Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Marijuana extraction lab Possession of Marijuana for sales Child Endangerment
DATE/TIME:	10-29-14 1100 hours
LOCATION:	400 Blk Valmore Ave, Ventura Ca.


SUSPECT(S):	Rudy Rico 30 years of age
WITNESS(ES):	n/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	n/a
LOSS:	n/a
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective James Langford 805 385 7638 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 10-29-14, detectives from the West county narcotic task force concluded an investigation with a search warrant service at a home in the 400 block of Valmore in the city of Ventura. Detectives had information that a resident at this location was suspected of having a concentrated cannabis “honey oil” extraction lab inside of it.

Upon entry into the location, detectives immediately noticed indications of an extraction lab. They seized almost two ounces of marijuana extract (honey oil) and one pound of marijuana. Detectives contacted the suspect, Rudy Rico, away from the home and was later arrested and transported to the Ventura County Jail. During the search of the residence, detectives also learned that three young children and their mother also lived there and Child Protective Services were called out to the location. All three children were removed from the home and taken into protective custody.

During the service of the search warrant, detectives asked for the assistance of the City of Ventura Fire department since there was a possibility of an extraction lab. These types of labs have become popular but are very dangerous. These types of processes use flammable gas to extract the THC from the marijuana and if done in a confined area can be extremely dangerous.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-29-14 1100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary and Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	11-14-14, 2000 hours
LOCATION:	700 Block of Ivywood Drive
VICTIM(S):	20-Year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Suspect #1 – Andrew Acosta, 19-year old Oxnard resident Suspect #2 – David Velez, 20-year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jared Schmelter, Special Enforcement Unit [email protected], (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Moses Martinez, Special Enforcement Unit [email protected], (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 11-14-14, at approximately 2000 hours, members of the Special Enforcement Unit were deployed in the area of Ivywood Drive and “F” Street when they saw a subject breaking into the garage of a residence in the 700 Block of Ivywood Drive. Additional Special Enforcement Unit officers responded and found the subject, later identified as 19-year old Andrew Acosta, hiding inside the garage. Acosta attempted to flee but was immediately taken into custody. Acosta was found in possession of several burglary tools and narcotics paraphernalia. A records check indicated that Acosta was on probation for burglary-related offenses.

During the investigation, 20-year old David Velez was contacted at the residence. Velez was in possession of a semi-automatic handgun. Velez is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm. Velez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm not registered to him.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11-14-14, 2310 hours.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of Armed DUI Driver Following Pursuit and Hit and Run Collision
DATE/TIME:	January 7, 2015 / 1525 Hours
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road @ Snow Avenue
SUSPECT:	Jony Ayala, 27 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Black, 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On January 7, 2015, at approximately 3:25 p.m., an Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officer conducted an enforcement stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Oxnard Boulevard and Gonzales Road. The vehicle, a black 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse driven by 27 year old suspect Jony Ayala, had been observed speeding on Oxnard Boulevard prior to the stop. Immediately after the officer dismounted his motorcycle to approach the vehicle, Ayala accelerated away from the stop traveling eastbound on Gonzales Road at a high rate of speed. At the same time, several students from Pacifica High School had just been dismissed for the day and were walking in the area as Ayala attempted to evade the officer.

As the officer followed the Mitsubishi on Gonzales Road, it traveled erratically around and through congested traffic. When the vehicle reached the intersection of Gonzales Road and Snow Avenue, it approached several vehicles that were stopped for a red light. Due to traveling at excessive speed, Ayala was unable to stop before colliding into the rear of a Toyota Camry. This impact caused the Toyota to rear end a GMC pickup truck. Following the collision, Ayala fled from the vehicle on foot and headed into a residential neighborhood.

The Traffic Officer was able to apprehend Ayala a short distance away. During a search of the Mitsubishi, officers found a loaded handgun and narcotics. Ayala was also discovered to have been driving with a suspended driver’s license and while under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. Ayala, who is a convicted felon, was booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of DUI, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of narcotics, evading, outstanding warrants and fleeing the scene of a collision.

The female driver of the Toyota and the four occupants of the GMC truck were uninjured as a result of the collision.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 7, 2015 / 1945 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Related Search Warrant
DATE/TIME:	1/22/15 at approximately 1420 hours
LOCATION:	500 block of Pacific Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	James Tellez, 41 years of age Cecelia Calderon, 34 years of age
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Mike Johnson
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 1/22/15 at approximately 1420 hours, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department, along with members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.), served a gang related search warrant at a commercial business in the 500 block of Pacific Avenue. The warrant was in response to an ongoing investigation related to firearm and narcotic activity.

During the service of the warrant, several subjects with gang affiliation were detained. During the subsequent search of the business, firearms, narcotics, evidence of narcotics sales, and a marijuana grow were located. James Tellez, 41 years, Oxnard resident and Cecelia Calderon, 34 years, Oxnard resident were ultimately arrested for narcotics related offenses. The investigation is continuing and future arrests related to the search are expected.

The Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

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 you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477.

You can also provide information by going to the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website, which is http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/22/15 2230 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Operation Safer and Stronger – Firearms Strike Team (FAST) – Post Release Offender(PRO) and Serious Habitual Offender (SHO) Efforts
DATE/TIME:	January 2015
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Andrew Salinas (805) 385-7756 [email protected]

DETAILS: At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team(FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST was to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement. In 2014, Oxnard officers made one-hundred and six(106) firearms-related arrests. This also included an additional two hundred and forty (240) firearms that were seized and essentially taken off the street.

After a successful 2014 that saw the Oxnard Police Department devote considerable resources to combat firearms violence, we have continued our efforts in January. During the month of January, the Oxnard Police Department seized fifteen (15) firearms through directed patrols, search warrants, and calls for service resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals.

In January, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department recovered a modified .22 caliber rifle that had been discarded in the wetlands, located near the dead-end of Perkins Road. The manner in which this weapon was discarded is indicative of someone who did not want the weapon to be discovered. This rifle had been modified, making it easier to conceal. Investigators have concluded when a firearm is discarded in this manner, it is likely that it has been used in a violent crime. Our detectives are currently processing this rifle and checking to see if it has been used in any crimes in our city.
On January 8, 2015, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit attempted to stop a vehicle for a moving violation. A vehicle pursuit ensued with the occupants fleeing the vehicle on Saviers Road near Santa Clara High School. Officers gave chase and captured one of the suspects within 1000 feet of Santa Clara High which was still populated with students after school. Officers recovered a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun in the subject’s pants pocket. The suspect was a 16 year old juvenile who was a documented Sur Town criminal street gang member.

The importance of this initiative has been magnified as the City of Oxnard continues to address issues associated with the Post Release Offender (PRO) Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the “2011 Public Safety Realignment”), which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The City of Oxnard has approximately two-hundred and twenty-seven (227) of these PRO offenders currently residing within our jurisdiction. This represents approx. 35.5% of the PRO population living in Ventura County. The Oxnard Police Department made twenty-six (26) felony arrests of PRO offenders during the month of January. These PRO offenders often have serious and violent criminal backgrounds that are not considered prior to release under AB 109. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense(prior convictions are not considered).

On January 15, 2015, officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) observed a wanted person in a vehicle. The wanted person, 25 year old Mario Hernandez, had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. Hernandez fled but was apprehended a short distance away. Hernandez discarded an object as he tried to flee from the officers which was found to be a sawed off shotgun. Hernandez was arrested for the outstanding felony warrant related to a carjacking case, and he was also charged with numerous firearms violations. Hernandez had a prior conviction for carrying a loaded firearm.
On January 15, 2015, a K9 officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a moving violation. A vehicle pursuit ensued for several miles at which time the driver fled from the vehicle discarding several items including a loaded .44 Magnum revolver. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Gilbert Espinosa, a POST Release Offender and a documented Southside gang member.

In conjunction with the Post Release Offender Program, the Oxnard Police Department has been targeting repeat offenders through its Serious Habitual Offender Program, also known as SHO. SHO is a cooperative and collaborative effort with the Ventura County Probation Agency to provide enhanced supervision and oversight of post-release serious habitual offenders. This effort seeks to reduce crime by focusing law enforcement resources on recidivist offenders meeting the criteria of the SHO project as set forth by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The City of Oxnard has approximately 189 offenders who meet the criteria under the SHO project. The Oxnard Police Department made 27 SHO arrests during the month of January which included 15 felonies and 12 misdemeanors. These operations are funded by a California state grant for supervising post-release and serious habitual offenders, due to state prison realignment.

On January 29, 2015, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were in the 500 block of Vineyard Avenue due to an increase in thefts in the area. This increased patrol was made possible by the SHO program whose focus is to reduce crime through enhanced and directed enforcement. Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle and found the driver was on parole for burglary and the passenger was on probation for burglary. The passenger, Miguel Oliverio, was determined to be a Serious Habitual Offender. A search of the vehicle discovered stolen property from dozens of burglaries from the City of Oxnard and City of Ventura. Miguel Oliverio was arrested for multiple counts of burglary.

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.

Date Prepared: February 6, 2015, 0900 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery and Carjacking Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	2/17/15 at approximately 0400 hours
LOCATION:	200 block of North D Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	David Cabanas, 24 year old Oxnard resident 17 year old juvenile Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jonathan Ballow (805) 288-3289 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 2/16/15 at approximately 1500 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery with a firearm in the 1300 block of California Street. The suspect robbed the victim of his cellphone and fled the area after threatening to harm the suspect if he called the police.

Approximately 30 minutes later, the same suspect approached two residents in the 200 block of Spruce Street and robbed them at gunpoint. The suspect took the victim’s grey four-door Cadillac, and other valued property.

On 2/17/15 at approximately 0400 hours, an Oxnard police officer was patrolling the 200 block of North D Street when the officer noticed a speeding vehicle. The officer saw that the vehicle was the grey four-door Cadillac, which was taken during the robbery on Spruce Street.

The patrol officer caught up to the stolen vehicle, which attempted to briefly elude the officer. The driver of the stolen vehicle, a 17 year old Oxnard resident, was unable to control the vehicle and collided with the power pole. The driver and passenger, a 24 year old Oxnard resident identified as David Cabanas, fled from the vehicle. The 17 year old driver was quickly apprehanded by the first patrol officer. Cabanas was located and arrested while attempting to hide from patrol officers a short distance away.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) investigated both robberies. Investigators were able to gather enough evidence to arrest the 17 year old for the first armed robbery, as well as the subsequent carjacking and robbery. The 17 year old is being charged with robbery with a firearm, carjacking, miscellaneous narcotics charges, and a special allegation that the crimes were committed for the benifit of a criminal street gang.

Cabanas, who is a documented Oxnard gang member, was charged with several violations of the gang injunction, miscellaneous narcotics charges, identity theft, and possession of stolen property.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding this incident or similar incidents are encouraged to contact Detective Jonathan Ballow at (805) 288-3289. If you wish to remain annonymous you can call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura 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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Battery on a Peace Officer
DATE/TIME:	3/18/2015 9:05 p.m.
LOCATION:	5300 block of J Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Three Oxnard Police Officers
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Barajas, 27 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Neail Holland
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department, Watch Commander (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On March 18, 2015, at approx. 9:05 p.m., the Oxnard Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from a resident in the 5300 block of S. “J” Street who was reporting that a family member had overdosed on an unknown drug. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were dispatched but upon their arrival, the subject had become combative with family members and the Oxnard Police Department was requested to respond.

Two Oxnard Police Officers and an Oxnard Police Sergeant arrived at the residence and contacted 27-year old Jesus Barajas in an upstairs bathroom. One of the officers had previously received Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training and was able to talk with Barajas to calm him down. Believing the situation was under control, EMS personnel were summoned into the residence. Immediately, and without provocation, Barajas charged at an officer in an attempt to tackle him to the ground and was able to remove one of the officer’s folding knives.

During the next several minutes, officers struggled with Barajas who was actively fighting. Barajas was able to kick one of the officers in the face and bite another officer. An Electronic Control Device (Taser) was utilized several times but had little effect on Barajas. Officers were finally able to restrain Barajas while EMS personnel administered three (3) separate doses of a sedative before he could be handcuffed and taken into custody.

Barajas was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated before being booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Two officers were transported to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. One officer sustained a minor cut and was treated at the scene.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/19/2015, 0700 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim, Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	April 29, 2015 1151 Hours
LOCATION:	4700 Block of Cloyne Street
VICTIM(S):	21 Year Old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	17 Year Old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jonathan Ballow (805) 288-3289 [email protected]

DETAILS:On 4/29/15 at approximately 1151 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to the 4700 block of Cloyne Street reference a shooting victim. When officers arrived, they located a 21 year old Oxnard resident with a gunshot wound to his lower left leg. The shooting victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in serious condition, but the wound is not considered life threatening.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the scene to investigate the shooting. During the course of the investigation, investigators gathered enough evidence and information to identify the shooting suspect. The suspect was identified as a 17 year old Oxnard resident.

At approximately 1630 hours, officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and VCU investigators served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, located in the 700 block of Helena Court. During the search warrant service, the suspect was contacted and arrested. The juvenile was transported to the Oxnard Police Department and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.

If you witnessed the incident or have information to assist with the investigation, you are encouraged to call Detective Johnathan Ballow at (805) 288-3289. You can also provide information anonymously by calling 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:April 29, 2015 1921 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	April 30, 2015 2:36 a.m.
LOCATION:	4800 block of South Rose Avenue
VICTIM(S):	24-year old Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On April 30, 2015 at approximately 2:36 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a possible shooting victim in the 4800 block of South Rose Avenue. When officers arrived they located a vehicle that had driven into a business. Officers found a male subject in the vehicle that was unresponsive. Emergency Medical personnel arrived to provide aid to the victim but he ultimately died as a result of a gunshot wound.

The victim was a 24-year old Oxnard resident. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. This is Oxnard’s fourth homicide of the year. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/30/15, 0900 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member in possession of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	June 27, 2015 / 11:30pm
LOCATION:	Rose Ave. @ Fifth St.
SUSPECT(S):	Jorge Gonzalez (33)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1999 Nissan Maxima
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:On Saturday, June 27, 2015, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit/ Gang Unit were conducting uniformed enforcement in the area of Rose Avenue and Fifth Street in response to a recent shooting that occurred on the 21st. At approximately 11:30pm officers stopped a 1999 Nissan Maxima for a traffic violation. Several of the vehicle’s occupants were determined to be on probation including one of the passengers, 33 year old Oxnard resident Jorge Gonzalez. During a search of the vehicle officers located a loaded .38 caliber revolver concealed next to Gonzalez’s seat. Gonzales is a member of an Oxnard street gang and is prohibited from possessing firearms under California law. Gonzalez was arrested for several weapons violations and booked into the Ventura County Jail. A 27 year old female passenger was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang and firearms violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the City. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witness to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 28, 2015 / 12:30am