NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 15, 2022, 12:55 AM

SUBJECT: Arson Fire at High School in Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Unknown

LOCATION: Hueneme High School – 500 West Bard Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Corporal Meagan Tobey

(805) 385-7755 | Meagan.tobey@Oxnardpd.org

On May 15, 2022, at approximately 12:55 A.M., the Oxnard Fire Department, along with the Oxnard Police Department, responded to Hueneme High School regarding a structure fire. The fire was contained and extinguished by fire personnel on-scene.

Police and Fire Arson Investigators responded to the scene and determined that the fire originated and was contained to the cafeteria of the school. This fire is being investigated as an arson due to evidence located at the scene. Police are searching for the person or persons responsible for this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 985-7755. Also, anyone with information on 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: May 7, 2022, 11:40 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting During a Family Dispute

SUSPECT: Kevin Manalo, 23-year-old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block James Avenue, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756

Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On May 7, 2022, at about 11:40 A.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 100 block of James Avenue regarding a shooting. When officers arrived, they located two shooting victims, a 27-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest and a 61-year-old male suffering from two gunshot wounds to his leg. Both victims were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and are in stable condition. The suspected shooter, Kevin Manalo, was detained by other family members until the patrol officers arrived, and he was arrested at the scene. The firearm was also recovered.

Detectives with the Family Protection Unit and Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the incident. Detectives learned before the shooting that there was an argument. Manalo retrieved a rifle and fired several rounds during the altercation, striking the victims.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Kevin Adair (805) 385-7663.

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 PREPARED: May 7, 2022, 3:40 P.M.

DATE: May 13, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics and Firearms Arrest

SUSPECTS: Alejandro Soto, 33-year-old Oxnard resident

Maria Serrato, 43-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block West Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

On Friday, May 13, 2022, the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) and the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted a directed enforcement detail in the shopping plaza located in the 100 block of West Pleasant Valley road regarding several complaints of gang and narcotics activity.

During the detail, officers attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle. The vehicle failed to yield and led the officers on a brief pursuit before the pursued vehicle was involved in a traffic collision. The occupants of the vehicle fled the vehicle and two of the occupants were taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, officers located two loaded firearms, narcotics, and evidence of narcotics sales. One of the occupants, Alejandro Soto, is a documented gang member and he was found in possession of a loaded firearm.

Soto was placed under arrest for being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and resisting arrest. Serrato was placed under arrest for possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, both felonies.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related crimes 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 7, 2022, 11:40 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting During a Family Dispute

SUSPECT: Kevin Manalo, 23-year-old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block James Avenue, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756

Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Kevin Adair (805) 385-7663.

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 PREPARED: May 7, 2022, 3:40 P.M.

Officers are in the area of 9th/E Street assisting the Oxnard Fire Department with a structure fire. Traffic will be heavily impacted in the area. Please use alternate routes.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 4, 2022; 2:00 PM

SUBJECT: Rise in Stolen Vehicles

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT: Corporal Enrique Alvarez

(805) 385-7664 | enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

There has been a rise in the number of vehicles that are being reported stolen in the city of Oxnard. Between January and April of this year, 186 vehicles have been reported stolen. Of the 186 vehicles stolen, the vehicle keys were left inside forty-five (45) of the stolen vehicles. Fifty-three (53) of the reported stolen vehicles were 1990 model Honda Accords or Civics. Twenty-two (22) of the Honda sedans were left open and unlocked; three (3) of the Honda sedans were left unattended with the engine running.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the number of stolen vehicles, but we need your help. By following these easy steps, you can protect your vehicle and your valuables from thieves.

· Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.

· Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest openings.

· Take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car or leave your car running.

· Use an anti-theft device on your 1990s Honda Accords and Civics

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively reduce or stop vehicle theft without the assistance of concerned and responsible community members. Report suspicious activity when it occurs.

Anyone with information regarding suspicious or 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.

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

Update: Traffic Advisory – Units have cleared the area of 9th/E Street.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Forwarded message –
From: Giles, Sharon <sharon.giles@oxnardpd.org>
Date: Mon, May 9, 2022 at 3:14 PM
Subject: Traffic Advisory – 9th/E Street Oxnard
To: DL – Press Releases <dl-pressreleases@oxnardpd.org>

Officers are in the area of 9th/E Street assisting the Oxnard Fire Department with a structure fire. Traffic will be heavily impacted in the area. Please use alternate routes.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org

Regarding the original news release earlier this date, some language has been adjusted to correct and clarify statistics.

Updated news release attached.

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: May 9, 2022

SUBJECT: Arson Fire at Elementary School in Oxnard

SUSPECT: Unknown

LOCATION: Driffill Elementary School – 910 South “E” Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Detective Jared Schacher

805-385-7594 | jared.schacher@oxnardpd.org

On Monday, May 9, 2022, at approximately 2:42 P.M., the Oxnard Fire Department, along with the Oxnard Police Department, responded to Driffill Elementary School regarding a structure fire. The fire was immediately contained and quickly extinguished. There were no injuries reported.

Police and arson investigators responded to the scene and determined that a roll of toilet paper had been lit on fire inside the men’s restroom. Police are searching for the person or persons responsible for this incident.

If you have information regarding this fire, please contact Detective Jared Schacher at (805) 385-7594. Also, anyone with information on 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 stay 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: May 5, 2022

SUBJECT: April’s Distracted Month

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

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

Citations Issued for Hands-Free Cell Phone Violations

Oxnard, Calif. – Numerous drivers were cited for hands-free cell phone violations during several distracted driving enforcement operations during the month of April in response to "Distracted Driving Month". Officers issued a total of 115 citations issued during the enforcement mobilization period.

California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

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

Text Description automatically generated