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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	November 14, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Saturday, November 14, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and families will soon be gathering to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. If drinking alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving celebrations, please make plans for an alternate ride home. So far this year, Oxnard Police officers have arrested over 375 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. In addition, officers have investigated over 150 impaired driving collisions causing injuries to over 100 people.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2015 / 0830 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	December 19, 2015 / 2000-0300 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Saturday, December 19, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing while delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants everyone to be safe this holiday season and to remind all drivers to think before you drive. It’s simple; if you choose to drink, don’t drive. We also understand that there are many occasions during this time of year such as holiday gatherings with family and friends where drinking alcohol is a part of the celebration. Make the proper arrangements prior to drinking so that everyone stays safe. During this holiday season, the Oxnard Police Department will routinely deploy officers for dedicated impaired driving enforcement in an effort to keep our roadways safe.

So far this year, Oxnard Police Officers have arrested over 500 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. In addition, officers have investigated over 250 impaired driving collisions that caused injuries to over 140 people.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 16, 2015 / 1600 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Gun
DATE/TIME:	February 14, 2016 / 11:29 p.m.
LOCATION:	3200 block of Merced Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Ray Fernandez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 14, 2016, at about 11:29 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 3200 block of Merced Place when they contacted Ray Fernandez, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident. Fernandez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm was determined to be a .22 caliber zip gun. Fernandez was arrested for weapons violations, an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and providing a false name to avoid prosecution. The Oxnard Police Department previously arrested Fernandez on January 29, 2016, for possession of a loaded zip gun.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Criminal Threats, Elder Abuse and Brandishing a Deadly Weapon Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016, 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	3100 Samuel Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	78 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident, Name Witheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Soto, 55 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763; [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jon Ballow (805) 288-3289; [email protected]

DETAILS: On February 16, 2016 at approximately 9:40 a.m., an officer involved shooting incident occurred in the 3100 block of Saviers Road. The suspect in that case has been identified as 55 year old Oxnard resident Juan Soto. Soto was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury.

While investigating the officer involved shooting (OIS), investigators learned of an incident that preceded the OIS by approximately 10 minutes, which involved Soto. An elderly male victim was walking in the 3100 block of Samuel Avenue when Soto confronted him. According to the victim and witness statements, Soto aggressively approached the elderly male while brandishing a knife and made threatening statements towards the elderly male. The elderly male expressed fear for his life, and attempted to get away from Soto. The victim was able to seek shelter from a nearby resident in the area who notified police. Another resident in the area called 911 and alerted police that it appeared that Soto was throwing rocks at passing motorists.

Oxnard police officers arrived on scene and attempted to contact Soto. While attempting to investigate the original 911 call, an officer involved shooting occurred.

On February 17, 2016 at approximately 1030 hours, Soto was arrested for the actions he committed prior to the officer involved shooting. Soto was arrested for making criminal threats, elder abuse and for brandishing a deadly weapon. Soto was booked into Ventura County Jail.

The events surrounding the officer involved shooting are still being investigated.

Persons with information about this case are asked to contact Detective Jon Ballow at (805) 288-3289.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 17, 2016; 4:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of Homicide Suspect
DATE/TIME:	1-28-2008 / 1700 hours
LOCATION:	800 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura County Jail
VICTIM/S:	Octavio Lopez, 29 Years
SUSPECT/S:	Alejandro “Alex” Salas, 25 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Major Crimes Supervisor

DETAILS: Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department arrested a third suspect in the 2006 murder of Octavio Lopez and attempted murder of three additional individuals who suffered gunshot wounds during the September 4, 2006 attack. Twenty Five (25) year old Alejandro “Alex” Salas was arrested Monday afternoon at the Ventura County Jail where he was in custody for a Parole violation.

Salas is the third person who has been arrested for the murder of Lopez and attempted murder of the three other individuals who suffered gunshot wounds during the attack. Brothers Lino, 25 years, and Alvino Hernandez, 27 years were arrested for murder on January 18, 2008. Detectives have reason to believe that several additional people have conspired to try and create an alibi for Salas’s whereabouts at the time of the shooting. The investigation is continuing with the possibility of additional arrests of those people who continue to be untruthful with detectives.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multi-Location Search Warrant Execution
DATE/TIME:	02-18-2009 / 0700 hrs
LOCATION:	15 locations throughout Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor

DETAILS: On February 18, 2009, 165 Law Enforcement Officers from 10 Local and Federal Agencies conducted Search Warrants at 15 locations in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme. These search warrants were related to the two homicides in the Lemonwood area of Oxnard that took place in January.

The search warrant service began at 7:00 am and all 15 locations were hit simultaneously. No injuries were reported at any of the locations. Several guns were recovered during the warrant service including handguns, shotguns and rifles.

Oxnard Police utilized their SWAT Team for entry purposes at several of the locations. The purpose of the warrants was to further the investigation relating to the homicides and other gang crime in the Lemonwood area. No arrests have yet been made in connection with the murders. Those investigations are on-going. Two juveniles were arrested during the warrants for probation violations.

The Police Department has focused a significantly elevated level of gang suppression efforts in the Lemonwood area and throughout the City since the up spike of gang activity that occurred in January. There has only been one gang related assault reported to date in the City for the month of February.

The cooperation displayed in today’s operation by both Ventura and Santa Barbara criminal justice agencies is indicative of the outstanding working relationship that exists not only for operations such as this warrant service, but also in day to day operations and investigations.

Assisting agencies include;

Ventura County Sherriff’s Department, Ventura Police Department, Santa Barbara Sherriff’s Department, Santa Barbara Police Department, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, FBI, Port Hueneme Police Department, California Highway Patrol and the Ventura County Probation Department.

An investigation is continuing.

DATE: 2-18-09

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Five Arrested in Vehicle Crime Spree
DATE/TIME:	08-03-2009 at 0447 hours
LOCATION:	300 block of Orchard Place
SUSPECT/S:	Alejandro Exequiel Velasco, 18 years Female Juvenile, 16 years Male Juvenile, 13 years Male Juvenile, 13 years Male Juvenile, 14 years All suspects are residents of Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Stolen/Recovered Vehicle: Blue 1990 Toyota Camry 4-door
PREPARED BY:	Commander Tom Chronister

DETAILS:

An anonymous call to 9-1-1 early this morning led to the arrests of four juveniles and one adult for a variety of vehicle-related crimes.

At 4:47 a.m., Oxnard police received a call from an anonymous party of juveniles disturbing in apartment carports in the 300 block of Orchard Place. Upon arrival, officers went into foot pursuit of three suspects. Two were captured immediately without further incident; the third was located in the backyard of a nearby apartment.

While checking the area, officers locate two additional suspects hiding in a parked car. An investigation determined that vehicle was reported stolen earlier in the morning from the 300 block of Cuesta del Mar, Oxnard.

Stolen property from thefts from three unlocked vehicles, all in the City of Ventura, was also recovered.

The five suspects are facing a variety of charges including burglary, grand theft, possession of stolen property, vehicle tampering, and conspiracy. Velasco was also charged with contributing to the delinquency of the minor. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail on $20,000 bail. The four juveniles were booked into Juvenile Hall.

An investigation is continuing.