On June 4, 2008 Officer Richard Marquez and Officer Eric Alinaya received the Oxnard Police Department Medal of Merit pin from Chief Crombach for their actions during an officer involved shooting on April 15, 2008. On that date, Officer Richard Marquez, Officer Eric Alinaya, Officer Raymund Mosones and Officer Jon Keller were working as part of the Special Enforcement Unit. These officers were conducting a surveillance regarding information they had received of a gang member being in possession of two handguns and selling narcotics from a residence. The surveillance of the residence confirmed that the suspect was standing outside the home. When Officer Marquez and Officer Alinaya attempted to contact the suspect he immediately fled, discarded a firearm, and entered the residence. As the officers attempted to force entry into the home they were met with gunfire from a second suspect who was also armed. Officer Marquez quickly returned fire at this suspect protecting Officer Alinaya and himself.
Officer Mosones and Officer Keller quickly arrived to assist their teammates. They quickly set up a perimeter around the home keeping the suspects from fleeing. Shortly thereafter the two suspects were taken into custody.
Officer Marquez, Officer Alinaya, Officer Mosones and Officer Keller’s actions while confronting the two armed violent suspects put them at risk of great harm. Their brave and professional demeanor during this potentially life threatening situation earned Officer Marquez and Officer Alinaya the Medal of Merit, and Officer Mosones and Officer Keller Letters of Commendation.
Officer Marquez and Officer Alinaya will be formally recognized for their actions and receive the actual medal during the annual Employee Recognition Awards Luncheon in April of 2009. They will also receive the POAVC Medal of Merit in 2009.