Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Oxnard PD Phone Lines Down
DATE/TIME	May 19, 2012 / 5:26 p.m.
LOCATION	Oxnard Police Dept. Communications Center
PREPARED BY	Sergeant Whitmer
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

The Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is currently experiencing a phone malfunction and the Ventura County Sheriff is currently answering all 911 calls for the city of Oxnard.

VCSO is forwarding the information and Oxnard Police and Fire are still handling all police, fire and medical calls for the City.

If anyone is trying to reach the Communications Center for a non-emergency situation please contact the following cell phone numbers to reach a Dispatcher directly:

(805)754-1943
(805)754-1949
(805)754-1961
(805)754-4177
(805)754-4190

AT&T is working on fixing the phone problem.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	DUI / Driver’s license checkpoint – results
DATE/TIME	Friday, May 25, 2012, 6:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION	City of Oxnard
CONTACT	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DUI Checkpoint Nets One Arrest
Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on May 25th, at w/b Pleasant Valley Road @ “C” St and s/b Oxnard Blvd @ Eighth St between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint lowers DUI deaths and injuries. A major component of these checkpoints is the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired. This also creates an awareness and encourages everyone to use sober designated drivers.

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.

[1,009] Vehicles Screened
[1] DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested
[0] DUI-Drug impaired suspects arrested
[0] Suspects arrested for illegal drugs (possession/transportation/sales)
[21] Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
[0] Arrested on other Criminal Charges
[26] Citations issued

Oxnard Police Department will be conducting another DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on June 30^th and DUI saturation Patrol on weekend nights in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Shooting
DATE/TIME	Friday, July 13, 2012 at about 10:30 p.m.
LOCATION	700 block of South F Street, Oxnard
VICTIM	41-year-old male, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 13, 2012, at about 10:30 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a shooting victim in the 700 block of South “F” St. When they arrived they contacted a man who had sustained a gunshot wound. The 41-year-old victim was immediately transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition. The victim is an Oxnard resident.

The motive of the shooting is unknown.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jose Velazquez at (805) 385-3982. 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.

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Burglary Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME:	8/24/12 1350 Hours
LOCATION:	Hemlock Street @ Patterson Road
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two 15 year old juveniles – both Oxnard residents
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Alex Arnett 805-385-7746

DETAILS:
On 8/24/12 at approximately 1350 hours, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to an auto burglary that just occurred at the intersection of Hemlock Street at Patterson Road. The suspects entered a locked vehicle and removed property. A witness to the burglary followed the suspects until the police officers arrived.

The police officers detained the two juveniles. The juveniles were later positively identified by the witness as the burglars. The property stolen by the burglars was recovered a short distance away.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8-24-12 / 1640

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault (victim struck with a hammer)
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, 10-20-12, 1816 hours
LOCATION:	9^th Street at Rialto Street
VICTIM(S):	Male (NFD)
SUSPECT(S):	Five males
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Dark blue Nissan Sentra or dark blue Mazda
LOSS:	Minor to moderate injury
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander [email protected], (805) 207-7078

DETAILS: On 10-20-12, at 1816 hours, officers responded to 9^th Street at Rialto Street re: an assault where one victim was struck with a hammer.

Officers learned that five males in a blue Nissan Sentra or Mazda approached two male subjects. One of the victims was able to escape. The other was struck in the back and right arm by a hammer-wielding suspect. This victim sustained minor to moderate injuries. The suspects fled in the vehicle described above.

Residents with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Violent Crime Hotline at (8050 982-707 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contact.aspx to submit a tip.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-21-12, 0030 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department seeking independent review of incidents
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, November 8, 2012 1545 hours
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief Jason Benites, (805) 385-7624, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Chief Jeri Williams, (805) 385-7624, [email protected]

DETAILS:
Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams is seeking the services of an independent reviewing agency to examine two recent fatal incidents that involved the Oxnard Police Department.

The first incident involves the June 23, 2012 death of 26 year-old Oxnard resident Robert Ramirez, who was reported to have been overdosing on methamphetamine. The second incident concerns the October 13, 2012 shooting death of 21 year-old Oxnard resident Alfonso Limon.

On October 25, 2012, Chief Williams contacted the Office of Independent Review (OIR) to begin discussions concerning comprehensive reviews of both incidents. On November 6, 2012, Chief Williams and her executive staff met with representatives from OIR.

OIR is a civilian oversight group that was created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2001 for the review of police incidents. OIR makes recommendations where appropriate. OIR currently monitors the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and provides legal advice to ensure that allegations of deputy misconduct are thoroughly, effectively, and fairly investigated. As it carries out its responsibilities, OIR maintains contacts with state and federal prosecutors, as well as civil rights groups and community organizations.

Prior to seeking an independent reviewing agency, Chief Williams had previously sent letters to California Attorney General Kamala Harris, extending an assurance of the Oxnard Police Department’s cooperation and access to information related to the cases. A similar letter was also sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in late July.

The independent review process is designed to be a systemic evaluation, looking
at how critical incidents are handled, investigated and reviewed. An independent review of these incidents can also potentially serve as a learning opportunity, providing the Department and its officers with additional tools to address future critical incidents.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 8, 2012 1545 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Robbery-knife used

DATE/TIME:

11-10-12, 2122 hours

LOCATION:

Subway, 800 block of North Ventura Road

SUSPECT(S):

Male, early 20’s, 5-8, thin build

LOSS:

Undetermined at time of report

PREPARED BY:

Marty Meyer, Commander

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Marty Meyer, Commander
[email protected], (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

On 11-10-12 hours, at 2122 hours, officers responded to Subway, 800 Block of North Ventura Road, re: a robbery.

Witnesses inside the business advised a male subject, early 20’s, 5-8, thin build, brandished a knife, took the cash register, and fled on foot across the parking lot in a northbound direction. The suspect was wearing black beanie, a blue scarf, black jacket, red flannel shirt, and black gloves.

There were no injuries. The loss in terms of the contents of the cash register is undetermined. No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11-10-12, 2204 hours.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

*ATTENTION*

On November 14, 2012, at about 09:30 p.m., John Lemuz, age 18 years, was riding his bicycle in the area of Janetwood Drive and Dover Street when he was confronted by an unknown male subject(s) in a vehicle. Mr. Lemuz was assaulted and possibly struck by a vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen travelling west bound on Janetwood Drive from Dover Street.

Mr. Lemuz is currently at VCMC and is in critical condition.

Investigators have not been able to locate any witnesses and need your help.

The Police Department and the Lemuz’s family are making a plea for the public’s help for anyone with information to call the police at (805) 385-7796 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-222-8477.

Anyone with information about this incident can also call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.

You can also contact Detective Steven Funk at 385-7796 or [email protected]

John Lemuz, 18 years of age

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION
DATE/TIME:	December 13, 2012
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant 805-385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness efforts. The grant received by the Oxnard Police Department will aid in the city’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and the quality of life. The Oxnard Police Department will use the funding as part of an on-going commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.

“Assuring the safe travels of our citizens is one of the main focus areas of our department,” said Commander Andrew Salinas. “Our officers are dedicated to making our roadways safer through enhanced driver education and enforcement efforts.”

The grant will assist in efforts to deal with traffic safety problems and to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions. While traffic deaths from all causes declined by nearly 39 percent between 2006 and 2010 in California, state and federal officials anticipate that figures will show a slight rise in 2011. DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Recent trends show increases in two new categories – distracted driving and drug-impaired driving.

Activities that the grant will fund include:
·         Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE).
·         DUI Saturation Patrols
·         Motorcycle safety enforcement
·         Distracted driving enforcement
·         Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
·         Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement
·         Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders
·         Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
·         Court “sting” operations to cite individuals driving from court after having their driver’s license suspended or revoked for drunk driving
·         Stakeout operations to observe the “worst of the worst” repeat DUI offender probationers with suspended or revoked driver licenses

“Despite the recent increases, California’s roadways are still very much safer than they were before 2006,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “The Oxnard Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision

DATE/TIME:

2-9-13, 1240 hours

LOCATION:

Del Norte and the 101 Off ramp

VICTIM(S):

3 total, names are not being released

SUSPECT(S):

Oswaldo Hinojosa, 20 years of age

PREPARED BY:

Charles Woodruff, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

David Kelley, Officer 805 386-7600

DETAILS: On 2-9-13, at about 1240 hours, CHP and the Oxnard Police Department began receiving calls of two separate traffic collisions in the area of Del Norte and the 101 Freeway.

Officers arrived on scene and located two vehicles that had collided and were sent over the embankment on the south east corner of the intersection. Officers learned that one of the vehicles, 07 Nissan Frontier Pickup, had been involved in a separate minor side swipe collision on the southbound 101 freeway just before Del Norte. The truck continued onto the off ramp at Del Norte at a high rate of speed. The pickup ran the stop sign and collided with a Honda Accord which was stopped at the intersection. The impact caused both vehicles to go down the embankment.

The driver and one of the passengers from the pickup fled the scene. With the help of witnesses in the area, officers were able to contact both parties. The driver, who was later identified as Oswaldo Hinojosa was found to be over twice the legal blood alcohol limit and arrested for DUI as well as felony hit and run causing injury.

The two passengers in the Honda Accord were transported to a local hospital for their injuries. The passenger in Hinojosa’s vehicle was released.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking if anyone had witnessed the collision or was involved an additional collision prior to this incident, to contact Officer David Kelley.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2-9-13 4PM