News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 28, 2023

SUBJECT: Traffic Enforcement Operation Results In Three Illegal Vehicles Seized

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Three Illegal Vehicles Seized. One Juvenile Arrested.

On June 26, 2023, the Oxnard Police Department conducted enforcement in the area of the Oxnard Performance Arts Center regarding a planned meetup by a large group of bicycle riders. Officers from the Traffic Unit and Neighborhood Police Team identified these meetups as events frequented by riders operating unlawful mini-motorcycles and go-karts on the roadways.

During the operation, one rider of a mini-motorcycle attempted to evade the enforcement efforts of a motor officer. A short pursuit ensued, and the rider was taken into custody when his mini-motorcycle became inoperable. The operation resulted in thirteen citations, one arrest, and three illegal vehicles seized. All riders of the illegal vehicles seized are juveniles.

Illegal vehicles such as mini-motorcycles and go-karts, are typically assembled by the owner with parts readily available from retailers. These vehicles are extremely dangerous to the riders who choose to ride them, and other motorists. Most of these illegal vehicles don’t have the required equipment such as lights, approved tires, or brakes, and they can be operated at speeds in excess of 50 MPH depending on engine size. The short stature of the illegal vehicles makes it extremely difficult for a motorist to see them on the roadway and any collision could result in significant injuries to the rider.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to warn parents of the dangers of these vehicles and we encourage conversations with known riders. Officers will continue enforcement of these vehicles and will seize any that are operated on the roadways.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 27, 2023

SUBJECT: Fourth of July Anti-DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7pm-5pm) | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Be Safe. Be Smart. Plan Ahead and Do Your Part:

Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend Responsibly

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers to do their part to keep everyone safe on the road this Fourth of July weekend by planning ahead and celebrate the holiday responsibly.

This weekend and through Tuesday, July 4, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In 2021, more than 500 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those deadly crashes, 39% involved alcohol. In California, 44 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day weekend. In addition, California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers made nearly 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence throughout the 3 ¼ day holiday enforcement period.

While some festivities may include alcohol, driving under the influence also includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. Do your research and be informed about how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

If you are hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home.

If you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 23, 2023

SUBJECT: Two Oxnard Store Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm) | steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

Two Store Clerks in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Oxnard Police Department with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has cited two store clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to minors on June 23, 2023. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which minors, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 11 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

Those who sold alcohol to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

Compliance checks are being conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities than the general adult population. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the availability of alcohol to minors.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department’s Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 23, 2023 / 12:45 AM

SUBJECT: Firearm arrest

SUSPECTS: Moses Ambriz, 18 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 800 block Hobson Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org

On the above date and time, officers from the Oxnard Police Department contacted two occupants of a vehicle that was parked in the parking lot of Oxnard Community West Park in the 800 block. During the contact, officers learned that the person who was seated in the driver’s seat, Ambriz, was in possession of a loaded .40 cal handgun. He was arrested for multiple firearms violations. The passenger was released at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 21, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoints and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold two DUI Checkpoints and extra patrols for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department has collaborated with the California Highway Patrol – Ventura Office to hold two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints on Friday, June 23, 2023. The checkpoints will be held at undisclosed locations within the city. Both agencies will also have additional officers on patrol, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The DUI Checkpoints and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 23, 2023 / 1:30AM

SUBJECT: Firearm arrest

SUSPECTS: 17 year old male juvenile

LOCATION: Cooper Road and Bonita Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7746 (Thur-Sat, 4PM-4AM)

kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org

On the above date/time, Oxnard Police officers attempted to contact two persons in the 700 block of Cooper Road. Both subjects attempted to avoid the officers; one of the subjects discarded an object that was later determined to be a loaded revolver. A 17 year old juvenile was believed to be in possession of the revolver and was arrested. The second subject, an adult male, was found to be in possess of a dangerous weapon and was also arrested.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2023 / 6:00AM

SUBJECT: Active Police Investigation / Road Closure

LOCATION: 700 block West Hueneme Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Command Kevin Baysinger

(805) 385-7611

Due to an active ongoing police investigation, West Hueneme Road is closed between “J” Street and Perkins Road. Motorists are encouraged to use alternates routes. Once the roadways are cleared, another notification will be sent.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2023 / 1:20AM

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit leads to Barricade; Subject Arrested

SUSPECTS: Jose Jovan Ceja Orozco, 35 years, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 700 block of West Hueneme Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7746 (Thur-Sat, 4PM-4AM)

kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation at Roland Way and Cuesta Del Mar. The vehicle failed to yield, which led to a vehicle pursuit. Officers cancelled the pursuit due to dangerous driving, but were able to locate it a short time later and were able to follow the vehicle, a grey Chevrolet Impala, until it came to a stop in a parking lot in the 700 block of West Hueneme Road. Officers learned that the vehicle was occupied only by the driver, Ceja Orozco.

Ceja Orozco would not exit from the vehicle. Officers, including officers from Oxnard’s Crisis Negotiation Team, spoke with Ceja Orozco at length attempting to persuade him to peacefully surrender. Members from the Ventura County Behavioral Health Crisis Team were called and also responded to the scene to assist with negotiations. After over four hours of unsuccessful negotiations, officers from Oxnard PD’s SWAT team were able to take Ceja Orozco into custody with the assistance of chemical agents.

Ceja Orozco received medical attention and was arrested for felony evading and resisting/delaying police officers.

Good morning: Hueneme Road is now open.

Thank you for your understanding.

On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 6:00 AM Baysinger, Kevin <kevin.baysinger@oxnardpd.org> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2023 / 6:00AM

SUBJECT: Active Police Investigation / Road Closure

LOCATION: 700 block West Hueneme Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Command Kevin Baysinger

(805) 385-7611

Due to an active ongoing police investigation, West Hueneme Road is closed between “J” Street and Perkins Road. Motorists are encouraged to use alternates routes. Once the roadways are cleared, another notification will be sent.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 PM

SUBJECT: Vehicle theft and VIN tampering arrest – Community members

beware of stolen vehicle online resale scams

LOCATION: 1800 Block North Ventura Road, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Ever Garcia-Caballero, 25-year-old Texas resident

CONTACT: Detective Greg Utter

(805) 385-7668 (Tuesday to Friday, 7 AM – 5 PM)

Greg.Utter@oxnardpd.org

On June 12, 2023, at approximately 9:00 P.M., Oxnard police officers responded to the 1800 Block of North Ventura Road in reference to suspicious circumstances related to the attempted sale of a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. The victim had contacted and arranged the purchase of the vehicle through the online application called OfferUp. The vehicle was being sold for significantly less than its actual worth and was set up as a cash-only sale. The buyer became suspicious and suspected the vehicle might be stolen. Oxnard police officers arrived on scene and detained the suspect, who was identified as Ever Garcia-Caballero.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) responded to assist with the investigation. After careful examination of the truck, Investigators identified the vehicle as a stolen Chevrolet pickup truck out of the City of Fontana.

Caballero was arrested for vehicle theft and VIN tampering-related charges and was booked into the Ventura County Jail. His bail was set at $300,000.00.

The Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) and its allied agency partners have seen an uptick in stolen vehicles being sold on various social media marketplace sites throughout Ventura County. These websites include Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Craigslist. In analyzing this trend, the stolen vehicles being offered for sale are 2015-2021 General Motors SUVs and pickup trucks, to include Chevrolet Silverados and Tahoes and GMC Sierras and Yukons. VenCATT and its allied agency partners have seized multiple stolen vehicles linked to this trend. Some were fortunately intercepted prior to their sale to innocent purchasers. Many of the vehicles seized in conjunction with this trend had their identification numbers altered to disguise the vehicle as being stolen. In addition, the social media marketplace ads selling these vehicles are usually written in Spanish, and the vehicles are being offered for as low as half the price of the current market value. Prospective buyers are strongly urged to exercise due diligence when purchasing used vehicles, and if the price is “too good to be true,” it probably is. To provide an added layer of protection, request the sales transaction to be conducted at your local DMV to certify documentation. Additionally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free website to assist buyers in checking vehicle identification numbers (VINs) during transactions https://www.nicb.org/vincheck

As always, members of the public can report suspicious vehicle-related activity to VenCATT at (805) 662-2640.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also provide information regarding this case or other criminal activity and remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest are available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety and booking/call logs.