Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Brandishing of a firearm, Criminal Threats (Arrest)
DATE/TIME:	05-01-14 / 1709 Hours
LOCATION:	1300 Block of Commercial Ave, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	28 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hugo Cervantes, 25 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer Mike Wood
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Mike Wood / [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 05-01-14, at 1709 Hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a 911 call of fight involving a firearm in the 1300 block of Commercial Ave. Officers arrived on scene and learned this was a neighbor dispute where the suspect, Hugo Cervantes, had brandished a firearm towards the victim. During the incident, Cervantes threatened to kill the victim.

Officers contacted Cervantes and arrested him for 417(a)(2) PC (brandishing a deadly weapon) and 422 PC (criminal threats). The firearm allegedly used during the incident was also located at the scene and seized.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. at (805) 385-7600. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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:

05-01-14 at 2030 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision (Vehicle Versus Bicylist)
DATE/TIME:	5-12-14 / 1028 Hours
LOCATION:	“A” Street at Deodar Avenue
PARTY 1:	Magsie Polito, 75 years, Newbury Park resident
VEHICLE 1:	Silver 2012 Lexus RX350
PARTY 2:	Male, 63 years, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
VEHICLE 2:	Silver mountin bike
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Pena, (805) 385-7750, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5-12-14, at 1028 hours, officers and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of “A” Street and Deodar Avenue reference an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicylist.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the silver Lexus RX350 driven by Magsie Polito was traveling westbound on Deodar Avenue from Oxnard Boulevard. As the vehicle crossed “A” Street it collided with the male bicyclist. The male was ejected from the bicycle.

Responding EMS personnel attempted to resuscitate the bicyclist but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Excessive speed was not a factor in this collision.

Persons with informaiton regarding this collision should contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at (805) 385-7750.

The investigation is continuing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Victim
DATE/TIME:	6/27/14 1825 hours
LOCATION:	2100 block of North Ventura Rd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	42 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown male subject
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Mike Gregson
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]

DETAILS:
On June 27, 2014, at approximately 1825 hours, officers responded to a stabbing victim in the area of the 2100 block of North Ventura Road. Upon arrival they found the victim suffering from stab wounds to the abdomen and lower body. The victim was rushed to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery. The victim is currently listed in stable condition.

The suspect was described as a male subject who fled the area on foot.

An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/27/14 2200 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police to Deploy Additional Officers for DUI Enforcement During World Cup Soccer Games
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, June 29, 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Sunday, June 29^th, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will deploy additional officers who will conduct DUI enforcement during and after the scheduled World Cup soccer games.

The Oxnard Police Department wants fans to enjoy the games but think responsibly to avoid driving while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

Nationally in 2012, alcohol-impaired driving crashes took 10,322 lives. Californians witnessed 802 deaths in DUI crashes on their streets and highways. These crashes were 31 percent more likely to occur on weekends than on weekdays.

As a reminder, the fees and fines for a DUI conviction can be $10,000 or more. It can also lead to a suspended driver’s license and increased vehicle insurance premiums.

This added enforcement will be funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/28/14, 1200 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle/Possession of Narcotics for Sale
DATE/TIME:	7/4/14 12:01 a.m.
LOCATION:	“C” Street/Elm Street
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld, State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Marco Antonio Garcia, 30 year old resident of Oxnard Reina Nichole Gallardo, 26 year old resident of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Officer Garrett Knowles, (805) 385-7600 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Garrett Knowles, (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 07/04/14, at approximately 12:01 a.m., officers observed a stolen 1992 Honda Civic, with two occupants, driving southbound on “C” Street. A traffic stop was conducted and both occupants were taken into custody.

During the investigation, a large amount of narcotics was located on both occupants. It is believed that both subjects were in possession of the narcotics with the intent to distribute. In addition, narcotic paraphernalia was also located inside of the vehicle.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Officer Garrett Knowles at (805) 385-7600. 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: 7/4/14 6:45 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery at 7-Eleven
DATE/TIME:	Monday, July 7, 2014 at 10:05 p.m.
LOCATION:	7-Eleven convenience store located at 1955 S. Patterson Rd., Oxnard, CA
SUSPECT(S):	Male, 20s, 5’8”, 180 to 200 pounds, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau [email protected] (805) 385-7746
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau [email protected] (805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) On Monday, July 7, 2014, at about 10:05 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a call of an armed robbery at the 7-11 store located at 1955 S. Patterson Road in Oxnard. The store clerk told officers that a male entered the store, dressed in a black jacket, blue jeans and wearing a ski mask. The male brandished a weapon and demanded that the cash register be opened, in which the clerk complied. After he left the store the clerk called 911. The male is believe to be in his 20s, 5’8’, weighing anywhere from 180-200 pounds.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone witnessed this robbery or has any information about this case, please call the Oxnard Police Department’s Communication Center at (805) 385-7740. Your call will be answered at any time. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:July 8, 2014 at 4 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Vehicle Burglaries
DATE/TIME:	Various Dates & Times
LOCATION:	City Buffet at 1600 Ives Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Multiple
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell [email protected] (805) 385-7605
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez [email protected] (805) 385-7631

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif) In an effort to keep residents informed, engaged, and empowered to address crime trends, the Oxnard Police Department has identified a pattern in the area of the City Buffet, 1600 Ives Avenue, in the City of Oxnard.

The target vehicles belong to patrons that are left unlocked or with valuables left unattended in vehicles. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind and encourage community members to secure their vehicles and not leave valuables in plain sight. Community members are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department with information on any suspicious persons or activity.

Below we offer some tips to help prevent burglaries to your vehicle:

·         An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief – lock your vehicle before leaving it and take the keys.
·         Close all of the windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
·         Lock your vehicle even if you only make a brief stop at a gas station, store or mall.
·         At night, park in well-lit and active areas.
·         Keep your registration in your wallet or purse, not in the car.
·         Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. It can be stolen and used to return and enter your house (with an address they can obtain from any mailings in your vehicle).

This investigation is ongoing. If anyone has witnessed these incidents or has any information about this case, please call the Oxnard Police Department’s Communication Center at (805) 385-7740. Your call will be answered at any time – can be anonymous – and translators are available. In addition, you may also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, to report a crime anonymous.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 07/17/14, 12:30 pm.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession of handgun arrest
DATE/TIME:	7-17-14 /1830 hours
LOCATION:	“E” Street at Yucca Street
VICTIM(S):	State of CA
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Lopez, 22 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Bicycle
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 7-17-14, at 1830 hours, officers stopped Anthony Lopez, 22 years, Oxnard resident, for a traffic violation as Lopez rode his bicycle on “E” Street near Yucca Street. Officers conducted a search and found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in Lopez’ front pants pocked. Narcotics were also located. Lopez was arrested and charged for a number of weapons-related offenses including possessing a concealed loaded firearm. He was also charged for possessing the narcotics.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crime 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.

Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.ventura countycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date / Time Prepared: 7-17-14 / 2300 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 Juvenile in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	August 1, 2014/9:16 a.m.
LOCATION:	300 Block of Cuesta Del Mar
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	16 year old male; Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Denise Shadinger, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Denise Shadinger, Sergeant, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On August 1, 2014 at approximately 9:16 a.m., an officer was on patrol in the 300-400 block of Cuesta del Mar. The officer contacted a male juvenile, who immediately fled from the officer. The juvenile was detained after a brief foot pursuit. The juvenile discarded a loaded .22 caliber handgun during the foot pursuit.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crime 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.

Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website at http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 1, 2014/11:00 a.m.

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 Post Release Offender for hit and run, drug possession, and warrants
DATE/TIME:	Monday, August 11, 2014 at 7:49 p.m.
LOCATION:	Victoria Av. and Woolley Rd.
SUSPECT(S):	Lewis Avalos, 30 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White Cadillac CTS
PREPARED BY:	Scott Hebert, Commander

DETAILS:

On Monday August 11, 2014, at approximately 7:49 p.m., an Oxnard officer attempted to make a traffic stop on a driver who failed to stop at a stop sign at Hill St. and J St. When the officer turned around to stop the vehicle, the driver fled at a high rate of speed and drove in a reckless manner in an attempt to avoid police contact. The officer tried to catch up to the vehicle as it sped westbound on Woolley Rd. toward Victoria Av., but was unable to do so. When the officer got to the intersection of Woolley Rd. and Victoria Av., he found the suspect vehicle had crashed into another vehicle. The driver and a passenger fled from the vehicle, with the suspect being caught a short time later attempting to flee on foot in an adjacent residential neighborhood. The passenger was not located. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the traffic collision was not injured.

The suspect in this incident, Lewis Avalos, was arrested for hit and run, resisting arrest, drug possession, and outstanding warrants. One of the warrants was for failing to report to probation as a condition of the Post Release Offender (PRO) program.

The Post Release Offender Program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

Persons with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 11, 2014 at 11:30 p.m.