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:	9-27-2010 2130 hours
LOCATION:	400 Block of West Yucca St., Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	H-M 26 yrs, Oxnard Resident. Name(s) Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	H-M 35 yrs, 6’0”, heavy build H-M 28-30 yrs, 5’11”, Medium Build
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
LOSS:	Approximately $900 in Misc. Items
PREPARED BY:	Detective Mike Marostica
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk #385-7796

DETAILS:

On 9-27-2010 at approximately 2130 hours, Oxnard Police Officers received a report of a home invasion robbery that had just occurred in the area of 400 block of West Yucca St. The victim told the officers that he was asleep in his room, when the two suspects entered his residence and began assaulting him. The suspects took several items from the residence and then fled the area.

An investigation is continuing. The victim and witnesses names are not being released at this time due to a concern of retaliation.

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:	Man Jumps from Second Floor Apartment as Police Surround Complex in Search of Wanted Subject
DATE/TIME:	10/05/2010 @ 1445 hours
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):	20 year-old male from Las Vegas
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
INJURY/LOSS:	Fractured ankle
PREPARED BY:	Commander Tom Chronister (805) 385-7746 or TomChronister@OxnardPD.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Tom Chronister (805) 385-7746 or TomChronister@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

Yesterday afternoon, as Oxnard police officers surrounded an apartment building in search of a wanted subject, a man jumped from a second floor apartment, fracturing his leg. The man was not wanted.

On October 5, 2010 at 2:45 p.m., Oxnard police received a call of a possible wanted subject inside an apartment in the 300 block of W. Vineyard Ave. The reporting party also advised the wanted subject was armed with a handgun.

Officers surrounded the apartment building and were preparing to make contact at the address where the wanted subject was reported to be hiding when a male jumped from a second floor apartment window to a concrete patio. The male lay motionless on the ground. Assuming the subject was injured in the fall, officers eventually evacuated the man to awaiting Fire and EMS personnel. He was transported by ambulance to St. John’s Regional Medical Center where the man was treated for a fractured ankle.

The man was not wanted; why he jumped remains unclear. The reported wanted subject was never located.

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 (Stabbing)
DATE/TIME:	10-2-10 / 2135 Hours
LOCATION:	4000-block of South J Street
VICTIM(S):	17 year-old, Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	2 Hispanic males, early 20’s
PREPARED BY:	Detective Roger Garcia
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Roger Garcia 805-385-7688 / Rogergarcia@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10-2-10, at approximately 9:35 PM, officers responded to a call in the 1600-block of 8th Place, City of Port Hueneme regarding a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers located a 17 year-old Oxnard resident with a stab wound. The victim was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center and is listed in stable condition.

The victim told officers he was walking in the 4000-block of South J Street when he was confronted by 2 Hispanic males. The suspects demanded the victim’s property when one of the suspects stabbed the victim. The victim fled to a nearby residence and contacted the police for assistance.

An investigation is on going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Roger Garcia at (805) 385-7688, e-mail rogergarcia@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:	Residential Burglary
DATE/TIME:	09-23-2010 10:44 AM
LOCATION:	2600 Block of Cabrillo Way
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	S-1: Male Juvenile 17 years S-2: Male Juvenile 17 years
WITNESS(ES):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	Recovered Personal Property
PREPARED BY:	Officer B.K. Ellison
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sr. Det. Luis Mancha 805-385-7664 E-mail: LuisMancha@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 09-23-2010 at 10:44 AM, officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Cabrillo way in the City of Oxnard; reference a possible residential burglary in progress. A citizen reported that two males approximately seventeen years of age jumped the side fence of a residence into the rear yard. When officers arrived on scene a perimeter was set around the residence. A male juvenile exited the front door of the residence with bags containing stolen property and was taken into custody. The second suspect fled out the rear door of the residence and was taken into custody a short time later, in the rear yard of a residence in the 2600 block of Ruby Dr. Both suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall for residential burglary.

As a precautionary measure, during the search for the second suspect, Oxnard High School was locked down for approximately twenty minutes. No students or faculty were in any danger.

The identity of the suspects is being withheld due to their age.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages citizens to keep a watchful eye and report suspicious activity to the police.

If you have any further information on this crime please contact Senior Detective Mancha at the above contact numbers.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Grand Theft & Attempted Auto Burglaries with Juvenile Suspect In-Custody
DATE/TIME:	10-2-02, 0550
LOCATION:	1700 block of Joanne Way, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	17-year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Older model blue Honda 4-door (no further description)
LOSS:	(2) GPS devices, iPhone & iPod (recovered)
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Ken Klopman
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Ken Klopman, (805) 385-7778

DETAILS:

On 10-2-10 at about 5:50 a.m., officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress to an automobile parked in the 1700 block of Joanne Way. When officers arrived, they found that a 17-year old male juvenile from Oxnard was being detained by several residents after the juvenile was seen jumping out of a back yard where he had attempted to hide until he was discovered by the family’s large watchdog prompting him to leave his hiding place. A second suspect, an Hispanic male in his 20’s (no further description), had fled the area prior to officers’ arrival in an older blue Honda 4-door and is still being sought.

The subsequent investigation determined that one parked vehicle had been entered and property removed and two other vehicles nearby had entry attempted. The juvenile was found to be in possession of property stolen for the vehicle that had been entered. He was lodged into Juvenile Hall for grand theft, attempted auto burglary, and possession of stolen property – all felony charges.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multi location search warrants and arrests
DATE/TIME:	9/30/2010 1330 hours
LOCATION:	Various locations throughout the City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	28 year old male, Oxnard resident 17 year old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	S1: Jose Chavez, Oxnard resident S2: Hector Gutierrez, Oxnard resident S3: Male Juvenile 17 years old, Oxnard resident S4: Male Juvenile 17 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or email: christopherwilliams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dan Whitmer (805) 385-7547 or email: danielwhitmer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: 

On 9/04/10 at 0044 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 4900 block of Petit Drive reference a stabbing victim. When officers arrived they located a victim that suffered four stab wounds and other injuries as a result of the suspects hitting him with bats and poles. The victim was transported to VCMC where he was treated for his injuries and later released. A 17 year old female, who was walking with the victim, was also assaulted and sustained several contusions to her arms and ribs.

During the course of the investigation, the Graffiti Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit identified several suspects. On 9/28/10 and 9/30/10, the Oxnard Police Department served search warrants at seven locations throughout the City of Oxnard in connection with this investigation. Two adults, Jose Chavez (3/27/92) and Hector Gutierrez (12/28/91), and two male juveniles were arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon for the violent assault of the two victims.

Investigators believe this crime was a result of an ongoing feud between taggers and gang members. If you have information on this crime please contact Senior Detective Dan Whitmer at (805) 385-7547 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felony Vandalism Arrest
DATE/TIME:	09/23/10 1530 hours
LOCATION:	Camarillo Police Department
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Noe Jose Melendez, 19 year old Oxnard Residence
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or email: christopherwilliams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dan Whitmer (805) 385-7547

DETAILS:

Graffiti Investigators, from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, conducted a two month investigation regarding an increase in graffiti vandalism by a particular graffiti vandal. During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Noe Melendez (6/23/91). On 9/23/10 at approximately 1330 hours, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department contacted our investigators and informed them that they had arrested Melendez for additional graffiti vandalism charges.

Oxnard Police Department Graffiti Investigators responded to the Camarillo Police Department and interviewed Melendez. Based on Melendez’ statements to investigators he was arrested for fifteen counts of felony graffiti vandalism and forty seven counts of misdemeanor graffiti vandalism committed in the City of Oxnard. Melendez was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

The City of Oxnard spends over a million dollars a year to clean up graffiti in the city. We encourage the community to continue to report graffiti vandalism, by calling the police.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary suspect arrested
DATE/TIME:	9-29-10 2114 hours
LOCATION:	2000 block of Almanor Street
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Charles Allen Munden, 03-01-86, of Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):	n/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	n/a
LOSS:	Unk
PREPARED BY:	Detective Tom Payn
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Luis Mancha 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 9-29-10, at 2114 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were sent to the 2000 block of Almanor Street to recover a stolen vehicle. Upon the Officers’ arrival they observed Munden standing next to the victim’s vehicle. When Munden observed the officers approaching, he fled into a nearby residence located on Almanor Street. The homeowner was outside at the time and told officers that he did not know the subject who had just entered his home. Officers searched the home, located Munden hiding in a bedroom closet, and arrested him without further incident. Munden was found in possession of the key belonging to the stolen vehicle. Further investigation revealed that Munden was in possession of stolen property from two recent residential burglaries that occurred in Oxnard.

Munden was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, resisting arrest and trespassing.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to lock and secure their vehicles and make sure that valuables are not visible. When you are away from your home, lock and secure all doors and windows, keep photo records and record serial numbers of valuables, so that stolen property can be identified.

Anyone with information regarding burglaries in Oxnard are asked to contact Senior Detective Luis Mancha at (805) 385-7664, email luismancha@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:	SWAT Call out
DATE/TIME:	09-22-2010 0949 Hrs.
LOCATION:	3200 Block of Sycamore St.
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	William Stover, 43 of Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Officer B.K.Ellison/David Keith PIO
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Alex Rangel (385-7778)

DETAILS:

On 09-22-2010 at about 0949 hours officers received a call of a family dispute at 3285 Sycamore Street. While enroute to the location the dispatcher advised that the suspect William Stover (6-14-1967) was in the process of forcing entry to the locked door of the reporting parties’ bedroom. While units were responding code 3 to the location, officers were advised that the suspect was dousing the living room area with gasoline and threatening to set the residence on fire.

Upon arrival to the location officers learned that the victim and all parties that were inside the residence at the time of the incident, had fled outside. However, the suspect was now barricaded inside the residence threatening that if the police made entry into the home he would set the home on fire. At this point officers on scene saw smoke coming from the attic vents of the residence and asked that fire personnel respond to the scene.

Several attempts to communicate with the suspect via the public address system from a marked black and white police unit were made with negative results. The Oxnard Police SWAT team was then dispatched to the scene. After several failed attempts to establish compliance from the suspect, via the phone and public address system, entry at the residence was made and suspect Stover was taken into custody. Stover sustained minor injuries during the arrest and was medically cleared at St. Johns Medical Center.

When fire personnel entered the residence they confirmed there was evidence of an arson commited inside the residence. Suspect William Stover was arrested for 422 PC terrorist threats, 451 (b) pc Arson to an inhabited structure and 242 PC Battery. Suspect Stover was transported to Ventura County Jail and booked as per the above charges.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Wanted Murder Suspect / Reward Offered
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, September 30th 2010
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Adam Wittkins, Major Crimes / Homicide Unit: (805) 385-7649 / AdamWittkins@OxnardPd.org

DETAILS:

On August 17th 2010, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the area of San Jose Street at Halcon Street in the City of Oxnard. Upon arrival, officers located shooting victim Adrian Lerma. Lerma had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The subsequent investigation has determined Oxnard resident Rene Ramos, Date of Birth July 17th, 1985, is responsible for the Lerma murder. Ramos fled the area after the murder. A murder case has been filed by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office against Ramos and there is an active warrant for Ramos’s arrest for the murder.

The City of Oxnard has a long standing policy to offer a reward for the arrest and conviction of homicide suspects. That offer is extended to this case as well. Anyone who provides information on the whereabouts of Ramos which directly leads to his capture and arrest is eligible to share in a $10,000 reward. See the attached flyer.

Please direct all information to the Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, Detective Adam Wittkins at (805) 385-7649 or via e-mail at AdamWittkins@OxnardPd.org.