine if a collision occurs. Both can increase when court fees are added.
There is one exception to the new law: If there’s not enough room for a driver to give three feet of space. In that case, they must first slow down before safely passing.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: Can I go into opposing lanes of traffic to pass a bicyclist if there is not three feet of space between us?
A-   A driver must follow all rules of the road when driving on the roadway and when passing a bicyclist.

Question: What do I do if the bicyclist is in my lane and there is no room to pass?
A-   A driver must slow down and allow the bicyclist to move to the side and allow for the three feet of space before passing.

Question: How do I know if there is three feet between my vehicle and the bicyclist?

A-   One way to think about it is if a bicyclist can reach his/her arm out and touch your vehicle, your vehicle is probably closer than three feet.

Question: What if I need to make a right turn and there is a bicyclist on the right side of me?

A-   If you are not able to move in front of the bicyclist, allowing three feet of space between you and the bicyclist and/or interfering with the bicyclist, you must slow down and let the bicyclist move ahead of you until there space for you to move behind the bicyclist and prepare to make the right turn.

Motorists are reminded to pay close attention and exercise due caution when they see bicyclists on the roadway. Please move over or slow down to pass when you see a bicyclist on the road and help keep our roadways a safer place.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 25, 2014