Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Independence Day Weekend Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Enforcement Results
DATE/TIME:	July 8, 2014
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:
The Independence Day Weekend Anti-DUI crackdown is reporting DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments in Ventura County.

Over the four-day July 4^th holiday weekend, officers representing 14 Ventura County law enforcement agencies arrested 46 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol, two drivers for drug impairment and two drivers for driving while under the influence of both alcohol and drugs. An additional five individuals were arrested for outstanding DUI related arrest warrants. There were no alcohol-involved fatalities reported and only one person sustained injuries from a DUI related collision that occurred in the City of Port Hueneme.

Law enforcement officials will be conducting more Avoid Anti-DUI efforts throughout Ventura County during the 18 day summer campaign starting August 15^th and ending after Labor Day weekend.

Ventura County Avoid the 14 encourages all motorists to watch and report impaired drivers: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1! Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Oxnard Police Department Memorial Ceremony
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, May 14, 2014 / 10:30-11:00am
LOCATION:	251 South “C” Street, Oxnard CA
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805)385-7631 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marc Amon, (805) 385-8300, [email protected]

DETAILS: On Wednesday, May 14, 2014, The City of Oxnard and the Oxnard Police Department welcome you to the 15^th annual Police Memorial Ceremony starting promptly at 10:30 a.m. The 30-minute ceremony will occur in front of the Public Safety Building, at Third and C Streets, Downtown Oxnard.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week, honoring those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In Oxnard, the City and Police Department pay tribute to honor our own fallen—our seven Oxnard Officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty since our city’s founding. The ceremony will include a 21-gun salute, the rider-less horse, and a final song by the Oxnard High School Choir.

Our fallen Officers are:

Deputy Constable Andrew M. McNaughton
Constable William E. Kelley
Officer Albert Gasperetti
Officer Frederick J. Clark
Senior Officer John Adair
Officer James E. O’Brien
Officer James R. Jensen, Jr.

For further information, contact Sergeant Marc Amon, at (805) 385-8300, or [email protected].

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with a handgun
DATE/TIME:	6/2/14; 2030 hours
LOCATION:	3600 Block of Saviers Road

SUSPECT(S):	White Male, 30-40 years old, wearing a black ski mask, gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, in possession of a dark grey or black handgun


LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications 385-7740

DETAILS:

At approximately 2030 hours, officers responded to the business in the 3600 Block of Saviers Road reference a robbery with a handgun. Officers learned the suspect, described above, entered the business, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect fled the business eastbound towards Samuel Avenue. Nobody was injured during the robbery.

Persons with information are asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7740, or call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Persons with information may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx .

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-2-14 / 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:	Attempted Murder / Shooting
DATE/TIME:	November 22, 2014 / 2020 hours
LOCATION:	Cooper Road and McKinley Avenue
VICTIM(S):	16-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Guzman, 19-year old Oxnard resident Enrique Castellanos, 22-year old Oxnard resident German Librado, 20-year old Oxnard resident Diego Guerrero, 27-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Withheld
LOSS:	Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Detective Scott Coe, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7796, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Long, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 486-6506, [email protected]

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, California) – On November 23, 2014, at approximately 2020 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit were in the area of Cooper Road and McKinley Avenue when they observed two people confronting a group of people standing in front of a business. During the confrontation one of the two subjects began shooting at the other group with a handgun. Both subjects fled the area to an awaiting vehicle.

Officers stopped the vehicle in the area of Donlon Avenue and Driffil Boulevard after a short vehicle pursuit. Four subjects fled from the vehicle on foot. Officers apprehended 19-year old Carlos Guzman, 22-year old Enrique Castellanos, 20-year German Librado and 27-year old Diego Guerrero all Oxnard residents. A loaded handgun was recovered in the area where the subjects were apprehended.

Officers believed a fifth subject may have been involved in the incident and searched the area with the assistance of the Ventura Sheriff Department’s helicopter. Officers did not locate the outstanding suspect.

At approximately 2204 hours, a 16-year old Oxnard resident arrived at the Ventura County Medical Center suffering from two gunshot wounds to his upper body. His wounds were non-life threatening.

Persons with additional information are encouraged to call Detective Jeff Long at (805) 486-6506. 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 23, 2014 1:00 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:	Oxnard Police hosting next Crime Prevention Seminar in partnership with Mexican Consulate, next week
DATE/TIME:	June 19, 2014 / 6:00-7:30pm
LOCATION:	Juan Soria School, 3101 Dunkirk Dr. Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or [email protected]

DETAILS: In our on-going effort to inform, engage, and empower the residents of Oxnard on crime activity and crime prevention information, the Oxnard Police Department is hosting our third crime prevention seminar next Thursday, June 19, 2014 – in partnership with the Mexican Consulate of Oxnard. These seminars are led by Crime Prevention and Crime Free Coordinator, Detective Crystal Walker.

This series of seminars builds on our Department’s Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, which was launched by Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams at the start of the year to empower residents to be partners in public safety and address the increases in property crime citywide – and will focus on children safety, from birth to 18 years old. Topics will include cyber safety, bullying, infant safety, activity resources, and more.

“We are happy to work with our friends and partners at the Mexican Consulate office here in Oxnard. They have been a great support, and outstanding partners in public safety,” said Chief Jeri Williams. “Given the end of the school year, it is important to inform and educate ourselves on the safety and crime prevention for children, youth, and everyone in our community,” Williams added.

These free community seminars are bilingual to engage our diverse community – and will also feature special guests and demonstrations. For those who are interested and not able to attend, we will be recording this presentation and making it available on our website for people to watch at their convenience.

“We encourage community members to attend, bring your questions, share your concerns – and become empowered” said Detective Crystal Walker

Space is limited! To make a reservation, contact Detective Walker at (805)385-7668 or [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 06-13-14/ 1:00pm

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	5-21-13 / 1915 hours
LOCATION:	Anchorage Avenue at Berkshire Drive
VICTIM(S):	18-year old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Felipe Gutierez, 20 years, Oxnard resident Alejandro Jimenez, 28 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White Escalade SUV
LOSS:	Motorized bicycle
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5-21-13, at 1915 hours, officers were dispatched to Anchorage Avenue and Berkshire Drive re: a robbery. Officers learned an 18-year old male Oxnard resident was riding his motorized bicycle in the area of Dallas Drive and Berkshire Street when a male subject ran into the street and pushed the victim into a parked car. The victim fell off the motorized bicycle sustaining minor cuts to his face, hand, and knee. The male suspect took the bicycle.

Another male subject got out of a parked white Escalade SUV and ran toward the victim. The victim feared for his safety and fled and immediately notified the Oxnard Police Department.

Officers began searching the area and the 4400 block of Dallas Drive. Officers first located the white Escalade SUV and then the two suspects. Officers also located the motorized bicycle nearby. The suspects were arrested and charged with robbery. The suspects are identified as Felipe Gutierrez, 20 years, and Alejandro Jimenez, 28 years, both Oxnard residents.

Persons with information about this incident should call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7796. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-707 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5-22-13 / 0045 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Leader of Oxnard Street Gang and Mexican Mafia Associate Found Guilty of Federal Drug and Gun Trafficking Charges
DATE/TIME:	September 15, 2014 4:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	United States Federal Court, City of Los Angeles
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Manuel Tapia, 37 Years Old
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7801 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Assistant United States Attorney Mack E. Jenkins (213) 894-2091 Assistant United States Attorney Cameron L. Schroeder (213) 894-0596

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif) – Earlier today, the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) issued a press release detailing the conviction of Luis Manuel Tapia, 37 years old, identified as a leader of the Oxnard-based Colonia Chiques street gang. The Oxnard Police Department is extremely proud of the investigators that worked tireless hours to bring Tapia to justice. As stated in the narrative below, Tapia was a powerful criminal figure in and around the city of Oxnard. Their hard work brought an end to his criminal enterprise that had such a damaging impact on our community. The narrative of the USAO press release is as follows:

LOS ANGELES – Capping the second phase of Operation “Supernova” – which was a multiagency investigation into Ventura County’s largest street gang – the leader of the Oxnard-based Colonia Chiques street gang has been found guilty of a host of criminal charges, including operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

In a verdict that was issued by a federal jury after 9:00 on Friday night, Luis Manuel Tapia, the leader of the Colonia Chiques and a validated associate of the Mexican Mafia prison gang, was found guilty of each of the 26 federal charges filed against him.

As a result of the convictions, Tapia, 37, of Ojai, faces four mandatory life sentences – plus an additional, consecutive 55 years – when he is sentenced by United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II on December 15.

The evidence presented during a two-week trial in federal court in Los Angeles showed that Tapia was deeply involved in the business of running the Colonia Chiques and was personally involved in the sale of firearms and narcotics. During a series of secretly recorded meetings with Tapia, he described himself as the “CEO” of his enterprise, comparing it to Walmart because he supplied a wide array of contraband and always guaranteed his product’s quality. Indeed, one $200,000 drug transaction in October 2011 involved approximately 10 pounds of nearly pure methamphetamine.

During the investigation, authorities conducted an undercover operation in Las Vegas in which an undercover FBI agent posed as a senior member of the Italian mob and negotiated to have Tapia supply the Las Vegas syndicate of the Italian mob with up to 20 pounds of highly pure methamphetamine every month.
The jury also heard Tapia, in a video recording, bragging that his heroin was so strong that it had “killed six people” – and that this was a “good advertisement” for his drug operation. Tapia also explained how his high-quality methamphetamine – which lab results confirmed was often 100 percent pure – was obtained from Mexican drug cartels. In another video recording, Tapia was heard directing a large assembly of younger Colonia Chiques gang members to monopolize their drug selling territory, to seek out and violently expel or attack informants, and to heed the directives of the Mexican Mafia.

At another stage of the investigation, authorities seized 2.5 pounds of heroin, over 9 ounces of cocaine, 9.6 ounces of methamphetamine, cash and two loaded firearms inside a hidden trap in a car owned by Tapia.

Tapia was specifically found guilty of leading a continuing criminal enterprise that distributed at least 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, 10 substantive counts of drug distribution (involving heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine), three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, seven counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and the illegal transfer of a fully-automatic machinegun. Counting the machinegun, investigators seized 19 firearms from Tapia, including an AR-15 assault rifle, a custom built AK-47 with a bayonet, and a pistol grip sawed-off shotgun.

Four of Tapia’s co-defendants – Diana Zamora, Edgar Aguilar, Roger Armendariz and Jaime Cardenas – have pleaded guilty to conspiring traffic narcotics and/or firearms and have received sentences of up to 10 years in federal prison. An unknown male, known only as “Pancho,” who allegedly supplied narcotics to Tapia, is a fugitive believed to be in Mexico.

In the first part of Operation Supernova (www.justice/gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/2011/018.html), federal prosecutors convicted 11 defendants who have received sentences of up to 25 years in prison.

The Supernova investigation was conducted by the Ventura County Federal Violent Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and officers with the Oxnard Police Department.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 15, 2014, 1730 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Kiwanis Club of Oxnard and the Oxnard Police Department recognize Officer Jacob Jundef as Officer of the Year, and other award recipients
DATE/TIME:	4-23-15 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Tower Club, 500 Esplanade Road
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager [email protected] 805-385-7631

DETAILS: The Kiwanis Club of Oxnard presented the 47th Annual Police Officer of the Year and Employee Awards Luncheon this afternoon at the Tower Club in Oxnard.

During the ceremony, Officer Jacob Jundef was recognized as the Oxnard Police Officer of the Year for his extraordinary and exemplary service to our department and community. Since given the position to the Central Business District as the Homeless Liaison Officer, Jundef has embraced his new community policing assignment and had an immediate impact on the quality of life in the area and for members in our community most in need.

One example of his exceptional service was highlighted in a particular incident, where uncompensated, on his day-off, Officer Jundef drove to the city of Van Nuys to assist a local homeless woman who needed to obtain a copy of her birth certificate. He contacted the appropriate parties, retrieved the birth certificate and delivered it to the woman in need, so she could begin receiving social services locally, in her efforts toward transition out of homelessness.

As a direct result of Jundef’s compassion and efforts, cell phones and employment opportunities have been offered to individuals who were identified as capable of working towards a better quality of life and out of life of homelessness.

Aside from his duties as the Homeless Liaison, Officer Jundef is also a Field Training Officer, and Police Explorer Advisor. He has been involved with the award winning Explorer Program for several years, mentoring young men and women in our community. He is modeling a professional lifestyle, while teaching the importance of community involvement and public service. With all of this, Jundef also finds time to coach little league.

Also recognized at the event were Officer and Detective Jose Velazquez, Senior Officer and Detective Crystal Walker, and Senior Officer and Beat 11 Coordinator Greg Harasymowycz, who were Officer of the Year Nominees and received Community Service Awards from Kiwanis of Oxnard.

Other officers and civilian staff recognized at the awards luncheon include:

Karen Moore, Civilian Employee of the Year
Sergeant Alex Arnett, Supervisor of the Year
Sean Sessions, Dispatcher of the Year
Margaret Mathews, Volunteer of the Year /Clancy Nieland Award
Detectives Tenille Chacon and Juanita Suarez, Senior Officer and Beat 32 Coordinator Mike Johnson, Officer Scott Matalon, and Commander Andrew Salinas all recipients of the Chief’s Award of Excellence
Senior Officer Paul Knapp, MADD/DUI Award
Officer Daniel Casse, Officer Robert Blixt, Officer Jose Diaz, Officer Michael Blanchard, Officer Jonathan Martin, Officer Steve Eckman, and Senior Officer Charles Buttell with the 10851 (Stolen Vehicle) Award

DATE PREPARED: 4-23-15

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with Firearm
DATE/TIME:	5-5-15 / 0100 hours
LOCATION:	1100 Block of Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Ernest Anderson, 22 years, Oxnard resident Rene Vazquez, 35 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	Name(s) withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	No injuries / Property recovered
PREPARED BY:	Officer Robert Blixt
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5-5-15, at approximately 0100 hours, officers responded to a motel in the 1100 block of Saviers Road reference a call of possible gunshots being fired into a motel room. Once on scene, one of the room’s occupants told officers that the Suspect Anderson forced his way into the room and demanded property regarding an earlier disagreement. Anderson was in possession of a handgun. Suspect Vazquez was also present and also in possession of a handgun at one point. Both suspects left after taking a bicycle from the victim’s room. Officers found no evidence that gunshots were fired during the incident.

Officers subsequently contacted Anderson and Vazquez in another room of the motel. Both were arrested. The property taken from the victim and handgun were recovered.

The suspects were booked for the robbery and related weapons charges.

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 is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding this robbery or other 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: 5-5-15 / 0630hrs

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking/Kidnapping/Robbery
DATE/TIME:	08-26-2010 at 1520 hours
LOCATION:	Lucky Supermarket 2401 Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	27 Year-old male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	15 Year-old female, Oxnard Resident 15 Year-old male, Port Hueneme Resident 15 Year-old female, Port Hueneme Resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer James Langford
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer James Langford (805) 385-7600 / [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8-26-10, at approximately 1520 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the area of the Oxnard Police Department reference a subject chasing three people for previously taking his telephone.

The victim reported that he had been at the Lucky Supermarket (2401 Saviers Road) parking lot at about 3:00 PM putting his one year old child into a car seat of his vehicle. The three suspects approached the victim and entered the vehicle while demanding a ride. One suspect obtained a power drill that was inside of the victim’s vehicle and pointed it at the victims head while activating the drill. All three suspects again demanded a ride. One suspect even went so far as to grab the one year-old’s arm and demand that the victim give them a ride. The suspects also removed several items from the vehicle and took possession of them.

The victim drove the suspects in his vehicle, but instead of driving to where they demanded, he drove to the Oxnard Police Department. One of the suspects again put the power drill to the victim’s head and demanded the victim continue driving, however he stopped none the less. The three suspects fled the area, also taking his telephone. The telephone was recovered by the victim, who then called the police.

All three suspects were located near the police station, arrested and lodged at Juvenile Hall for suspicion of carjacking, kidnapping, robbery, child endangerment, conspiracy to commit a crime, brandishing a weapon, criminal threats, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and vandalism. The victim did not suffer injuries during the robbery.

The suspect’s names are not being released due to their ages, and the victim’s name is not being released at this time.

Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact Officer James Langford at 805-385-7600 or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070. To give an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).