Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service/Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/22/14 at approximately 5:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Barrera, 19-year old Port Hueneme Resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Earlier this morning, simultaneous search warrants were served by Oxnard Police Department Investigators with the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.). The search warrants were served in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme and were part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

During the searches, investigators seized firearms, ammunition, and additional evidence related to the ongoing criminal investigation. As a result of the evidence seized, investigators arrested 19-year old Port Hueneme resident Uriel Barrera (see picture below). Barrera is a convicted felon; therefore, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Barrera was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Barrera is a documented Colonia Chiques gang member and has previously been served with the civil gang injunction. Today’s arrest marks the fourth time that he has been arrested in possession of a firearm in the last four (4) years.

Earlier this year in an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, 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 within the city. The objective of this initiative andFAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	11-7-14 / 0030 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	36-year old Oxnard resident, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two males, 25 to 30 years
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green or dark pickup, possible extra cab
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 11-7-14. at 0030 hours, officers responded to St. John’s Regional Medical Center re: a shooting victim driving to the hospital. Within moments the 36-year old Oxnard resident arrived.

The victim told officers he was with his girlfriend parked at a convenience market located in the 2000 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road. A green or dark pickup, possibly with an extra cab, parked nearby. The victim got out of his vehicle and one subject exited the pickup. An argument ensued. A second subject got out and fired a handgun striking the victim. The victim got back into his car and his girlfriend drove him to St. John’s.

The suspects are described as two males, 25 to 30 years. The victim was later transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, 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 within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact/aspx.

Date / Time Prepared: 11-7-14 / 0200 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member in possession of a firearm and violation of the gang injunction.
DATE/TIME:	November 23, 2014/2210 hours
LOCATION:	Third Street and B Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alvaro Cervantes 30 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant, (805) 385-7600 Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 23, 2014 at approximately 2210 hours members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were working gang enforcement in the downtown area of the city. They conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Third Street and “B” St. One of the passengers was Alvaro Cervantes.

Alvaro Cervantes is a known gang member, currently on probation and on the Colonia gang injunction. During a search of the vehicle a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered.

Cervantes was arrested for violation of the gang injunction and several firearm related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 23, 2014/2310

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Ventura Road Closed Due to Flooding
DATE/TIME:	12-12-14 / 0300 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road between Wagon Wheel Road and Stone Creek Drive
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Ventura Road has been closed from Wagon Wheel Road south to Stone Creek Drive because of the flooding caused by the late night storm. Motorists should use an alternate route this morning. It is unknown when the road will re-open.

Motorists are advised to allow more time to reach their destinations, reduce their speeds, and watch for slick or flooded road conditions.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-12-14 / 0300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Operation Safer and Stronger-Firearms Strike Team (FAST) and Post Release Offender (PRO) Efforts
DATE/TIME:	November/December 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Chief of Police
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 Eric. Sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

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 was to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

The importance of this initiative has been magnified as the City of Oxnard continues to address issues associated with the Post Release Offender (PRO) Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the “2011 Public Safety Realignment”), which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The City of Oxnard has approx. two-hundred and twenty-six (226) of these PRO offenders currently residing within our jurisdiction. This represents approx. 35.5% of the PRO population living in Ventura County. The Oxnard Police Department made three-hundred and five (305) felony arrests of PRO offenders in 2014. These PRO offenders often have serious and violent criminal backgrounds that are not considered prior to release under AB 109. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense (prior convictions are not considered).

During the months of November and December, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-nine (29) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, calls for service, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On November 7, 2014, Jesse Olivares, a 43-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers during a traffic stop and found to be in possession of controlled substances. During a follow-up probation search at his residence, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located. Olivares was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation).
On November 23, 2014, Alvaro Cervantes, a 30-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by SEU officers during a traffic stop in the 300 block of “B” Street. During a probation search of the vehicle, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located where Cervantes was seated. Cervantes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation and had previously been served with the Colonia Chiques civil gang injunction).
On December 26, 2014, at approx. 11:00 p.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. contacted a group of gang members in the 1800 block of MacArthur Place. One of the subjects, Daniel Arciga, a 19-year old Oxnard resident, was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Arciga was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On December 27, 2014, at approx. 3:00 a.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. attempted to contact a 17-year old Oxnard resident in the area of Commercial Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. The juvenile fled from Officer Spicer but was apprehended a short time later. The juvenile was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Overall, in 2014, Oxnard officers made one-hundred and six (106) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department seized two-hundred and forty (240) firearms in 2014 and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 31, 2014 1200 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Person
DATE/TIME:	1/9/15 2:25 pm
LOCATION:	2800 Block of Cleveland Drive, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Donald Eloi Ornelas – 71 years
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-7620, Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Lynette Fenton, Missing Person Specialist (805) 385-7646, Lynette.Fenton@Oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Donald Eloi Ornelas, 71 years. Donald left his home on 1/7/15 at 8:30 pm for a walk but failed to return home. Donald was not reported missing to police until 1/8/15. Donald is English speaking and is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8”, 150 lbs, grey/brown hair, brown eyes, and a mustache/beard. Donald was wearing a blue baseball hat, black jacket, blue jeans and tan tennis shoes when he left his residence on 1/7/15.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 9, 2015 2:25 pm

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:	Saturday, January 17, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, January 17, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The first checkpoint was conducted in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Boulevard west of Saviers Road and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard north of Fifth Street. These locations were chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

·         651 vehicles through
·         340 drivers screened
·         Five DUI investigations
·         Three DUI alcohol arrests
·         Two DUI drugs arrests
·         Two criminal arrests (two individuals arrested for outstanding warrants)
·         21 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Nine citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         36 total citations issued
·         10 vehicles towed

Two of the five DUI investigations occurred at the checkpoint on Channel Islands Boulevard with one found to be under the influence of alcohol and the other under the sole influence of narcotics. The three other DUI arrests took place at the checkpoint on Harbor Boulevard. One of the DUI alcohol arrests was a 19 year old male.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/18/15, 0530 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 4, 2015, approximately 2021 hours
LOCATION:	5300 Block of South J Street
VICTIM(S):	Edgar Avita, 26 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Jeff Long jeff.long@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 3/4/15 at approximately 2021 hours, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the 5300 block of South J Street reference numerous shots being fired. As officers were responding to the scene, emergency dispatchers received information form 911 callers of a shooting victim in the 5300 block of South J Street. When officers arrived, they contacted victim Edgar Avita. Avita had been shot multiple times in his upper torso area. Avita was placed in an ambulance and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition. Avita was rushed to emergency surgery and is currently listed in stable condition. According to medical staff, the injuries are not life threatening.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and are actively investigating the shooting.The motive for the shooting in unknown at this time.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Senior Detective Jeff Long at (805) 486-6506. 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: March 5, 2015 at 0040 Hours

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
DATE/TIME:	March 27, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Thomas Martin, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7749 thomas.martin@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, March 27, 2015 at undisclosed locations within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking driver’s for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. In 2014, Oxnard Police officers arrested over 500 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. Officers also investigated 174 alcohol-related collisions causing the tragic and preventable deaths of three people.

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 Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED:March 26, 2015 / 1230 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Domestic Dispute/Officer-Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME:	March 28, 2015 1:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	500 block of W. Vineyard Avenue
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	24-year old female, City of Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato, (805) 385-7688 miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On March 28, 2015, at approximately 1:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a report of a domestic dispute in an apartment in the 500 block of West Vineyard Avenue. As the first officer on scene was speaking with the male reporting party, a 24-year old female advanced on them with a knife and an officer-involved shooting occurred.

Emergency Medical Personnel responded and attended to the female but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The involved officer has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure. At the time of this release, the investigation is still ongoing and investigators are still on scene. An updated news release will be forthcoming when additional information is gathered.

Persons who have information about this incident are encouraged to call Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/28/15 0400 hrs.