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. [email protected]

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, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Lynette Fenton, Missing Person Specialist (805) 385-7646, [email protected]

(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 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

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 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato, (805) 385-7688 [email protected]

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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Auto Theft Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 7, 2015, 8:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	Mandalay Beach Road at Oceanaire, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Sara Lopez 20 year old, resident of Oxnard. Perla Lopez 24 year old, resident of Oxnard. 15 year old male juvenile, resident of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez, (805) 385-7664 [email protected]

DETAILS: On May 7, 2015 at approximately 0845 hours, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force were conducting an investigation into a stolen vehicle in the area of Ventura Road and Channel Islands Boulevard. Detectives observed Sara Lopez driving a 1990 Honda Accord, which had been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department earlier in the week. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop and detain the driver, the vehicle failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued.

The vehicle pursuit was subsequently cancelled by pursuing officers. Lopez would ultimately lose control of the vehicle in the area of Mandalay Beach Road and Oceanaire Street, colliding with a wall and causing minor damage to the vehicle. Officers responded to the area and apprehended the driver, Sara Lopez; as well as, passengers Perla Lopez and a 15 year old male juvenile. Sara Lopez was found to have an outstanding felony warrant for a previous vehicle theft.

Sara Lopez was booked for the outstanding felony arrest warrant, felony evading, unlawful driving of a vehicle, possession of stolen property and providing false information to a peace officer. Perla Lopez and the male juvenile were both arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle. The juvenile was later cited and released to the custody of his parents.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force, asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your keys in your vehicle.

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: May 7, 2015/1430 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 methamphetamine for sales
DATE/TIME:	July 14, 2015 / 5:20p.m.
LOCATION:	‘H’ St. and Robert Ave.
SUSPECT(S):	Henry Garcia (36 year old Oxnard resident)
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:
On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at approximately 5:20p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit/Gang Unit contacted Henry Garcia in the area of ‘H’ Street and Robert Avenue. The officers have contacted Garcia in the past and were aware that he is on California State parole. As officers were contacting Garcia, Garcia attempted to discard a container in the front yard of a nearby residence. Officers retrieved the container and determined that it contained several baggies of methamphetamine clearly packaged with the intent of selling it. Garcia was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales and violation of parole. Garcia is a resident of the City of Oxnard but has affiliation with a Los Angeles street gang.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 14, 2015 / 7:00p.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a deadly weapon (Firearm)
DATE/TIME:	06-30-2015 / 5:19 PM
LOCATION:	400 Blk Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Joel Majeno 19 year old Oxnard resident Mauricio Gomez 19 year old Oxnard resident Francisco Rojo 23 year old Oxnard resident 17 year old Juvenile
PREPARED BY:	Detective Cody Collet
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet, [email protected] (805)486-6228

DETAILS:
On 6/30/15, at about 1719 hours, officers received a call of shots fired in the area of the 400 blk Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard. The suspects were seen fleeing the area in a dark colored SUV. Responding officer located the vehicle in the area of Ventura Rd and Channel Islands Blvd. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle.

The vehicle was found to be occupied by four subjects. The subjects were found to be documented gang members. A loaded shotgun was located in the vehicle. All four subjects were arrested for assault with a deadly weapon without incident.

In an effort to address the recent 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 Crime 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.

If anyone has further information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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: 06-30-2015 / 2233 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 and Stabbing Victim
DATE/TIME:	7-23-15 / 1830 Hours
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road near Perkins Road
VICTIM(S):	13-Year old male Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Four males
WITNESS(ES):	Not disclosed
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Small white sedan
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

DETAILS:

On 7-23-15, at 1830 hours, officers responded to Pleasant Valley Road near Perkins Road re: a shooting victim. Officer found a 13-year old male Oxnard resident had sustained a gunshot wound. Further, the victim had been stabbed. The victim’s injuries are not life-threatening. The young man is being treated at a local hospital.

Witnesses reported four males, possibly in their late teens, attacked the victim. These suspects fled in a small white sedan. An investigation is continuing.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for persons with additional information to call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. They can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date Prepared: 7-24-15, 0200 hours