News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 13, 2023 (8:49 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Driver and Passenger Arrested for Firearms Violations

SUSPECTS: Abel Mendozacruz, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

Raymond Moreno, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2000 blk. E Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

On September 13, at approximately 8:49 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 2000 blk. of E. Pleasant Valley Rd. As officers approached the vehicle to make contact with the driver, a handgun was observed in plain view on the back seat. None of the occupants claimed ownership of the handgun. Officers removed the occupants from the vehicle and confiscated the firearm, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Mendozacruz, a rear passenger in the vehicle, was arrested for possessing the handgun.

Officers continued to search the vehicle and located a loaded Glock .45 caliber handgun that was concealed in the vehicle. The driver, Raymond Moreno, was arrested for possessing the loaded and concealed Glock handgun. Moreno and Mendozacruz were both arrested for firearms violations and booked into Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 9, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Six impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On September 8, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Rose Avenue, south of Tiesa Lane. The operation resulted in six arrests for impaired driving, two arrests for driving on a suspended license for DUI, and twenty-four citations.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 11, 2023

SUBJECT: Man arrested for gunfire and arson inside apartment

SUSPECTS: Joseph Grijalva, 47-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 3700 block of Ketch Avenue

CONTACT: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 (Sun-Wed 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.) [email protected]

On Monday, September 11, 2023, at about 8:40 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Ketch Avenue after firefighters reported hearing gunfire from an upstairs apartment after answering a structure fire call inside the same unit.

Police evacuated the apartment complex, and a perimeter was formed. Neighboring residents were advised to stay inside. The man, who lived alone, Joseph Grijalva, surrendered to police after an hour-long standoff. No one was injured.

It was believed that Grijalva, who lived on the top floor of the apartment complex, had set a trashcan inside the unit on fire and shot rounds into the ceiling.

Grijalva was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, negligent discharge of a firearm, and arson. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

Investigators served a search warrant at the unit and seized several weapons and ammunition, including a 12-gauge shotgun, two 25-caliber pistols, and a semi-automatic rifle with a suppressor.

Police will seek a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) that allows law enforcement to work with courts to temporarily remove guns and prevent the purchase of new firearms by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. GVRO offers families of loved ones, household members, and law enforcement a judicial pathway for temporarily removing firearms and prohibiting future gun purchases for the duration of the order.

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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org, to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 8, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Gilberto Camacho, 43 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2000 block of Santa Lucia Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7620 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed an investigation of alleged narcotic sales committed by Gilberto Camacho, a 43 year-old resident residing in the Rose Park neighborhood of Oxnard. DEU detectives obtained sufficient evidence to secure a search warrant at Camacho’s residence, located in the 2000 block of Santa Lucia Avenue.

On September 8^th, 2023, DEU detectives, with the assistance of patrol officers and the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), executed the search warrant at Camacho’s residence. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with evidence of narcotic sales and U.S. currency.

The amount of suspected fentanyl seized allows for the consumption of over 1,000 doses. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller.”

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit is comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officer(s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard. 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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Gilberto Camacho.JPG

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 8, 2023 (4:21 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Passenger Tosses P80 Handgun During Police Pursuit

SUSPECTS: Eduardo Arreola, 47-year-old Oxnard resident

Marisela Suarez, 30-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Vineyard Ave. at Kentia St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On September 8, at approximately 4:21 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Vineyard Ave. and Kentia St. Officers contacted the driver who was identified as Eduardo Arreola. As officers contacted Arreola regarding the traffic violations, Arreola sped away from the officers and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit traveled through the Sierra Linda and Fremont North neighborhoods. During the pursuit three passengers fled from the vehicle. One of the passengers, identified as Marisela Suarez, was apprehended on Ventura Rd. north of Gonzales Rd.

Suspect Arreola continued to attempt to evade officers until his vehicle became disabled on Kelp Ln. north of Wooley Rd. Arreola was taken into custody at the conclusion of the pursuit without incident, and charged with felony evading. The Oxnard Police Dispatch Center received a call from a resident that observed one of the passengers discard a handgun from the vehicle during the pursuit. Officers interviewed the resident and also recovered video that showed the handgun being tossed from Arreola’s vehicle.

Marisela Suarez was identified as the suspect that discarded the handgun from the vehicle. Upon further inspection of the firearm, officers determined it was a loaded 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. This Polymer 80 handgun was modified with a threaded pistol barrel, capable of accepting a flash suppressor, or silencer and fit the definition of “assault weapon”, an additional felony. Suarez was searched incident to her arrest and was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Arreola was charged with reckless evading and Suarez was charged with firearm and narcotics violations. Arreola and Suarez were booked into Ventura County Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 7, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Matthew Marquez, 19 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 500 block of West Vineyard Avenue

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) concluded an investigation into the sales of narcotics committed by Matthew Marquez, a 19 year-old Oxnard resident. On September 7^th, 2023, DEU detectives gathered enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for Marquez’s residence. With the assistance of patrol officers, DEU detectives located over 1400 Alprazolam “Xanax” pills at the residence. Marquez was charged with possession for sale of a controlled substance and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office – Pretrial Detention Facility.

Matthew Marquez.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 8, 2023

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

CONTACT: Alvaro Pulido, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on Friday, September 8, 2023, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint 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: September 6, 2023 (2:03 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested for Carrying a Concealed Handgun

SUSPECTS: Cristobal Lopez, 23-year-old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: Bard at Park Ave.

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On September 6, at approximately 2:03 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed suspect Cristobal Lopez near the intersection of Bard Rd. and Park Ave. The officers were aware that Lopez had a previous firearms conviction and that he was on court ordered probation. Officers made contact with Lopez and confirmed the terms of Lopez’ probation. Due to the previous firearms conviction, Lopez was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Officers conducted a search of Lopez and located a loaded revolver that was concealed on Lopez’ person. The firearm was confiscated and Lopez was arrested for the violation.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 3, 2023

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers on patrol September 3, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. looking specifically for violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.

The top primary crash factors for motorcycles are unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. Speeding is the most common, accounting for nearly a third of all crashes in the state.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

· Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

· Use your signal when changing lanes.

· Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

· When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists

· Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear.

· Consider adding reflective tape to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

· Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

· Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

· Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic.

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: Septemer 1, 2023

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: 1940 North H Street, Oxnard

VICTIM: 31-Year-Old Male, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Ricardo Vega

(805) 385-8291 | [email protected]

On September 1, 2023, at approximately 8:29 PM, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim located in the 1900 block of North H Street. Officers and EMS personnel arrived on the scene and located a 31-year-old male suffering from what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to his head. The subject was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Ricard Vega at 805-385-8291 or by email at [email protected].

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.