Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Collision – DUI / Possession of Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	5/3/2015 at 2205 hours
LOCATION:	Victoria Avenue south of Fifth Street
SUSPECT(S):	David Friedman, 68 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2012 Ford Transit Van
PREPARED BY:	Officer Mike Wood Traffic Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Mike Wood [email protected] (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:
On Sunday, May 3^rd, 2015 at 10:05 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a single vehicle traffic collision on Victoria Ave south of Fifth St.

Preliminary investigation indicates a white Ford Transit Van which was driven by 68 year-old David Friedman was traveling southbound Victoria Ave when for unknown reasons swerved into the raised center median and collided with a light pole. There was significant damage to both the light pole and Friedman’s vehicle.

Alcohol appeared to be a factor in this collision. Officers also located a concealed loaded .38 caliber revolver in the vehicle Friedman was driving.

Friedman was treated at a local hospital and was ultimately arrested for driving under the influence and weapons violations.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Officer Mike Wood at (805) 385-7600 or via e-mail at [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 05-04-15 @ 0138 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Juvenile Update
DATE/TIME:	05/14/15 3:15PM hours
LOCATION:	Juan Soria Elementary School 3121 Dunkirk Drive, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Alfredo Cortes, 9 year old male juvenile
SUSPECT(S):	Jeanette Zuniga, 33 year old female
PREPARED BY:	Detective Tenille Chacon
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Tenille Chacon (805)906-0732 [email protected]

DETAILS: On 5/13/15 at approximately 4:30 pm, officers responded to a call of a missing juvenile. The father reported that his 9 year old son, Alfredo Cortes, had not returned home from school. The school reported that the child was dismissed from school at 2:50 pm. Alfredo is described as a Hispanic male, 4 feet 6 inches tall, 93 pounds, and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. He was last seen by classmates walking away from the school with a Hispanic female wearing a pink flowered shirt.

After further investigation, it was determined that the female was the non-custodial parent, Jeanette Zuniga. She is described as a Hispanic female, 33 years, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 110 pounds. Pursuant to a court order, Zuniga is not to have any contact with Alfredo.

It is believed that Jeanette Zuniga and Alfredo Cortes are still in the Oxnard Area. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805)385-7740.

Update:

On 5/14/15, at approximately 1030 hours, Jeanette Zuniga voluntarily drove to the Oxnard Police Department and returned her son, Alfredo Cortes III. Cortes was returned safe and unharmed. Zuniga was released without charges. An investigation to the alleged parental abduction is ongoing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Warns of U.S. Treasury Scam Targeting Oxnard Residents
DATE/TIME:	May 22, 2015
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department has been informed that residents are receiving scam phone calls involving the Department of the Treasury. Individuals are being told that they have won a grant or similar award but have to provide personal information or send a sum of money for the “award” to be released. In some cases, the caller has become aggressive and threatening.

This is a scam. The Department of the Treasury does not have this type of program nor would they threaten a member of the public if they are not provided with money or information. Similarly, any person calling and claiming to be from a government agency would not demand or threaten a member of the public.

Scams such as this have been circulating for some time and on previous occasions, the Oxnard Police Department has received reports of the callers purporting to be from Southern California Edison, the IRS, the Sheriff’s Department and miscellaneous law offices. Remember, there are many variations of these scams but all end with the victim losing their money or property with the promise of gain. Below are some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

·         Do not give your personal identifying information to anyone that you do not know or did not solicit their services.
·         Do not respond to any request that you send money or information to someone because you “won” a prize or a lottery.
·         Do not respond to anyone asking you to send money by “wire” transfer (you are sending cash – you won’t get it back), “Western Union” or “Green Dot”, etc.

What to do if you are a victim of a scam or identity theft:

·Accumulate all of the paperwork showing that you have been a victim and contact your local police agency to initiate a report.

·If the scam was not completed, you are not a victim. However, if you would like to report the scam to authorities, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov, https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call (202) 326-2222.

Other informational links:

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 05-22-15/1442 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Person
DATE/TIME:	6-20-15 / 1200 Hours
LOCATION:	St. John’s Hospital
MISSING PERSON:	Kenneth Caspary, 79 years
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
MISSING PERSON’S VEHICLE(S):	Silver 2006 Acura TL 5UND428
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jonathan Martin, (805) 385-7600, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, [email protected] , (805) 207-7078 Lynette Fenton, Missing Person Specialist, [email protected] , (805) 385-7646

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Kenneth Caspary, 79 years. Kenneth left Saint John’s Hospital on 6-20-15, at 1200 hours after visiting a relative. He was going to go home and then return later to the hospital. It is unclear if he went to his residence and he did not return to St. John’s Hospital.

Mr. Caspary is believed to be driving a silver 2006 Acura TL, license plate 5UND428. Kenneth is described as a Caucasian male, 6’00”, 175 lbs, brown hair, and hazel eyes. Kenneth was last seen wearing a blue and white button-up shirt and blue jeans.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 21, 2015 1215 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics fugitive located and arrested for: Possession for Sales of a controlled substance Maintaining a place for drug use/sales Felony warrant for possession for sales of a controlled substance and possession of a high capacity magazine
DATE/TIME:	July 14, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	300 Block East Yucca Street
SUSPECT(S):	Armando Galindo Celis, 27 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective James Langford 805-385-7638 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective James Langford 805-385-7638 [email protected]

DETAILS: On April 29, 2015, narcotics detectives from the West County Narcotics Street Team and Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a search warrant service at a residence in the 300 block of East Yucca Street in the City of Oxnard. The search warrant was a result of a four month long investigation into the sales of methamphetamine.

During the service of the search warrant, it is believed that the suspect, Armando Celis, fled from the residence. The search at the residence yielded nearly two pounds of methamphetamine, 3 handguns, several hundred rounds of ammunition, indicia of drug sales, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.

As a result of the items located, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Celis. Celis was believed to be on the run to avoid arrest since April.

On July 14, 2015, narcotics detectives observed Celis in the front yard of the residence on Yucca Street. Members from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) assisted and apprehended Celis for the arrest warrant. Narcotics detectives served another search warrant at the residence and nearly a pound of methamphetamine and indicia of drug sales was located.

Celis was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sales and maintaining a place for drug use/sales in addition to the arrest warrant. Celis is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $250,000.00 for each case.

The West County Narcotics Street Team is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.

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: July 16, 2015, 12:00PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Weapons Arrest
DATE/TIME:	8-1-15 / 2239 hours
LOCATION:	4500 Block of Beaumont Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Three adults, names withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Christian Rodriguez, 24-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Lincoln sedan
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8-1-15, at 2239 hours, officers responded to the 4500 Block of Beaumont Avenue re: the brandishing of a handgun. While on scene interviewing one of the three victims, the suspect vehicle, a Lincoln sedan, passed. Officers immediately followed and stopped the vehicle. The driver, Christian Rodriguez, a 24-year old Oxnard resident, was identified as the suspect who brandished a handgun. A loaded handgun was subsequently located in the vehicle.

The victims reported two or three other males were involved.

Rodriguez was charged with brandishing, 417(a)(1) PC, a misdemeanor, driving on a suspended license, 14601(a) CVC, a misdemeanor, possession of a handgun with an altered or removed serial number, 23900 PC, a felony, possession of a loaded firearm, 25850(a) PC, a felony, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm, 29800(a)(1) PC, a felony. An investigation is continuing.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for 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. They can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date Prepared: 8-2-15, 0300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen vehicle pursuit leads to arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2015 / 1033
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue at Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Navarro 25 year old, resident of Oxnard.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Released to the registered owner.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7650 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On August 11, 2015 at approximately 1033 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of Rose Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road in the city of Oxnard. Officers observed Juan Navarro driving a 1993 Ford Explorer, which had been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department minutes earlier. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was involved in a non-injury traffic collision. Additionally, at the end of the pursuit, the suspect exited the vehicle while it was still in motion, causing it to collide into a parked vehicle in the 200 block of S. Roosevelt. The suspect fled from the vehicle and was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

Suspect Navarro was arrested for operating of a stolen vehicle with a prior conviction for the same charge, felony evading, hit and run, along with various other offenses.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force, asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your keys in your vehicle.

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 11, 2015/1500 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:	October 13, 2015 9:05 P.M.
LOCATION:	100 Block South Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Gomez, Juan Manuel 45 years of age
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Michael Young [email protected] 805-385-7606

DETAILS:
On January 24, 1990, Juan Manuel Gomez of Oxnard, was the victim of a shooting that occurred in the 100 Block of South Rose Avenue. Mr. Gomez was shot once in the back and sustained a significant, life altering injury as a result. No suspects were ever arrested as a result of this incident.

On October 13, 2015, Mr. Gomez passed away in his home. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy examination on October 14, 2015 as part of the ongoing investigation. At the end of this procedure, Mr. Gomez’s death was tentatively ruled a homicide as a result of the complications from the gunshot wound he sustained on January 24, 1990.

The investigation into Mr. Gomez’s death is ongoing and anyone with any information regarding the 1990 shooting is urged to contact Detective Michael Young at 805-385-7606, or via e-mail at [email protected]. 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: October 20, 2015/ 4:00 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:

Convicted Felon in possession of a loaded handgun

DATE/TIME:

October 20, 2015 / 1537 Hours

LOCATION:

500 Blk Cuesta Del Mar

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Jose Luis Ortiz, 37 years, Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

LOSS:

PREPARED BY:

Senior Officer Jose Silva

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

[email protected], (805) 385-7600

DETAILS: On October 20, 2015, at approximately 1537 hours, officers from the District Four Community Policing Team contacted a group of subjects in a carport where gang and narcotic activity exists.

Jose Luis Ortiz was contacted and was in possession of a loaded .32 auto caliber handgun. Ortiz had a prior felony conviction in 2006 for possession for sales of a controlled substance. Two other subjects were cited for other violations.

This is part of the District 4 Community Policing Strategy which is focused in the Southwinds Neighborhood. The Oxnard Police Department Community Policing efforts are focused on the reduction of crimes, improving the quality of life of residents and the forming of partnerships with members of the community. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity or crimes which have been witnessed.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) Introducing New Mustang to the Fleet
DATE/TIME:	10-28-15
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 8300 / Sergeant Daniel Shrubb 805 200 5670

DETAILS:The DRAGG Team is at it again, working with Ford as well as several other sponsors, to assist in designing another DRAGG vehicle for the program. The theme to the 2015 Mustang is, “The Thin Blue Line”, which represents all men and women in law enforcement who work together with separating the good from the bad while creating order from chaos. The Mustang will officially be unveiled at the 2015 SEMA Show, in Las Vegas, NV on November 3^rd.

DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti), is an after school automotive program which was started by Oxnard Police Officers, in collaboration with the Oxnard Union High School District, and members from the automotive industry. Students from the district attend after school classes, field trips, and are given the opportunity to interact with experts within the industry, as well as earn school credits. Over 100 students have graduated from the DRAGG Program, and over 30 of the students have earned scholarships through the program to further their education.

DRAGG is a non-profit organization that operates solely on donations and sponsorships from the community and corporations. To learn more about the program and the build of the new Mustang please visit www.draggteam.org or visit the Facebook page at DRAGG.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/29/15