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Press release – Carjacking/Robbery involving a handgun

John Crombach
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Carjacking/Robbery involving a handgun
DATE/TIME: 9-12-10 / 1600 Hours
LOCATION: La Gloria Parking Lot, 430 South Oxnard Boulevard
VICTIM(S): Names Withheld: 25 year old Oxnard Resident
26 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): 3 Unknown Hispanic males
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):  
LOSS: Unknown amount of currency and the victim’s vehicle
PREPARED BY: Detective Roger Garcia
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Roger Garcia (805) 385-7688 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 9-12-10, Oxnard Police officers contacted two victims of a robbery that took place earlier in the afternoon hours.

The victims told officers they were preparing to leave La Gloria Market when they met an unknown Hispanic male in the parking lot. The victims agreed to give the unknown Hispanic male a ride. As the victim drove the vehicle, the unknown Hispanic male pulled out a gun and ordered the victim to continue driving. The victim drove for a short time to an unknown area in Oxnard. The victim pulled the vehicle over at which time two additional unknown Hispanic males got into the vehicle. The victim drove for several minutes and was ordered to pull over at another unknown area in Oxnard. Both victims got out of the vehicle and were robbed for an unknown amount of currency. The suspects drove away in the victim’s vehicle.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Roger Garcia at (805) 385-7688, e-mail [email protected], or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. To give an anonymous tip call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).


John Crombach
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: 10-27-2010 / 1902 hours
LOCATION: 200 Block of North Marquita Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): 11-year old male of Oxnard
DRIVER: Agustin Garcia Zavala, 45 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE: 2001 Chevrolet Silverado
PREPARED BY: Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator (805) 385-7750

DETAILS:

On October 27, 2010, at approximately 1902 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with EMS personnel responded to the 200 block of North Marquita Avenue after receiving a call of a child that had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year old male had been struck by a vehicle driven by Agustin Garcia Zavala. The victim was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. The 11-year old is listed in critical condition due to bleeding in the head.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Silverado, Mr. Zavala, was traveling northbound on Marquita Avenue towards Felicia Court. The victim ran eastbound across Marquita Avenue directly in front of the Silverado. For unknown reasons, the victim stopped in the roadway in front of the Silverado and was struck. The impact caused the victim to be thrown into a parked vehicle causing injury to the victims head.

Drugs or Alcohol were not a factor in the collision.

An investigation is continuing.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams
begins her tenure as Oxnard’s Police Chief on January 31, 2011

Chief Jeri Williams comes to Oxnard with 22 years of experience in the City of Phoenix Police Department where, in her role as the Assistant Chief of the Southern Division, she was responsible for 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel and over half of the city’s 500 plus square miles.

Chief Williams brings with her extensive community policing experience which will serve to complement and enhance our City’s efforts in that area that go back nearly three decades.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity of serving the City of Oxnard,” said Chief Williams. “The City’s Mayor and Council, together with the City Manager and the men and women of the Police Department have welcomed me and shown great support as we continue making the City of Oxnard police department one of the best in the nation.”

Contributing to Chief Williams’ strong leadership and organizational management style is a broad educational background. Williams holds a BS Degree from Arizona State University, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, where she has also completed her Comprehensive Examinations in pursuit of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Chief Williams is well known as approachable, sincere, with a natural command presence upon which members of the community and department can rely to “get the job done” with integrity, hard work and dedication.

On a personal note, Chief Williams has been married to her husband, Judge Cody Williams (South Phoenix Justice of the Peace) for nearly 21 years and has two sons Alan (17) and Cody (16).


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

DETAILS:

This morning at approximately 6:00 am more than twenty arrest warrants were served simultaneously at multiple locations in the cities of Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme. More than a dozen law enforcement agencies took part in the execution of these warrants. This operation was one of the largest ever to be conducted in the city of Oxnard.

A press conference is scheduled at 11:00 am today at 300 West Third Street in Oxnard. Officals from the agencies involved, including the FBI, will be present at the press conference to outline and explain this morning’s operation.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT: 245(a)(1) PC- Assault with Deadly Weapon (Knife)
664/211 PC- Attempted Robbery
422 Terrorist Threats
136.1 PC-Dissuading Victim or Witness
DATE/TIME: 4-3-2011 @ 0555 hours
LOCATION: Colonia Ave & Hayes Ave
VICTIM(S): Male, 44 years old, Oxnard (Name Withheld)
SUSPECT(S): S-1 – Hispanic Male, 18 years, thin build, short hair, clean shaven, wearing a gray or white “T” shirt and black shorts
S-2 – Hispanic Male, early 20’s, tall and thin build, wearing a brown “T” shirt and black shorts.
WITNESS(ES): N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): N/A
LOSS: N/A
PREPARED BY: Detective Steven Funk (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Steven Funk (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 

On 4-3-2011 at approximately 0555 hours the victim was walking south bound from his residence in the 300 block of North Hayes Ave to the Panderia Lupita so that he could meet a friend to take him to work as a field laborer.

The victim was in the area of Hayes Ave and Colonia Ave when he was approached by two subjects. The first subject pointed a knife at the chest of the victim and demanded money from him while telling him not to move. The victim was able to grab the knife and break off the blade without injuring himself. The second subject struck the victim in his face causing a minor laceration.

The victim was able to run towards his residence where he was again confronted by the suspects who told him not to contact police. The suspects were last seen running north bound on Hayes Ave in the 300 block.

The victim was transported to Saint John’s hospital with minor injuries.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Steven Funk at 805-385-77965 or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070. To give an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
An investigation is ongoing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:  Hit and Run Collision resulting in Serious Injury
DATE/TIME:  May 26, 2011 / 0510 hours
LOCATION:  Saviers Road north of Laurel Street
BICYCLIST: H/M, 37 years of Oxnard (name withheld pending notification of next of kin) 
DRIVER:  Male
VEHICLE: Possible Gray, Nissan, Versa, two-door (Vehicle should have moderate to major damage to the front end) 
PREPARED BY:  Maria Peña, Traffic Investigator

DETAILS:

On May 26, 2011, at approximately 0510 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Saviers Road reference a man down next to a bicycle. Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found an injured 37 years old male sitting on the curb. Officers noticed major damage to the bicycle.

The bicyclist was subsequently transported to Ventura County Medical Center for additional medical treatment. The bicyclist sustained head injuries and several fractured bones. He is currently listed in stable condition.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the bicyclist was traveling northbound on Saviers Road towards Laurel Street. The suspect vehicle was also traveling northbound on Saviers Road towards Laurel Street behind the bicyclist. For unknown reasons, the suspect vehicle struck the rear of the bicyclist causing the rider to be ejected several feet. The suspect vehicle fled the scene of the collision after striking the bicyclist.

Witnesses described the suspect vehicle as a possible grey Nissan Versa two-door. The suspect driver was described as a short male. The suspect vehicle should have sustained moderate to major damage to the front end.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at 805-385-7750

An investigation is continuing.


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

NEWS RELEASE
 
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    CONTACT:  Mónica Muñoz
October 25, 2011                                                                                           [email protected]
                                                                                                                        (805) 385-7631
 

(Oxnard, CA) UPDATE 1:04 p.m.Victoria Avenue is still closed to traffic between Wooley Road and Channel Islands Boulevard. We will open the traffic lanes as soon as possible but we do not have an estimated time at this point.
 
The only additional information we are releasing at this time is that there were five Ventura County deputies involved in the shooting and four Oxnard Police officers involved. Because of the ongoing investigation we are not releasing any additional details on the incident.
 
UPDATE 9:20 a.m. – Victoria Avenue will remain closed between Wooley Road and Channel Islands Boulevard because of the pursuit and officer-involved shooting. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes until further notice.
  
The female who was the original victim of domestic violence (the incident that started this chain of events) was not seriously injured. She was not transported to a hospital.
Last night just after the final shooting incident happened, there were two women who were handcuffed and removed from the crime scene on Victoria Ave. The two women are family members of the suspect who were interfering with the officers and for that reason were handcuffed and taken away from the crime scene. They were not arrested.
 
The suspect has been transferred to a hospital in the Santa Barbara area. We do not have information on his condition and his name will not be released at this point. The suspect could face the following charges: 273.5 PC (domestic violence); felony failure to yield; and attempted homicide.
 
[Original news release] At about 8 p.m. on October 24, 2011 Oxnard PD received a call regarding a domestic violence incident taking place in the 200 block of Roderick Avenue. Oxnard officers arrived on scene, but the suspect fled prior to their arrival.  A firearm had been mentioned, and officers believed the suspect was armed.  Officers were able to determine that a crime had occurred.
 
At about 9 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s (VCSO) deputies were involved in a pursuit with the suspect in his vehicle on Highway 33.  It was reported that the suspect had fired at the deputies as he drove. The suspect then traveled onto Highway 101 and headed south. When he reached Seaward and Highway 101, the suspect fired at the deputies, who returned fire. The suspect got back onto Highway 101 and exited in Oxnard at Vineyard Avenue. He returned to the Roderick Avenue residence and fired shots at that location. No one was injured from this action.
 
The suspect eventually made his way (with Oxnard PD and VCSO deputies in pursuit) to the Marina Village area in Port Hueneme. The suspect continued north on Victoria Avenue where he again exchanged gunfire; this time with VCSO deputies and Oxnard PD officers. The suspect was struck by gunfire, and was transported to a local hospital.
 
The name of the suspect and his condition is not being released at this time. The name of the victim will not be released as she is a domestic violence victim and her identity is protected by law.
 
Neither Oxnard officers nor VCSO deputies sustained injuries. Two people who were not involved in the incident received minor injuries from flying glass. One of those individuals was taken to the hospital for treatment.
 
Oxnard PD is the lead agency on this incident. VCSO deputies, detectives and officers from Port Hueneme Police are assisting.
 
At the time of this release, Victoria Avenue is closed from Wooley Road to Channel Islands Boulevard.  It is anticipated that it will remain closed until further notice.
 
 

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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:  November 14, 2011 / 8:10 a.m.
LOCATION:  5200 Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):  17-year-old male
SUSPECT(S):   4 males
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): White 4-door sedan
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY:  Officer Andrew Pinkstaff
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Mónica Muñoz, Community Affairs Manager/PIO
[email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 14, 2011 at about 8 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 5200 block of Saviers Road. Upon arrival, officers located a 17-year-old victim with several stab wounds. The victim was transported to VCMC where he received medical treatment. His injuries are not life threatening. The victim’s name is not releasable because he is a juvenile.
 
The suspects were described as four males in a full-size white four-door sedan with window tint. The suspect who stabbed the victim was described as a Hispanic male about 19 years old, 5’9″ tall, 160 lbs. and clean shaven. He was wearing a black hat, blue sweatshirt, blue shorts and long white socks. No descriptions of the other three suspects were available.
 
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit at (805) 385-7600.
 

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE
 

(Oxnard, CA)The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long, anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways.  New enforcement measures to reduce impaired driving have been implemented as a result of a recent $250,000 grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The Oxnard Police Department is dedicated to keeping our streets safe through both enforcement and education.
 
The special DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant will assist in efforts to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions. The grant activities will specifically target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. This will be accomplished through the use of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, warrant searches and stakeouts for repeat DUI offenders, saturation patrols, and court stings targeting DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses who get behind the wheel after leaving court. 
 
California saw a decline in overall traffic deaths in 2010, marking the fifth year in a row of safer roads. According to federal government figures, total vehicle fatalities dropped 11.9 percent, from 3,081 in 2009 to 2,715 in 2010. Since 2005 when the number of fatalities was 4,333, the 2010 figures show a total decline of 37.3 percent.
 
The city of Oxnard has seen similar reductions in traffic fatalities in 2011. As of November 2011, there have been a total of three fatalities, as compared to 2010, with five fatalities. The 2011 figures show a total decline of 40 percent.
 
Funding for this program is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration. The funding period began October 1, 2011 and runs through September 30, 2012.
 
 
 
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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT  Kidnapping, burglary, domestic violence, stalking, and committing a felony while armed with a weapon
DATE/TIME  Time of Incident: 12/13/11 11:50 p.m.
Arrest 12/15/11 7 p.m.
LOCATION  5000 block of Corbina Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S)  Names withheld per CA Government Code 6254
SUSPECT  Kevin R. Graehl, 6/30/81, Westlake Village resident
PREPARED BY  Sgt. Sharon Giles
CONTACT  Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO
(805) 385-7631 [email protected]

On December 14, 2011 at about 8:30 a.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a call of suspicious circumstances in the 5000 block of Corbina Way. Officers made contact with a male victim who told police that on December 13 at about 11:15 p.m. he was confronted by a man inside of his residence. The male victim told police that he was home with his girlfriend when Kevin Graehl entered the male victim’s home through an unlocked back door. Once inside, Graehl pointed a rifle at the male victim and bound him with tape.
 
Eventually the suspect released the male victim and took the female victim to his residence in Westlake Village. The female escaped in the early morning hours of December 14 and notified police.
 
On December 14, Oxnard PD detectives from the Family Protection Unit began an investigation that culminated in the arrest of the suspect by the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit on December 15 near the suspect’s residence in Westlake Village. The suspect was booked at the Ventura County Jail and charged with burglary, kidnapping, domestic violence, stalking and committing a felony while armed with a firearm.
 
If anyone has any information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detectives Sonia Sanchez or Dale McAlpine at (805) 385-7663. 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.

 

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DATE / TIME PREPARED:  12/16/11 2:35 a.m.