Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery and Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	October 30, 2015
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Maldonado, 18 year old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett [email protected] (805) 486-6211

DETAILS:

On 2/11/15, Oxnard police officers responded to a report of a carjacking in the 3100 block of Clinton Street. The officers spoke to the victims of the carjacking and learned that the suspect used a shotgun during the commission of the crime. The suspect, described as a Hispanic male with tattoos on his arms, robbed the victims of their vehicle and other personal property.

On 2/16/15, Oxnard police officers took another report of a robbery and carjacking. The victims told officers that the suspect brandished a firearm at them. The suspect then told the victims to drive him to an area near Channel Island Boulevard and J Street, in Oxnard. At that location, the suspect robbed the victims of their personal property and of their car, which was described as a Cadillac CTS. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male with a tattoo on his neck and arms.

On 2/17/15, an alert Oxnard police officer noticed the carjacked Cadillac CTS driving ahead of him. The officer attempted to stop the stolen vehicle, but the driver of the stolen vehicle failed to stop and led officers on a vehicle pursuit. The driver of the stolen vehicle lost control during the vehicle pursuit and collided with a power pole. The driver, 18 year old Salvador Maldonado, was arrested after trying to flee on foot. Maldonado was charged with driving a stolen vehicle, attempting to evade the police and for being in possession of methamphetamine. Maldonado had tattoos on both his arms and his neck, and is a member of an Oxnard criminal street gang.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) investigated the robbery and carjacking cases. During the investigation, VCU investigators were able to positively identify Maldonado as the suspect who committed the crimes on 2/11/15 and 2/16/15. Maldonado was charged with the two incidents of robbery and carjacking.

On 10/30/15 at the Ventura County Superior Court, Salvador Maldonado pled guilty to several counts of robbery and carjacking. Maldonado was sentenced to 24 years and 8 months in prison for his crimes.

This is another great example of the hard work and dedication by the officers and investigators of the Oxnard Police Department, as well as the collaborative effort between members of the community, crime victims and the District Attorney’s Office.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felony Wanted Subject
DATE/TIME:	November 24, 2015
LOCATION:	100 Block of Fontana Drive, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):	Armando Arias (23 years), Oxnard resident



PREPARED BY:	Commander Kevin Baysinger
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Kevin Baysinger, 385-8290 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 24 at approximately 0945, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 100 Block of Fontana Drive and attempted to arrest Post Release Offender (PRO) Armando Arias, who had an outstanding felony warrant for a violation of his PRO status.

As officers began searching the residence, they believed Arias fled to a crawl space under the residence. Officers located a firearm in Arias’ bedroom and believed he may have been armed.

The Oxnard Police Department’s SWAT team responded, and made several efforts to gain Arias’ compliance. Chemical agent was introduced into the residence. A short time later a structure fire began; the Oxnard Fire Department was staged nearby and responded immediately and began firefighting efforts.

Sometime during the incident Arias had escaped. He turned himself in to the Camarillo Police Department after the incident.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Theft
DATE/TIME:	01/08/16
LOCATION:	Whole Foods, Oxnard Target, Ventura
VICTIM(S):	64 year old female
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Female, Age 50 White Male, Age 55
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2008 White Nissan Versa
LOSS:	$20,700.00
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell [email protected]

DETAILS:On January 8, 2016 at approximately 3:35 pm, a 64 year old female victim reported that she was shopping at Whole Foods in Oxnard, CA when a female suspect approached her and distracted her while a male suspect stole the victim’s purse. The purse contained the victim’s cell phone, credit cards, and cash. The suspects then went to two Target Stores in Ventura, CA and used the victim’s credit card to charge $20,000 in gift cards.

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects. Their photos are attached and they are believed to be driving a white, 2008 Nissan Versa. If anyone has information about these suspects, please contact Detective Lucy Buttell at 805-385-7594 or [email protected].

Anyone with information can contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at
(805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Illegal Vendor Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	8-15-09 1200-1700 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard (Citywide)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Ricardo Vazquez, 385-7976

DETAILS:

On August 15, 2009, the Oxnard Police Department and the City of Oxnard Code Compliance conducted an illegal vendor enforcement operation in the City of Oxnard. This operation was in response to numerous complaints from residents about illegal vendors in the community. This was the second illegal vending enforcement operation in 2009. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department and City of Oxnard Code Compliance were assisted by citizens from the Volunteers in Policing Program.

Officers contacted several illegal vendors; numerous citations were issued and several subjects were arrested. The following are the results of the enforcement operation:

Three suspects were arrested for possession of counterfeit DVD’s and CD’s. Over 500 counterfeit DVD’s and CD’s were confiscated. Investigators from the Motion Picture Association of America were notified and will be assisting with the investigation.
Nine citations were issued for violations of Oxnard City Ordinance 11-4(a): Business License Required and Oxnard City Ordinance 11-45(a): Health Permit Required. Six citations were issued to car wash vendors and three were issued to food vendors. An inspector from Ventura County Environmental Health also issued 3 warnings to subjects regarding unhealthful business practices.
Four citations were issued to car wash vendors for violation of Oxnard City Ordinance 22-218(b): Wastewater Containment System Required. It is now a requirement for car wash vendors to have a containment system to collect wastewater so it does not drain into the sewer system and eventually to the ocean. Two car wash vendors were also issued citations for driving without a license.

DATE: August 1, 2009

City of Oxnard Takes A Stand Against Crime and Violence, Joins Communities Across the Country to Mark October As Crime Prevention Month

[Oxnard, CA] – The Oxnard Police Department is taking a stand against crime, and challenges the entire community to get involved in preventing crime.

As part of the Celebrate Safe Communities initiative, The Oxnard Police Department organized its Crime Prevention Fair to show it makes crime prevention a priority. The event will also be an opportunity to get to know and recognize those law enforcement and individuals who work tirelessly to eradicate crime and violence. The fair will take place on October 3rd, from 10am to 3pm in the parking lot adjacent to Ralph’s Supermarket, located at 3443 Saviers Rd.

The Crime Prevention Fair will introduce the community to crime prevention programs that are run by the Oxnard Police Department, as well as other programs and assistance organizations in the community. The fair will also have plenty of food, music, and free giveaways for children.

The Celebrate Safe Communities initiative is a new project designed to kick off Crime Prevention month by promoting successful local law enforcement and community partnerships. The initiative will begin October 2-4, 2008. The National CSC partners include National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), which is providing funding support.

“Crime prevention is a vital investment we must make. It is our promise to our community that we will work to reduce the number of people victimized by crime and that we will continue to make our Community safer from crime.”-Senior Officer Mike Marostica

Since 1972, NSA has managed the Neighborhood Watch program and has acted as the primary source for information and technical assistance for local law enforcement agencies as it relates to Neighborhood Watch. NSA’s USAonWatch (UOW) -Neighborhood Watch works to enhance, expand, and revitalize watch programs throughout the country. For over 36 years NSA has provided support and resources to local law enforcement agencies and citizens about Neighborhood Watch.

In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council, the nation’s leader in preventing crime, designated October as Crime Prevention Month. The month-long commemoration reflects the adage that prevention pays off. NCPC strongly believes that citizen involvement in crime prevention can and has played a vital role in helping many communities stay safe.

Since 1980, McGruff the Crime Dog has been the icon of crime prevention and the symbol of NCPC’s work nationwide. Together NCPC and McGruff have helped communities spread the prevention word through trainings, mass media, demonstration programs, conferences, publications, and numerous partnerships. Crime Prevention Month 2008 recognizes successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels to generate interest and enthusiasm for prevention efforts to continue to grow even stronger and become more widespread.

NCPC, NSA, BJA and The Oxnard Police Department are proud to work together to “Take A Bite Out of Crime.”

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics for Sales Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/27/2009 at 1100
LOCATION:	Hill Street at J Street
VICTIM/S:	State of California
SUSPECT/S:	David Anthony Stewart, 42 years, of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Officer Miguel Martinez

DETAILS:

A routine traffic stop of a bicyclist resulted in an arrest for possession of marijuana for sales.

On 10-27-2009, at approximately 1100 hours, Officers Miguel Martinez and William Swisher conducted a traffic stop on David Anthony Stewart for riding his bicycle on a pedestrian sidewalk, a violation of section 7-132(D) of the Oxnard City Code.

During the contact with Stewart, he was found to be in possession of marijuana packaged for sales along with several prescription medications not prescribed to him. He was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales and possession of prescription medication without a prescription. An undisclosed quantity of U.S. currency was also seized from Stewart. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Three Suspects Arrested in Massage Business Murder
DATE/TIME:	03/12/2010 / 1600 hours
LOCATION:	Various Locations in Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Sun Cha Kays, 59 years, of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Ochoa, 26 years, of Oxnard Gabriel Lopez, 21 years, of Oxnard 17 year-old male, of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jeff Kay, Major Crimes Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Major Crimes Supervisor – [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 3-12-2010 at approximately 1600 hours, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit and officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit served three arrest warrants for the February 19, 2010 murder of Oxnard resident, Sun Cha Kays.

Jose Ochoa, Gabriel Lopez, and a 17 year-old juvenile suspect were arrested on the outstanding warrants. Ochoa was arrested by detectives at the Ventura County Jail while Lopez and the juvenile were arrested at two different locations in Oxnard. All arrests were made without incident.

As this case is still under investigation, the roles each suspect played in the murder of Ms. Kays will not be disclosed at this time.

Ochoa and Lopez were booked into Ventura County Jail for murder. The juvenile was booked into Ventura County Juvenile Hall for murder. All are currently being held without bail.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Circumstances
DATE/TIME:	#1. April 17, 2010, 4:25 pm #2. April 21, 2010, 3:30 pm
LOCATION:	#1. 2000 block of North Ventura Road #2. Intersection of Cabrillo Street and Gallatin Street
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	#1. Black male, unknown age, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with black pants and black glasses. He also had on black slip-on Vans Tennis shoes #2. Black male in his mid 30’s, dark hair and eyes, with a shaved head and wide nose. He was wearing a white t-shirt
WITNESS(ES):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	#1. Black 2001 Mercedes E320, two-door, unknown license plate. #2. Grey newer four door Honda, unknown license plate.
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	TW Lumas, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

In the past few days there have been two incidents in which young children were contacted by an individual while walking down the street.

The first incident occurred April 17th at 4:25 pm and involved a 12 year old girl who was approached in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road. The suspect approached her on foot and asked her to come with him. She declined to do so and the suspect returned to his vehicle and drove away. The suspect was described as a black male, unknown age, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with black pants and black glasses. He also had on black slip-on Vans Tennis shoes. The vehicle was described as a black 2001 Mercedes E320, two-door, with an unknown license plate.

On April 21st at 3:30 pm an eight year old boy was playing near the intersection of Cabrillo and Gallatin when he saw a four door vehicle with dark windows, driver side window rolled down parked along the road. The driver asked if he wanted a ride home. The victim replied no and ran home. The victim described the suspect as a black male in his mid 30’s, dark hair and eyes, with a shaved head and wide nose. He was wearing a white t-shirt and driving a newer four door Honda, grey in color with an unknown license plate.

Parents are encouraged to remind their children to avoid contact with strangers and to report such incidents to their parents, police, and school officials (if it occurs while the student is walking to or from school).

Oxnard patrol officers and school resource officers are being extra diligent in keeping an eye out for such incidents.

Anyone with any information about these incidents is asked to contact Oxnard Police Department 385-7740 and or Crime Tip Hotline, 805-486-8362.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	OXNARD POLICE WILL DEPLOY SPECIAL DUI ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONSDURING FINAL NBA CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES
DATE/TIME:	June 13th, 2010 1700-0100 June 15th, 2010 1800-2400 June 17^th, 2010 1700-2400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator(805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will have several officers conducting DUI saturation patrol in Oxnard on Sunday, June 13th from 5:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M. in conjunction with the NBA World Championship Game 5.

The Oxnard Police Department will also conduct a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Tuesday, June 15th, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight during game 6 of the NBA championship series.

In the event that the series goes to a 7^th and final game on Thursday, June 17th, several officers will also be deployed that night to conduct DUI enforcement between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and midnight.

The Oxnard Police Department wants fans to enjoy the games, but to be responsible and make the right decision to not drink and drive. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or call a friend. Additionally, the average cost of a first time DUI conviction in Ventura County is well over $10,000 which includes fines, court costs, lawyer expenses, court ordered DUI Classes, lost time from work, and insurance rates that will skyrocket. Driver’s license suspension and time in jail are also likely to follow a DUI conviction.

So far this year, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested over 400 DUI drivers and remains committed to its ‘Zero Tolerance, DUI Campaign.’ The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these checkpoints and DUI enforcement operations which are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

We also remind everyone that if you see a Drunk Driver, Call 911. This is an easily preventable crime – drive sober, and drive safely!

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/11/10, 1830 hours

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery/ Stolen Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	06/14/10, 2030 hrs
LOCATION:	501 Johnson Rd.,-Johnson Creek Park
VICTIM(S):	20 year old Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	(3) Hispanic males, 18-22 years old
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Cell phone and personal vehicle
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell, 385-7665

DETAILS:

The victim reported that, on 06/14/10, at approximately 2030 hours, he was walking on the north side of Johnson Creek Park when he was confronted by (3) Hispanic male suspects, all armed with handguns. The suspects demanded money, then took property from the victim, including keys to his personal vehicle. The victim later discovered that his vehicle was stolen.

An investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Chip Buttell at 385-7665 or Ventura County Crimestoppers at 385-8255.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 06/15/10, 0532 hours