John Crombach 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:	July 30th, 2010 1800-2400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, July 30th, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight. The checkpoint will be held throughout the City of Oxnard and is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

From the beginning of 2010, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested over 545 drivers for DUI. We have also investigated over 125 collisions that involved a DUI driver with 45 of them involving injuries. As a reminder, the total cost for a first time DUI conviction in Ventura County is over $10,000.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be conducting more DUI enforcement operations over the summer months including checkpoints and several saturation patrols. The Oxnard Police Department remains committed to its no-tolerance approach to DUI drivers. These DUI operations are part of our 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.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@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:	Hit and Run
DATE/TIME:	7-25-10 / 8:45 PM
LOCATION:	Oxnard Blvd. and Colonia Rd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Gerardo Rodriguez, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Vega , Male, 21 years of age
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Ford Expedition (impounded)
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marc Amon, Sergeant, Oxnard P.D.
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Traffic Investigator 385-7750

DETAILS:

Rodriguez was crossing in the crosswalk while riding his bicycle at Colonia Rd. and Oxnard Blvd. when the suspect vehicle ran the red light and struck the victim bicyclist. The suspect, later identified as Oxnard resident Jose Vega, fled the scene in the vehicle however several witnesses stayed in the area to provide descriptions of the suspect vehicle with the direction of travel. Two other witnesses followed the suspect vehicle long enough to provide officers with an accurate description of the black Ford Expedition along with the license plate and last known direction of travel.

Officers waited at the registered owner’s residence until the suspected driver returned. Vega admitted driving the vehicle and fleeing the scene out of fear. Vega was arrested and his vehicle was impounded as evidence.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Six Arrested for Fighting at Party
DATE/TIME:	07-25-2010 at 2332 hours
LOCATION:	800 block of Cedar Court, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Angel Zuniga, Jr., 23 years, of Oxnard Rafael Valenzuela Vasquez, 23 years, of Port Hueneme Oscar Vincent Puga, 20 years, of Oxnard Jesse Joseph Zuniga, 18 years, of Oxnard Javier Granados Rincon, 22 years, of Ventura Octavio Ruiz, 26 years, of Oxnard
LOSS:	Injuries to two adult males and one adult female. One of the males suffered facial injuries and required hospitalization. Names withheld by police.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297

DETAILS:

On 07-25-2010 at 2332 hours, Oxnard police received numerous calls of a large fight in the 800 block of Cedar Court. The callers reported dozens of people fighting and throwing beer bottles, chairs and tables. Oxnard police arrived in two minutes and requested an additional two dozen police officers to deal with the crowd of 150 attending a baby shower in the courtyard of an apartment complex. Fire and ambulance were also dispatched to treat three injured victims.

Witnesses to the incident told police the party was uneventful until eight uninvited men entered the party and confronted several of the guests. The men verbally threatened the partygoers then launched an assault against some in the group using beer bottles, chairs, tables, and a baseball bat. One suspect (Puga) pulled out a folding knife and attempted to stab several persons in the crowd although no one was injured. As the group of men backed their way out of the party, another suspect (Rincon) displayed a handgun.

Witnesses pointed officers to a nearby apartment where the suspects fled. Officers detained six suspects at the location and all were identified by witnesses.

Detectives from the Oxnard police Violent Crimes Unit served a search warrant overnight on the apartment where the six suspects were located. Evidence related to the case was seized; the handgun is still outstanding.

All six suspects were arrested for felony assault with a deadly weapon and committing a crime in the furtherance of a criminal street gang. Suspect Ruiz was treated at a local hospital for facial injuries sustained in the fight. All suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail; bail was set at $100,000 for each suspect.

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:	Vehicle pursuit
DATE/TIME:	7-24-10 / 4:00 PM
LOCATION:	Jasmine & Elder Streets, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Camarillo resident
SUSPECT(S):	Conrad Moraga , Male, 32 years of age
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2008 Ford Edge (stolen from the City of Camarillo)
LOSS:	Recovered stolen vehicle
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Keller, Oxnard P.D. Watch Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Pat Dolan 385-7755

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the area of Jasmine and Elder Streets in Oxnard. The vehicle was a White Ford Edge stolen from the City of Camarillo during a residential burglary that occurred on 7-12-10. At about 4:00 PM today the suspect, later identified as Conrad Moraga, entered the stolen vehicle and drove off. A traffic stop was attempted, however Moraga led officers on a high-speed pursuit lasting about 22 minutes. Moraga drove recklessly to the City of Ventura before returning to Oxnard. The Sheriff’s helicopter was requested and arrived in time to assist with the pursuit. The pursuit ended at Gonzales and Lantana Streets in Oxnard when Moraga collided with another vehicle. He attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended at the collision scene.

There were a total of 8 collisions which occurred in several jurisdictions during the pursuit resulting in one person reporting a complaint of pain type injury. One police car was damaged as a result of one non-injury collision. The suspect was also slightly injured and taken to the emergency room prior to being booked at Ventura County Jail for felony evading, felony hit & run, parole violation and stolen vehicle possession. Anyone with information reference Moraga’s involvement in residential burglaries or stolen vehicles may call detective Pat Dolan at 385-7755.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM
DATE/TIME:	WEDNESDAY 8-24-2010
LOCATION:	OXNARD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
PREPARED BY:	M.ENNIS

DETAILS:

On Aug. 24th, 2010, the Oxnard Police Department is hosting the phase one training class of the “Crime Free Multi-Housing program”.

The hours of the class are from 8a.m.-5p.m. in the Thousand Oaks room at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center at 800 South Hobson Way, in Oxnard.

This class is open to all apartment community employees in the City of Oxnard. This class is recommended for all property owners, on site property managers, property management representatives, leasing agents and maintenance employees.

The Oxnard Police Department introduced this crime prevention program in November of 2005. This program has proven to be successful in lowering crime, making properties more profitable, and increasing the quality of life for many tenants.
This program has been very successful in the City of Oxnard. The reduction in crime in most apartment communities in the program is above 70 percent.

If you have any questions or wish to sign up for the training please contact Detective Martin Ennis at (805) 385-8349 or e-mail him at martinennis@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:	Attempt Residential Burglaries
DATE/TIME:	07/16/2010 1:00 AM – 2:00 AM
LOCATION:	800 block to 1100 block Cedar Street
VICTIM(S):	Three Victims
SUSPECT(S):	Suspect one is a Hispanic male, 5-6, 150, black hair, early to mid twenties, wearing dark clothing. Suspect two is a Hispanic male, 5-8, 140, shaved head, wearing checkered shorts with knee high socks.
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Rangel, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit at 805-385-7605

DETAILS:

On 07/16/2010 between the hours of 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM two suspects attempted entry to one a residence on the 800 block of Cedar Court and then again on the 900 block of Cedar Court. The same two suspects attempted entry to a third residence on the 1100 block of Cedar Street. In two cases, the suspects attempted to open a window to the door and on the third they attempted to pry off a window screen.

The public is asked to use caution when leaving windows open during the late night hours and to call the police when you see people acting suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit at 805-385-7605.

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:	July 13, 2010 at 8:30 PM
LOCATION:	Sierra Park at Lantana and Indigo
VICTIM(S):	18 Year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic, male, 16 to 18 years, 5-06 to 6-00 feet tall, thin build, wearing a long sleeve black shirt with jeans.
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Violent Crimes Unit Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Mike Marostica (805) 486-6228 mikemarostica@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 7-13-10 at around 8:00 PM Officers responded to a stabbing victim at Sierra Park located at Lantana and Indigo. Upon officers arrival they found the victim had been transported by private vehicle to the hospital. Officers responded to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center where the victim was being treated for a single stab wound to the back. The victim is listed in serious but stable condition.

He told investigators that he was in the park when a fight ensued, during the fight he was stabbed for no apparent reason. He stated the suspect fled the area on foot prior to officers arriving. The victims name is being withheld because the investigators feel the incident is gang related. The victim had ties to an Oxnard gang prior to the assault. If anyone has information about this incident you are asked to contact Det. Mike Marostica at (805) 486-6228 or email him at mikemarostica@oxnardpd.org. You can remain anonymous by contacting Ventura Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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 and Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 2010 5:50PM
LOCATION:	Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd
VICTIM(S):	46 Year-old, Oxnard resident. Not being released because suspect has victim’s property in car
SUSPECT(S):	White, male, 30-45 years, 5’5-5’7” tall, 150 pounds, heavyset, black wavy style hair, possible mustache, wearing a light colored, collared shirt, and black pants.
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Victims stolen vehicle: 99 Gold Chevy Malibu California License 5DFW620
LOSS:	Vehicle
PREPARED BY:	Violent Crimes Unit Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Charles Buttell (805) 385-7665 charlesbuttell@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 7-13-10 at 6:00 PM, officers responded to the area of Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd in regards to an assault victim. Upon officers arrival they contacted the victim that was suffering from a cut to his hand. He told officers that he was exiting his work in the 3100 block of North Ventura Rd when he was approached by the suspect. The suspect told the victim that his car was broken down nearby and he needed a ride. The victim took the suspect to the area of Vineyard and Oxnard Blvd.

At that point the suspect brandished a knife and demanded money from the victim. A struggle ensued at which time the victim exited his car and ran away. The suspect then fled in the victim’s vehicle which is still outstanding. If anyone has information about this incident they are asked to call Det. Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7665 or email him at charlesbutell@oxnardpd.org. If you would like to remain anonymous call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	7th Annual Strawberry Fields 5K and Triathlon
DATE/TIME:	July 17th, 2010 0900-1100 July 18th, 2010 0730-1100
LOCATION:	Oxnard State Beach Park
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The 7th annual Strawberry Fields 5K and Triathlon will be taking place this weekend at Oxnard State Beach Park. The event begins on Saturday, July 17th, with a 5K run that starts at 9:00 A.M. On Sunday, July 18th, the triathlon will start at 7:30 A.M. and is expected to have over 1,000 participants.

Personnel from the Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control along on the run and bicycle courses during both of these events. The priority right of way will be giving to the runners and bicyclists as these events are highly competitive.

Runners during both events will be running along Mandalay Beach Road, Sunset Lane, and Ocean Drive. During the triathlon, the bicycle riders will be traveling on Harbor Boulevard, Gonzales Road, Victoria Avenue, and Channel Islands Boulevard. Traffic control personnel will be positioned at all of the intersections along the run and bike courses during both events.

On Sunday, the northbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard will be closed at Costa De Oro at approximately 7:00 A.M. during the triathlon and are expected to reopen at approximately 10:30 A.M. or as soon as possible. This closure will provide added safety for the bicyclists and reduce the amount of traffic congestion surrounding Oxnard State Beach Park. The southbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard will remain open during the triathlon but drivers shall expect long delays near Oxnard State Beach Park as the bicyclists will be entering and exiting the park. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes including Victoria Avenue to avoid these road closures and delays.

If you live in the area of these events, we apologize for any inconvenience.

For any questions related to these events or road closures, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@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:	Man Arrested for Grand Theft from Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	07-13-2010 at 1046 hours
LOCATION:	1900 block of El Cajon Court, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Leonel Perez Hernandez, 25 years, of Port Hueneme
LOSS:	Personal property recovered
PREPARED BY:	Officer Larry Eklund

DETAILS:

At 10:46 a.m. this morning, Oxnard police received an emergency call of a fight in progress. The reporting party told Oxnard police and fire dispatchers that a burglary suspect was fighting with the apparent victim in the 1900 block of El Cajon Court. Officers were sent to the location with lights and siren.

Upon arrival, officers locate two men in a front yard on El Cajon Court. The victim, whose name is being withheld by police, had subdued the suspect after he had stolen nearly a thousand dollars of property from his parked pick-up truck.

The victim told Oxnard police he was in the shower when he heard his doorbell ring. A short time later, he observed the suspect removing property from his unlocked pick-up truck in the driveway. The suspect confronted the victim in the front yard. A short struggle ensued. The suspect was quickly subdued by the victim—a gentleman with extensive experience in the martial arts.

Hernandez reportedly lost consciousness during the altercation with the victim. After being medically cleared at Ventura County Medical Center, he was booked into the Ventura County Jail for grand theft, possession of burglar tools (altered vehicle keys), and violation of probation (prior property crimes). His bail was set at $20,000.

An investigation is continuing.

# # #

Two crime prevention tips related to this story:

(1) DOOR-TO-DOOR VENDORS. Residents are urged to keep an eye out for people going door-to-door and to report any such persons to the police. A common ploy of thieves is to ring doorbells to see if anyone is home. With no answer, burglary or thefts typically follow. Reporting so-called “door-to-door solicitors” is also recommended as thieves will always have a cover story to offer if someone answers the door.

(2) HELP PREVENT VEHICLE CRIMES! Like our crime prevention sign below says: Keep your car doors locked and secure valuables. Most vehicle crimes occur because cars are unsecured and/or valuable property is left in view.