Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS: In keeping with the Chief of Police’s message to the community, “Working toward a Safer, Stronger Community,” the Oxnard Police Department has put together tips to assist residents and help improve public safety throughout the City of Oxnard. 

 
“There are small steps that we can all take to avoid becoming victims of crime and improve public safety.  These tips will be released on a monthly basis, as we launch our ‘Operation Safer and Stronger’ series that will address current trends occurring citywide,” said Jeri Williams, chief of police.
 
The Oxnard Police Department is introducing a new Public Awareness and Crime Prevention Series to create a better community for all of us.  These monthly crime prevention public service announcements are meant to increase awareness in Oxnard and to inform and empower our community members to minimize the likelihood of them becoming victims of a crime. 

The Oxnard Police Department would like to ask the public to remember that crime prevention begins at home and with each individual person in our community.  This embraces the idea of empowering our community members and does not solely depend on police for crime prevention.  In most cases, people only call the police after an incident has occurred.  Community members should not shy away from calling prior to an incident to ask about crime prevention tips or to report any and all suspicious activity.  For more information, contact Crime Prevention Detective Crystal Walker at the Oxnard Police Department (805)385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org
 
In January, we are focusing on preventing stolen vehicles and what to do in the event your vehicle is taken.
 
In the first two weeks of 2014 (compared to 2013) we have seen an increase in stolen vehicles throughout the City.  The vehicles being targeted are ’90 – ‘97 Honda and Toyota sedans.  Although this increase may appear alarming, in comparison to cities of comparable size, in California, Oxnard has a lower than average auto theft rate (Federal Bureau of Investigation UCR, 2012.)
 
Below are tips to assist with preventing vehicle thefts.
 

• 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 NOT leave any valuable items in your car.  These items are a temptation for someone to break your window and steal your property.
• 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). Dispatchers will ask for this critical information to better assist responding officers.
• Do not park in dark alleys or areas with low-light.  Park in well-lit areas – in a garage, if possible.
• Immediately report any suspicious activity!  Call our non-emergency line (805) 385-7740 from any phone, of course, in an emergency always dial 9-1-1.  Spanish translators are available for Spanish speaking individuals who call to report a crime. 

 
In addition to the no cost tips above, there are additional steps that can be done, to deter vehicle theft.  Community members can also install a vehicle tracking and location system that can be activated after the vehicle is reported stolen, and is a valuable tool in locating a stolen vehicle.  Some systems have a GPS that can pinpoint near exact location while others identify an area. 
 
Community members can also install anti-theft devices that can be attached to the steering wheel/column or brake pedal and make it difficult to drive away (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).  Also found useful, owners can install power cut-off switches that disconnect the battery and provide a major hurdle for car thieves.  Two other options that directly relate to recovery are contacting a company that will etch your VIN on your windows in case of theft or spraying microdots carrying the VIN all over the vehicle.  These “dots” (also known as microdots) can be etched with your VIN number and can be useful should your VIN plates be removed. 
 
The police department encourages anyone with information about any criminal incident to call 911 or (805) 385-7740 from any phone.  Spanish translators are available for Spanish speaking persons who call to report a crime.  Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org  to submit a tip via text or email. In the event that you do return and find your vehicle broken into, call 911 and wait for police arrival.  Try not to touch anything as officers can possibly obtain fingerprints or other evidence.
 
“We have had tremendous success with the heightened public awareness and report of suspicious activity, and this is helping us prevent crime.  This month, calls from neighbors and community members have helped our officers make significant arrest of individuals responsible for home burglaries as well as others for illegal activity in our community.  Together, let’s continue to build on our efforts to create a Safer and Stronger Community,” said Williams.
 
The Oxnard Police Department hopes that the heightened awareness brought about by this series provides a measure of ease to the community. 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  01-29-14

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS: On January 26, 2014 at approximately 5:31PM, the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a call of a fight in the 100 block of South C Street, Oxnard.  Oxnard Police Officers and emergency medical personnel were dispatched.   When officers arrived, they located the unconscious victim, identified as Alexander Ysidro Flores Ramirez.  Ramirez was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. 

 
Ramirez had been hospitalized since the fight.  On March 5, 2014 Ramirez’s condition deteriorated and he passed away. Investigators have been following up on several leads and are still attempting to determine the true sequence of events that occurred on January 26, 2014. Detectives are currently seeking the public’s help in locating 26 year old Danielle Everett and 42 year old Forrest Hollins for questioning in this case. 
 
If anyone sees either of these two subjects, or has any information about this case please contact Detective Currie at (805) 200-5682. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.
 
      
               Danielle Everett                         Forrest Hollins
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, April 11, 2014 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.  

 
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. 
 
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.
 
Drivers who are under 21 years of age are reminded that even a minimal amount of alcohol in their system is illegal. A driver under 21 years of age, with a blood alcohol level of 0.01% or more, is considered under the influence and is subject to arrest, fines and loss of their driving privileges for one year or longer.
 
The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind all drivers to plan ahead and if they plan on drinking, designate a sober driver. This simple plan could save a life.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.
 
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.
 
 
  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  April 9, 2014 / 0730 hours

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is looking for the public’s help in solving this crime.  Victim families learn to live on after a loss but their grief never goes away.  Loved ones left behind look desperately for the answer of “why” with a hope of at least some closure. 

 
October 10, 2014 will mark the twelfth anniversary of the unsolved murder of Steven Anthony Lemos, Sr. The shooting happened on October 10, 2002 at about 11 p.m. in the 1900 block of North “H” Street in Oxnard.  Lemos was shot several times inside his residence and died later during surgery.  Lemos’ wife and their one year old son were with him when he was shot but were not hurt during the incident. Lemos died just two days before his 25^th birthday.
 
The only information available about the suspect at that time was as follows: Black male, approximate age in his twenties, between 5’6” and 5’8” tall and about 190 lbs. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black fitted sweater and black jeans and that he may have been in the company of a female at the time of the murder.
 
Anonymous tips and messages have been received that lead police to believe that the suspect is known and that suspect’s friend/s or family member/s may also know the circumstances behind this homicide.
 
The city of Oxnard offers a $10,000 Reward for information pertaining to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide.  In addition, Former Governor Davis had authorized an additional $50,000 reward, and this award is still available under Governor Jerry Brown. 
 
Anyone with information about this unsolved murder is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Robert 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:  10/08/14 / 0800 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS: On July 8, 2014, Raul Hernandez, a journalist and operator of an online news and information website, reported to Chief Jeri Williams that he had received information that a specific number of past and present Oxnard Police Department officers had engaged in serious misconduct.   Hernandez related that an anonymous source had reported to him that these officers had obtained a specific tattoo following their involvement in an officer-involved shooting.  

 
The anonymous source indicated that a subculture existed within the department that celebrated officer involvement in such incidents. According to the allegations, officers received the tattoo only after their involvement in an officer-involved shooting.  Hernandez’s source alleged that the tattoos were placed on the officer’s shoulder, and were not visible outside of the uniform.  Specific details were provided describing the tattoo.  

Of note, the allegations were circulated on the internet by various social media platforms, including blogs and shares to other websites.

Given the nature of the allegations, Chief Williams requested that this matter be formally investigated by an outside, independent entity.  The City of Oxnard retained a licensed investigator through the Public Management Group of the law firm Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai, which has conducted investigations for many public agencies in California.

The independent investigation concluded that the allegations were unfounded, and the officers were cleared of violations of department policy.  The investigation did not find any evidence supporting the existence within the department of a subculture that celebrates an officer’s involvement in a shooting.

The accused officers cooperated with investigators, and provided the investigators with visual confirmation. The investigators noted that none of the officers had tattoos that were consistent with the description provided by Mr. Hernandez.  Investigators noted that some of the accused officers had tattoos that had no relation to officer-involved shootings or had no tattoos on their body at all. One of the accused, had never been in an officer-involved shooting.

Chief Williams stated “The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously.  This includes allegations of excessive force, as well as those allegations that compromise the public’s trust. I am pleased that all of the involved officers volunteered to be inspected, and that the investigation cleared them of any misperception the public may have about the culture of the Oxnard Police Department.”  Chief Williams also added, “It is troublesome that word of the allegations from an anonymous source with unknown credibility was widely spread on the internet, and it is unfortunate some members of the public may never hear what the actual facts of the matter turned out to be.”

City Manager Greg Nyhoff noted that “It is critical that our police officers have the trust of the community.  While I agree with the conclusions of the investigation, I do not condone any symbol or action that could be construed as glorifying the use of force.  This is especially important in light of recent tragic incidents around the country.  I am pleased that the Police Department took decisive steps to have this matter investigated independently.”