News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: December 1, 2023 / 10:15PM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: 16-year-old male juvenile

LOCATION: 2700 block Oarfish Lane, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7746 (Th-Sat 4PM-4AM)

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers were in the area of Oarfish Lane reference several calls of shots fired. Officers contacted the occupants of a parked vehicle; as they did they learned that a firearm was inside of the vehicle. Officers retrieved a loaded .22 caliber firearm. The driver, a 16-year-old male juvenile, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and arrested. He was lodged in Juvenile Hall.

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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 28^th, 2023 approximately 4:00 PM

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested for Stolen Vehicle Pursuit and Firearms Possession

LOCATION: Rose Ave. and Gonzales Rd.

SUSPECTS: Juan Manuel Rivera, 23-year-old Oxnard Resident

Fernando Ocampo, 22-year-old Ventura Resident

John Nickolous Delarosa, 19-year-old Ventura Resident

Josue Ortiz-Chavez, 21-year-old Ventura Resident

CONTACT: Detective Michael Blanchard, Auto Theft Detective

(805) 385-7760, [email protected]

On November 28th, 2023, at approximately 4:00 PM, members of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) located a Honda Pilot that had been previously reported stolen in the City of Oxnard in the area of Rose Ave. and Gonzales Rd. Uniformed officers with the Oxnard Police Department attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver of the vehicle failed to yield and led officers on a short pursuit through North Oxnard. The suspect stopped in a cul-de-sac, and all four occupants fled from the vehicle on foot. All four suspects from the vehicle were located nearby and taken into custody. During a search of the stolen vehicle, a loaded AR-15 style 9mm pistol was located.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Juan Manuel Rivera, a convicted felon who is currently on PRCS (Post Release Community Supervision) for a previous firearm possession-related offense. The passengers in the vehicle were identified as Fernando Ocampo, a convicted felon and on PRCS (Post Release Community Supervision) for a previous firearms possession-related offense. Josue Ortiz-Chavez, a convicted felon who is currently on probation for a previous firearms possession-related offense, and John Delarosa. Ocampo and Ortiz-Chavez also had outstanding warrants for their arrest. All four subjects are also documented criminal street gang members in Ventura County.

The Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force is comprised of detectives and investigators from allied agencies throughout Ventura County. The primary goal of VenCATT is combating auto theft throughout the county, as auto theft is often inter-jurisdictional. Countywide, there has been an increase in stolen vehicles, with Honda, Chevrolet, Kia, and Hyundai vehicles being specifically targeted. Residents of Ventura County are reminded to lock their vehicles, remove keys (including valet keys), and park in well-lit areas to help combat this rise in thefts. As always, members of the public can report suspicious vehicle-related activity to VenCATT at (805) 662-2640.

Anyone with information or video 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 at www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.”

Commander Steve Trickle

Oxnard Police Department

Patrol Watch Commander

805-385-7600

The City of Oxnard is experiencing heavy traffic at Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. A malfunctioning Union Pacific railroad arm is causing the intersection to be blocked. Union Pacific railroad has been notified.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Union Pacific Railroad Emergency Number at (800) 848-8715, selection #2, or online via the UPRR website at up.com/aboutup/community/safety/railroadcrossings/index.htm

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 22, 2022, at 10:17 P.M.

SUBJECT: Police Seek Additional Information on Homicide Case

LOCATION: 300 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Ronald Apodaca, 36-year-old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Meagan Tobey, Detective

(805) 385-7755 | [email protected]

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are actively working new leads in the senseless murder of 36-year-old Ronald Apodaca. As a result, we are seeking additional information from the community to help solve this murder.

Mr. Apodaca was shot and killed on October 22, 2022, and November marks the thirteen-month anniversary of that incident. Mr. Apodaca was standing on the sidewalk in the 300 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive when he was fatally shot. Despite the lifesaving efforts given by Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Apodaca succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Mr. Apodaca left behind a loving family.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who was present at the scene and may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755. 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.

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 27, 2023

SUBJECT: Police Seek Additional Information on Fatal Hit and Run Collision

LOCATION: Perkins Road and Hueneme Road

VICTIM: Marco Solano Vazquez, 40-year-old, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: Dark-colored Truck With Front End Damage

CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

On November 19, 2023, at approximately 10:52 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a fatal traffic collision in the area of Hueneme Road and Perkins Road. Officers located a male subject, later identified as Marco Solano Vazquez, lying motionless in the roadway. Sadly, Mr. Vazquez succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver that struck Mr. Vazquez did not stop to render aid and fled eastbound on Hueneme Road.

Traffic Investigators have identified the suspect vehicle as a dark-colored pickup truck with front-end damage. This damage could include a large dented bumper, missing paint, or cracked plastic. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information regarding this vehicle to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 200-5668.

Information can also be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

The intersection is now clear and open for travel.

On Sat, Nov 25, 2023 at 10:37 AM Harasymowycz, Gregory <[email protected]> wrote:

The City of Oxnard is experiencing heavy traffic at Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. A malfunctioning Union Pacific railroad arm is causing the intersection to be blocked. Union Pacific railroad has been notified.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Union Pacific Railroad Emergency Number at (800) 848-8715, selection #2, or online via the UPRR website at up.com/aboutup/community/safety/railroadcrossings/index.htm

EVENT:	Funds available for community organizations to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity
DATE/TIME:	November 20, 2023
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Christopher Williams, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Assistant Police Chief [email protected] (805) 200-5680

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department participates with outside agencies in the investigation and prosecution of narcotics related crimes. Assets seized are proportionately shared among the participating agencies. The California Health & Safety Code requires that a portion of the seized assets “shall be used for the sole purpose of funding programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity…It is the intent of the Legislature to cause the development and continuation of positive intervention programs for high-risk elementary and secondary school age students.”

The Oxnard Police Department invites community-based organizations interested in this funding to visit: https://www.oxnardpd.org/asset-forfeiture-community-funds/ and complete an application for consideration and review. As the City of Oxnard continues to look for viable options to the gang lifestyle for our youth, the Oxnard Police Department is excited for this opportunity to work with the community to provide healthy and productive alternatives.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Thursday, December 29, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 20, 2023, 4:00 p.m.

Christopher Williams (click signature for bio)

Assistant Police Chief

Investigative/Administrative Services Bureau

Monday-Thursday 8 am- 6 pm

(805) 200-5680 (office)

(805) 207-7234 (cell)

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 20, 2023

SUBJECT: Fatal Hit and Run Collision Involving Pedestrian

LOCATION: Hueneme Road and Perkins Road

PEDESTRIAN: 30-year-old, Oxnard Resident, name withheld pending next of kin notification

CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

On November 19, 2023, at approximately 10:52 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a pedestrian in the area of Hueneme Road and Perkins Road. Witnesses directed officers to the eastbound lanes of Hueneme Road, where they located a 30-year-old deceased male. Investigators believe the pedestrian was hit by oncoming traffic when he attempted to cross the street. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene after the collision. It is unknown if alcohol, drugs, or speed was a contributing factor.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 200-5668 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage using 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 18, 2023

SUBJECT: Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 1200 block East First Street

SUSPECT: 14-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Andrew Pinkstaff, Sergeant

805-385-7600 | [email protected]

On November 18, 2023, at approximately 1:18 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were conducting high-visibility patrol in the area of First Street and Juanita Avenue, in Oxnard. During this patrol, they contacted a 14-year-old Oxnard resident suspected of being involved in recent fights in the area. While officers were on-scene, a family member of the juvenile approached officers and informed them that the juvenile may have been in possession of a firearm.

With the assistance of the family, officers were able to recover a modified shotgun from the location. The juvenile was arrested and booked at Juvenile Hall.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 15, 2023

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

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

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, November 17, 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