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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

UPDATE:
Fire and police have cleared the incident on Mercantile. A press release will be issued later today once the investigation has concluded.

Oxnard police and fire units are on scene of a traffic stop conducted by Oxnard police around 0800 hours in the 1200 block of Mercantile Street. Officers located an unidentified substance inside of the vehicle. As a precautionary measure, the area surrounding the vehicle in question has been cordoned off and Oxnard Fire Hazardous Materials Unit was dispatched. This incident is underway and the substance has yet to be identified. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to stay clear of the area as road closures are in effect in the surrounding area.

Updates will be provided via press release as they become available.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On 11-20-2010 at approximately 2245 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a stabbing that had just occurred at Little Caesars Pizza, located at 3460 Saviers Road. Upon arrival, officers located victim Zavala, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. Zavala was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery, but is expected to survive. During the investigation, it was learned that the two suspects and the victims confronted each other and a fight ensued. During the confrontation, Zavala was stabbed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Mike Marostica at (805) 486-6228.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On November 18, 2010 at about 1956 hours, officers were dispatched to a collision at Bard and J. When the officers arrived they learned that a 5 month old female baby was being pushed in a stroller by her mother southbound across Bard Road. The mother and baby were in the cross walk. Sherre Savala, 51 years of Oxnard, was driving in a motor vehicle east on Bard Road when she struck the stroller, knocking the stroller to the ground and causing the baby to strike her head. Savala stopped, contacted the mother, returned to her car and fled.

Officers observed Savala fleeing and stopped her. She was arrested for the hit and run. The baby was transported by emergency personnel to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. It was determined that the baby received minor injuries to her head as a result of the collision.

Officers suspect that Savala was driving while under the influence of narcotics, and she was also arrested for that charge.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Senior Investigator Maria Pena at 805-385-7750.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

On 11-16-2010, at approximately 11:35 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers contacted the victim’s of a robbery that occurred at the Towne and Country Market located at 611 W. First Street, Oxnard. Suspect Miguel Cardenas entered the store and selected beer from the cold storage area of the market along with a bottle of Orange Juice. The suspect started to exit the store without paying for the items when he was contacted by the owners of the store and asked to pay for the items. Suspect Cardenas pulled out a large knife and brandished it at the owners causing them to move out of the way. Suspect Cardenas exited the store and got into an awaiting vehicle. The owners were able to obtain the license plate to the suspect vehicle and officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in the 300 block of North Harrison Ave. Oxnard Police Officers observed suspect Cardenas walk out of the residence holding the stolen beer. Officers contacted Cardenas and took him into custody without further incident. The items taken in the robbery were recovered.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Steven F. Funk at (805) 385-7796, e-mail stevenfunk@oxnardpd.org 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).

An investigation is continuing.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

Oceanview Pavilion proudly presents 2nd Annual charity boxing challenge, “Battle of the Badges”. The proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Oxnard Police Activities League and the Volunteers in Policing. The event will be held in Port Hueneme, CA on Saturday, December 11th. The charity boxing event will feature deputy sheriffs and police officers versus firefighters from Ventura County.

This is a collaboration of efforts done in the spirit of giving by the Oceanview Pavilion and public safety professionals throughout Ventura County including the Oxnard Police Officers Association, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Oxnard Firefighters Association and Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association.

Money raised will go to support the youth, our future America, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the Oxnard Police Activities League. "The friendly Police versus Firefighter rivalry has been around for decades and we’re all excited to build on that to put on another entertaining evening of boxing for the benefit of these worthy organizations. The months of training leading to this event helps build camaraderie amongst our agencies and the event fulfills our natural inclination to give even more during the holiday season,” says Sergeant Marc Amon, member of the Oxnard Police Officers Association. "Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the beach is honored to join hands with the Ventura County Firefighters Association, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Oxnard Police Officers Association and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme," said Sharon Kloeris, Executive Vice President of Marketing.

The official sponsor for the event is the Oceanview Pavilion and current sponsors include B95.1 FM, Coastal Events, F. Morton Pitt Company, Rusty’s and Dynamite Printing.

The doors open at 5 p.m. with the first bout starting at 6 p.m. There will be ten matches, each are three, two-minute rounds which is subject to change.

Tickets are available for $25 general admission, $50 preferred, $75 VIP and $100 ringside. They can be purchased through the box office at Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Dr. in Port Hueneme or they will be available online at www.Tix.com on November 17th.

The event is seeking additional sponsors for the evening. Please contact Sharon Kloeris (805) 986-4818 or Sharon@oceanviewinfo.com for more information.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On November 15, 2010, at approximately 1906 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department, along with EMS personnel, responded to the 1000 block of Offshore Street after receiving a call of a single vehicle collision that had rolled over in the intersection of Offshore Street and Navy Lane. Upon arrival officers found that the vehicle, a Blue 1987 Ford Ranger Pick-up, had collided with a street sign and tree located in the center of the roundabout within the intersection. The driver of the Ford, Chris Larsen and his female passenger, Loriann Alsdurf, 42 years old of Oxnard, were observed standing in the vehicle which was found on its side. EMS personnel extricated Larsen and his passenger from the vehicle.

An investigation revealed that Larsen was driving eastbound on Offshore Street towards the intersection of Navy Lane. Witnesses stated that they observed Larsen operating the motor vehicle at a high rate of speed just south Sea Air Park. The Ford was observed colliding with the roundabout and rolling over until it stopped 15 feet east of the intersection. Larsen exhibited signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. Larsen was later transported to V.C.M.C. for treatment of minor injuries. Larsen was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol (D.U.I) His passenger was released at the scene.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On 11-15-10, at approximately 1815 hours, officers responded to the 200-block of Cuesta Del Mar reference shots being fired in the area. A reporting party reported seeing a silver sports utility vehicle leaving the area. Officers in the Special Enforcement Unit located the vehicle a short distance away and initiated a traffic stop. A 17 year-old occupant fled from the vehicle and was arrested a short distance away. Officers observed him throw an object as he was fleeing from uniformed officers.

The officers recovered that object and it was determined to be a firearm. There were items located inside the vehicle that led investigators to believe this was possibly a gang related shooting. There were no outstanding victims located and no one was injured during the shooting.

An investigation is on going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6297, e-mail alexarnett@oxnardpd.org, 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).

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways. Additional enforcement measures in place to combat impaired driving are coming as a result of recent grants awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to the City of Oxnard in the amount of $305,000. The Oxnard Police Department is dedicated to keeping our streets safe through both enforcement and education.

Oxnard Interim Chief of Police Scott Whitney said, “We appreciate the partnership and support that we receive from the California Office of Traffic Safety. We have focused much effort on traffic safety and are proud of our results, however there is still much more work to be done. We will continue to look for opportunities at improving the safety of our roadways and this grant will assist us in that effort.”

The special DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant is to assist in efforts to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions in the community. The grant activities will specifically target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. This will be done through the use of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, warrant searches and stakeouts for repeat DUI offenders, saturation patrols, court stings where DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses get behind the wheel after leaving court and community outreach on the dangers of impaired drivers.

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2009, over 10,839 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. California data for 2009 shows that 950 died in Alcohol Impaired Collisions, a 7.6 percent reduction in deaths from 2008.

“Everyone in California should be heartened with these figures,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “But as encouraging as this is, we can’t let up on the efforts to promote and enforce traffic safety. Far too many are still losing their lives or being severely injured on our roadways.” “These figures represent more people making it home safely and alive each day,” said Murphy. “But to keep this trend going, we will continue to strive to meet our vision – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

With the holidays upon us and millions of Americans hitting the roads, The Oxnard Police Department wants everyone to arrive safely at their destinations. Drivers and passengers need to know that officers will be out in force sending the strong message to “Click It or Ticket”.

“No one wants to start the holidays off wrong with a ticket,” said Assistant Chief Scott Whitney, from the Oxnard Police Department.

While seat belt use is at a record high of 83 percent nationwide, 45 million Americans still fail to buckle up when they get in a motor vehicle. Even though in California 96.2 percent use their restraints, it still means that over 1.5 million Californians don’t buckle up. Oxnard police officers issued 429 motorists citations for failing to buckle up during the last Click It or Ticket campaign held earlier this year in May.

During the holiday period, over 35 vehicle occupants who are not buckled up will be killed in motor vehicle crashes each day nationwide. Statewide, overall traffic deaths declined by 23 percent, from 3,995 in 2007 to 3,081 in 2009 due in part to the increased use of seat belts. Total traffic fatalities are at their lowest levels in six decades.

“Sadly, the holidays, are one of the deadliest times of the year for our motorists,” said Chief Whitney.

“Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes,” said Christopher J. Murphy Director of the California Office of Traffic safety. “Law enforcement estimates indicate that over 1300 Californians survived by buckling up last year. Sadly however, about 150 others will not be gathering with families during the holidays because they choose not to use their seat belts.”

National statistics also show that those least likely to buckle up are teens, young adults, males, nighttime riders, motorists traveling on rural roads, and individuals traveling in pickup trucks.

More than 100 local law enforcement agencies statewide and the CHP will be participating in this year’s Click It or Ticket mobilization. Funding to support California’s Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

Early Saturday evening, Oxnard police responded to a call of a stabbing just occurred in the alley of the 100 block of N. Grant Ave. The victim told police he was approached by three men while walking in the alley. The suspects asked the victim if he had any money. When the victim answered “no,” the suspects began rifling through the victim’s pockets. A friend of the victim (listed as Victim #2) came to his aid. One suspect (listed above as Suspect #1) stabbed the second victim in the torso. The trio of suspects fled on foot from the alley.

The stabbing victim was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for his injury.

Anyone with additional information on this crime is encouraged to contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 800-222-TIPS or online at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.