News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 15, 2022

SUBJECT: Click it or Ticket Campaign

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thu 7pm-5pm) | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

“Click It or Ticket” Campaign Reminds Californians
to Always Wear Their Seat Belt

Seat Belt Safety Campaign Runs Through Memorial Day

The Oxnard Police Department reminds everyone taking a trip to visit friends or family over the Memorial Day Weekend to always buckle up and keep children in child safety seats.

This year’s Click It or Ticket campaign is from May 22-June 4. During this time, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol actively looking for drivers and passengers who are not wearing a seat belt. This includes vehicles where children are not secured in child safety seats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 12,000 people killed in crashes throughout the country in 2021 were not wearing seat belts. In California, 756 people killed in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts, or nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths statewide.

California law requires a child to be secured in a safety or booster seat until they are at least 8 years old or at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall. Children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall.

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: May 13, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

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

Three impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint.

On May 13, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol – Ventura Office, held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Pleasant Valley Road, west of C Street. The operation resulted in three arrests for impaired driving and thirty-seven 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: May 12, 2023

SUBJECT: Three 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

Three 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 three store clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to minors on May 12, 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 12 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: May 12, 2023

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

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thurs 7AM-5PM) | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

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

The Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol – Ventura Office will have additional officers on patrol on Friday, May 12, 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: May 12, 2023

SUBJECT: Fatal Collision Involving Pedestrian

LOCATION: Oxnard Boulevard and Citrus Grove Lane

DRIVER: Johnathan Canseco, 26-year-old Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 2003 Ford Expedition

PEDESTRIAN: 65-year-old female (name withheld pending next of kin notification)

CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7750 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org

On May 11, 2023, at approximately 10:37 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Oxnard Boulevard and Citrus Grove Lane.

Upon arrival, officers located a female pedestrian severely injured in the roadway. Emergency medical personnel quickly transported the female to the Ventura County Medical Center; however, she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. The driver of the vehicle, Johnathan Canseco, remained at the scene of the collision.

The preliminary investigation revealed Canseco was traveling southbound on Oxnard Boulevard approaching Citrus Grove Lane when he struck the female pedestrian in the roadway, north of the intersection. Traffic investigators are currently examining the cause of the traffic collision and are still determining if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor. Witnesses, or anyone with information regarding this collision, are urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 385-7750 or via email at alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org.

If the inquiry is outside of the investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 11, 2023, 1:07 PM

SUBJECT: Stabbing

LOCATION: E.O. Green Junior High School

VICTIM: Juvenile, 13 years – Name withheld

SUSPECT: Juvenile, 14 years – Name withheld

CONTACT: Ryan Carey, Detective

(805) 486-6297 (Tue-Fri 7 AM-5 PM) | ryan.carey@oxnardpd.org (after hours)

On the above date and time, a stabbing occurred during dismissal at E.O. Green Junior High School between a 13-year-old student and a 14-year-old student during a fight. The 13-year-old was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 14-year-old has been taken into custody by the Oxnard police department.

Oxnard Police Department detectives are investigating the incident. Student safety is a priority for our schools and local law enforcement.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ryan Carey at (805) 486-6297 or ryan.carey@oxnardpd.org. You can stay anonymous if you'd like to.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department’s 24th Annual Memorial Ceremony
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
LOCATION:	251 South C Street, Oxnard, California
PREPARED BY:	Mike Thomas, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Mike Thomas (805) 385-8300 Michael.Thomas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, the Oxnard Police Department will be hosting its 24th Annual Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will occur in front of the Oxnard Police Department.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation that designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Decades later, the event became known as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week is from Sunday, May 14, 2023, to Saturday, May 20, 2023. During National Police Week, thousands of law enforcement officers and survivors travel to Washington D.C. and other parts of the United States to honor those officers that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our Memorial Ceremony will honor Oxnard’s seven fallen police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Each officer made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly wearing the badge of the Oxnard Police Department and bravely working to keep the City of Oxnard safe.

Our fallen Oxnard Police Officers are:

Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton

End of Watch – March 23, 1906

Constable William E. Kelley

End of Watch – August 20, 1921

Officer Albert Gasperetti

End of Watch – April 15, 1956

Officer Frederick J. Clark

End of Watch – October 12, 1971

Senior Officer John Adair

End of Watch – October 7, 1980

Officer James E. O’Brien

End of Watch – December 2, 1993

Officer James R. Jensen, Jr.

End of Watch – March 13, 1996

The ceremony is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend to honor our fallen police officers and pay tribute to all law enforcement officers who continue to serve.

Several streets surrounding the Oxnard Police Department will be closed beginning at 7:00 am until approximately 12:00 pm. Vehicle traffic will be diverted from the area and intersections will be controlled by police personnel. Motorists traveling through the area should expect minor delays and are asked to avoid the area if they are not attending the ceremony. The following intersections will be closed:

Northbound C Street from Fourth Street
Westbound Third Street from B Street
Eastbound Third Street from D Street
Southbound C Street from Second Street

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.

Paul Carganilla
Community Affairs Manager, Oxnard Police Department

(805)385-7631 | (805)342-8292 | www.oxnardpd.org

paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org | 251 South "C" Street

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 9, 2023

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police release Critical Incident Community Briefing video and

additional information

LOCATION: 235 East Seventh Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Alex Arnett, Commander

(805) 385-7620 (Mon-Thu 8AM-6PM) alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org (after hours)

The Oxnard Police Department is releasing a Critical Incident Community Briefing video of the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred at approximately 12:15 A.M. on Friday, April 28, 2023.

The public can view the Critical Incident Community Briefing video on the Oxnard Police Department’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rz2_jIvHBOM . The link to the Critical Incident Community Briefing video will also be available on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Viewer discretion is advised.

Officer Manuel Garcia was the officer involved in the shooting. He has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since April 2018 and is assigned to the Patrol Division. He is currently on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officers that are involved in incidents such as this. His return date is being established. Officer Garcia has not been involved in a previous shooting incident.

Chief Jason Benites stated: “The purpose of sharing this Critical Incident Community Briefing video is to provide an account of what occurred, including the sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting. Also, we hope that sharing this video will dispel any misinformation surrounding this incident. It is important to mention that the intent of this video is not to offer an opinion or analysis of what occurred. As part of our continued commitment to being transparent with our community, I believe it is important to share this video with you.”

The investigation is still ongoing. Detectives request that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755 or meagan.tobey@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 9, 2023

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Hit and Run Arrest

LOCATION: Kentia Street and Kumquat Street

CONTACT: Officer Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | Alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org

On December 25, 2022, at approximately 4:37 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a 13-year-old male bicyclist that was struck by a black Dodge Charger in the area of Kentia Street and Kumquat Street where the driver fled the area. It was believed that the driver was already fleeing from another hit and run and was being followed by the victim vehicle from that incident. The juvenile suffered significant injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for emergency care.

Initial investigation revealed that the driver of the black Dodge Charger may have been involved in additional crimes over the previous 24 hours. Officers were able to locate a vehicle and driver matching the description of the hit and run. The driver who was identified as Alexander Henry (29 years) was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs. The hit and run investigation was turned over to Investigators with the Traffic Unit.

After over four months of investigating, investigators were able to obtain sufficient evidence to arrest Henry of felony hit and run causing injury.

On May 9, 2023 at approximately 7:00 A.M., officers with the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit served a search warrant at Henry’s residence. Henry was arrested at the residence without incident. Henry was turned over to Traffic investigators and was arrested for the felony hit and run and was booked at the Ventura County Jail facility.

Witnesses, or anyone with information regarding this collision, are urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 200-5668 or via email at Alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 5, 2022

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Month

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thurs 7pm-5pm) | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Check Twice for Motorcycles: May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Oxnard, Calif. — During May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. Safe riding and driving practices, and a shared responsibility from all road users, will help everyone get to their destination safely.

Throughout the month, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct high visibility traffic operations.

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

Drivers

Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Lastly, both drivers and riders should never drive/ride distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

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