Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of Serial Armed Robbery Suspect
DATE/TIME:	11/13/13 at 0106 11/16/13 at 0053 11/17/13 at 0359 11/19/13 at 0030 11/24/14 at 0130 3/10/14 at 0229
LOCATION:	2201 East Channel Islands Blvd, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	7-11 Convenience Store
SUSPECT(S):	Ramon Rodriguez, 35-year old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez, Violent Crimes Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez [email protected] (805) 385-7645

DETAILS: Between November 13, 2013 and March 10, 2014, there were six (6) armed robberies to the 7-11 convenience store, located at 2201 East Channel Islands Boulevard in the city of Oxnard. As the robberies continued, it became apparent to investigators based on information discovered at the scene that these robberies were committed by the same unknown suspect. Making it more difficult for investigators was the fact that the suspect used elaborate and different disguises during each robbery.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit continued to work the cases throughout 2014 in the hopes that evidence collected at the scenes would help identify a suspect. Recently, information received from community members coupled with scientific analysis conducted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory helped in identifying a possible suspect.

On October 2, 2014, Ramon Rodriguez, a thirty-five year old Oxnard Resident, was arrested and charged with all six (6) armed robberies. Once in custody, Rodriguez admitted to committing all six (6) armed robberies at the same 7-11 Store.

This nearly year-long investigation is a tremendous example of three valuable components of creating a safer and stronger community:

The tenacity and commitment of our Violent Crimes Investigators who recognized the impact that these robberies had on the Lemonwood neighborhood. Despite limited preliminary information, they continued their investigations throughout the year until Rodriguez was identified and arrested.
The value and impact of community members providing information to their local police department. We could not solve crimes such as these without the help of our local business owners and residents.
The value of law enforcement partnerships throughout Ventura County. We could not have solved these cases without the expertise and assistance of the fine men and women at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645. 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/03/2014, 1000 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Two Recent Investigations Result In Lengthy Prison Sentences
DATE/TIME:	October 2014
LOCATION:	100 block of North Harrison Avenue, Oxnard Bank of the West, 300 block of West Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Eric Rodriguez, 37-year old Oxnard resident Donald Fulton, 45-year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander Investigative Services Bureau
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department maintains an investigative unit titled the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) which has nine (9) investigators assigned full-time to investigate robberies, violent assaults, and all gang-related crimes. These investigators regularly work up to seven days a week to identify and arrest some of the most violent individuals in our city. Their hard work and dedication has led to hundreds of arrests over the past few years. In particular, two (2) recent cases shed a spotlight on their diligence and quest for justice.

In March of 2012, a stabbing occurred in the 100 block of North Harrison Avenue. The victim of the stabbing was rushed to Saint John’s Hospital with a serious stab wound to his abdomen. The victim survived the stabbing, but refused to cooperate with police officers and investigators. During the course of the investigation, VCU investigators obtained information from various sources that the suspect in the stabbing was Eric Rodriguez, a 37-year old Oxnard resident. However, the victim and witnesses to the stabbing refused to cooperate with the police investigation. Although investigators faced many challenges in this case, they were able to gather enough evidence to officially arrest Rodriguez. Rodriguez was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, with a special allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

A three-day jury trial took place in June of 2014. At the conclusion of the trial, it only took the jury approximately 90 minutes to return with a guilty verdict. On October 10^th, Rodriguez was sentenced to 86 years to life in state prison.

On March 20, 2014, the Bank of the West located in the 300 block of West Esplanade Drive was the victim of a robbery in which the suspect passed a note to a bank teller and asked for money or he would detonate an explosive device in his backpack. He was able to flee the bank with over $2,000 in U.S. currency. A short time later, a nearby business manager as well as a customer at In-n-Out Burger contacted officers and advised that they had found property in a parking lot which may have belonged to the robbery suspect. VCU investigators responded to the scene and began conducting an investigation. They were able to identify the suspect as Donald Fulton, a 45-year old Oxnard resident. A patrol officer familiar with Fulton started searching the area and located him walking in the area. Fulton was found with over $1,400 in U.S. currency in his pockets and was identified by several witnesses at the bank.

Earlier this month, Fulton pled guilty to the robbery and was sentenced to eleven (11) years in state prison. This was Fulton’s second bank robbery conviction.

These are just two examples of the hard work and dedication of the officers with the Oxnard Police Department. They are also continuing examples of what can be accomplished with a collaborative effort between our community members, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s office.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/20/14 at 1200 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Recovered stolen vehicle and pursuit
DATE/TIME:	10-25-14 / 2154 hours
LOCATION:	200 Block of South McKinley Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Barragon, 21 years, Oxnard resident Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 10-25-14, at 2154 hours, officers saw a stolen Mitsubishi Lancer near Ivywood Drive at Lakehurst Street. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle it failed to yield and officers went in pursuit. At approximately 2157 hours, officers terminated their pursuit. The stolen vehicle continued with its lights off.

At approximately 2159 hours, a collision was reported in the 200 block of South Marquita Street. The stolen vehicle had collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle. Witnesses advised two males fled on foot.

Officers conducted a search of the immediate area and located both the driver, identified as Juan Barragon, 21 years, and passenger, Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, hiding in nearby backyards. Both had sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.

Barragon was charged stolen vehicle, felony hit-and-run, felony evading, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and possession of graffiti tools. Padilla was charged with stolen vehicle and interfering with the duties of a police officer. Both were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Persons with additional information should contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-25-14 / 2300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Weapons Seizures During Recent Operation a Part of Continuing Firearms Efforts
DATE/TIME:	November 5, 2014 8:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Eleven Locations in the City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Numerous
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2014, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit assigned to the Firearms Strike Team (F.A.S.T.), working in partnership with agents from the California Department of Justice–Bureau of Firearms Division, conducted eleven (11) compliance checks of persons who are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms due to criminal convictions, mental health prohibitions, or because of valid protective orders. All eleven compliance checks occurred at various locations in the city of Oxnard.

During the operation, four (4) firearms were seized from prohibited persons. Those four firearms consisted of a Colt AR-15 assault rifle, a long barreled rifle, and two semi-automatic handguns. Also seized were high capacity magazines and numerous rounds of ammunition (see attached picture). One of the prohibited persons was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant.

At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the F.A.S.T. led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and F.A.S.T. is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of October, the Oxnard Police Department seized nineteen (19) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, and the services of search warrants. Fourteen (14) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On October 6, 2014, Victor Aguirre, an 18-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by patrol officers in the 500 block of Thomas Avenue. He was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver. During a probation search of the vehicle Aguirre was in, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun was located in the back seat. Aguirre was arrested for numerous firearms violations.
On October 12, 2014, Victor De Arcos, a 31-year old Oxnard resident, fled from patrol officers when they attempted to contact him in the area of Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road. He was detained after a brief foot chase and found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. De Arcos was arrested for numerous firearms violations (He is a documented gang member).
On October 28, 2014, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) attempted to contact a group of gang members in the area of Third and Marquita Street. The subjects fled on foot but one subject, a 17-year old Oxnard resident, was later detained and found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic handgun. He was arrested on several firearm-related charges and lodged at juvenile hall.

Since January 1^st, Oxnard officers have made ninety (90) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department has seized two-hundred and eleven (211) firearms year-to-date.

“We are committed to focusing our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms. Unfortunately, our officers see far too often the impact that gun violence is having on our community. Every time one of our young men or women in this city is a victim of gun violence, it affects the entire community. It has to stop. I’m tired of it. Our officers are tired of it. The mothers and fathers in this community are tired of it. We will continue working towards a community where our children are safe no matter where they are. I know we can do it with the community’s help” – Commander Eric S. Sonstegard.

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 you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477. You can also provide information by going to the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website, which is 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:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	November 24, 2014 5:24 p.m.
LOCATION:	500 block of Cooper Road, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	27-year old male, Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 24, 2014, at approximately 5:24 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a possible stabbing victim in the 500 block of Cooper Road. When officers arrived, they located a male subject in the parking lot suffering from at least one stab wound. Emergency Medical Personnel attended to the victim for several minutes but he ultimately died as a result of his injuries.

The victim was a 27-year old male who was an Oxnard resident. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. This is Oxnard’s eighth homicide of the year. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. There does not appear to be any connection to the recent homicide at Sierra Linda Park on November 13^th.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/24/14, 2200 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	12-14-14 at 2:35 a.m.
LOCATION:	4400 block of South “G” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	31-year old male, Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Williams, (805) 385-7763, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay, (805) 385-8174, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On December 14, 2014, at approximately 2:35 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a possible shooting victim in the 4400 block of South “G” Street. When officers arrived, they located a male subject in the street suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Personnel attended to the victim for several minutes but he ultimately died as a result of his injuries.

The victim was a 31-year old male who was an Oxnard resident. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. This is Oxnard’s ninth homicide of the year. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-7763. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/14/14, 0600 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hit and Run Traffic Collision Arrest of DUI Driver
DATE/TIME:	January 19, 2015 / 2230 hours
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road at Dodge Road
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Cisneros, 21, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Silver, 2002 BMW 325i
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jonathon Martin

DETAILS:

On Monday, January 19, 2015, at about 1030 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Dodge Road in reference to a non-injury traffic collision.

At the scene, officers found that a BMW 325i, driven by Carlos Cisneros, was traveling northbound on Dodge Road and turning westbound onto Pleasant Valley Road when it collided with an Edison utility pole. The vehicle sustained extensive damage. The Edison utility pole sustained moderate damage.

Cisneros fled the scene of the collision and was apprehended at his residence nearby. Cisneros was arrested on suspicion of DUI as his blood alcohol level was found to be over the legal limit of .08. Cisneros was also charged with misdemeanor hit and run. He was booked into the Oxnard Police Department Jail. There were no injuries as a result of the collision.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind everyone to report drunk drivers by calling 911.

Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-77400

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Pedestrian)
DATE/TIME:	January 22, 2015 / 0628 hours
LOCATION:	‘J’ Street at Juniper Street
DRIVER:	Quirino Martinez Miranda, 57 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE:	Blue, 1978 Chevrolet Custom 10 pick-up truck
PEDESTRIAN:	Laroy Frederick Magana, 67 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS: On Thursday, January 22, 2015, at about 6:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of ‘J’ Street and Juniper Street in reference to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

When officers arrived at the collision scene, they found an unconscious male, identified as Laroy Magana, lying in the roadway. Soon after medical personnel arrived, Magana was pronounced dead.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Pedestrian Magana was crossing ‘J’ Street near the intersection of Juniper Street with a shopping cart. The vehicle, a blue 1978 Chevrolet Custom 10 pick-up truck, driven by Quirino Martinez Miranda, was traveling southbound on ‘J’ Street when it collided with Magana.

Excessive speed and alcohol or drug intoxication were not factors in this collision.

The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 22, 2015 at 1345 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	February 28, 2015, 9:07 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 block of Eliza Court, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	22 year old, Hispanic Male, Oxnard resident (deceased) 22 year old Hispanic Male, Oxnard resident (injured)
SUSPECT(S):	(2) Hispanic males
PREPARED BY:	Commander Andrew Salinas, (805) 385-7756 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Bob Eckman, (805) 385-7760 [email protected]

DETAILS:On February 28, 2015, at approximately 9:07 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim call in the 100 block of Eliza Court. Upon arrival, officers located two shooting victims at the scene. One subject was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is in serious but stable condition. The second subject was located near the front door of an unrelated residence whereby he was pronounced dead by paramedics. It appears that the victim died from an apparent gunshot wound. Both victim names are being withheld pending notification to a next of kin.

Preliminary investigation indicates the two victims were hanging out with two additional subjects in the 100 block of Eliza Court. They were approached by two Hispanic males on foot, which opened fire on the group. Witnesses recall hearing multiple gunshots with the suspects running westbound towards Dolores Court. The motive is unknown at this time but is believed this may be a gang related incident. Detectives are also attempting to determine if this incident was related to an earlier shooting today in the 700 block Berkshire.

This is Oxnard’s third homicide of the year. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Bob Eckman (805) 385-7760. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
March 1, 2015, 0100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subject in Possession of a Firearm (Arrest)
DATE/TIME:	3-29-15 10:58 PM
LOCATION:	2000 Block North Oxnard Boulevard
SUSPECT(S):	Martin Sandoval, 29 years, Oxnard resident Emmanuel Delgado, 24 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White Jeep Cherokee
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robert Flinn, [email protected] , (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 3-29-15 at 10:58 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the area of the 2000 block of North Oxnard Boulevard in reference to a resident report of subjects in a vehicle acting suspicious and possibly using narcotics.

Officers arrived on scene and immediately located the vehicle. During the course of the investigation and subsequent pat down search, officers located a loaded firearm on the driver of the vehicle, Martin Sandoval, a 29-year old Oxnard resident. Sandoval was arrested without incident.

Officers learned the passenger in the vehicle, Emmanuel Delgado, 24-year old Oxnard resident, was a Post Release Offender (PRO). The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the”2011 Public Safety Realignment”) effective 10-1-11, mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex related offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Delgado was found to be in violation of the release terms of his parole and was arrested.

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 Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. In this instance, a witness saw suspicious activity, called police, which not only resulted in arrests, but the recovery of a firearm.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-30-15 / 3:30 A.M