Oxnard Police Department

Protecting Our Community With Exceptional Service

Show MenuClose Menu
File a Police Report Hacer un reporte Join the team

News release – 11/12/2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Dependent Adult Financial Abuse, Fraud and Theft
DATE/TIME: September 2015 – October 2015
LOCATION: Ventura & Los Angeles Counties
VICTIM(S): undisclosed
SUSPECT(S): Josh Carlton Evans, 39 year old Camarillo resident
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): Gray 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck with accordion bed cover
LOSS: $20,000+
PREPARED BY: Detective Erica Escalante
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Erica Escalante, Oxnard Police Department, Financial Crimes & ID Theft Unit (805) 385-7661

DETAILS::  After a month long investigation, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Financial Crimes Units arrested Josh Carlton Evans, a 39 year old Camarillo resident, for financial abuse of a dependent adult, grand theft, and Identity Theft crimes.  From September 2015 through October 2015, Evans used Personal Identifying Information of a terminally ill former employer to impersonate that employer and steal construction materials from a variety of contract suppliers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties.  The investigation was aided by cooperation from several construction supply businesses that absorbed the financial losses.

 
On November 12, 2015, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Officers arrested Evans as he left his home. Oxnard Police Department Detectives served Search Warrants authorized by the Ventura County Superior Court and recovered many stolen items from the suspect’s home and vehicle.  The investigation was supported by the Elder Abuse Unit of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and criminal charges were filed against Evans.  Evans was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail of $100,000.
 
Evans has worked for several different employers in Ventura County.  Anybody with information regarding these crimes should contact Detective Erica Escalante of the Oxnard Police Department’s Financial Crimes and ID Theft Unit at (805) 385-7661.
 
It is important for everyone to protect their Personal Identifying Information by keeping it safe and secure.  In addition, it is important to vigilantly verify all charges on personal and business accounts on a regular and timely basis.  All incidents of suspected Identity Theft may be reported to the local law enforcement agency where a victim lives or works, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 530.6.  In addition, reports can be made to the FTC at www.ftc.gov and FBI at www.ic3.gov.  Additional Identity Theft prevention strategies can be found with those Federal government agencies.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Child Annoying
Communicating with a child for the purposes of committing sexual acts
Meeting a child for the purposes of committing sexual acts
DATE/TIME: 1/28/2016 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Internet – Undercover Detail
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUSPECT(S): Shawn Light, 30 year old male
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit
Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7620
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Terry Dobrosky, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit
Terry.Dobrosky@Oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7609

DETAILS:
On 1/28/2016, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Sexual Assault and Family Protection Unit (FPU) initiated an undercover operation targeting adults who contact children online for the purposes of engaging in lewd and sexual activities. During this operation, Shawn Light was arrested for initiating contact with who he believed to be a 16 year old female and engaged her in sexual conversations. During these online contacts, Light made arrangements to meet the child in a public place for the purposes of engaging in sexual acts.

Shawn Light is no stranger to engaging in on-line conversations with what he believes to be minor females. Shawn Light was previously arrested by the Oxnard Police Department’s FPU on 8/18/2015 when he sent harmful matter to who he believed was a minor child and had arranged to meet her in public for the purposes of engaging in sexual acts. He is currently out on bail for those crimes. He was to appear at the Ventura County Superior Court for those violations tomorrow (1/29/16).

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public to be diligent in supervising their children’s activity online to ensure they are protected and safe. If anyone has information regarding the possible online exploitation of a child, they are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com or their local police department.
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: 1/28/2016 9:30 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Gun 
DATE/TIME: January 29, 2016 / 7:36 p.m.
LOCATION: 3200 block of Merced Place
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUSPECT(S): Ray Fernandez, 19 year old Oxnard resident
17 year old Oxnard resident, name withheld due to age
PREPARED BY: Christopher Williams, Commander (805) 385-7746 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Christopher Williams, Commander (805) 385-7746 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On January 29, 2016, at about 7:36 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 3200 block of Merced Place when they contacted Ray Fernandez, 19 year old Oxnard resident, and a 17 year old juvenile. Both subjects were found to be in possession of loaded firearms. One firearm was a .22 caliber zip gun and the other firearm was a 12 gauge zip gun.  Fernandez was arrested for weapons violations and booked at the Ventura County Jail and the juvenile was arrested for weapons violated and booked at juvenile hall.  

 
At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department 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.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  January 29, 2015 / 9:33 p.m. 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Michael Andrade Homicide – One Year Anniversary News Release
DATE/TIME: February 28, 2015 at 9:07 P.M.
LOCATION: 100 Block of Eliza Court
VICTIM(S): Michael Andrade, 22 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Alex Arnett, Major Crimes Unit
(805) 385-7763; alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Robert Eckman, Major Crimes Unit
(805) 385-7760; bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – As we near the one year anniversary of Michael Andrade’s murder, investigators with the Oxnard Police Department are again asking for the public’s help in providing any information related to the senseless murder of 22-year old Oxnard resident, Michael Andrade.
 
On February 28, 2015, Andrade was outside a friend’s house talking about the day’s events and his plans for tomorrow.  He will never see that tomorrow because he was shot to death as he tried to flee to safety.  He was an innocent victim of what appears to have been gang violence.  Michael Andrade was not a gang member and just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when suspected gang members fired on a group of people in the 100 block of Eliza Court.  Another 22 year old neighbor was seriously wounded by the same gunfire.  Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the attack but witnesses believe Andrade was mistaken for a rival gang member.
 
Investigators have interviewed numerous witnesses and followed several leads. Investigators believe that there are people in the community that have information that can assist investigators in identifying the suspect(s) in this case. Investigators are asking anyone that has information about this homicide to call the Oxnard Police Department and place an anonymous call. Providing any information could be very helpful to this investigation. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated by the Andrade Family, the community and the Oxnard Police Department.
 
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. Anyone with information about this unsolved murder is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit or Detective Robert Eckman at (805) 385-7760. There are numerous other ways to provide information to the Oxnard Police Department:
 


Picture of Victim Michael Andrade

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  2/26/2015 / 0900 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:
Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME: March 10, 2016/ 10:20pm 
LOCATION: 400 West Esplanade Dr. Oxnard, Ca
SUSPECT(S): Eloy Magana, 20 year-old Oxnard resident 
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): Blue Ford Mustang 
PREPARED BY: Tim Kelley, Sergeant 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Tim Kelley (805)385-8289 

DETAILS:
On March 10, 2016, at 10:20pm, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were patrolling in the area of the 400 block of West Esplanade Rd. in the City of Oxnard.  Officers observed a blue Ford Mustang driving recklessly in the Home Depot parking lot.  The vehicle was being driven by 20 year-old Oxnard resident, Eloy Magana.  Magana was observed doing “doughnuts” dangerously close to a large crowd that had gathered in the parking lot.  As the officers attempted to contact Magana, Magana exited his car and was seen attempting to discard a loaded handgun. Magana was subsequently arrested for possessing a loaded firearm in public and booked into the Ventura County Jail.   

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:
Arrest of Police Officer
DATE/TIME: August 4, 2008 11:30 PM
LOCATION: City of Ventura
VICTIM/S: Name Withheld
SUSPECT/S: Matthew Purnell
WITNESS/ES: Name Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE: N/A
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Scott Whitney

DETAILS: 
On August 4, 2008 at about 11:30 PM, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department served a search warrant, in the city of Ventura, at the home of Oxnard Police Officer Matthew Purnell. Purnell was placed under arrest for grand theft (487 Penal Code) and for filing a false police report (148.5 Penal Code). Purnell was also placed on administrative leave from the Department.

 The investigation was initiated after a citizen complained that the officer stole his/her money. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department began a two-week investigation that led to enough evidence to serve the warrant and arrest the officer. During the service of the warrant, evidence of an additional theft was recovered.
 
Purnell, a three-year veteran of the Department, was transported to Ventura County jail where he later posted bail of $10,000.
 
The Oxnard Police Department takes these accusations very seriously. We hire people of character and integrity to serve our community. When we find that we have come up short against that standard, we take immediate action to address the problem.  

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Two Arrested for Residential Burglary
DATE/TIME: Thursday, 12-18-08 at 0840 hours
LOCATION: 3400 block Dunkirk Drive, Oxnard
SUSPECT/S: Sergio Ayala Guzman, 23 years, of Oxnard
Efran Parra, Jr., 21 years, of Oxnard
LOSS: Broken window. No property taken.
PREPARED BY: Commander Tom Chronister

DETAILS: 

An alert caller notified Oxnard police this morning as two subjects were seen breaking into a neighboring home. Both suspects were taken into custody by Oxnard police as they attempted to flee the residence.

Oxnard police received a 9-1-1 call of a possible burglary in progress in the 3400 block of Dunkirk Drive. The caller reported seeing two subjects in the rear yard of a neighboring residence; they were then seen breaking a window to gain entry into the home. While inside, the two suspects took preliminary steps to remove a large flat-screen television from the residence.

Upon approach of responding officers, the two suspects fled the residence, jumping a rear yard wall, but were quickly taken into custody without further incident.

The vigilant neighbor prevented these suspects from removing any property from the home. Detectives are conducting an investigation to determine if the pair is involved in additional burglaries in the area.

Both suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Meth Lab Discovered
DATE/TIME: 01/11/2009 @ 1809 hours
LOCATION: 3000 block of Circle Drive, Oxnard
SUSPECT/S: Jonathan Leonard Douglass, 33 years, of Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Commander Tom Chronister

DETAILS: 

An anonymous call to police yesterday evening resulted in the discovery of a small-scale methamphetamine manufacturing laboratory and the arrest of a 33 year-old Oxnard man.

Oxnard police received a call Sunday shortly after 6:00 p.m. about a possible meth lab in a residence in the 3000 block of Circle Drive. Officers made entry into the home and discovered the small-scale lab in one of the bedrooms of a single-family dwelling.

Officers arrested Jonathan Leonard Douglass upon his return to the residence without incident.

Officers remained on scene until this morning when investigators with the California’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement arrived to dismantle the lab.

Douglass was booked into the Ventura County Jail on the following charges:

  • Under the influence of a controlled substance 
  • Possession of narcotic paraphernalia 
  • Attempted manufacture of a controlled substance

Douglass remains in custody this evening with bail set at $50,000.

DATE: 01/12/2009 at 2110 hours.

 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Report of Fight with a Gun
DATE/TIME: 09-07-2009 at 1713 hours
LOCATION: 1100 block of Rigging Place
SUSPECT VEHICLE: (1) Black late model Honda SUV
(2) White Ford full-size pick-up
PREPARED BY: Tom Chronister, Commander

DETAILS: 

On 09-07-2009 at 5:13 p.m., several witnesses reported a fight involving a gun in the 1100 block of Rigging Place. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the location.

The alleged victim on Rigging Place was uncooperative with the investigation; nevertheless officers initiated traffic stops on both suspect vehicles. One stop was conducted at Isleton Street and M Street; the second stop at Wooley Road and J Street.

No weapon was located in either vehicle. One of the vehicle occupants was arrested on an unrelated parole violation. Hiram Madrid Ramirez, 38 years, of Oxnard, is being held without bail at the Ventura County Jail.

Persons with additional information about this incident or any crime are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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: Weapons / narcotics arrests
DATE/TIME: 03-13-10 / 2215
LOCATION: 500 block of West Channel Islands Blvd.
SUSPECT(S): Guadalupe Lopez 32 years
Emilio Montiel 27 years
Krista Munoz 42 years
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): Silver 2000 Chevrolet Impala
PREPARED BY: Officer Mike Johnson

DETAILS: 

On 03-13-10 at approximately 2215 hours, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver 2000 Chevrolet Impala in the South alley of the 500 block of West Channel Islands Boulevard. The driver, Krista Munoz, refused to stop and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit the two male occupants, Guadalupe Lopez and Emilio Montiel, fled from the vehicle on foot. During a subsequent foot pursuit of both subjects, Montiel discarded a loaded .357 caliber revolver. After being apprehended he was also found to be in possession of a loaded .380 caliber semi automatic handgun. Lopez discarded a large quantity of narcotics while being chased by officers. Lopez and Montiel were arrested on a variety of weapons and narcotics charges, parole violations and, for committing a crime for the benefit of a criminal street gang. Munoz was arrested for evading a police officer, narcotics charges, and resisting arrest. All three subjects were later booked into the Ventura County Jail.