NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 27, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales and Gun Arrest

SUSPECTS: Armando Garcia, 25 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 300 block of North Bonita Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

During the early part of July 2023, the Oxnard Police Department received several complaints of possible narcotic activity occurring in and around the area of the 300 block of North Bonita Street, located in the La Colonia neighborhood.

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) took over the narcotic investigation and identified Armando Garcia as a possible suspect. Sufficient evidence was gathered permitting detectives to secure a search warrant at Garcia’s residence. During the course of the investigation, DEU detectives discovered Garcia was involved in an assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm in 2022. This allowed DEU detectives to secure an arrest warrant issued by the Ventura County Superior Court for criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

On July 26, 2023, the Oxnard Police Department’s S.W.A.T. team took Garcia into custody and executed the search warrant at his residence. With the assistance of detectives from the Investigations Bureau, detectives located and seized a loaded unregistered semi-automatic handgun, narcotics possessed for sales, and indicia of narcotic sales associated to Garcia. Garcia was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility for assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, and gun and narcotic related charges. This investigation would not have been possible without information obtained the community.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit is comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officer(s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: July 23, 2023 / 12:50 AM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: Bryan Zazueta, 19 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 1300 block Commercial Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

[email protected]

(805) 385-7746 (Th-Sat 4PM-4AM)

On the above date and time, an Oxnard Police Officer contacted Zazueta in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue. The officer observed the handle of a firearm protruding from Zazueta’s front pocket. Zazueta fled from the officer but was apprehended a short distance away. The firearm was a loaded 9mm firearm that was not registered to Zazueta. He was arrested for firearms violations.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 25, 2023 / 9:24 PM

SUBJECT: Man Arrested After Threatening in Movie Theater

SUSPECT: 62-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Cinemark Century Riverpark, 2766 block of Seaglass Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 [email protected]

On July 25th at about 9:24 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a report of a man armed with a gun inside the Cinemark Century Riverpark Theaters in Oxnard. A victim reported the suspect, a 62-year-old Oxnard resident, was in the theater when he began to yell at the screen and claimed to be armed with a handgun. The suspect was seen brandishing what the victim believed to be a handgun in a threatening manner.

Officers responded, evacuated all theater patrons, and detained the suspect, who was found to possess a taser resembling a firearm. The suspect was arrested for disturbing the peace and weapons-related offenses. No one was injured during this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 22, 2023 / 2:38 a.m.

SUBJECT: Firearm and Narcotics Arrest

SUSPECTS: Angel Virgen, 35 year-old Oxnard Resident
Marcos Nunez, 29 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block N. Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 (Fri-Sun 6PM-630AM) m[email protected]

On the above date and time, the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of a brandishing involving a firearm in the 100 Block of N. Oxnard Blvd. Arriving officers located the described vehicle and detained the occupants without incident. One of the occupants detained, Angel Virgen, admitted to possessing a concealed firearm underneath her shirt. Officers also located narcotics in the vehicle Virgen was driving. An additional occupant, Marcos Nunez, was arrested for narcotics-related offenses. Virgen was arrested for unlawful possession of a loaded firearm and a large quantity of narcotics.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 20, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Gun Arrest

SUSPECTS: Daniel Vasquez, 47 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block Magnolia Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

For the past several months, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), with the assistance of the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), began an investigation into Daniel Vasquez being involved in the sale of narcotics in the city of Oxnard. The investigation allowed DEU detectives to develop enough evidence to obtain a narcotic search warrant.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), are comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) (TFO) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These TFO’s are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

On July 20th, 2023, DEU detectives, along with the FBI and VCU detectives, executed multiple search warrants associated with Mr. Vasquez. The search of the items inside of Vasquez’s vehicle yielded a large quantity of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy pills. Further evidence of narcotics trafficking was seized along with a large quantity of US Currency taken under assets forfeiture laws. Vasquez was also in possession of dangerous weapons that included metal knuckles with a switch blade knife.

Mr. Vasquez has a lengthy criminal history and has several prior felony convictions for narcotic sales. Mr. Vasquez was charged with narcotic sales related charges. He was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2023

SUBJECT: Oxnard Store Clerk Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm) | [email protected]

Store Clerk in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Oxnard Police Department with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, cited a store clerk in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to a minor on July 21, 2023. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which a minor, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 13 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

The clerk who sold alcohol to the minor could face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

Compliance checks are being conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities than the general adult population. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the availability of alcohol to minors.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department’s Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales / Illegal Assault Weapon Arrest

SUSPECTS: Salvador Perez, 28 year-old Oxnard Resident

Maurisio Perez, 24 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2600 block of Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

On July 20, 2023, the Ventura County Probation Agency contacted the Oxnard Police Department after suspected illegal narcotics were located during a routine probation search at the residence of Salvador Perez. Also present during the probation search was Maurisio Perez who is currently out on bail from an unrelated arrest.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit was consulted and took control of the narcotic investigation. The investigation allowed narcotic detectives to secure a search warrant of the residence through the Ventura County Superior Court. This permitted detectives to conduct a more extensive search.

The search warrant resulted in the seizure of over one and a half pounds of suspected fentanyl, over two ounces of suspected cocaine, U.S. currency, and indicia of narcotic sales. Additionally, detectives located a short-barreled assault weapon, a second illegal assault weapon, an unregistered handgun, and ammunition.

The amount of suspected fentanyl seized allows for the consumption of over 13,000 doses. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller. Twenty-six percent of tablets tested in a DEA laboratory contained a lethal dose of fentanyl.”

Salvador and Maurisio were arrested for narcotic related charges. Maurisio was arrested for gun related charges. They were both booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit is comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officer(s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are charged with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

Salvador and Mauricio Perez.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 19, 2023, 6:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Assistance Locating an Assault Victim

LOCATION: Johnson Creek Park, Oxnard

VICTIM: Unknown Hispanic Female, 16-17 years old

SUSPECT: Nikolas William Quijada, 28 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On July 19, 2023, at about 4:30 P.M., Oxnard police officers responded to an assault that occurred at Johnson Creek Park, located at 501 Johnson Road. When officers arrived, they spoke to several bystanders that witnessed the assault.

Officers learned the suspect of the assault, a Hispanic male approximately 28 years old, approached a Hispanic female approximately 16-17 years of age. The suspect physically assault the female; however, bystanders interceded, stopping the assault. The suspect remained at the scene until police arrived. The female victim ran from the scene before police officers had the opportunity to interview her. The victim was last seen running towards Bard Road.

The suspect was arrested on charges unrelated to the assault. Police hope to locate and identify the female so she can be interviewed.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and identifying the female assault victim. If you have any information about the assault victim or witnessed the physical assault, you are asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 19, 2023, 6:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Assistance Locating an Assault Victim

LOCATION: Johnson Creek Park, Oxnard

VICTIM: Unknown Hispanic Female, 16-17 years old

SUSPECT: Nikolas William Quijada, 28 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

The suspect was arrested on charges unrelated to the assault. Police hope to locate and identify the female so she can be interviewed.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: July 19, 2023 / 4:00 AM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: Mark Ayad, 18 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 300 block W Gonzales Rd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

[email protected]

(805) 385-7746

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers were investigating a fight in the 700 block of Aster Street. When officers arrived, several subjects fled the area on foot. Officers located two of the subjects who fled in the 300 block of W Gonzales Rd. Mark Ayad, an 18-year-old male, was one of the subjects contacted. During a search of his person a 9mm Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun was found in his possession. Ayad was arrested for several firearms violations. Ayad was booked at Ventura County Jail.