News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 PM

SUBJECT: Vehicle theft and VIN tampering arrest – Community members

beware of stolen vehicle online resale scams

LOCATION: 1800 Block North Ventura Road, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Ever Garcia-Caballero, 25-year-old Texas resident

CONTACT: Detective Greg Utter

(805) 385-7668 (Tuesday to Friday, 7 AM – 5 PM)

Greg.Utter@oxnardpd.org

On June 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 P.M., Oxnard police officers responded to the 1800 Block of North Ventura Road in reference to suspicious circumstances related to the attempted sale of a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The victim had contacted and arranged the purchase of the vehicle through the online application called OfferUp. The vehicle was being sold for significantly less than its actual worth and was set up as a cash-only sale. The buyer became suspicious and suspected the vehicle might be stolen. Oxnard police officers arrived on scene and detained the suspect, who was identified as Ever Garcia-Caballero.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) responded to assist with the investigation. After careful examination of the truck, Investigators identified the vehicle as a stolen Chevrolet pickup truck out of the City of Fontana.

Caballero was arrested for vehicle theft and VIN tampering-related charges and was booked into the Ventura County Jail. His bail was set at $300,000.00.

The Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) and its allied agency partners have seen an uptick in stolen vehicles being sold on various social media marketplace sites throughout Ventura County. These websites include Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist. In analyzing this trend, the stolen vehicles being offered for sale are 2015-2021 General Motors SUVs and pickup trucks, to include Chevrolet Silverados and Tahoes and GMC Sierras and Yukons. VenCATT and its allied agency partners have seized multiple stolen vehicles linked to this trend. Some were fortunately intercepted prior to their sale to innocent purchasers. Many of the vehicles seized in conjunction with this trend had their identification numbers altered to disguise the vehicle as being stolen. In addition, the social media marketplace ads selling these vehicles are usually written in Spanish, and the vehicles are being offered for as low as half the price of the current market value. Prospective buyers are strongly urged to exercise due diligence when purchasing used vehicles, and if the price is “too good to be true,” it probably is. To provide an added layer of protection, request the sales transaction to be conducted at your local DMV to certify documentation. Additionally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free website to assist buyers in checking vehicle identification numbers (VINs) during transactions https://www.nicb.org/vincheck

As always, members of the public can report suspicious vehicle-related activity to VenCATT at (805) 662-2640.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 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 provide information regarding this case or other criminal activity and 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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest are available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety and booking/call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 15, 2023

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police Seize Over 100 Pounds of Fireworks

CONTACT: Jose Silva, Sergeant | (805) 385-7778 | jose.silva@oxnardpd.org

On 6/15/23, at approximately 1348 hours, officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team served a search warrant in the 1600 block of Monet Court after receiving information related to the sales of illegal and dangerous fireworks. During the search of the residence, approximately 100.8 pounds of gross weight of illegal and dangerous fireworks were located. These fireworks include numerous "mortar" style fireworks that shoot into the air and explode.

The suspect was arrested for possession of dangerous fireworks and was booked at the Oxnard Police Department Jail.

Please remember that ALL fireworks (even those classified as "safe and sane") are illegal in Oxnard, and citations carry a fine up to $1,000. This seizure and arrest were a result of assistance from our community. If you know the location of where fireworks are occurring, please report fireworks activity to our dedicated fireworks cellphone line, email, hotline, or call the Oxnard Police Department’s non-emergency phone number.

Please do not dial 911 to report fireworks.

Fireworks Cell Phone Line: (805) 307-6308

Fireworks Tips Via E-mail: fireworks@oxnardpd.org

Fireworks Hotline: (805) 394-5884

Oxnard Police Non-Emergency: (805) 385-7740

The City of Oxnard respectfully asks all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely, and respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets by refraining from using fireworks.

OXPD PR 061523.png

Paul Carganilla
Community Affairs Manager, Oxnard Police Department

(805)385-7631 | (805)342-8292 | www.oxnardpd.org

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org | 251 South "C" Street

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 12, 2023 / 11:51 PM

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: David Hernandez Jr., 29 year-old Oxnard resident

Male Juvenile, 17 year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3100 block of Saviers Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

On June 12^th at about 11:51 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 3100 block of Saviers Road, in Oxnard. The driver of the vehicle, David Hernandez and a 17 year-old male juvenile passenger were found to be under the influence of marijuana. A loaded 9mm handgun and assault rifle with an extended magazine were found concealed in the vehicle.

Hernandez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. Both Hernandez and the juvenile male were arrested for multiple firearms related violations

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, 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 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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 14, 2023

SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thurs 7AM-5PM) | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct two traffic safety operations on June 15, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and another on July 3, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The operations are focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

The Oxnard Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

● Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.

● Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

● Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

● Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

● Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

● Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.

● Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

● Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

● Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

● Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

● Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

● If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

● Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections. 

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: June 10, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales / Gun Arrest

SUSPECTS: William Chavez, 40-year-old Canoga Park Resident

Aurora Gonzalez, 34-year-old Canoga Park Resident

LOCATION: Tierra Rejada Road & SR 23, Moorpark, California

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10 AM – 8 PM) jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), and Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) are comprised of detectives or officers who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) (TFO) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These TFOs are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

In June 2023, DEU TFOs began an investigation into William Chavez and Aurora Gonzalez. Both subjects were suspected of trafficking narcotics into the city of Oxnard. The investigation allowed DEU detectives to develop enough evidence to obtain search warrant(s) in Canoga Park and Farmersville, California.

On June 8^th and 9^th, 2023, detectives with the DEU, VCU, and FBI, along with SEU, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office K9, and the Farmersville Police Department, executed search warrants at locations associated to Chavez and Gonzalez.

The search yielded over 1800 grams (over four pounds) of suspected methamphetamine, over three (3) pounds of marijuana, and an illegal marijuana grow house. In addition, detectives located a loaded 9-millimeter Glock semi-automatic handgun. A record check revealed the handgun had been previously reported stolen out of Goodyear, AZ. Gonzalez has prior felony convictions; as such, both Chavez and Gonzalez were arrested for narcotic sales and illegal gun possession(s).

***Update*** Traffic continues to be blocked on Rose Avenue from Eastman Avenue to Santa Lucia Avenue and is diverted to Fifth Street from Rose Avenue. Traffic continues to be heavy for the Northbound/Southbound Rose Avenue corridor and Eastbound/Westbound Third Street. There is an extended timeline for roadway re-opening.

The correct date has been updated below to June 9, 2023.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:                                 June 9, 2023, 8:51 AM.

SUBJECT:                        Traffic Collision Involving a Semi-Trailer Truck

LOCATION: Third Street at Rose Avenue

CONTACT:                           Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 (Tues-Fri 8 AM-6 PM) | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

Traffic Unit



The Oxnard Police Department is investigating a traffic collision at the intersection of Third Street at Rose Avenue involving a semi-trailer truck that turned over onto its side.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the semi-trailer truck was making a turning movement in the intersection when it turned over onto its side. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the traffic collision, and injuries are minor.

Traffic is blocked on Rose Avenue from Eastman Avenue to Santa Lucia Avenue and is diverted to Fifth Street from Rose Avenue. Additionally, traffic is heavy for both the Northbound/Southbound Rose Avenue corridor and Eastbound/Westbound Third Street. An update will go out when the traffic collision has cleared.

If you have any information about the traffic collision, please contact the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 200-2337.

Greg Harasymowycz

Commander – Patrol

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030

(805) 385-7600 Work Phone

www.oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 9, 2023, 9:00 AM

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks Raise Funds and Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in April of 2023

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager | (805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2023 marked the fifth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. Teaming up with local Starbucks stores and with the support of sponsor donations, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation raised over $10,250.00 for Autism Society Ventura County.

Funds were raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced in part through donations from the awareness campaign’s title sponsors: Stacy Miller Public Affairs, the Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association, and Channel Islands Social Services. The Channel Islands Farmers Market, F. Morton Pitt Company (Ventura), and local business owner Ron Wertzenberger of Vogue Sign Company also donated services to the effort.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to four police department pop-ups and also collected donations from customers and employees throughout the month of April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships. Autism Society Ventura County Vice President Ashley Pope explains, “We are so grateful to partner with Oxnard PD and Starbucks for hosting Autism Acceptance Month for the 5th year! The funds we raise allow us to make an impact on Oxnard and the rest of Ventura County through support groups, advocacy, art classes, informational programs, and so much more. The families we serve are touched by the kindness and generosity of the Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks. We are lucky to have a police department that is so dedicated to understanding, protecting, and serving the entire community.”

Sharon Francis, Founder and CEO of campaign sponsor Channel Islands Social Services, said, “Channel Islands Social Services has partnered with Autism Society Ventura County since our founding in 2004 to strengthen families by offering them free Respite Care. The spectrum of support ASVC provides to autistic children, adults and their families has proven to be an invaluable resource. Our organization always sponsors their events and fully endorses their outreach and training to the community and to our first responders.”

The Oxnard Police Department strives to build strong community partnerships and assist Oxnard’s vulnerable populations. Police Chief Jason Benites recognizes the importance of autism awareness and education. Chief Benites stated, “I am proud to be a part of a police department that supports Autism Society Ventura County. Our commitment to this cause stems from the recognition that every individual deserves equal opportunities and understanding, regardless of their unique abilities or challenges. Whether it is a child, a cousin, or a family friend, many of us have close connections to persons with autism, which also brings it home for us. In our furtherance of public safety, we should always remember that progress lies in our ability to build a compassionate and inclusive society. By supporting the Autism Society, we affirm our dedication to this great cause.”

OXPD Autism 2023.jpeg

Paul Carganilla
Community Affairs Manager, Oxnard Police Department

(805)385-7631 | (805)342-8292 | www.oxnardpd.org

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org | 251 South "C" Street

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 9, 2023, 8:51 AM.

SUBJECT: Traffic Collision Involving a Semi-Trailer Truck

LOCATION: Third Street at Rose Avenue

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 (Tues-Fri 8 AM-6 PM) | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

Traffic Unit

The Oxnard Police Department is investigating a traffic collision at the intersection of Third Street at Rose Avenue involving a semi-trailer truck that turned over onto its side.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the semi-trailer truck was making a turning movement in the intersection when it turned over onto its side. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the traffic collision, and injuries are minor.

Traffic is blocked on Rose Avenue from Eastman Avenue to Santa Lucia Avenue and is diverted to Fifth Street from Rose Avenue. Additionally, traffic is heavy for both the Northbound/Southbound Rose Avenue corridor and Eastbound/Westbound Third Street. An update will go out when the traffic collision has cleared.

If you happen to have any information about the traffic collision, we ask that you contact the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit at (805) 200-2337.

Please be advised that there is construction going on at Oxnard Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. The northbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard are heavily impacted. The construction won't be complete until 2:30pm. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.

Sergeant Miguel Serrato 5102

Patrol Support Division / Traffic

Cell: 805-797-5891

MIGUEL.SERRATO@OXNARDPD.ORG

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 31, 2023 / 10:01 PM

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: Brian Ramos, 20 year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 block of S. Rose Ave., Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

On May 31^st at about 10:01 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation in the 400 block of S. Rose Avenue, in Oxnard. A passenger of the vehicle, Brian Ramos, was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun with a high-capacity magazine. Ramos was charged with multiple-firearms related charges.