News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 7, 2022

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on Saturday, September 10, 2022, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

· Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

· Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

· Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

· Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 6, 2022

SUBJECT: Burglary Arrest – Second Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: 500 and 600 block of Eastwood Drive, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Victor Perez Flores, 33-Year-Old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Jared Schacher, Property Crimes Detective | (805) 385-7594 | Jared.Schacher@oxnardpd.org

On July 17, 2022, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 500 and 600 blocks of Eastwood Drive in reference to two burglaries that had occurred to occupied residences. It was learned the suspects entered the garage of the victim’s residence while they were asleep and stole several items from the garage and inside one of the residences. On August 4, 2022, detectives arrested 35-year-old Eduardo Madera, an Oxnard resident, for the burglaries. Property Crimes Detectives believed that Madera committed the crimes with an associate; thus, detectives continued to investigate the crimes.

Detectives conducted fingerprint analysis from evidence located at the scene of the burglaries and identified the second suspect as 33-year-old Victor Perez Flores of Oxnard. On September 2, 2022, Flores was detained and arrested by Oxnard Police Officers. During that arrest, Flores was found in possession of burglary tools and charged with the additional crime. Flores was booked into Ventura County Jail on a charge of residential burglary and possession of burglary tools.

The Oxnard Police Department urges citizens not to become a victim of property crimes. Remember to always lock the doors to your house and vehicles. Do not leave any items in vehicles that can be obviously seen. Install cameras and lighting systems. If packages are regularly delivered to your residence, consider having a neighbor retrieve them or have them delivered to a holding locker.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 6, 2022

SUBJECT: Two Oxnard Gang Members Arrested for Deadly Home Invasion Robbery

LOCATION: 1800 block of Arcadia Street

VICTIM: Steven Rodriguez, 43-year-old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Marco Juarez, 31-year-old Oxnard Resident

Frank Morales, 37-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit have arrested two Oxnard gang members in connection with a deadly home invasion robbery.

On Monday, June 27, 2022, at approximately 7:35 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call of a male suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Officers learned that the shooting took place in the 1800 block of Arcadia Street. Officers also discovered that 37-year-old Antonia Molina was transported by a private vehicle to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center for a gunshot wound. Molina was subsequently transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. Unfortunately, Molina succumbed to his injury and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Molina, along with Frank Morales and Marco Juarez, all three documented Oxnard gang members, attempted to commit a home invasion robbery at a residence in the 1800 block of Arcadia Street. During the home invasion robbery, the homeowner, Steven Rodriguez, armed himself with a handgun and attempted to remove the suspects from inside his residence. Molina assaulted Rodriguez. During the assault, Rodriguez fired the handgun at Molina, wounding him. Juarez, who was standing outside the residence and armed with a semi-automatic handgun, heard the gunshot from inside the residence and fired recklessly into the residence before fleeing. No one was struck by the gunshots fired by Juarez.

Molina, still inside the residence, was able to disarm Rodriguez of the handgun. Molina took Rodriguez’s handgun and fled the residence, along with Morales and Juarez, to an awaiting vehicle. Molina was driven to the hospital, where he ultimately died. Morales and Juarez fled from the hospital before police arrived.

On June 29, 2022, officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of J Street and Bard Road. Marco Juarez was a passenger in the vehicle and was found to be in possession of a 9mm semi-automatic P-80 “Ghost Gun.” Juarez also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Juarez was subsequently taken into custody and charged with possession of an illegal firearm and his outstanding warrant.

On July 22, 2022, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit obtained information that Frank Morales was inside a residence in the 1100 block of South Oxnard Boulevard, the Gateway Station Apartments. Frank Morales had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest and was on active parole.

Detectives authored a search warrant to enter the residence and arrest Frank Morales. Detectives, along with members of the Oxnard Police Department’s SWAT Team, Oxnard PD K-9 Unit, Oxnard PD Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit (UAV), and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office surrounded the residence in an attempt to get Morales to surrender peacefully. Morales refused to comply with the officer’s commands and barricaded himself inside the residence. While inside the apartment, Morales contacted Oxnard Police Dispatch and made several false claims in an attempt to lure police away from the residence so he could escape. After several hours, officers were able to take Morales into custody.

Frank Morales has been charged with 211 PC – Home invasion robbery, 186.22(a) PC – Street Terrorism, 148.5(c) PC – Falsely reporting a crime, and 148(a)(1) PC – Resist, obstruct, delay a peace officer. Morales is in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail and is being held on $950,000 bail.

Marco Juarez has been charged with 245(b) PC – Assault with a semi-automatic firearm, 245(a)(1) PC – Assault with a deadly weapon, 186.22(a) PC – Street Terrorism, 211 PC – Home invasion robbery, 246 PC – Shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and 29800(a)(1) PC – Own, possess or control a firearm by a felon. Juarez is in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail and is being held on $1,400,000 bail.

Also, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the shooting death of Antonio Molina by the homeowner, Steven Rodriguez, to determine if the shooting was a justifiable homicide that occurred during the commission of the home invasion robbery.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who has any information or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City of Oxnard.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1800arcadia

All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon, and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Also, 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 also 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.

Alex Arnett, Commander

Investigative Services Bureau

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, Ca. 93030

Desk – (805) 385-7620

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 4, 2022 (2:56 AM)

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Illegal Gun and Narcotic Possession

SUSPECTS: Jacob Isaiah Rodriguez, 18-year-old Goodyear, AZ resident

LOCATION: 1600 Block of Mandalay Beach Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

On September 4, 2022, at about 2:56 AM, officers responded to the 1600 block of Mandalay Beach Road for subjects loitering, and being loud and disturbing in the area. Officers contacted one of the disturbing parties at the scene and discovered he was on probation. Officers exercised his search terms on his vehicle and removed Jacob Isaiah Rodriguez from the front passenger seat. During a pat-down search for weapons of Rodriguez, officers located a loaded, unregistered .40 cal PT Taurus semi-automatic handgun in his front pants’ pocket. Incident to arrest, officers located suspected methamphetamine on Rodriguez’s person. Rodriguez was arrested for numerous gun and drug related charges and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

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: September 1, 2022 (5:05 PM)

SUBJECT: Driver Arrested for Firearms Possession, Passenger Arrested for Felony Warrant Related to October 2021 Shooting in Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Eric Harris, 18-year-old Oxnard resident

Luke Navarro, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Community Center Park East, 800 Hobson Wy., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On September 1^st, at approximately 5:05 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) located wanted subject, Luke Navarro, at Community Center Park East. Navarro was known to have a felony warrant for assault with a deadly weapon charge stemming from a shooting that took place on October 29, 2021, in the 2500 blk. of Spur Dr. Navarro was in the company of Eric Harris, who was also involved in the 2021 shooting. Harris and Navarro entered a vehicle parked in the parking lot and were immediately contacted by Special Enforcement Unit Officers. During the high risk stop, Harris was observed discarding an item in the rear compartment of his sport utility vehicle.

Harris, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, was detained and found to be in possession of narcotics. Navarro was subsequently arrested for his felony warrant and found to be in possession of a significant quantity of cocaine. In addition to his warrant, Navarro was subsequently charged with possession of cocaine for sales.

Officers conducted a records check on Harris and found Harris to be on felony probation for firearms possession. Harris has specific terms not allowing him to possess weapons as well as court ordered gang terms. Officers searched Harris’ vehicle and located a loaded .45 caliber handgun in the rear compartment area where Harris was seen discarding an item. Harris was arrested earlier this year for firearm possession in January. Officers continued to search Harris’ vehicle and located a large quantity of Xanax. In addition to being charged with firearms possession, Harris was charged with possessing narcotics for sales.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. 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: September 1, 2022

SUBJECT: Pedestrian Safety Month

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Slow Down, Look Out for People Walking: September is Pedestrian Safety Month Violations

September is Pedestrian Safety Month and the Oxnard Police Department will participate in activities throughout the month encouraging the safety of people walking.

Based on data projections from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 7,485 people, or an average of 20 people every day, died after being struck by a vehicle last year – an 11.5% increase from 2020 and a 40-year high.

To promote the safety of people walking, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation during the month of September focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of pedestrians at risk. These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield and running stop for signs or signals.

The Oxnard Police Department offers safe driving and walking tips, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:

Drivers

Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use signalized crosswalks where drivers may anticipate foot traffic.
Watch for approaching vehicles and practice due care crossing the street. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Make it easier for drivers to see you at night – wear light colors, reflective material and use a flashlight.
Be careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night or on busier streets with higher speed limits.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 29, 2022

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Unidentified Driver /

Unidentified Vehicle

PEDESTRIAN: Unidentified adult male

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

On August 29, 2022, at approximately 0108 hours, Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel were dispatched to the area of Ventura Road and Ninth Street to check the well-being of an injured person down in the roadway. Officers located the person and found him to have significant injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The unidentified adult male was quickly transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His identity is still being investigated by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

The driver of the vehicle is still outstanding. Officers continue to investigate in the area to identify the driver and vehicle that struck the pedestrian. Investigators suspect the vehicle to have damage to the front bumper near the center license plate.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Corporal Mike Wood at (805) 385-7749 or via email at mike.wood@oxnardpd.org. Also, 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 also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 29, 2022

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Unidentified Driver /

Unidentified Vehicle

PEDESTRIAN: Unidentified adult male

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

On August 29, 2022, at approximately 0108 hours, Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel were dispatched to the area of Ventura Road and Ninth Street to check the well-being of an injured person down in the roadway. Officers located the person and found him to have significant injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. The unidentified adult male was quickly transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. The driver that struck the pedestrian fled the scene.

Officers continue to investigate in the area to identify the driver and vehicle that struck the pedestrian. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Corporal Mike Wood at (805) 385-7749 or via email at mike.wood@oxnardpd.org. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 25th, 2022 (3:48 PM)

SUBJECT: Passenger Arrested for Possessing a P80 Semi-automatic Firearm / Driver Arrested for Post Release Offender Violations

SUSPECTS: Samuel Vazquez, 33-year-old Oxnard resident

Albert Lara, 47-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2600 blk. Saviers Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On August 25, at approximately 3:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near in the 2600 blk. of Saviers Rd. Prior to the vehicle coming to a complete stop, the right front passenger, identified as Samuel Vazquez, opened the right front passenger door and attempted to flee the stop. Officers detained the remaining occupants in the vehicle as well as Vazquez. When officers contacted Vazquez, they noticed a 9-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun in the map pocket of the right front passenger door. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Vazquez was arrested for possessing the handgun. Officers inspected the weapon and found it to be loaded.

Officers contacted the driver, Albert Lara, and found him to be on Post Release Supervision for domestic violence. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered. Lara was arrested for violating the terms of his release for having weapons in the vehicle. Officers conducted a records check on a rear passenger in the vehicle and learned the passenger had a misdemeanor warrant. The passenger was arrested for his warrant and found to be in possession of narcotics.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 22, 2022, at 8:00 PM

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 125 West Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Male, White, 22 years old, Tehachapi Resident (name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

On August 22^nd, 2022, at about 8:00 PM, officers were dispatched to 125 West Pleasant Valley Road, regarding a shooting which had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers found one victim, a white male, later determined to be a 22-year-old resident of Tehachapi. The victim was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was unconscious, and unresponsive upon arrival. Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene and transported him to Ventura County Medical Center. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who was present at the scene and may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Justin Songer (805) 385-7680. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/125pleasantvalleyroad All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Also, 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 also 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.

DATE/ TIME: 8/23/22, 0130 Hours