Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Residential structure fire
DATE/TIME	March 19, 2012 2:40 a.m.
LOCATION	1500 East First Street, Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On Monday, March 19, 2012 at about 2:40 a.m. Oxnard Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1500 block of East First Street in Oxnard. Once on scene, first responders were told that an adult male was trapped inside. Firefighters and rescue personnel removed this victim from the residence and he was transported to the hospital. The victim died at the hospital. At this time, it is unknown what caused the fire. It is also unknown what caused the victim’s death. 
 
Additional information from the Oxnard Fire Department will be forthcoming.  
 
  
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	Friday, August 19, 2011 6:00 P.M. to 02:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, August 19, 2011, from 6:00 P.M. to 02:00 A.M.  The checkpoint will be held within the City of Oxnard and is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
The Oxnard Police Department is committed to improving traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol related crashes to make our roadways and community safer.  We will continue to conduct DUI checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, and DUI warrant operations this year.    
 
How to Report a Drunk Driver
 

1. Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver.  **You do not have to give your name.
2. Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
3. Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction they’re traveling.
4. Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
5. Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver.  Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

 
As a reminder, the fines, fees and attorney costs associated with a first time DUI conviction in Ventura County can reach over $10,000.  Driver’s license suspension and an increase in vehicle insurance premiums are also potential consequences.      
 
For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at (805) 385-7750 or via e-mail at [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	DUI/drivers license checkpoint
DATE/TIME	Friday, March 23, 2012 – 6 p.m. to 3 a.m.
LOCATION	Oxnard
CONTACT	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Oxnard PD targets impaired drivers with DUI/drivers license checkpoint
Driver sober or get pulled over
 

 (Oxnard, CA) The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will conduct a DUI/drivers license checkpoint on Friday, March 23, 2012 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6 p.m. and 3 a.m. Checkpoints are located in areas that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest level of safety for officers and the public. 

 
Officers will contact drivers passing through the checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Individuals caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, court probation and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
 
All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. “Over the course of the past year, DUI collisions have claimed one life and resulted in 171 wrecks injuring 86 of our friends and neighbors in Oxnard,” said Senior Officer Jamie Brown of Oxnard PD.
 
This DUI/drivers license checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies and officers will be checking drivers for proper licensing. A major component of these checkpoints is the deterrent effect it has on those who might drive drunk or drug-impaired and bring about more awareness, encouraging everyone to use sober, designated drivers. 
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.
 
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
Report Drunk Drivers. Call 911!
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Brandishing of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	08/04/11 1832 Hours
LOCATION:	Community Center Park-East  800 Hobson Way, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	S1-Hispanic male, 25-30 years old, shaved head, 5’ 8” tall, 200 lbs.
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Marostica (805) 486-6228 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/4/11 at approximately 1832 hours, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to Community Center Park-East in reference to a subject brandishing a firearm. When officers arrived they contacted the victim who told them that he was at the park with a couple of friends when he was approached by a subject. The subject began a confrontation with the victim. During the confrontation the subject pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the victim.

The subject fled on foot and was seen by the victim entering a nearby residence in the 900 block of South “H” Street. Officers surrounded the residence and had the occupants exit the residence. None of the occupants were identified as the subject that had brandished the handgun at the victim.

Members of the Violent Crimes Unit responded and assisted in the investigation. A search warrant was obtained for the residence and a handgun, matching the one described by the victim, was located inside the residence. No suspects have been identified at this time and an investigation is continuing.

If anyone has information, they are encouraged to contact Det. Mike Marostica at (805) 486-6228 or remain anonymous and call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 222-TIPS.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Commercial robbery and assault with intent to commit rape
DATE/TIME	March 15, 2012 at 6:40 p.m.
LOCATION	800 block Wagon Wheel, Oxnard
VICTIM	Female, 65, name withheld pursuant to the law
PREPARED BY	Sergeant Sharon Giles (805) 385-7620
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On March 15, 2012 at about 6:40 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to the 800 block of Wagon Wheel Road regarding a robbery at Acu-Therapy. When officers arrived they found a 65-year-old woman who had been physically assaulted and robbed. The victim sustained injuries from the assault but did not receive medical treatment for her injuries.
 
The victim was inside the business when two Hispanic males entered her business and demanded money. The victim was held at knife point as the two suspects took money and some video equipment from inside the business. Both suspects were armed with weapons. One of the suspects left the business and fled on foot to a vehicle parked in the parking lot. The suspects’ car was a gray Honda or beige Infiniti four-door. The other suspect physically assaulted the female victim and threatened to rape her. The victim struggled with the suspect and he eventually ran out of the business to the car waiting in the parking lot. Both suspects drove away from the scene in towards the Highway 101.
 
The suspects are described as two Hispanic males. The first one is about 23-24, 5’5” bald, heavy build, wearing a gray shirt and blue jeans. The second suspect is about 23-24, 5’8” with a thin build wearing a black jacket.
 
If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jose Velazquez at (805) 385-3982. 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.
 
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multi Location Search Warrant
DATE/TIME:	08/04/11 1500 Hours
LOCATION:	Various locations in the City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	S1-17 year old Oxnard resident  S2- Adam Martinez, 21 year old Oxnard resident  S3- Nester Garcia, 21 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Thomas (805) 385-7660 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/3/11 and 8/4/11, members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), with the assistance of other department personnel, served search warrants at four residences located in the City of Oxnard.

The search warrants were a result of two rival gangs committing several acts of felony graffiti vandalism in the city over a two day period. The Vandalism was in excess of 300 square feet, costing over $5,000 to clean.

Three assault rifles, a shotgun, a small quantity of drugs, over a thousand dollars in cash, and numerous items of gang paraphernalia were seized during the search warrants. Additionally, three people were also arrested for various charges. Adam Martinez, a 21 year old Oxnard resident, was charged with possession of illegal assault weapons, Nester Garcia, a 21 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for narcotics sales, and a 17 year old Oxnard resident was arrested for failing to register as a gang member.

 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Carjacking, pursuit, arrest
DATE/TIME	March 14, 2012 at 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION	Patterson Road and Channel Islands Blvd.
VICTIM	25-year-old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT	Joey Ixta, 19
PREPARED BY	Detective Steve Funk [email protected]
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz (805) 385-7631  [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On March 7, 2012 at about 1:25 p.m. Oxnard PD officers received a call regarding a carjacking in the area of Haycox Elementary School at 5400 Perkins Road. The victim, a 25-year-old Oxnard resident, said she was picking up her 5-year-old son from school when two Hispanic males approached her and demanded her car by pushing her away from it. The victim’s vehicle is a 2002 black Nissan Sentra. The victim says both suspects got into her car and left northbound on Perkins Road and then westbound on Clara Street. The victim immediately notified the police. Officers checked the area but were not able to find the suspects or the stolen car. The victim and her son were not injured.
 
On March 14, 2012 at about 9:35 a.m. Oxnard PD officers received a call that the suspect vehicle was spotted in the area of Patterson Road and Channel Islands Boulevard near the McDonald’s restaurant in the city of Port Hueneme. Officers responded to the area and located the stolen Nissan. As officers attempted to pull the car over, the suspect immediately accelerated. Officers initiated a two minute pursuit where the suspect eventually ran into a curb and a stop sign at the corner of Pierwalk and Victoria Avenue. The suspect ran from the stolen Nissan but was caught a short distance away.
 
The suspect is Joey Ixta, 19. He was identified as the suspect who carjacked the Nissan on March 7. Ixta faces the following charges: carjacking, failure to yield, hit and run, and delaying and obstructing peace officers in the performance of their duties.
 
Anyone with further information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. at (805) 385-7740. 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.
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of Oxnard PD Officer
DATE/TIME:	August 2, 2011 / 5 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	38-year-old female
SUSPECT(S):	Joe Tinoco Jr.
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	none
LOSS:	none
PREPARED BY:	Mónica Muñoz, Community Affairs Manager  (805) 385-7631 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Asst. Chief Jason Benites  (805) 385-7626 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Today Oxnard PD officer Joe Tinoco Jr. was arrested for 273.5 PC – domestic violence, 136.1 PC – false imprisonment and 273(a)(b) PC – endangering the welfare of a child. He will be booked into the Ventura County Jail at about
6:30 p.m. He is being held on $20,000 bond. Tinoco’s case is being handled by the Ventura County District Attorney’s office.

The incident which prompted the arrest occurred in Oxnard on July 31, 2011 between the hours of 10 p.m. and about 6 a.m. the next morning. Tinoco is accused of domestic violence against a 38-year-old resident of Oxnard. Her name will not be released as the identities of domestic violence victims are protected by law.

Officer Tinoco, 43, was hired by Oxnard PD in 1991 and is currently assigned as a School Resource Officer. He is now on administrative leave pending the result of this criminal case.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Carjacking and hit and run
DATE/TIME	March 13, 2012 at 6:30 a.m.
LOCATION	3500 South B Street, Oxnard
VICTIM	28-year-old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT	Hispanic male 30, wearing a black sweatshirt or black and white flannel hooded shirt
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) Today at about 6:30 a.m. Oxnard PD officers received a call at 3500 South B Street regarding a carjacking. The victim (28-year-old Oxnard resident) said that a Hispanic man in his 30s wearing a black sweatshirt or black and white flannel hooded shirt approached the victim and demanded his car. The suspect threatened the victim with a knife. The victim gave up his car, a gray 2003 Nissan Altima and called police. Officers checked the area but were not able to find the suspect or the stolen car.
 
At about 8:15 a.m. a hit and run collision call came in from the area of Pleasant Valley Road at Cypress Road. The stolen vehicle in the carjacking case had hit a parked Oxnard Fire Department truck, causing minor damage. The suspect left the hit and run scene going south on Cypress Road.
 
Officers later located the stolen Altima on Cypress Road near the 300 block of Howell Road. Witnesses saw a Hispanic man and Hispanic woman run from the Altima. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate either person. The Altima was recovered and returned to the victim.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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.
 
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results
DATE/TIME:	July 30, 2011 – 1800 to 0300
LOCATION:	Southbound Oxnard Bl. @ Glenwood Dr (1)  Southbound Victoria Av @ Gonzales Rd (2)  Southbound Oxnard Bl. @ Vineyard Av (3)
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant – 805-385-7847

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint followed-up by a DUI saturation patrol on Saturday, July 31, 2011, from 6:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M. and arrested nine (9) drivers for DUI as a result of the heightened DUI prevention and enforcement effort.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Bl. @ Glenwood Dr. The second and third checkpoints were held simultaneously; one in the southbound lanes of Victoria Av. @ Gonzales Road and the other in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Bl. @ Vineyard Av.

Officers screened 1016 motorists who passed through the checkpoint locations and conducted five (5) DUI investigations with drivers who had been drinking alcohol. Four (4) drivers who were screened by officers at the checkpoints were arrested for DUI. A female driver who entered the checkpoint was also arrested after she was found to have a suspended driver’s license. Upon further investigation, she was found to be in possession of narcotics and had an outstanding felony warrant. In addition to the four checkpoint DUI arrests, checkpoint officers arrested five (5) additional drivers for DUI as the officers conducted DUI saturation patrols during and after the checkpoints. One of the drivers was arrested after crashing his mini-van into a light pole. This driver had a blood alcohol level of over .18.

Citations were issued to 45 drivers for various drivers’ license violations at the checkpoint. Twenty-seven drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and two (2) drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Thirteen vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct several more DUI enforcement operations this year. These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Sergeant Randy Latimer at (805) 385-7847 or via e-mail at [email protected].