News Releases

Forwarded message –
From: Whitney, Robin <robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org>
Date: Sat, Jun 18, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Subject: News Release: Critical Missing Juvenile (6/18/2022)
To: DL – Press Releases <dl-pressreleases@oxnardpd.org>

We're happy to report that the child has been located safe and returned to his family. Thank you for your assistance.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 18, 2022 (9:34 PM)

SUBJECT: Critical Missing Juvenile

LOCATION: 3000 block of Monterey St.

VICTIM: Sylas Olivares, male, age 8

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a critical missing 8-year-old juvenile. On 6/18/22, at approximately 9:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to a missing eight-year-old boy from the 3000 block of Monterey Street. The family reported that the child had been missing for approximately one hour. The child’s name is Sylas Olivares, age 8. His description is H, M, 4’0”, 42 lbs., wearing a black shirt, and shorts. The department is currently conducting an extensive search for the child. Anyone who has seen Sylas Olivares, or knows his possible whereabouts, is encouraged to immediately contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 19, 2022, at 6:30 AM

SUBJECT: Two Gunshot Victims Found Dead in Oxnard

LOCATION: 201 East Fourth Street, Oxnard, CA (Transportation Center)

VICTIM: Female, Hispanic, 34 Years Old, (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

Male, Black, 66 Years Old, (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

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

On June 19, 2022, at 6:30 AM, officers were dispatched to the Oxnard Transportation Center (OTC), located at 201 East Fourth Street. The call for service was regarding two subjects bleeding and unresponsive. Upon officer’s arrival, they discovered a male and a female who were seated on a bench on the train station platform along the tracks, north of the Oxnard Transportation Center. They both appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel arrived and quickly pronounced both subjects dead at the scene.

It is believed that the victims were there for several hours prior to being discovered by OTC security and the police department were then notified. The names of the victims are being withheld until notification can be made to their families.

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

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Kaya Boysan (805) 385-7645. 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/201eastfourthotc 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: 6/19/22, 10:50 Hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2022 (2:14 PM)

SUBJECT: Three juveniles arrested after an attempted robbery and shooting

SUSPECTS: Name withheld, male, age 16, Oxnard resident

Name withheld, male, age 16, Oxnard resident

Name withheld, female, age 17, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 4700 block of S. C Street

CONTACT: Dale Mc Alpine, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

On June 17, 2022, at about 2:14 PM, officers responded to the area of Saviers Road and Dollie Street regarding a shooting and attempted robbery. The adult male victim reported he was sitting in his vehicle in the 4700 block of S. C Street when three juvenile suspects approached his vehicle. One of the suspects opened the passenger door, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded his money. A second suspect opened the driver's side door, at which point the victim began to drive away. The suspects fired one round at the victim, which grazed the back of his neck. The third suspect acted as a lookout. Responding officers set up a perimeter and located the three juvenile suspects hiding in a backyard in the 4700 block of S. A Street. A loaded 9mm Glock-style P80 handgun was found nearby. The suspects were detained and the victim positively identified them. The three juvenile suspects were arrested for attempted robbery, attempted murder, conspiracy, and various firearms related charges.

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: June 15, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Road at Longfellow Way, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 17-year-old male of Port Hueneme, CA

1997 Honda Accord

PASSENGER: 17-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Andrew Pinkstaff, Corporal

(805) 385-7750 | andrew.pinkstaff@oxnardpd.org

On June 9, 2022, at approximately 4:49 p.m., Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a single-vehicle traffic collision in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Longfellow Way. When EMS personnel arrived at the scene of the incident, they discovered that the occupants of the vehicle, identified as a 17-year-old male of Port Hueneme and a 17-year-old male of Oxnard, were trapped inside. Oxnard Fire Department personnel extracted the occupants, who were transported to Ventura County Medical Center with critical injuries.

On June 13, 2022, the 17-year-old driver was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at Ventura County Medical Center. The 17-year-old passenger remains under medical care at the Ventura County Medical Center, with serious injuries.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the 1997 Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road east of Longfellow Way. For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a block wall and tree along the north side of the roadway. An investigation is ongoing regarding the cause of the collision and whether speed, drugs, and/or alcohol were involved.

Due to the ages of the involved parties, and at the request of the families involved, the Oxnard Police Department will not be releasing the names of the juveniles; however, the families of both juveniles have been notified by the Oxnard Police Department.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Corporal Andrew Pinkstaff at (805) 385-7750 or via email at andrew.pinkstaff@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 13, 2022, 1:00 PM

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks Raise Funds and Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in April of 2022

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2022 marked the fourth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. This year, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation teamed with Autism Society Ventura County and local Starbucks stores to raise over $10,675.00 for the cause.

Funds were raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced in part through donations from title sponsors Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Silver Mortgage Group, and the Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association. The Channel Islands Farmers Market, The Collection Farmers Market, F. Morton Pitt Company (Ventura), and local business owner Ron Wertzenberger of Ron’s Signs also donated services to the cause.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to four police department pop-ups and also collected in-store donations from customers throughout the month of April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships. Autism Society Ventura County Vice President Ashley Pope explains, “Fundraisers and donations are our only source of income for our operations and the programs that we hold. We serve thousands of families in Ventura County each year, and it’s all funded through these efforts. It was amazing to work with Oxnard P.D. & Starbucks for the third year! The relationships we hold are so much more than the funds they raise for us, it’s about the community seeing a united front for our cause.”

The Oxnard Police Department strives to build strong community partnerships and assist Oxnard’s vulnerable populations. Police Chief Jason Benites recognizes the importance of autism awareness and education. According to Benites, “As more attention has been brought to autism, it has become increasingly apparent how far reaching this condition is. More and more people have mentioned that they have someone in their family that is on the autism spectrum. We have a number of officers and staff members who have personal experiences and have shared them, and they are highly motivated to raise the level of both understanding and acceptance to the forefront. I would like to thank and commend all of those persons and organizations that have come together with us in the effort to promote understanding and acceptance. I would also like to thank everyone who has made some form of contribution, which will help improve the lives of those impacted by autism.”

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: June 10, 2022, 6:30 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect arrested in stolen vehicle from residential burglary

SUSPECT: Omar Alvarado-Cruz, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2200 block of Edelweiss Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Corporal Meagan Tobey

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

On June 10, 2022, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 2200 block of Edelweiss Street in regards to a residential burglary where the victim’s vehicle was stolen. The suspect made entry into the residence from an unlocked door and stole vehicle keys and other personal property while the residents were sleeping.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Officers from the Port Hueneme Police Department located the stolen vehicle traveling in the area of the Gill Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road in the City of Port Hueneme. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, 23-year-old Oxnard resident Omar Alvarado-Cruz. The Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. At the conclusion of their investigation, Alvarado-Cruz was arrested and charged with first degree residential burglary, driving a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of stolen property. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755. 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.

On the morning of Thursday, June 9, 2022, The Oxnard Police Department became aware of social media postings referencing sexual assault incidents at Pacifica High School. The incidents were between students. The Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU) assigned investigators to look further into this, along with the assistance of a school resource officer.

The cases that drove the discussion on social media were from incidents that occurred in 2019 and 2020. Both cases were thoroughly investigated by FPU detectives. Due to the sensitive nature of these investigations, as well as the age of the victims, Oxnard Police cannot, and will not, release information on the status of the investigations, or speak to the details of these cases.

A number of comments made in the social media posts made reference or alluded to additional victims or incidents. Police investigators and school resource officers are also working with school administrators to conduct outreach, including through social media, in hopes of identifying and locating potential additional victims or witnesses, as well as persons with information about the incidents. At the time of this news release, eight (8) officers have been assembled to further look into allegations.

The Oxnard Police Department understands the serious nature of sexual assault cases, and is committed to investigating them. Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are highly trained professionals who are devoted to seeking justice for victims. The Oxnard Police Department works closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that sexual assault cases are fully investigated.

If you are a sexual assault victim from Pacifica High School, or have information about these incidents, we urge you to contact Sergeant Scott Aaron at (805) 385-7756 or email at scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org.

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: June 9, 2022, 4:49 p.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Road at Longfellow Way, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 17-year-old male of Port Hueneme, CA

1997 Honda Accord

PASSENGER: 17-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Andrew Pinkstaff, Corporal

(805) 385-7750 | andrew.pinkstaff@oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 9th, 2022 (9:40 PM)

SUBJECT: Post Release Offender with Warrant for Firearm Possession, Arrested in Possession of a P80 Firearm

SUSPECTS: Isaac Guzman, 24-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: South alley 400 blk. of Canterbury Wy., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

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

On June 9^th, 2022, at approximately 9:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting a patrol in the South Winds neighborhood when they observed wanted subject Isaac Guzman driving a vehicle in the south alley of the 400 blk. of Canterbury Wy. Officers were aware that Guzman is a Post Release Offender and that he has a felony warrant for a PROS violation with an original commitment offense of possession of a firearm by a felon or addict. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – that was effective October 1, 2011. This program 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.

When officers attempted to stop Guzman, Guzman put his vehicle in reverse and accelerated in the alley. Guzman collided with another motorist that was stopped in the alley and then fled on foot. Guzman was apprehended after a brief struggle and was taken into custody for his felony warrant, resisting arrest, and for hit and run causing injury (complaint of pain).

Officers searched the vehicle Guzman was driving and located a loaded 9 millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.

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.

Officers are on scene of a serious injury single vehicle collision that occurred at around 4:50 p.m. near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd. and Longfellow Wy. Traffic for W/B Pleasant Valley Rd. is blocked at Terrace Ave and is being diverted onto N/B Terrace Ave. Traffic for E/B Pleasant Valley Rd. remains open. A press release with additional details will be sent out later this evening.