John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious circumstances leading to the arrest of auto theft suspects
DATE/TIME:	2-2-10/0410 hours
LOCATION:	600 Block of Ibiza Lane
VICTIM(S):	Unavailable/ State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Rodney Ray Yanez and Cherie Marie Chavira
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Maroon Toyota Camry
LOSS:	None
PREPARED BY:	Sr. Det. Luis Mancha 2-3-10/0930
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sr. Det. Luis Mancha 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 2-2-10, Oxnard Police Officer Robert Valenzuela was patrolling the 600 block of Ibiza Lane when he observed a suspicious vehicle travelling down the street. As the officer started to follow the vehicle, he observed that the vehicle was following a male subject who had been looking through the windows of several parked vehicles. The male subject eventually entered the vehicle and it began to drive away.

As the officer stopped the vehicle at a cul-de-sac the male passenger fled. The vehicle was determined to be stolen and 28 year old, Oxnard resident Cherie Marie Chavira, was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle.

After a search of the area 40 year old, Oxnard resident Rodney Ray Yanez was apprehended and arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle and resisting arrest.

Residents are reminded to remove valuables from their vehicles and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately. Residents with additional information reference this crime are encouraged to contact Detective Luis Mancha at (805) 385-7664.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking arrest
DATE/TIME:	02/01/2010 1615 hrs
LOCATION:	First Street and Eliza Court
VICTIM(S):	36 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	S-1 Lorraine Lopez, 27 yr old Oxnard resident S-2 Teresa Failauga, 26 yr old Oxnard resident S-3 White female, 20-30 yrs, thin build Two additional suspects only described as Hispanic males in their early 20’s
PREPARED BY:	Detective Paul Knapp
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Paul Knapp 805-385-7796

DETAILS:

On 2/1/2010, officers from the Oxnard Police Department located a stolen vehicle in the area of First Street and Eliza Court. The vehicle was being driven by Teresa Failauga and the passenger was identified as Lorraine Lopez, both of Oxnard. Failauga was arrested and charged with driving a stolen vehicle.

It was reported that the vehicle was stolen during a robbery and carjacking that occurred on 1/31/2010. The victim told officers that a Hispanic female and a white female asked him for a ride. He was directed to an unfamiliar area of the city when two Hispanic males approached the vehicle. The two males pulled the victim out and pushed him into the rear seat where they held him against his will. The Hispanic female entered the driver’s seat and the white female sat in the front passenger seat. He was driven around the city before being taken to an alley in the area of Woolley Road and ‘J’ Street. The female stopped the vehicle and the two males demanded money from the victim. After taking an undisclosed amount of money, the two males assaulted the victim and pulled him out of the vehicle. The four suspects then fled the area in the victim’s vehicle. A subsequent investigation was conducted and Lorraine Lopez was positively identified as the Hispanic female suspect involved in the carjacking and robbery.

The additional described suspects are still outstanding. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Paul Knapp at 805-385-7796 or 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:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2010 1:07 AM
LOCATION:	2700 Block of Detroit Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	19 year-old, Camarillo resident 20 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Gray newer model Toyota Corolla
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Ricardo Vazquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett 805-486-6297

DETAILS:

On 1-31-10 at 1:07 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of an assault in the area of the 2700 block of Detroit Drive. Upon officers arrival they located two gunshot victims. One victim was shot twice and the second victim was shot once; both victims suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to St John’s Regional Center where they were listed in stable condition.

The victims told officers they were attending a party in the 2700 block of Detroit Drive and were standing in the street when the shooting occurred. Witnesses said that the suspect was a passenger in a newer model gray Toyota Corolla. The suspect and vehicle fled the area after the shooting. No motives for the shooting or suspects have been identified.

Violent Crimes Unit detectives are conducting an investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Detective Alex Arnett at 805-486-6297 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	187 Homicide
DATE/TIME:	01/30/2010 12:25 am
LOCATION:	700 Block Rialto St Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	16 year old male. Resident of Camarillo. Name with-held
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay 385-8174

DETAILS:

A 16 year old male, resident of Camarillo was shot and killed while attending a party in Oxnard Saturday Morning. On 1-30-2010 at approximately 12:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 700 block of Rialto St. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located the victim inside of a residence who suffered a fatal gunshot wound.

While officers were on scene, they learned that two additional victims were hit by gunfire. The victims included an 18 year old female from Oxnard and a 22 male, also an Oxnard resident. Both subjects were transported to a local hospital and are expected to survive.

Investigators determined that the victims were attending a party at a residence located on Rialto St. The three victims were inside of the house standing in front of the entry way when several gunshots were fired through the door hitting the victims. Several people attending the party ran out of the back of the house to get away from the gunfire. The suspect has not been identified and it is not clear as to why the house was targeted. The name of the deceased victim is being with-held pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Detective Jeff Kay at 385-8174 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 982-7070.

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:	January 29th, 2010 1800-2400 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Andrew Pinkstaff, District Four Officer (805) 207-6355

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted two Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints on January 29th, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue @ Lindsay Place.

The second checkpoint was conducted in the westbound lanes of Pleasant Valley Road @ C Street.

Officers screened 690 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers conducted five DUI investigations that led to the arrest of one driver for DUI. One of those drivers had a blood alcohol level of over three times the legal limit.

During the checkpoint, an Oxnard Police Department motor officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation and conducted a traffic stop. The vehicle was found to be stolen and a brief pursuit occurred before all occupants fled from the vehicle on foot. The vehicle was also found to have stolen license plates. As of this time, no arrests have been made in this incident.

37 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 27 vehicles were towed and the owners of those vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00. 27 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and two drivers were cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These DUI operations are an 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. The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery/Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	01/28/10 9:30 PM
LOCATION:	800 Block of Cedar Court
VICTIM(S):	40 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	H/M/20/5-8/200/shaved head/medium complexion/white shirt/dark pants/Spanish speaking
PREPARED BY:	Detective Paul Knapp
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Paul Knapp 805-385-7796

DETAILS:

On 1/28/10 at about 2130 hours, the victim was walking south through Durley Park towards the 800 block of Cedar Court. The victim was confronted by the suspect who was armed with a knife. The suspect told him that this was a robbery. The victim pulled out his wallet and told the suspect that he did not have anything.

The victim threw his wallet towards the suspect and turned to run away. The suspect reached out and stabbed the victim two times in the abdomen before fleeing the scene.

The victim sustained two stab wounds and is in stable condition.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Paul Knapp at 805-385-7796 or 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:	Operation Blankets of Love Fundraiser
DATE/TIME:	February 20th 1000-1400
LOCATION:	Parking Lot Behind Fire Admin. Building 360 W 2nd St Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Danah Palmer (805) 385-7784
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jennifer Streeper [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is hosting a fundraiser for Operation Blankets of Love on February 20th from 10am-2pm. The fundraiser is being held in the parking lot to the rear of the Oxnard Fire Administration Building at 360 W 2nd St in Oxnard. Operation Blankets of Love is a non-profit organization that provides blankets, towels, toys and other necessities for dogs and cats in pet shelters throughout Southern California.

The fundraiser will be collecting new or used blankets, towels and toys for homeless pets. Everyone who makes a donation will receive a voucher for a free rabies vaccination from Oxnard Animal Control. There will also be pets available for adoption, representatives from pet rescue groups in the area, a bake sale and a dog costume contest. Both the Oxnard Police and Fire Departments will be hosting events including a fire exhibition, K9 demonstration and motor officers. Radio station Q104.7 will also be there from 12pm-2pm. If you are unable to make the event you can drop off your donations at Petco in Camarillo or Ventura. For more information www.facebook.com/OxnardPD

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 Drivers License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	January 29th, 2010 1800-2400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, January 29th, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. 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. Additional officers will be out after the checkpoint until 3:00 A.M. conducting DUI enforcement.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct several additional DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols in 2010. All of these operations are an 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.

How to Report a Drunk Driver

Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver. **You do not have to give your name.
Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction they’re traveling.
Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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
DATE/TIME:	January 27, 2010 at approximately 1330 hours
LOCATION:	Samuel Avenue and Thomas Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	17 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown Hispanic Male
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	4-door vehicle
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Violent Crimes Unit, Senior Officer Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Charles Buttell (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 1/27/10 at approximately 1630 hours, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center (SJRMC) for a stabbing victim. The victim received a laceration to his right arm that required sutures to close the wound. The victim was listed in stable condition and is due to be released later tonight.

The victim said he was walking in the area of Thomas Avenue and Samuel Avenue at approximately 1330 hours when he was attacked by an unidentified Hispanic male. During the attack the victim was slashed in the right arm. The suspect fled the scene in a 4 door vehicle while the victim was taken to SJRMC for treatment of his injuries.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7665 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.

The 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:	Burglary
DATE/TIME:	01/25/2010 11:00 am
LOCATION:	1200 Block of Martin Luther King Dr, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name With-held
SUSPECT(S):	31 year old Asian Male, Resident of Los Angeles County
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Major Crimes Supervisor
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

On 1/25/2010, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of possible prowlers at a residence in the 1200 block of Martin Luther King Dr. Upon the officer’s arrival, they located a subject lying on the side of the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. It was later determined that this subject along with a second unidentified male were attempting to break into the residence when he was shot by the resident.

Investigators were told that the resident was inside of his house when the doorbell rang. The resident did not answer the door. A short time later, the resident heard noises on the side of his house. Upon looking out the window, he noticed two subjects who had entered his rear yard somehow, bypassing a locked gate. The resident immediately called 911 as he did not know the subjects. The resident armed himself with a handgun and waited for the police to arrive.

A few seconds later, the resident heard a side garage door being forced open. As the door opened, a residential alarm was set off and the resident thought the alarm would scare the subjects away. As the resident was waiting in the living room, a second locked door leading from the garage to the interior of the house was forced open and the subjects began to charge at the resident. The resident fired his gun at the subjects who in turn ran from the house. On suspect collapsed at the scene and was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. He is listed in stable condition. The second subject was last seen running from the area. That subject is described as an Asian male, 20s, 5”8”, 120 lbs.