Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Search Warrant Served at Suspected Drug House / Post Release Offender (PRO) Arrest

DATE/TIME:

1/30/14 at approximately 7:30 A.M.

LOCATION:

400 block Ocotlan Way, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):

Jaime Martinez, 48 years old, Oxnard resident
Jose Gutierrez, 30 years old, Oxnard resident
Thomas Eaves, 20 years old, Oxnard resident
Griselda Zaragoza, 36 years old, Oxnard resident
Marina Barcenas, 34 years old, Oxnard resident
Jonnie Gagliardo, 30 years old, Oxnard resident
Gilberto Placencia, 50 years old, Oxnard resident
Alexander Benavidez, 46 years old, Oxnard resident
Juan Soto, 31 years old, Oxnard resident
Matthew Hernandez, 31 years old, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Detective James Langford

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Detective James Langford, Narcotics Unit, 805-385-7638

DETAILS:On January 30, 2014, at about 7:30 A.M, members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, Property Crimes Unit, and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team served a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Ocotlan Way in the Oxnard. The search warrant was a result of a year-long investigation of the residence being used for the purposes of selling and using narcotics.

During the search warrant, ten (10) persons were located at the residence along with narcotics, narcotics paraphernalia, stolen property, a loaded short barrel shotgun, and ammunition.

All ten persons located at the residence were arrested for the following offenses:

Jaime Martinez, arrested on suspicion of maintaining a place for the use or sales of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia
Jose Gutierrez, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Thomas Eaves, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Griselda Zaragoza, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Marina Barcenas, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Jonnie Gagliardo, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Gilberto Placencia, arrested on suspicion of providing false information to a peace officer, a parole violation, and three outstanding warrants
Alexander Benavidez, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance
Juan Soto, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and three outstanding warrants
Matthew Hernandez, arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of prescription scripts, and possession of a short barrel shot gun. Hernandez was also found to be a suspect in an unrelated case and was also arrested on suspicion of burglary and possession of a stolen and forged script

Hernandez is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions arenot considered.

This case would not have been possible if not for the several anonymous tips we received during the original investigation. The Oxnard Police Department encourages anyone with information on this case to call Detective Langford at (805) 385-7638. We also encourage anyone with narcotic related information to call our Narcotic Hotline at (805) 982-7084 and leave an anonymous tip. The investigation is ongoing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 30, 2014, 4:30 P.M.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victims / Homicide
DATE/TIME:	2/17/14; 1838 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Mariposa Street
VICTIM(S):	2 males; identities being withheld pending notification
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown



PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato, (805) 385-7688 Miguel.Serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 2/17/14 at about 1838 hours, officers responded to the 2000 Block of Mariposa Street regarding a call of shots fired. When officers arrived they located two male shooting victims. One subject, an 18 year old male was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition. A second male subject was also located with a gunshot wound; despite emergency responders’ efforts to save the subject, he died as a result of his injuries.

At this time investigators don’t know the motive and are attempting to establish what occurred. The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward 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 Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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: 2/17/14; 2320 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with Handguns
DATE/TIME:	4-3-14 / 2134 hours
LOCATION:	900 Block of S. Victoria Av
SUSPECT(S):	#1- HM 17-18 years, 6-02, gray sweater, dark pants #2- HM 17-18 years, 5-09, blue plaid t-shirt, blue hooded sweat shirt, dark pants
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications 385-7740

DETAILS:
On 4/3/14, at approximately 2134 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a robbery involving a firearm in the 900 Block of S. Victoria Av.

The victims told officers that they were walking southbound on Victoria Av. near Pier Walk when they were approached from behind by the above listed suspects. Both suspects pointed black semi-automatic pistols at the victims and demanded property. The suspects took cash and cellphones and fled the area on foot. No one was injured during the robbery.

The investigation is on-going.

Persons with information regarding this crime are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7740. Persons may also contact the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	April 11, 2014 / 2332 Hours
LOCATION:	Doris Av @ G St, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Male Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 6-02, 160, wearing a red flannel shirt
VICTIM VEHICLE(S):	Green Toyota 4-Runner lICENSE pLATE #6RJY309
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications 385-7740

DETAILS:

On April 11, 2014, at about 2332 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the corner of Doris Avenue and “G” Street to contact a carjacking victim. The victim told officers that he was sitting in his vehicle, a green, 1996, Toyota 4-Runner, when he was approached by the above-listed suspect. The suspect punched him in the face and then attempted to stab him with a knife. The suspect told the victim to get out of the vehicle, at which time, he surrendered his vehicle. The suspect then fled in the victim’s vehicle.

The victim sustained minor cuts and bruising as a result of being punched. He was not stabbed. He did not require medical treatment.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. 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. If you happen to find the vehicle, call 911 immediately.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/12/14 – 0120 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Marijuana extraction lab
DATE/TIME:	4-16-14 1600 hours
LOCATION:	2101 Vineyard Avenue (Residence Inn)
SUSPECT(S):	Julian Berman 24 years of age
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Robert Valenzuela 805 385 7637

DETAILS: On 4-16-14, at about 1600 hours, officers responded to the Residence Inn at 2101 Vineyard Avenue reference suspicious circumstances. They contacted the hotel staff and were directed to a room in the hotel. It was there that they discovered what looked to be an active Marijuana extraction lab. An extraction lab is a process where chemicals and tools are used to remove the THC from Marijuana and become a substance similar to “honey” which is a street term. The chemicals in the process are extremely flammable and have been known to cause fires and in some cases even explosions.

Officers were able to contact the renter of the room later identified as Julian Berman. Berman was arrested for the manufacturing of Marijuana extract and booked into Ventura County Jail.

A special lab team was requested from the California Department of Justice along with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department to help with the cleanup of the scene and disposal of the chemicals. The teams were on scene for over 8 hours assisting in the cleanup.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4-17-14 0230 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Burglary and Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	05/23/14 / 2128 hours
LOCATION:	900 Blk Lodgewood Way., Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Gutierrez, 25 years of Oxnard Javier Gomez, 24 years of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications Center 805-385-7600

DETAILS:
On May 23, 2014, at approximately 2128 hours, a resident in the 900 Block of Lodgewood Way called 911 to report that a vehicle was being burglarized. The caller described the individuals who were breaking into the vehicle and also described the vehicle the individuals were driving. When officers arrived, the suspects had already fled the scene. They found that a vehicle parked on the street had been broken into.

As the officers were conducting their investigation, they learned that the vehicle used in the burglary, a grey, Honda Accord, had been stolen moments prior.

At approximately 2207 hours, the stolen Honda drove past the officers as they were completing their investigation. The officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the above listed suspects after a brief foot chase. Both suspects were charged with auto theft and auto burglary and were booked into the Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. This is an example of a witness who saw a crime occurring, called police, and provided the appropriate information.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. at (805) 385-7600. 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.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.

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:	5/29/14 at approximately 0930 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Mariposa Street
VICTIM(S):	Tereso Jimenez, 24 year old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6228 cody.collet@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 5/29/14 at approximately 0930 hours, Officers responded to a shooting victim in the 2000 block of Mariposa Street. Officers located the victim, 24 year old Tereso Jimenez, laying on the grass in front of an apartment complex. Jimenez had a gunshot wound to his chest and was rushed to the Ventura County Medical Center. Jimenez is listed in critical condition.

Officers and detectives are investigating the incident. A motive for the shooting has not yet been determined.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6211. 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:5/29/14 at 1235 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 victims
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, June 25^th, 2014 at 10 p.m.
LOCATION:	Corner of “G” Street and Glenwood Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	2 males early 20s
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 20s white t-shirt, dark jeans
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Dark grey newer model Honda and/or Lexus
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif)On Wednesday, June 25, 2014 at about 10 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to 9-1-1 calls of two shooting victims near an apartment complex at the corner of “G” Street and Glenwood Drive in Oxnard. When officers arrived they located one male in his early twenties that had been shot several times and then located a second shooting victim a short distance away. One victim was transported to St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard and was in stable condition. The second victim was taken to Ventura County Medical Center in Ventura where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

According to victim and eyewitness accounts, the two victims were hanging out outside an apartment complex near Glenwood Drive and “G” Street with other friends when a newer dark grey Honda and/or Lexus pulled up. A person in his early 20s wearing a white t-shirt and jeans got out of the car, shouted a gang slogan and shot at the group hitting the two victims before getting back in the car and fleeing southbound on “G” Street.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone witnessed this shooting or has any information about this case, please call the Oxnard Police Department’s Communication Center at (805) 385-7740. Your call will be answered at any time. 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.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/26/14, 2 a.m.

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 Directed Patrol Efforts
DATE/TIME:	July-2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, (805) 385-7801, eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

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 is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of July, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-one (21) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On July 4, 2014, Genaro Cortes, a 28-year old Oxnard resident, fled from Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers. Cortes was quickly apprehended and found in possession of a loaded handgun in his waistband. Cortes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a person not registered as the owner in possession of a firearm.
On July 20, 2014, Arthur Chavira, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop. He was apprehended a short time later and found to be in possession of a .38 caliber handgun. Chavira was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 24, 2014, Christopher Russell, a 27-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop with a loaded handgun in his hand and was apprehended a short time later. Russell was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 31, 2014, Paul Perez, a 31-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers at the scene of a disturbance at the Sea Rounders bar and found to have been in possession of a loaded handgun. Perez was arrested for numerous violations including a probationer in possession of a firearm.

Since January 1^st, Oxnard officers have made sixty-four (64) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department has seized one-hundred and fifty-five (155) firearms year-to-date and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

As an additional component of the Oxnard Police Department’s Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, the Department continued to increase its special patrols in the month of July. These additional patrols augmented our normal patrol staffing and were focused on contacting individuals that may be responsible for committing a high number of crimes.

On July 11, 2014, a series of warrant services and directed contacts led to the following arrests:

Sergio Zendejas, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. During a probation search of his bedroom, a .380 caliber handgun was recovered. Zendejas was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
Rafael Madera, a 25-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Madera was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Omar Chavez, a 21-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by officers during a warrant service and barricaded himself in a bedroom with his 7-year old brother. Officers were forced to breach a door to rescue the child and take Chavez into custody. Chavez was arrested for several felonies including false imprisonment and child endangerment in addition to his outstanding felony warrants.

Officers will continue these focused enforcement efforts throughout the coming months as we know a small number of offenders are responsible for a disproportionately high amount of the city’s criminal activity.

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: August 7, 2014 1000 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Avoid the 14 Ventura County Labor Day Mobilization Anti-DUI Crackdown Update
DATE/TIME:	August 15 through September 1, 2014
LOCATION:	County of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The National Summer/Labor Day Anti-DUI crackdown arrest update over the past two weeks: From 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 15, 2014, through midnight on Thursday, August 28, 2014, officers representing Ventura County law enforcement agencies have arrested 114 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In 2013, 180 DUI arrests occurred during the same 14 day time period.

(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

Tonight, a multi-agency DUI Task Force Saturation is scheduled for the City of Moorpark. Officers working this operation will also be patrolling the areas of Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. Officers from the Moorpark Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Cal State University Channel Islands Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department and Camarillo Police Department will join forces to remove impaired drivers from local roadways.

Tomorrow night, August 30th, the City of Ojai will be hosting a multi-agency DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Ojai. Officers and deputies from throughout Ventura County will also participate in this operation.

Over this Labor Day weekend, all regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts.

Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI arrest data collection will continue through Labor Day midnight Monday, September 1, 2014.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 29, 2014 / 1540 hours