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OXPD Press Release-Additional Charges Filed Against Alleged Sexual Predator

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Additional Charges Filed Against Alleged Sexual Predator
DATE/TIME: 9/18/14
LOCATION: 2100 Block of Barnett Street, Oxnard
4900 Block of Rose Avenue, Oxnard
2400 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard
400 Block of Dollie Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Name Withheld-Victim of Sexual Assault-11 Years Old
SUSPECT(S): Luis Contreras, 18 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY: Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-7801, [email protected] 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sr. Detective Dale McAlpine, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-3921, [email protected]

DETAILS: On September 2, 2014, Luis Contreras, an 18-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested after he allegedly gained entry into two residences in south Oxnard and sexually assaulted an 11-year old female who was sleeping in her bedroom along with her 6-year old brother.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit have been working since that time to determine whether Contreras was responsible for any additional hot prowl burglaries that have taken place in south Oxnard in the past year. After some excellent detective work, investigators were able to gather additional evidence linking Contreras to two additional burglaries in south Oxnard.
 
It is alleged that on March 18, 2014, at approx. 3:25 a.m., Contreras entered a mobile home in the 2400 block of East Pleasant Valley Road via an open bedroom window. The screen to the window was cut to gain entrance. Once inside the bedroom, Contreras allegedly placed a rag over an eight-year old female’s mouth. The female woke up and began to scream for her parents. Contreras then fled out the opened bedroom window. The victim was not injured.
 
In a similar incident on July 1, 2014, officers responded at approx. 2:45 a.m. to a report of a hot prowl burglary in progress in the 400 block of Dollie Street. In this incident, it is alleged that Contreras climbed through an open bedroom window and put his hand over the mouth of an 11-year old female who had been sleeping in her bedroom. The female was able to alert her father who chased Contreras from the residence.
 
On September 18th, Contreras was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on the following charges:

  • Four (4) counts of 459 P.C. Residential Burglary
  • One (1) count of 288(a) P.C. Lewd or Lascivious Act w/ a Child Under 14
  • One (1) count of 220(b) P.C. Burglary w/ Intent to Commit 288 P.C.

Contreras remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail. His bail is set at $300,000. His next scheduled court appearance is October 15th. The charges that Contreras faces carry with them a maximum sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole if convicted.  Contreras will also be required to register as a sex offender if convicted.
 
The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and on Nextdoor.com.

  • Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
  • Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.
  • Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.
  • To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping trimmed.
  • The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.
  • Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

Investigators from the Family Protection Unit are still investigating these cases as well as similar incidents that have occurred in south Oxnard in the past 12 months. We believe it is still possible that there may have been additional incidents such as these that have gone unreported by potential victims. We want to encourage anyone that has information about these incidents or any related incidents to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-3921.  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:  September 23, 2014, 1100 hours


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Multiple Robberies
DATE/TIME: Wednesday October 8, 2014

  1. 1800hrs
  2. 2027hrs
  3. 2104hrs
LOCATION: Holly Ave / H St
500 block Collection Ave
2600 block N. Oxnard Blvd
VICTIM(S): 18 years, Oxnard Resident
26 years, Oxnard Resident
55 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): Two suspects,17 years, Oxnard Residents
One suspect, 16 years, Oxnard Resident
Two suspects,15 years, Oxnard Residents 
PREPARED BY: Officer Andrew Pinkstaff
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Oxnard Police Watch Commander(805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On Wednesday October 8, 2014, at approximately 1800hrs, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a robbery in the area of Holly Avenue and H Street.  Upon arrival, officers contacted an 18 year old Oxnard resident, who said that he had been robbed by several juveniles.  The area was checked, but the suspects had already fled.

At approximately 2027hrs, officers also responded to a similar robbery call in the 500 block of Collection Avenue, this time, the victim was a 26 year old Oxnard resident.  The victim had contacted a local business, who then contacted on-duty shopping center security.  The security officers were able to locate possible suspects in a vehicle and notified responding Oxnard police officers. The officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, and detain the five occupants.
 
Shortly after the stop, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of an additional robbery that had occurred in the 2600 block of North Oxnard Boulevard in close proximity to the second robbery incident.  The victim was found to be a 55 year old Oxnard resident.  This victim was able to positively identify two of the suspects that officers had detained.
 
During a search of the suspect vehicle, property from the first robbery incident at 1800hrs was located.  That victim was contacted and was able to positively identify three of the suspects.
 
All five suspects were arrested for robbery and conspiracy, and all were transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall.
 
An investigation is ongoing.
 

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 this incident are encouraged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (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:  10/08/2014, 2315 hours


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Juvenile in possession of loaded firearm
DATE/TIME: October 28, 2014/1150
LOCATION: Third Street at Marquita Street
VICTIM(S): State of CA
SUSPECT(S): 17 year old male, Oxnard resident.
PREPARED BY: Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant, (805) 385-7600
[email protected]

DETAILS:

On October 28, 2014 at approximately 1150 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were working gang enforcement in the area of Third St and Marquita St.
 
The officers contacted a 17 year old Oxnard resident and located a loaded semi-automatic handgun hidden in his waistband.
 
The juvenile was arrested for several firearm related charges and lodged into Juvenile Hall.
 
In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crime Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.
 
Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website at http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.
 
 
 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  October 28, 2014/1730


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Update-Additional Information on 11/13 Homicide
DATE/TIME: November 13, 2014 8:40 a.m.
LOCATION: Sierra Linda Park
1000 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S):     Labh Nigah, 55-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
PREPARED BY: Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-7801 [email protected] 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Miguel Serrato, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-7688 [email protected] 

DETAILS:

Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department have identified the victim in yesterday’s homicide as 55-year old Oxnard resident, Labh Nigah. Nigah was walking in Sierra Linda Park when he was contacted by an unknown number of assailants and stabbed repeatedly. Nigah died from his injuries a short time later. Investigators have yet to determine a motive for this senseless act of violence.
 
Investigators were out in force at Sierra Linda Park this morning contacting neighbors and park goers to see if anyone had any information related to the incident. School Resource Officers were also present at Sierra Linda Elementary School coordinating with school personnel to provide reassurance for the young boys and girls walking to school.
 
The Sierra Linda neighborhood is a safe and prosperous residential area that has rarely experienced crimes of this nature. The Oxnard Police Department will be providing enhanced uniformed presence in the area and encourage any resident or community member in the area to flag down an officer if they have information to provide.
 
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. There are numerous ways to provide information to the Oxnard Police Department:

 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  November 14, 2014 11:30 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: Request for Public’s Help in Labh Nigah Homicide
DATE/TIME: November 13, 2014 8:40 a.m.
LOCATION: Sierra Linda Park
1000 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S): Labh Nigah, 55-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
PREPARED BY: Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-7801 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Miguel Serrato, Investigative Services Bureau
(805) 385-7688 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department are again asking for the public’s help in providing any information related to the senseless murder of 55-year old Oxnard resident, Labh Nigah. Nigah had dropped his child off at Sierra Linda Elementary School and was walking in Sierra Linda Park when he was attacked and stabbed repeatedly. An individual was seen running from the scene of the attack westbound through the park onto Holly Street. Nigah died from his injuries a short time later. Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the daylight attack.
 
Nigah was known by residents and neighbors to frequent Sierra Linda Park several times a week. Investigators believe other frequent park goers may have seen the suspect earlier in the morning of November 13th or possibly in the days leading up to the attack. Investigators also believe the suspect may have injured himself during the attack and could have sought medical treatment for an unknown type injury.
 
The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. There are numerous ways to provide information to the Oxnard Police Department:

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  November 18, 2014 5:00 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: Stabbing
DATE/TIME: 11-28-14 / 2059 hours 
LOCATION: 3400 Block of Monte Carlo Drive
VICTIM(S): Tristin Lott, 19-years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): David Moraga, 24 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES): Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): Silver Kia sedan
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected] 

DETAILS:

On 11-28-14, at 2059 hours, officers responded to the 3400 Block of Monte Carlo re: three to four males and females involved in a fight. The victim, Tristin Lott, called moments later stating he had been stabbed during the fight. Lott was later treated for a moderate stab wound at the Ventura County Medical Center.
 
Responding officers stopped a silver Kia sedan in the immediate area and located the suspect, David Moraga, 24 years. Moraga was found to be driving while under the influence of alcohol, had a one-and-a-half year-old child in the car (child endangerment), and subsequently arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (stabbing).  
 
Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  11-28-14 / 2330 hours
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT: 4th Annual Heroes & Helpers Event at Target
DATE/TIME: December 11, 2014, 8 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Target at The Collection, Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
(805) 385-7631, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sgt. Luis Mancha,
(805) 385-7653, [email protected]

DETAILS:  Thirty-two well-deserving children (ages 6 to 12) – from all over the City of Oxnard, were invited to the 4th annual Heroes & Helpers event at Target at The Collection, tomorrow.  The annual event will take place between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, December 11, 2014. 

 
The children, who all attend elementary schools in Oxnard, will be paired with a uniformed Oxnard Police Officer for a $200 shopping spree at Target.  The Oxnard Firefighters Association will also be on-hand to support the event, and provide free helmets.  In addition to shopping, the kids will be treated to a breakfast provided by Panera Bread, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts.  Presents purchased for family members will be wrapped on-site by Department civilian volunteers.
 
Last year, the cop & kid teams dispersed throughout the Target store to spend their $200 gift card any way they chose.  “It is always touching and great to see how so many of the children shopped first for gifts for their siblings and parents before they even thought of selecting something for themselves,” said Sergeant Luis Mancha, who is coordinating the event again this year.  It’s incredibly reassuring and heartwarming to witness children who live everyday with little to still find it in themselves to act so selflessly and think first of others before they think to indulge themselves. 
 
Heroes & Helpers was originally made possible by a $1,000 grant from Target with a matching $1,000 contribution toward the event by the Oxnard Peace Officer’s Association (OPOA).  This year the OPOA generously donated $2,000, the Oxnard Firefighters Association donated $1,000 and The Collection donated $1,500.  The Oxnard community came together to make this year extra special through additional financial donations; these sponsors are GEM Mortgage, The Patio Restaurant, The National Latino Police Officer’s Association, Oxnard Cross Fit, DCH Lexus of Oxnard, Kiwanis Club of Oxnard, CrossFit Oxnard, and private anonymous donors.
 
“We are thankful for the men and women of the OPOA, Oxnard Firefighters Association, The Collection, and our community partners who have joined us to make our event that much more special this year. It shows that as a community, we can do more,” said Chief Jeri Williams.  “The smiles that our volunteers and the children share is uplifting and represents what this season is all about,” Williams added.  


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Burglary Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME: February 6, 2015 / 2335 hours
LOCATION: 100 Block of West First Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Withheld
SUSPECT(S): Jeffrey Estrada, 22-year-old resident of Oxnard
male juvenile, 17-year-old resident of Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Lucy Buttell
[email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 29, 2015, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a residential burglary in the 1200 block of Briana Circle in the city of Oxnard.  During the investigation, it was determined that the victim had a video surveillance system in the home.  Video evidence was collected and used to identify two suspects.
 
A 17-year-old male juvenile suspect was arrested on January 30, 2015, and found to be in possession of property taken during the burglary.  The investigation continued until a second suspect, Jeffrey Estrada, was arrested on February 6, 2015.  Estrada was also found to be in possession of property from the burglary. 
 
We believe it is still possible that there may have been additional incidents such as these that have gone unreported by potential victims.  We want to encourage anyone that has information about these incidents or any related incidents to call the Oxnard Police 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  http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
 
The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and onNextdoor.com.
 
< >Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping trimmed.The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.2/7/15 at 0215 hours
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Road Closure Due to Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: 3-2-15 / 1037 hours
LOCATION: Williams Drive between Holser Walk and Lockwood Street
VICTIM(S): None
SUSPECT(S): None
WITNESS(ES): None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): None
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

Williams Drive between Holser Walk and Lockwood Street is closed due to a non-injury single vehicle traffic collision occurring on 3-2-15, 1037 hours, where a semi-truck clipped a Southern California Edison pole. Repairs are underway with a 7 AM completion projected for 3-3-15.
 
It is not anticipated this road closure will have a significant impact to the surrounding area.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  3-2-15, 1415 hours
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Pursuit/ Arrest 
DATE/TIME: April 7, 2015/ 4:30
LOCATION: First St. and Garfield Ave. City of Oxnard 
SUSPECT(S): Gary Meza 9/26/81
James Juarez 7/19/85
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): Mitsubishi Galant 
PREPARED BY: Sergeant Tim Kelley     
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289 

DETAILS:
On April 7, 2015 at 4:30pm, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to stop a blue Mitsubishi Galant for speeding.  The vehicle failed to yield and led officers on a brief pursuit.  Ultimately the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle at the intersection of First St. and Garfield Ave. The driver, Gary Meza, and passenger, James Juarez, fled from the vehicle.  Juarez was quickly taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine.  Meza fled into an occupied home shoving a pregnant homeowner in the process.  Meza also simulated to the homeowner that he had a firearm.  Fortunately the female homeowner was not injured.  Meza eventually fled from the back door of the residence and was later located hiding in a vehicle parked in a nearby alley.  Meza initially refused to exit the vehicle when ordered to do so but eventually surrendered to officers without incident.  It was determined that the vehicle that Meza had been driving had been stolen in Oxnard on March 14, 2015.  Meza was booked for felony evading, hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle and, aggravated trespass.  Juarez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.