News Release: Distracted Driving Enforcement

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:         July 12, 2023

SUBJECT:  Distracted Driving Enforcement

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

                   (805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7pm-5pm) | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

On July 12, 2023, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold another distracted driving enforcement operation on August 2, 2023.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:         July 12, 2023

SUBJECT:  DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant  

                   (805) 200-2337 | Miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on Friday, July 14, 2023, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above).  The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

●       Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

●       Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

●       Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

●       Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:           July 12, 2023 at 1:14 A.M.

SUBJECT:    Man Shot, Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 700 block of Cooper Road, Oxnard           

VICTIM:       Oscar Rodriguez, 44-year-old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT:    Unknown

CONTACT:  Jess Aragon, Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7632

                        Monday – Thursday 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

                       | jess.aragon@oxnardpd.org

On July 12, 2023 at about 1:14 A.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the call of a shooting victim in the north alley of the 700 block of Cooper Road. When officers arrived, they located a 44-year-old male later identified as Oscar Rodriguez suffering from several gunshot wounds. Officers began life saving measures and Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived and transported Rodriguez to the Ventura County Medical Center.

Unfortunately despite life saving measures at the hospital Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Meagan Tobey (805) 385-7680.  The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7755, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website:www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.  You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE/ TIME: 7/12/23, 8:00 A.M. Hours

*** NEWS RELEASE ***

*** UPDATE ***

DATE:              July 3, 2023

SUBJECT:       Female Dies as Result of Serious Collision Involving Single Vehicle

LOCATION:     Ventura Road and Ivywood Drive

DRIVER:          Jose Romero, 38 year-old male, Oxnard Resident

VICTIM:            Adult Female, 37 year-old female, Oxnard Resident (Name withheld pending notification to family)

VEHICLE:        1998 Ford Escort Sedan

CONTACT:      Jay Benson, Traffic Investigator

                           (805) 385-7500 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | jay.benson@oxnardpd.org

On July 3, 2023, at 10:30 am, the Oxnard Police Department was advised that the female passenger involved in the previously reported single vehicle traffic collision had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The victim’s name is being withheld until notification to family has been made. The driver, identified as Jose Romero, a 38 year-old, Oxnard resident, remains in critical condition.

On July 3, 2023, at approximately 1:54 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of an injury traffic collision involving a single vehicle at the intersection of Ventura Road and Ivywood Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located a 1998 Ford Escort sedan that collided into an electrical pole on Ventura Road south of Devonshire Drive. The driver, later identified as Jose Romero, and the front passenger, a 38 year-old female, were both ejected from the vehicle. They were both located and were transported by EMS to VCMC and are both in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, Jose Romero, was travelling southbound on Ventura Road approaching Ivywood Drive at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with the electrical pole. Traffic Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the traffic collision. Investigators believe speed/reckless driving were contributing factors to the collision and continue to investigate other possible contributing factors such as alcohol. Witnesses, or anyone with information regarding this collision, are urged to contact Traffic Investigator Jay Benson at (805) 385-7500 or via email at jay.benson@oxnardpd.org.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.