Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	11/13/10, 1848 hrs
LOCATION:	Ventura Rd. at Hemlock St.
BICYCLIST:	Rene Ambriz, 20 years of Oxnard
DRIVER:	Paul Castaneda, 42 of Oxnard
VEHICLE(S):	Blue Bicycle
VEHICLE(S):	Blue, Dodge Van
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Randy Latimer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Brian Woolley, Traffic Unit, 385-7749

DETAILS:

On November 13, 2010, at approximately 1848 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Ventura Road and Hemlock Street after receiving a call of a traffic collision involving a mini van and a bicyclist. Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a bicyclist, Rene Ambriz, 20 years old of Oxnard, had been struck by a van that was driven by Paul Castaneda, 42 years old of Oxnard. As a result of being hit by the van, Ambriz was thrown several feet and landed in the drainage canal that parallels Ventura Road. Ambriz sustained major injuries as a result of being hit and landing in the drainage canal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Ambriz was riding his bicycle westbound in the eastbound lane of Hemlock Street against traffic. It was dark and his bicycle was not equipped with a headlight. He proceeded to cross Ventura Road against a red signal and was struck by the van driven by Castaneda who was traveling southbound on Ventura Road. Castaneda was proceeding through the intersection on a green signal and at normal speed.

It has not been determined whether or not alcohol was a factor.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at 385-7749.

An investigation is ongoing

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	11-10-10 @ 12:09 A.M.
LOCATION:	West Alley of Eldorado St and San Benito
VICTIM(S):	Bernardino Martinez Vasquez
SUSPECT(S):	Regina Garcia
LOSS:	Green colored,1998 Chevy Astro Van, License# 6AHP898
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven F. Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796 stevenfunk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 11-10-2010 at approximately 12:09 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers contacted the victim of a carjacking at the corner of El Dorado Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd. The victim stated that he met the suspect at this same corner and she initially asked the victim for a ride to an unknown location in Oxnard. Victim Vasquez drove the suspect to the west alley of El Dorado and San Benito where suspect Garcia physically assaulted him and took his vehicle. Victim Garcia did not require any medical attention.

A stolen report was taken on victim Vasquez’s van and was relayed to officers throughout the county. A Ventura County Sheriff’s deputy observed the van in the area of Wells Rd. and Hwy. 126 in the city of Saticoy. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle but suspect Garcia failed to yield and a short pursuit was initiated. The pursuit ended in the city of Santa Paula where suspect Garcia pulled over at 10Th Street and Harvard Street. Suspect Garcia was taken into custody without further incident. For further information reference the Ventura County Sheriff’s pursuit refer to their press release on the incident.

Oxnard Police Officers took custody of suspect Garcia in Santa Paula and she was returned to Oxnard and charged with carjacking and transported to the Ventura County Jail.

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).

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burn Victim
DATE/TIME:	November 9, 2010 2:47 PM
LOCATION:	2311 W. Vineyard Ave.
VICTIM(S):	48 year-old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brett Smith (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 11-9-10 at 2:47 PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department were sent to assist the Oxnard Fire Department with a burn victim. During an investigation it was learned the victim was transient and had fallen asleep while smoking a cigarette next to a building hidden from public view. The blanket covering the victim ignited causing 2nd degree burns to his face and right hand.

An unidentified citizen observed the smoke and quickly distinguished the fire and notified a nearby business to call 911. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and later air lifted to a trauma burn center in the Los Angles area. The condition of the victim is unknown.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Home Invasion Robbery
DATE/TIME:	11-07-10 / between 1:00-5:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	400 block of N. Harrison Ave.
VICTIM(S):	33-year old male, Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	3 unknown Hispanic males
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Jewelry and stereo equipment, moderate injuries
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven F. Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796 stevenfunk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 11-7-2010 at approximately 07:55 A.M., Oxnard Police officers contacted the victim of a home invasion robbery in front of his residence in the 400 block of N. Harrison Ave., Oxnard. The male victim said that on 11-7-10 sometime after 1:00 A.M., he was inside of his residence watching television when he heard someone inside of his home. The front door to his residence was unlocked and open.

Three suspects, who the victim confronted in his kitchen, battered the victim causing him to lose consciousness. When the victim regained consciousness at about 5:00 A.M., his apartment had been ransacked and several items of property were missing. The victim contacted a neighbor who then drove him to a relative’s house and, upon returning back to the victim’s residence, the victim and relative contacted the police. The victim sustained moderate injuries to his face, upper body, and legs. He was transported by private vehicle to Ventura County Medical Center where he was treated and later released.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department canvassed the apartment complex and the surrounding neighborhood for witnesses.

Anyone with 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).

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	11-06-2010 / 1434 hours
LOCATION:	3100 Block of Sturgis Road, Oxnard
DRIVER:	Robert James Musgrove, 23-years of Oxnard
VEHICLE:	Grey 2003 Nissan Altima
PREPARED BY:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator (805) 385-7750

DETAILS:

On November 6, 2010, at approximately 1434 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with EMS personnel responded to the 3100 block of Sturgis Road after receiving a call of a single vehicle collision that had struck an electrical pole. Upon arrival, officers found that the Nissan Altima had been torn into two pieces and the single occupant had been ejected. The driver of the Nissan, Robert James Musgrove was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Nissan, Mr. Musgrove, was traveling eastbound on Sturgis Road towards Del Norte at a high rate of speed. Witnesses stated that they observed the Nissan aggressively trying to pass vehicles. Once the Nissan was able to pass a few cars, it sped away at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the Nissan lost control and collided with a large electrical pole. The impact caused the Nissan to be torn into two pieces and for Mr. Musgrove to be ejected. Mr. Musgrove sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon & Mayhem
DATE/TIME:	11/5/10, 11:42 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Camelot Room (bar) 1331 W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	23-year old female, Oxnard resident 40-year old female, Oxnard resident. (Name(s) Withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	33-year old black female 26-year old black female
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk #385-7796

DETAILS:

On 11/5/10 at approximately 11:42 P.M., officers responded to a fight at the Camelot Room Bar located at 1331 W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard. District Police Officers conducting a bike patrol in the area arrived just as the fight appeared to be breaking up. They located one victim with a significant laceration to her face and the top of her head. During the investigation, it was learned that the suspects began to attack the younger victim in the bar and, when the older victim tried to intervene, she was cut on the face and head by one of the suspects. The incident may have been precipitated by an argument between one of the victims and one of the suspects over an uninvolved male.

The suspects fled the area by jumping over a back fence from the business. The younger victim received only minor injuries requiring no medical attention. The older victim was transported by Gold Coast Ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center with severe lacerations to her face and head.

An investigation is continuing.

Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach has retired, effective November 5th, after a career than spanned a third of a century.

During his five and a half years as Oxnard’s police chief the crime rate in Oxnard dropped by more than 22% per capita. Since 1992 the crime rate dropped by nearly 65% – one of the sharpest declines in any city in the nation.

He was Oxnard’s first home-grown chief in more than four decades when he took over in 2005. Before that, every police chief since the 1960’s came from outside the department.

Chief Crombach spent his entire law enforcement career leading by example – crossing cultural, economic, and other societal boundaries to bring together diverse coalitions of residents and businesses to prevent and address crime and disorder problems.

He helped develop an innovative “Cultural Competency” program in Oxnard that brings police and community members together. This cultural competency training has forged long lasting and productive community partnerships.

His commitment to establishing community partnerships and providing transparency in the problem-solving process were widely credited with helping build an excellent police-community trust and cooperation while getting dramatic crime-reduction results.

Crombach was a well known law enforcement leader in California – writing op-ed pieces on juvenile justice issues and testifying before the California State Assembly on issues such as gang injunctions.

For his commitment towards building bridges of understanding and effective collaboration between significantly diverse groups in his community, Chief Crombach was recognized numerous times through awards from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the NAACP.

As Chief, John Crombach developed a neighborhood policing model for all four districts in the City, which was employed to provide tailored services to meet the expectations and priorities of Oxnard’s very diverse community.

The unique, trend-setting police-community efforts in Oxnard during the past several years earned the Oxnard Police Department the distinguished James Q. Wilson Award for excellence in community policing from the U.S. Department of Justice – one of the highest honors any police department can receive.

Currently, Chief Crombach serves on the board of directors of the century old National Council on Crime and Delinquency, the California Police Chief’s Association, the Ventura County Justice Policy Taskforce, and the Greater Oxnard Boys and Girls Club.

He has also served on the board of directors of Oxnard’s component of California First Five, a statewide effort to educate parents and caregivers about the important role they play in their children’s early development.

A new Chief is expected to be named soon and will likely assume command of the department in January.

That person will run a department that has a $50 million budget and 238 sworn officers.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vacant Residential Burglaries
DATE/TIME:	October
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Unk
WITNESS(ES):	N/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/a
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Tom Payn
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Payn 385-7594

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department wants to advise homeowners and contractors that there has been an increase in vacant residential burglaries throughout the city of Oxnard. In the last month, there have been ten vacant homes burglarized. Suspects are taking appliances, tools, and in some instances removing installed plumbing pipes from the walls. If you own or manage a property that is currently vacant, take measures to secure tools, and other valuables, if possible remove valuables.

We recommend documenting valuables by recording serial numbers, mark and/or engrave your property and take photographs.

If you have any information regarding these crimes or any burglaries in the Oxnard area please contact Detective Tom Payn at 805-385-7594 or thomaspayn@oxnardpd.org.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robberies to Businesses
DATE/TIME:	11-2-10 – 1400 11-2-10 – 1410
LOCATION:	Payless Shoe Source – 2051 N. Rose Ave. Thrifty Gas Station – 1501 W. Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Payless Shoe Source and Thrifty Gas
SUSPECT(S):	S-1 – W, M, 27, 5’7, 160, dark sweatshirt, dark baseball cap S-2 – W, M, 27, 5’8, 160, black t-shirt, dark shorts
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Older Model Reddish colored SUV
LOSS:	US Currency
PREPARED BY:	Detective Charles Buttell 385-7665
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Charles Buttell 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 11-2-10 officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to two robberies at local businesses that occurred approximately 10 minutes apart. The first occurred at the Payless Shoe Source located at 2051 N. Rose Avenue. One suspect approached the clerk, simulated a weapon, and demanded cash. The other suspect was seen in the area. The victim handed the suspects cash and they fled on foot.

The second robbery occurred approximately 10 minutes later at the Thrifty Gas Station located at 1501 W. Gonzales Road. A single suspect entered the business, approached the clerk, and demanded cash from the register. The victim handed the suspect cash and then fled in an older model reddish colored SUV.

Both robberies have similar suspect descriptions, however it is unknown if they are related at this time. Anyone who witnessed the robberies or that has information is urged to contact Detective Charles Buttell at 805-385-7665 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.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	November 2, 2010 / 0753 hours
LOCATION:	Victoria Ave. North of Channel Islands Blvd.
DRIVER #1:	Humberto Moncada, 50 years of Oxnard
DRIVER #2:	Jody Campbell, 54 years of Oxnard
DRIVER #3:	Ronald Ruckstuhl, 46 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE #1:	White Ford Pickup
VEHICLE #2:	White Jeep Grand Cherokee
VEHICLE #3:	Blue Dodge Intrepid
PREPARED BY:	Jason Coleman, Traffic Officer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jason Coleman, Traffic Officer 797-6109 or JasonColeman@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

On November 2, 2010, at approximately 0753 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Victoria Ave. north of Channel Islands Blvd. after receiving a call of a rollover traffic collision involving three (3) vehicles. One vehicle had struck the wall on the west side of Victoria Ave., and one had rolled over. A third vehicle was also struck during the collision. Two of the drivers were transported to St. John’s hospital, one with serious medical problems.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a white Ford Pickup, driven by Moncada, was driving southbound on Victoria Ave. towards Channel Islands Blvd. The driver of that vehicle lost consciousness and veered into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Campbell, causing it to collide with a blue Dodge Intrepid, driven by Ruckstuhl, and then roll over. The Ford pickup continued westbound and collided with a masonry wall.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factor in this collision nor was excessive speed a factor.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Traffic Officer Jason Coleman at 805-797-6109.

An investigation is continuing.