OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach and District Attorney Gregory Totten announced today that detectives are making significant progress in the investigation into the August 27th killing of Oxnard resident David Laut. Evidence collected by Oxnard police investigators indicates that Mr. Laut was not the victim of random violence by a prowler. Investigators are pursuing several leads and are confident that an arrest will be made in the case. Mr. Laut (DOB 12-21-56) was serving as the Hueneme High School athletic director at the time he was killed.

While we understand there is a great deal of interest in this case – it is important to note that there will be no further information about the case released at this time. We respectfully ask that the community understand that this investigation is at a very sensitive point right now, and be patient with us as this case proceeds to an arrest.

David Keith

Oxnard PD PIO

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide/ Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	02/16/10 1745 hours
LOCATION:	300 Block Cooper Rd
VICTIM(S):	Name with-held/ Identity pending
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Medina Tena / 54 years / Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	[email protected]

DETAILS:

A 65 year old Oxnard man died this morning from complications due to a stab wound sustained yesterday evening. On 2/16/10 at approximately 5:46 pm, officers responded to a call of a stabbing victim in the 300 block of Cooper Rd. The victim who has not been positively identified was transported to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim subsequently succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 5:40 am today.

During the investigation, Detectives were successful in identifying the suspect responsible for the stabbing. The suspect was identified as 54 year old Salvador Medina Tena of Oxnard. On 2-17-10 at 1130 hours, officers spotted Tena walking in the 300 block of East 5th St. The suspect was contacted and taken into custody without incident. Apparently the suspect and the victim were involved in a verbal altercation prior to the stabbing taking place. The victim was able to walk into a nearby business and ask for help after having been stabbed.

Tena was arrested on murder charges. The identity of the victim is pending. His name will be released once the identity is confirmed and next-of-kin have been notified.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	06/14/10, 1930 hrs
LOCATION:	800 Block of W. Wooley Rd.
VICTIM(S):	32 year old Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic, Male, 22 years, 5-7, 190 lbs
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Wallet containing currency and misc. identification
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell 385- 7665

DETAILS:

The victim reported that, on 06/14/10, at approximately 1930 hours, he was walking in the parking lot in the 800 block of W. Wooley Rd. He was confronted by a Hispanic male suspect in possession of a handgun. The suspect demanded the victim’s cellular phone and wallet. After receiving the property, the suspect fled on foot southbound on G Street.

An investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Chip Buttell at 385-7665 or Ventura County Crimestoppers at 385-8255.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 06/15/10, 0507 hrs

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man Arrested for Grand Theft from Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	07-13-2010 at 1046 hours
LOCATION:	1900 block of El Cajon Court, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Leonel Perez Hernandez, 25 years, of Port Hueneme
LOSS:	Personal property recovered
PREPARED BY:	Officer Larry Eklund

DETAILS:

At 10:46 a.m. this morning, Oxnard police received an emergency call of a fight in progress. The reporting party told Oxnard police and fire dispatchers that a burglary suspect was fighting with the apparent victim in the 1900 block of El Cajon Court. Officers were sent to the location with lights and siren.

Upon arrival, officers locate two men in a front yard on El Cajon Court. The victim, whose name is being withheld by police, had subdued the suspect after he had stolen nearly a thousand dollars of property from his parked pick-up truck.

The victim told Oxnard police he was in the shower when he heard his doorbell ring. A short time later, he observed the suspect removing property from his unlocked pick-up truck in the driveway. The suspect confronted the victim in the front yard. A short struggle ensued. The suspect was quickly subdued by the victim—a gentleman with extensive experience in the martial arts.

Hernandez reportedly lost consciousness during the altercation with the victim. After being medically cleared at Ventura County Medical Center, he was booked into the Ventura County Jail for grand theft, possession of burglar tools (altered vehicle keys), and violation of probation (prior property crimes). His bail was set at $20,000.

An investigation is continuing.

# # #

Two crime prevention tips related to this story:

(1) DOOR-TO-DOOR VENDORS. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for people going door-to-door and to report any such persons to the police. A common ploy of thieves is to ring doorbells to see if anyone is home. With no answer, burglary or thefts typically follow. Reporting so-called “door-to-door solicitors” is also recommended as thieves will always have a cover story to offer if someone answers the door.

(2) HELP PREVENT VEHICLE CRIMES! Like our crime prevention sign below says: Keep your car doors locked and secure valuables. Most vehicle crimes occur because cars are unsecured and/or valuable property is left in view.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Six Arrested for Fighting at Party
DATE/TIME:	07-25-2010 at 2332 hours
LOCATION:	800 block of Cedar Court, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Angel Zuniga, Jr., 23 years, of Oxnard Rafael Valenzuela Vasquez, 23 years, of Port Hueneme Oscar Vincent Puga, 20 years, of Oxnard Jesse Joseph Zuniga, 18 years, of Oxnard Javier Granados Rincon, 22 years, of Ventura Octavio Ruiz, 26 years, of Oxnard
LOSS:	Injuries to two adult males and one adult female. One of the males suffered facial injuries and required hospitalization. Names withheld by police.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297

DETAILS:

On 07-25-2010 at 2332 hours, Oxnard police received numerous calls of a large fight in the 800 block of Cedar Court. The callers reported dozens of people fighting and throwing beer bottles, chairs and tables. Oxnard police arrived in two minutes and requested an additional two dozen police officers to deal with the crowd of 150 attending a baby shower in the courtyard of an apartment complex. Fire and ambulance were also dispatched to treat three injured victims.

Witnesses to the incident told police the party was uneventful until eight uninvited men entered the party and confronted several of the guests. The men verbally threatened the partygoers then launched an assault against some in the group using beer bottles, chairs, tables, and a baseball bat. One suspect (Puga) pulled out a folding knife and attempted to stab several persons in the crowd although no one was injured. As the group of men backed their way out of the party, another suspect (Rincon) displayed a handgun.

Witnesses pointed officers to a nearby apartment where the suspects fled. Officers detained six suspects at the location and all were identified by witnesses.

Detectives from the Oxnard police Violent Crimes Unit served a search warrant overnight on the apartment where the six suspects were located. Evidence related to the case was seized; the handgun is still outstanding.

All six suspects were arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon and committing a crime in the furtherance of a criminal street gang. Suspect Ruiz was treated at a local hospital for facial injuries sustained in the fight. All suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail; bail was set at $100,000 for each suspect.

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:	Robbery (Business) with a handgun
DATE/TIME:	9/1/2010 @ 2055 hours
LOCATION:	Warehouse Shoe Store, 2330 Saviers Rd. Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Warehouse Shoe Store
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 21 years, 5’-8”, 170 lbs., wearing a ski mask, a hooded sweatshirt and gloves
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
LOSS:	Cash/ Unknown amount
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796 or email: [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 09/01/2010 at approximately 2055 hours, officers were dispatched to the Warehouse Shoe Store located at 2330 Saviers Rd. regarding an armed robbery. The suspect entered the store and immediately ordered all employees and customers to the ground.

The suspect pointed a handgun at the cashier and ordered him to hand over the money inside of the cash register. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of money the suspect fled eastbound from the store on foot. No injuries were reported.

If anyone has information about this incident they are asked to call Detective Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7665 or email him at [email protected]. If you would like to remain anonymous call the 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:	Armed robbery / home invasion
DATE/TIME:	9-4-10 / 2:47 PM
LOCATION:	300 block of Cordova Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Four male adults (names withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	HM age 35, 5-09, 200, shaved head, black shirt, unknown color pants, black glove on one hand, black revolver
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Keller
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:

At 2:47 P.M. on 9-4-10 Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 300 block of Cordova Street regarding an armed robbery. Upon arrival officers located two victims at the residence who had been robbed at gunpoint. Two additional victims arrived on scene during the investigation.

The lone suspect had been on foot in the neighborhood when he confronted two victims outside a residence. These victims were ordered inside by the armed suspect who followed them into the living room. While inside, the suspect confronted two additional victims and ordered all four to hand over currency from their persons. The victims were held at gunpoint on the floor and were verbally threatened during the crime.

The suspect left the area on foot and was last seen on San Gorgonio Street. No suspect vehicle was seen. The victims and witnesses names were withheld based on the threats by the suspect. None of the victims were physically injured as a result of the robbery.

Investigators are requesting that anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Steve Funk at (805) 385-7796. Anonymous tips may be reported to the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burn Victim
DATE/TIME:	November 9, 2010 2:47 PM
LOCATION:	2311 W. Vineyard Ave.
VICTIM(S):	48 year-old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brett Smith (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 11-9-10 at 2:47 PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department were sent to assist the Oxnard Fire Department with a burn victim. During an investigation it was learned the victim was transient and had fallen asleep while smoking a cigarette next to a building hidden from public view. The blanket covering the victim ignited causing 2nd degree burns to his face and right hand.

An unidentified citizen observed the smoke and quickly distinguished the fire and notified a nearby business to call 911. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and later air lifted to a trauma burn center in the Los Angles area. The condition of the victim is unknown.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	11-10-10 @ 12:09 A.M.
LOCATION:	West Alley of Eldorado St and San Benito
VICTIM(S):	Bernardino Martinez Vasquez
SUSPECT(S):	Regina Garcia
LOSS:	Green colored,1998 Chevy Astro Van, License# 6AHP898
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven F. Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11-10-2010 at approximately 12:09 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers contacted the victim of a carjacking at the corner of El Dorado Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd. The victim stated that he met the suspect at this same corner and she initially asked the victim for a ride to an unknown location in Oxnard. Victim Vasquez drove the suspect to the west alley of El Dorado and San Benito where suspect Garcia physically assaulted him and took his vehicle. Victim Garcia did not require any medical attention.

A stolen report was taken on victim Vasquez’s van and was relayed to officers throughout the county. A Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy observed the van in the area of Wells Rd. and Hwy. 126 in the city of Saticoy. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle but suspect Garcia failed to yield and a short pursuit was initiated. The pursuit ended in the city of Santa Paula where suspect Garcia pulled over at 10Th Street and Harvard Street. Suspect Garcia was taken into custody without further incident. For further information reference the Ventura County Sheriff’s pursuit refer to their press release on the incident.

Oxnard Police Officers took custody of suspect Garcia in Santa Paula and she was returned to Oxnard and charged with carjacking and transported to the Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Steven F. Funk at (805) 385-7796, e-mail [email protected] or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. To give an anonymous tip call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	12-16-2010 0513 Hours
LOCATION:	1300 to 1400 block of South G Street, Oxnard CA.
VICTIM(S):	Fidencio Hernandez 35yrs, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	Adrian Mendoza 33yrs, Oxnard Resident Dawn Magallanes 32yrs, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett 486-6297 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 12-16-10, at approximately 0500 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to Fifth Street and Rose Avenue for a traffic collision. While investigating the incident, the officers learned that the above listed subjects were victims of a shooting which occurred in the 1300 to 1400 block of South G Street. The vehicle, which was being driven by Magallanes, was transporting victim Hernandez to the hospital when she became involved in the traffic collision. The other passenger, Adrian Mendoza, suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision, as was the 50-year old male driver of the other vehicle. Magallanes was subsequently arrested and charged with felony driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in injury. Hernandez was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition with a gunshot wound to his face. The injury is not life threatening.

Investigators are still trying to determine if the shooting was gang related.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call Detective Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6297, or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.