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 Parole Violation
DATE/TIME:	July 8, 2015 @ 1:40PM
LOCATION:	Mariposa Street @ Bluebell Street

SUSPECT(S):	Vaughnell Washington, 19 years, Oxnard resident Jose Meza, 24 years, Oxnard resident



PREPARED BY:	Officer Moses Martinez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805) 385-8289

DETAILS:

On July 8, 2015, at about 1:40 pm members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit / Gang Unit, contacted three males in the area of Mariposa Street @ Bluebell Street. During the contact Vaughnell Washington was found to be in possession of a concealed and loaded .25 cal pistol. Washington is a documented Westside Gangster Crip. Washington was arrested for several firearm violations. Also with Washington, was Jose Meza, a documented Westside Gangster Crip. Meza is currently on CDC parole for 459 PC (Burglary). Meza was arrested for being in violation of his parole. The 16 year old juvenile was not arrested and released.

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.

This is the fourth firearm arrest for the Special Enforcement Unit in the last five days.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 8, 2015 / 3:00 PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bank Robbery
DATE/TIME:	July 23, 2015 at approximately 2 P.M.
LOCATION:	Bank of the West, 371 West Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Bank of the West
SUSPECT(S):	Jimmy Lopez, 34 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	Witheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	Witheld
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jonathan Ballow (805) 288-3289 [email protected]

DETAILS: On 7/23/15 at approximately 1400 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery that just occurred to the Bank of the West, located at 371 West Esplanade Drive. While officers were responding to the scene, information was obtained from witnesses that the suspect had fled the business with an undisclosed amount of money. There were no weapons used and nobody was injured during the commission of the crime.

Officers and detectives quickly arrived on scene and searched the area for the robbery suspect. Bank employees were able to provide a detailed description of the robbery suspect. Patrol officers that were checking nearby businesses in the 300 block of Esplanade Drive located a person that matched the physical description of the robbery suspect. That person was later identified as 34 year old Oxnard resident Jimmy Lopez. Lopez was positively identified by bank employees as the suspect. Patrol officers also located evidence related to the robbery including a significant amount of currency. Lopez was arrested for robbery.

If anyone witnessed the robbery or has information about this robbery, they are encouraged to call Detective Jonathan Ballow at (805) 288-3289. 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.

Jimmy Lopez

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/23/15 1700 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Operation Safer and Stronger – Firearms Strike Team (FAST)
DATE/TIME:	January – June 2015
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Andrew Salinas [email protected]

DETAILS: : In January 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.

So far this year, Oxnard police officers have made seventy-nine (79) firearms related arrests. There was also an additional fifty-seven (57) firearms that were seized as evidence or turned into the police department. Comparably, during the same time period in 2014, Oxnard police officers made fifty five (55) gun arrests.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to devote considerable resources to combat firearms violence. During the month of June 2015, the Oxnard Police Department seized sixteen (16) firearms through directed patrols, and calls for service resulting in the arrest of 15 individuals.

On June 2, 2015, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by documented gang members that were served with the gang injunction. One of the gang members, identified as 23 year old Alejandro Ramuco, was searched pursuant to his probation terms. During the search, the officers located a loaded .357 revolver concealed in his waistband. Ramuco, a POST Release Offender, was arrested for the firearms possession and a violation of the gang injunction.
On June 3, 2015, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit contacted 26 year old Casio Medina carrying a backpack. Medina is a documented gang member and was on probation. The officers searched Medina and his backpack. The officers found a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun concealed in the backpack. Medina was arrested for the firearms violation.
On June 11, 2015, patrol officers conducted a foot patrol on the 1100 block of Saviers Road. The officers contacted two persons that were on probation. One of the persons, 44 year old William Macias, was found to be on probation. During a search of his property, the officers found items indicative or narcotics sales and a .22 caliber handgun. Macias is a convicted felon and was prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Macias was arrested for drugs and weapons violations.
On June 14, 2015, patrol officers responded to a service call of a male in a vehicle brandishing a firearm in the 3000 block of Saviers Road. The officers located the vehicle and contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as 35 year old Samuel Perez. Perez was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant and his vehicle was searched. The officers found a loaded .22 caliber revolver and methamphetamine in the vehicle. Perez was charged with possession of illegal drugs and weapons violations.

Since the inception of the Firearms Strike Team (FAST), fourteen (14) operations have been conducted targeting over forty (40) persons that are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms due to a criminal conviction or their mental health status. Violent Crimes Investigators seized a total of ten (10) firearms during those operations. Investigators assigned to FAST will continue to target prohibited persons with an emphasis on reducing violent crimes involving firearms 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, or to learn more about the educational component Firearms Strike Team (FAST), 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: July 27, 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI and Weapons Arrest
DATE/TIME:	7-30-15 / 1900 Hours
LOCATION:	3700 Block of Olds Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Francisco Alcazar, 23-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Not released
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, [email protected], (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

At approximately 1900 hours, an Oxnard Police Department patrol officer conducted a vehicle stop in the 3700 Block of Olds Road after observing California Vehicle Code violations. Francisco Alcazar, 23-year old Oxnard resident, was found to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A loaded shotgun was found inside the vehicle. Upon further examination, the officer saw the serial numbers had been filed down.

Alcazar was arrested for DUI (drugs and alcohol, misdemeanor), 23900 PC (possession of a weapon with missing or altered serial number, felony), and 25850(a) PC (loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, misdemeanor). He was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Persons with additional information may call the Oxnard Police and Fire Communications Center at (805) 385-7740, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. They can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date Prepared: 7-30-15, 0100 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
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2015, 2351 hours
LOCATION:	3500 Block of Samuel Avenue
VICTIM(S):	35 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett, 805-486-6211

DETAILS:

On August 11, 2015, at about 2351 hours, Officers overheard shots fired in the area of the 3500 Block of Saviers Road. Officers responded to the area and located a shooting victim, a 35 year old Oxnard resident, in the 3500 Block of Samuel Avenue. The victim’s injuries were not life-threatening; the victim was transported to a local hospital for his injuries.

Officers were unable to obtain any information regarding the suspect or suspects. If anyone has any additional information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Sgt. Alex Arnett at 805-486-6211. 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: 8/12/15; 0115 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Weapons Arrest
DATE/TIME:	8-15-15 / 1648 hours
LOCATION:	Casa San Carlos Lane at Manzanita Drive
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	16-year old Oxnard resident 19-year old Oxnard resident, name withheld
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8-15-15, at 1834 hours, officers responded to Casa San Carlos Lane at Manzanita Drive re: a report of gang members disturbing with one subject in possession of a handgun.

As officers approached, they observed four subjects. The subjects attempted to flee. Three were detained. A loaded handgun was found near a sixteen-year old documented gang member. The juvenile was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall for the following felony charges: 25850(a)(3) PC, gang member in possession of firearm, 25850(a)(2) PC possession of a stolen firearm, 29900(a)(1) PC, person with prior conviction of possession of firearm in possession of a firearm, 25850(a) PC possession of loaded firearm, and 186.22 (a) PC crime committed with other known gang members.

A 19-year old adult, a documented gang member and Oxnard resident, was also arrested and charged with a violation of probation.

An investigation is continuing.

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. They can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date Prepared: 8-15-15, 2000 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Avoid the 14 Ventura County Deploys DUI Enforcement Operations During Summer Campaign
DATE/TIME:	August 21 to September 7, 2015
LOCATION:	County of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
As summer winds down, the Ventura County Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force is ramping up its enforcement efforts as part of a national crackdown on drunk driving. The 18-day, high-visibility campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, is a partnership with the California Office of Traffic Safety to curb impaired driving and save lives. From August 21 to September 7 (Labor Day), law enforcement partners in Ventura County, across the state and nationwide will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Increased state and national messaging about the dangers of driving drunk, coupled with checkpoints and increased officers on the road, aim to drastically reduce the toll of drunk driving.

In 2013, there were 10,076 people killed in drunk driving crashes, almost a third of all traffic fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In California that year, 867 people died in drunk driving collisions according to NHTSA. Thirty-eight percent of crash fatalities on Labor Day weekend that year involved drunk drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher. More than a quarter (27 percent) of the crash fatalities that occurred on Labor Day weekend involved drivers with BACs of .15 or higher – almost twice the illegal limit.

The County’s DUI Task Force kicked off last night with DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints in the City of Simi Valley. Operations over the next 18 days will include the following:

August 22 – DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, City of Thousand Oaks
August 28 – DUI Driver’s License Checkpoints, City of Oxnard
September 4 – DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, City of Ventura

In addition to these checkpoints, agencies across Ventura County have planned several DUI saturation patrols, DUI warrant operations and two court sting operations. The California Highway Patrol will deploy all available officers onto freeways and county roads as part of their Maximum Enforcement Period over the three-day holiday weekend.

Law enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

So this August and year-round, remember that there’s no excuse for drunk or impaired driving. If you choose to break the law, police, sheriff and CHP officials will see you before you see them. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

Ventura County Avoid DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone; Report Drunk Drivers! – Call 9-1-1.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:August 22, 2015 / 0845 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Vehicle Arson

DATE/TIME:

10/19/2015/0151 hours

LOCATION:

Collins Street at Via Estrada Street

VICTIM(S):

Name Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

WITNESS(ES):

None

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Unknown

LOSS:

Undetermined

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Jeff McGreevy

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Detective Sergeant Mike Gregson
(805)385-7605

DETAILS:On 10/19/15 at 0151 hours, an Oxnard police officer noticed smoke near the Oxnard Auto Center and drove to the area to investigate. The officer located a vehicle that was on fire behind the one of the dealerships parked on Collins Street. The Oxnard Fire Department responded and quickly extinguished the fire. There was no damage to any structures and no persons were injured. An arson investigation is currently underway to try and determine the cause of the fire. A records check on the burned van revealed that the vehicle was reported stolen earlier this week.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department 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: 10/19/2015, 0310 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	12/28/2015 @ 11:50 PM
LOCATION:	200 Block of East Yucca Street
VICTIM(S):	22 year old male, Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	—
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Mike Adair, Commander [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 12/28/2015, at approximately 2350 hours, officers responded to the 200 block of East Yucca Street regarding a shooting victim. Officers found a 22-year old male Oxnard resident had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the lower half of his body. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

The suspect(s) fled the scene in an unknown direction and officers are continuing the investigation.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/29/2015 / 0200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Handgun
DATE/TIME: January 22, 2016 / 4:44 p.m.
LOCATION: Pine Street and Commercial Avenue
VICTIM(S): State of California
SUSPECT(S): Adolfo Palazuelos, 24 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Christopher Williams, Commander (805) 385-7746 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: Christopher Williams, Commander (805) 385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS: On January 22, 2016, at about 4:44 p.m., two patrol officers, working a two-person unit, conducted a traffic stop on Adolfo Palazuelos in the area of Commercial Avenue and Pine Street. Palazuelos is associated with an active criminal street gang and a Post Release Offender. Officers discovered that Palazuelos had a loaded .22 caliber rifle, illegal narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia inside his vehicle. He was arrested for weapons and narcotics violations and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

Palazuelos is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, 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 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 commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 22, 2015 / 9:19 p.m.