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Victoria Avenue has been closed for southbound traffic at Gum Tree Street, as crews work to clear a downed tree from blocking the roadway. This has also impacted traffic in the northbound lanes of Victoria Avenue. Please consider using alternate routes.
NEWS RELEASE
DETAILS:
The City of Oxnard reported a total of 4,515 crimes for calendar year 2022. This figure, which represents Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) statistics offenses, indicates an overall increase of 7.81% from the previous year.
Despite the increase, Oxnard’s level of reported UCR crime remains 10% lower than the last pre-pandemic year of 2019, which saw a reported 5,107 crimes. The final figure for 2022 UCR reportable crimes (4,515), is the second lowest reported crime year in Oxnard over the last ten years, and the third lowest year since 1992.
Contained within this news release are the UCR statistics for 2022. The UCR program, managed by the US Department of Justice, collects crime statistics from over 18,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the country. The Oxnard Police Department has tracked UCR statistics for the past five decades. The statistics are classified into eight “Part One” crimes that fall under two broad categories: violent crime and property crime.
The below table contains UCR crimes reported in 2022:
As noted in the chart, the City of Oxnard reported an overall 7.81% increase in Part 1 crimes for 2022. There were 327 more reported crimes than in the previous year. For violent crimes, there was a 19.2% increase, and for property crimes, there was a 5.6% increase, as compared to 2021.
Violent Crime
There were nine (9) homicides in 2022, four (4) less than the previous year. Oxnard’s 2022 homicide clearance rate was 33%, all of which were cleared by arrests. A more detailed explanation is listed in the supplemental report to this news release.
Violent crime saw an increase in robberies (20.8%), an increase in aggravated assaults (23.6%), and one additional reported rape (1.2%) in 2022 as compared to the previous year. Also, there was an overall increase of 25.6% in domestic violence-related offenses in 2022 as compared to the previous year. Though domestic violence offenses do not have their own UCR category, we have included Oxnard’s statistics:
Property Crime
Property crime in Oxnard experienced increases in burglary (25.7%) and motor vehicle theft (32.3%). There was a reduction in larceny, commonly referred to as theft, (-2.2%) and a reduction in arson (-13.2%).
The Oxnard Police Department had set a previous goal to report the 2022 crime statistics using the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). NIBRS is viewed as a more comprehensive reporting system as compared to the UCR program. To accurately collect the additional data elements to the FBI (NIBRS) standards, California law enforcement records management systems vendors had to build new programs to include those additional data sets. This delayed many California agencies, including the Oxnard Police Department, from meeting the goal to submit and report NIBRS crime data in 2022. However, the Oxnard Police Department aims to release 2023 year-end crime statistics from data collected using NIBRS.
It is important to understand the difference between UCR and NIBRS crime reporting. UCR crime data is collected by reporting the highest level offense in each criminal incident. This summary of crime information is tabulated in monthly reports. NIBRS, however, collects detailed data on each criminal offense within each incident. NIBRS goes much deeper to provide circumstances and context for crimes, which will provide a more detailed understanding of crime patterns, and help law enforcement make informed decisions about crime prevention and public safety.
Chief Jason Benites stated, “We have been fortunate to have experienced a downward trend in reported crime in Oxnard for the past seven years. Oxnard experienced an unprecedented 18% drop in reported crime in 2021, marking that year as having the least reported crime in a decade (and the second lowest year since 1992). It is not surprising that when statistics drop to a low point, we then see an uptick in the following time period, as figures revert towards average year levels.”
He added, “The past three years in our world have also been extraordinary ones. The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in our society. Behaviors changed as restrictions accompanied the pandemic. As emergency orders were scaled back, and are soon to be rescinded, we find ourselves trending back to pre-pandemic years. This includes activities and behaviors, and crime expectedly comes along with that. Crime reduction is a fundamental department priority, and we will continue to put forth great effort to keep our community safe.”
DATE: February 17, 2023 / 8:30PM
SUBJECT: Firearm arrest
SUSPECTS: Isaiah Rene Rodriguez; 18 year old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: Camino del Sol and Rose Avenue, Oxnard
CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander
(805) 385-7600 [email protected]
On February 17th at about 8:30PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a vehicle code violation at Camino del Sol and Rose Avenue in Oxnard. The driver of the vehicle, a juvenile, was found to be unlicensed. The front passenger, Rodriguez, was found to be on searchable probation. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm under Rodriguez’ seat. Rodriguez was arrested for multiple firearm 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. 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: February 17, 2023 / 10:52PM
SUBJECT: Firearm arrest
SUSPECTS: Marco Nunez; 29 year old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: Doris & “A” Streets, Oxnard
CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander
(805) 385-7600 [email protected]
On February 17th at about 10:50PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department attempted to contact a bicyclist in the area of Doris and “A” Street for a traffic violation. As officers attempted contact, the bicyclist fled from the officers, and was pursued by the officers. As he was fleeing, the bicyclist discarded a loaded unserialized firearm. The bicyclist, Nunez, was apprehended a short distance away without further incident. Nunez was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. He was charged with firearms and drug-related 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. 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: February 15, 2023
SUBJECT: Fatal Collision Involving Pedestrian
LOCATION: Fifth Street and G Street, Oxnard
DRIVER/VEHICLE Stanley Medina Monroy, 47-year-old male, Oxnard resident
2003 Chevy Express
PEDESTRIAN: 63-year-old male, name withheld pending next-of-kin notification
CONTACT: Officer Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator | (805) 200-5668 |
On February 15, 2023, at approximately 9:41 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Fifth Street and G Street. Upon arrival, officers located a severely injured pedestrian down on the roadway. The pedestrian was quickly rushed to the hospital by emergency medical personnel but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
The driver of the vehicle that struck the pedestrian remained at the scene and was identified as Stanley Medina Monroy. Investigators believe Monroy was traveling westbound on Fifth Street before colliding with the pedestrian. It is still unclear where the pedestrian was crossing in the roadway before being struck. Investigators don’t believe speed or impairment are contributing factors to the collision. However, the investigation is still ongoing.
Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 200-5668 or via email at [email protected].
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: February 8, 2023
SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Patrols
CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal
(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]
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, February 11, 2023, 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: February 8, 2023 (8:48 PM)
SUBJECT: Post Release Offender with Three Prior Gun Convictions Arrested for Firearm Possession, Second Passenger Also Arrested for Firearm Possession
SUSPECTS: Juan Rivera, 22-year-old Oxnard resident
Cesar Morales, 21-year-old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: 1100 blk. W. Hemlock St., Oxnard
CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant
(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]
On February 8, at approximately 8:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 blk. of Hemlock St. The right front passenger, identified as suspect Juan Rivera, immediately fled from the vehicle while holding his waistband. Rivera was apprehended and officers recovered a loaded revolver where Rivera was taken into custody. Officers searched Rivera incident to his arrest and found Rivera to be in possession of methamphetamine.
Rivera, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, was found to have a felony warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release. Rivera has three firearm convictions. Rivera is on Post Release Offender Supervision, (PROS), for firearm violations. 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.
Officers at the original traffic stop detained two additional subjects. Officers observed open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle and removed the occupants. As officers removed the rear passenger, identified as Cesar Morales, officers observed a semi-automatic handgun on the seat next to where Morales was seated. Morales is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member who has a prior carjacking conviction as well as additional firearm convictions.
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.
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: February 9, 2023
SUBJECT: Super Bowl DUI Enforcement
CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal
(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]
Super Bowl LVII is a Win-Win When You Plan Ahead: Score a Sober Ride Home
The Oxnard Police Department is reminding football fans that there’s no “DUI” in team. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan on drinking, make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go.
On Super Bowl LVII Sunday (Feb. 12), the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect you.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.