John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking & Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	3-4-10 / 1800
LOCATION:	1300 block of North “C” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	60 year-old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, mid-20s, 5-11, 160 lbs.
VICTIM VEHICLE(S):	Silver 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7665
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 3-4-10 at 6:00 P.M. officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a carjacking in the 1300 block of North “C” Street. The suspect assaulted the victim with an unknown weapon and fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.

The victim was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of minor injuries sustained in the assault.

A teletype concerning the stolen vehicle was immediately distributed to all law enforcement agencies. At about 8:00 P.M. Oxnard police was notified by the California Highway Patrol that the victim vehicle was located on US-101 just north of Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County. The car was involved in a traffic collision.

The investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Mounted Unit Deployed for Fireworks Suppression
DATE/TIME:	July 3^rd & 4^th
LOCATION:	Oxnard Shores and Channel Islands Harbor
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Special Projects Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	SAA, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

The popular and effective Oxnard Police Department Mounted Unit will be deployed Saturday, July 3^rd and Sunday, July 4^th as part of the Agency’s fireworks suppression strategy.

Officers Larry Eklund, his partner “Clinton,” and Officer Jim Evans and his partner “JJ,” will be deployed on Oxnard beaches Saturday, July 3^rd alerting the public that Oxnard continues it zero tolerance approach to fireworks especially over the 4^th of July weekend. These officers and their partners have similarly been deployed each of the last two years in an effort to gain public compliance. July 4^th fireworks-related disturbance calls have been significantly reduced in Oxnard from 410 in 2007 to 216 in 2008 and 175 in 2009.

The Mounted Unit will expand its mission Sunday, July 4^th, focusing on fireworks suppression in, and around the Oxnard Shores and the Channel Islands Harbor. Much of their deployment will be during nighttime hours.

Clinton and JJ have been asked to, and will participate in Channel Islands Harbor Children’s Parade. This marks the first time this “working unit” has participated in a parade.

Residents and visiting beachgoers are reminded that possession and use of fireworks is prohibited in Oxnard with violators facing fines as much as $1,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-30-10

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	245(a)(2)PC – Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Firearm)
DATE/TIME:	07-05-10 / 1923 HRS
LOCATION:	1300-blk of West Birch Street
VICTIM(S):	17 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male wearing all dark clothing
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Roger Garcia
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edward Baldwin 805-486-7386 / Edwardbaldwin@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 7-5-10, at approximately 1923 hours, officers responded to the 1300-blk of West Birch Street reference contacting a victim of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers contacted the victim who told officers he was riding his skateboard in the neighborhood when he was confronted by a group of males. One of these males, later identified as the suspect, made a comment to the victim about his skateboard. The victim ignored the suspect and he rode his skateboard home.

When the victim arrived home, he noticed the suspect had followed him home. The suspect then began a verbal dispute with the victim. The suspect eventually displayed a firearm and fired one shot missing the victim. The suspect then fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Edward Baldwin at 805-486-7386 or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070. To give an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

The name of the victim is being withheld due to the victim being a juvenile and the suspect possibly being associated with a gang.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, August 28th, 2010 1800-0200
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department conducted a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Saturday, August 28th, from 6:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.

The checkpoint was held in the following locations:

1. W/B Wooley Road @ J Street
2. S/B Victoria Avenue @ Gonzales Road

Officers screened 1,081 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers conducted four DUI investigations with drivers who had been drinking alcohol and two drivers were arrested for DUI. One additional driver was arrested for outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Forty-eight drivers were issued citations for various driver’s license violations. Twenty-one drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and four drivers were cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. Ten vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

These checkpoints are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA).

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

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	11/28/10, 0230 hrs
LOCATION:	First St. and Harrison Ave
VICTIM(S):	25 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, approx. 25 years old, 6’0”, thin build, white baseball hat, white hooded sweatshirt, blue pants
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Wallet containing identification and currency
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:

The victim was walking in the area of First St. and Harrison Ave when he was confronted by the suspect who was brandishing a knife and demanding money. The victim refused to comply with the suspect’s demands, at which time the suspect physically assaulted the victim, then stabbed him once on the arm and once on the leg, causing minor wounds. The suspect then removed the victim’s wallet and cell phone from his pocket and then fled on foot.

An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Steve Funk at (805) 385-7796.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sexual Battery
DATE/TIME:	12/8/2010 0813 Hours
LOCATION:	Roosevelt Avenue and Colonia Road
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld per 293 PC 25 year old female Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Rios, Martin Hernandez (DOB 8-28-90) 20 year-old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Denise Shadinger
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Denise Shadinger: 385-7662 deniseshadinger@oxnardpd.org Detective Rachel Burr: 385-7609 (Spanish Speaking) rachelburr@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 12/8/2010, at 0813 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the call of a sexual battery in the area of Roosevelt Avenue and Colonia Road. The victim and several witnesses chased the suspect in the neighborhood, but lost him before the police arrived. A perimeter was established and the area was searched. Officers located the suspect’s clothing and a cellular phone.

After follow-up investigation the suspect was identified as Martin Hernandez Rios, an Oxnard resident. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department made contact with Rios’ family. Rios’ family members brought him to the Oxnard Police Department around noon. Rios was ultimately arrested for the sexual battery. Rios is currently on probation for a 2010 arrest.

If anyone witnessed the incident in the area of Roosevelt Avenue and Colonia Road; or feels they may have been a victim of a similar crime in that area, please contact Detective Denise Shadinger at 385-7662 or Detective Rachel Burr at 385-7609.

The booking photo of the suspect is being withheld until investigators attempt to locate additional witnesses or victims.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	6-10-11 at 4:11 PM
LOCATION:	700 Block Cuesta Del Mar (South alley)
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Bakari Myers (805) 385-7686 Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On June 10, 2011 at approximately 4:11 PM, officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the area of Hueneme Road and “J” Street. When officers arrived they located the victim, who had sustained several gunshot wounds to his upper body. The victim was immediately transported to Ventura County Medical Center and was pronounced dead several hours later.

The victims name is being withheld pending the notification of next of kin.

Investigators have no leads involving this incident. If anyone has information please contact Det. Bakari Myers at (805) 385-7686 or remain anonymous and call 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:	Fireworks Enforcement and Fines
DATE/TIME:	June 20, 2011
LOCATION:	Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martinmeyer@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	SAA

DETAILS:

Possession of fireworks in Oxnard is illegal. The Oxnard Police Department will continue its aggressive “no tolerance” fireworks enforcement this summer particularly during the 4th of July weekend. Possession of dangerous fireworks is prohibited by Oxnard City Ordinance Section 7-147.1(B)(A)(1) and possession of safe and sane fireworks is prohibited by OXO 7-147.1(B)(A)(2). The fine for possessing dangerous fireworks is $1,000 and fine for possessing safe and sane fireworks is $250.

When fireworks are observed or otherwise disturbing, residents are encouraged to call the City of Oxnard Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center at 385-7740 describing what is occurring, the location, and describing or naming who is disturbing with fireworks.

Note that the Fireworks Hotline was discontinued two years ago because few calls were made to that number.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Update
DATE/TIME:	6-16-13, 1158 hours
LOCATION:	4500 Block of Syracuse Drive
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld, 39 years old, out of county resident
SUSPECT(S):	Eduardo Zarate Farias, 40 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, Major Crimes 805-385-7763, christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas, Major Crimes 805-200-5669 ken.tougas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 6/16/13, at 1158 hours, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 4500 Block of Syracuse Drive re: shots fired. Officers arrived and found a male shooting victim. That victim had been shot numerous times and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. He is listed in stable condition and is expected to survive. Another male was found deceased inside a motorhome, next to the residence.

UPDATE:
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that both subjects were cousins and for unknown reasons, Eduardo Farias shot his cousin multiple times as they were inside a friend’s motorhome. After shooting his cousin, Farias shot and killed himself. Investigators are still attempting to establish a motive. The firearm used in this incident has been recovered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/18/13 / 1500 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	SUMMER/LABOR DAY AVOID DUI CAMPAIGN – SUNDAY UPDATE 2
LOCATION:	Ventura County
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brian Woolley, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7847, brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org Senior Officer Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
For Immediate Release August 18, 2013

Sergeant Brian Woolley, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7847, brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
Senior Officer Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

SUMMER/LABOR DAY AVOID DUI CAMPAIGN – SUNDAY UPDATE 2

DUI Arrests are unknown if they are Up or Down & DUI Fatalities Remain the same – No Fatalities

The Summer/Labor Day National Anti-DUI crackdown has resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments overnight in Ventura County.

From 12:01 AM Friday August 16, 2013 through Midnight Saturday August 18, 2013 officers representing 14 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 24 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2012 it is unknown how many DUI arrests occurred during the same 48 hour time period, the data will be provided on a future press release.

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

On August 17^th, 2013, between the hours of 9:00 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 2700 block of Tapo Canyon Road. Officers from Simi Valley PD, Moorpark PD, Port Hueneme PD, Ventura PD, Cal. State University of Channel Islands, and Oxnard PD screened 420 motorists who passed through the checkpoint. NO DUI investigations were conducted on any of the driver. Citations were issued to 9 drivers for various Vehicle Code violations. Five drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license, no drivers was cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license, two juveniles were issued citations for having an open (alcoholic) containers in a vehicle, and no vehicles were towed from the checkpoint.

For Sunday night, August18^th there are no special operations planned. All regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts.

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 Labor Day midnight Monday, September 2, 2013. Avoid programs, named for the number of police agencies in each county, Multiple/DUI Driver’s License Checkpoints, Multi Agency DUI Task Force operations and local Roving DUI patrols are set region wide during 18 day Summer/Labor Day Campaign.

MEDIA NOTE: The checkpoint locations and saturation patrols will be made available for media opportunities or ride-a-longs each night.