Protecting Our Community With Exceptional Service
Officers are on scene of a serious injury vehicle collision at Victoria Avenue and Doris Avenue. All lanes of Victoria Avenue are blocked between Gonzales Road and Teal Club Road. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: January 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision
LOCATION: Victoria Avenue at Doris Avenue
VICTIM: Name withheld pending notification of next of kin
DRIVERS: Angel Zamudio, 19 year-old, City of Oxnard resident
Wuyu Zhu, 55 year old, City of Oxnard resident
VEHICLES: Silver, Nissan Cube
White, Toyota Sienna
CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator
(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]
(Monday to Thursday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
On January 18, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Doris Avenue in reference to an injury collision.
Upon arrival, officers located two vehicles, a silver Nissan Cube and a white Toyota Sienna van with extensive damage at the intersection. Emergency medical personnel treated the occupants of both vehicles. The driver of the Toyota, Wuyu Zhu, and a male passenger sustained significant injuries and were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. Despite life-saving measures, the passenger succumbed to his injuries. Driver Zhu remains listed in critical but stable condition. The driver of the Nissan, Angel Zamudio, was also transported to a local hospital where he was treated for minor injuries.
Traffic Investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicates that the Nissan, driven by Zamudio, was traveling northbound on Victoria Avenue and broadsided the Toyota Sienna as it was crossing the intersection. At the hospital, Zamudio displayed symptoms of impairment by alcohol intoxication and was arrested. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Speed was also believed to be a contributing factor to this collision. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.
If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: January 14, 2025
SUBJECT: Oxnard Police release Critical Incident Community Briefing video
LOCATION: 3700 block of Leeward Way, Oxnard
CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander
(805) 385-7620 (Mon-Thu 7am – 5pm)
[email protected] (after hours)
The Oxnard Police Department is releasing a Critical Incident Community Briefing video of the officer-involved shooting incident that occurred at approximately 8:15 P.M. on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The public can view the Critical Incident Community Briefing video on the Oxnard Police Department’s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VuJfOez7wIU . The Critical Incident Community Briefing video link will also be available on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook, X, and Instagram accounts. Viewer discretion is advised.
At approximately 8:15 PM on October 21, 2024, Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service of shots fired from a vehicle in the 3700 block of Leeward Way. Once on scene, officers saw a male suspect, later identified as Cesar Ayala-Arteaga, who matched the description provided by the caller.
Officers contacted Mr. Arteaga, who armed himself with a firearm. The officers gave him commands and attempted to gain his compliance. Mr. Arteaga was uncooperative and refused to put down the firearm. Officers made several attempts to de-escalate the situation. Mr. Arteaga continued to be uncooperative and eventually pointed the firearm at the officers. As this occurred, two officers fired their department-issued weapons at Mr. Arteaga, striking him once. Officers and emergency medical services personnel rendered medical aid. Mr. Arteaga was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for further medical treatment.
On October 29, 2024, Mr. Arteaga was discharged from the hospital and booked into the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a deadly weapon at a police officer, negligently discharging a firearm, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $1,000,000.00. His next court date for this case is February 20, 2025, at the Ventura County Superior Court.
At the time of this news release, all officers have been cleared to return to service in their respective assignments.
Chief Jason Benites stated: “As part of our commitment to transparency with our community, we believe it is important to share this video with the community we serve. This Critical Incident Community Briefing video provides a summary account of what occurred during the evening of October 21st, including the sequence of events leading to the officer-involved shooting. It is important to point out that the intent of this video is not to offer an opinion or analysis of what occurred. Please keep in mind that this is currently an active criminal investigation, so the information we can release is limited. More information, including the body-worn camera video and the investigative reports, will be available to the public upon the completion of the investigation.”
The investigation is still ongoing. Detectives request that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755 or [email protected]
DATE: January 14, 2025
SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Enforcement
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]
On January 16th, 2025, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.
Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. 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 is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: January 9, 2025
SUBJECT: Robbery Suspects Arrested
SUSPECTS: Erasmo Corral 19-year-old Oxnard resident, Wendy Gutierrez 20-year- old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: Oxnard, CA
CONTACT: Diego Estrada, Detective
(805) 385-8291 (Tues-Fri 7:00 AM-5 PM) [email protected]
On January 4, 2025, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) began investigating an armed robbery that occurred at The Home Depot in the 400 block of W Esplanade Drive in Oxnard. The suspects were described as two males and two females. The group attempted to leave the store with several power tools when employees confronted them. One of the male suspects brandished a black handgun and threatened the employees before the group fled in a black sedan.
On January 7, 2025, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Walmart in the 2700 block of Saviers Road regarding an armed robbery. The suspects in this case were described as two males and two females. During the robbery, the suspects attempted to leave the store with stolen merchandise when they were confronted by an employee. One of the male suspects brandished a black handgun and pointed it at the employee before fleeing. The group was seen entering a black sedan after the crime.
VCU Investigators reviewed evidence from both robberies and confirmed they were related. They identified two of the suspects as Erasmo Corral and Wendy Gutierrez.
On January 8, 2025, VCU Investigators, with assistance from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, located and arrested Corral and Gutierrez in north Oxnard. Investigators searched the vehicle the pair were in and located two loaded firearms. Investigators later searched a residence associated with Corral and Gutierrez and located an additional firearm and narcotics.
Corral and Gutierrez were both booked into Ventura County Jail for robbery and conspiracy charges.
Investigators are still attempting to identify the two remaining suspects.
The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Diego Estrada at 805-385-8291 or by email at [email protected].
Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website, www.oxnard.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura 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: January 7, 2025 (2:50 p.m.)
SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Arson.
SUSPECT: Ruiz, Erik (30 years), Oxnard Resident
LOCATION: 900 block Iris St., Oxnard, CA
CONTACT: John McBride, Sergeant
(805) 307-6319 | [email protected]
Monday–Thursday 7AM – 5PM
On January 5, 2025, at approximately 1:34 a.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to Eight Street and Oxnard Blvd. to assist the Oxnard Fire Department with a vehicle fire. The fire was later determined to be arson. Surveillance video captured a male subject at the scene of the arson. After further investigation, Oxnard Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit identified Erik Ruiz as the responsible party for the arson. A probable cause want for arrest was issued for Ruiz, and he was arrested January 7, 2025. He is suspected of several additional arson related crimes in the City of Oxnard over the past month. The investigations are ongoing.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Property Crimes Unit is committed to reducing arson in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws. 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: January 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving a Vehicle and Bicyclist
VEHICLES: Unknown
DRIVERS: Unknown
Bicyclist: Unidentified male, approximately 40 years of age
CONTACT: Corporal Manny Perez
(805) 385-7749 (Mon-Thrs 7AM-5PM) I [email protected]
Update (Refer to the original collision information below)
On January 6, 2025, at approximately 6:24 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist at the intersection of Channel Islands Boulevard and Dallas Drive. The bicyclist was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office notified Oxnard Police this morning, January 7, 2025, that the bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries. The bicyclist has yet to be identified. There is no additional information on the two involved vehicles that were involved in this collision.
____________________________________________________________________________
On January 6, 2025, at approximately 6:24 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist at the intersection of Channel Islands Boulevard and Dallas Drive.
Upon arrival, officers located a male subject lying in the eastbound traffic lanes of Channel Islands Boulevard. A bicycle, bicycle trailer and other personal property were scattered across the eastbound traffic lanes near the subject. EMS personnel provided medical aid and transported the subject to the Ventura County Medical Center. The subject suffered life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition.
Initial investigation revealed the bicyclist was riding an unknown direction on Channel Islands Boulevard when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling eastbound. The subject was possibly ejected from his bicycle and struck by a second vehicle, also traveling eastbound Channel Islands Boulevard. Both vehicles fled the collision scene.
The cause of the collision has yet to be determined. It is unknown if speed or impaired driving were contributing factors to this collision.
Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Corporal Manny Perez at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.
If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.
The Oxnard Police Department is currently at the scene of a serious traffic collision. Eastbound Channel Islands Blvd traffic east of Dallas Dr is currently closed. Please find an alternative route.