News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 28, 2022, at Approximately 6:50 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suicide by Hanging

LOCATION: Walgreens, 2303 E. Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM: Name withheld pending notification of next of kin

CONTACT: Alex Arnett, Commander

On July 28, 2022, at approximately 6:53 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department and the Oxnard Fire Department responded to Walgreens, located at 2303 E. Vineyard Avenue, in reference to a male seen hanging on the outside of the building. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found a male hanging by a nylon strap tied tightly around his neck. EMS pronounced the male deceased. Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene to investigate. Detectives determined that the male had committed suicide by hanging.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind our community that suicide and crisis lifelines are available to anyone thinking of hurting themselves or committing suicide.

· National suicide prevention lifeline or crisis lifeline – dial or text 988

· Ventura County Behavior Health – 1-800-273-8255

· The Oxnard Police Department – dial 911

Alex Arnett, Commander

Investigative Services Bureau

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, Ca. 93030

Desk – (805) 385-7620

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

***UPDATE***

DATE: July 25, 2022

DATE OF INCIDENT: July 10, 2022, at 110:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Hospitalized Soccer Player Dies; Police Still Searching for Witnesses or Video of Incident

LOCATION: Soccer Field at Oxnard High School, 3400 W. Gonzales Rd.

VICTIM: Misael Sanchez, 29-years old

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6228 | [email protected]

A soccer player hospitalized after an on field fight has died. Misael Sanchez, a 29-year old Port Hueneme resident, died 15-days after he was involved in a large soccer fight that included players from both teams and spectators. The fight occurred on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at approximately 11:00 A.M. on a soccer field at Oxnard High School, located at 3400 West Gonzales Road. Sanchez died in the early morning hours on Monday, July 25, 2022. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, July 26, 2022, to determine Sanchez’ cause of death.

Investigators are still searching for witnesses or anyone who might have video recorded all or part of the fight. Anyone who witnessed the fight or who has video recordings of the incident is asked to contact Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6228 or [email protected], or Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7547 or [email protected].

Also, you can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Anyone with a video recording of the fight can remain anonymous and upload the video to the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/oxnardhighsoccer

Alex Arnett, Commander

Investigative Services Bureau

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, Ca. 93030

Desk – (805) 385-7620

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 24, 2022, 11:54 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: Gisler Avenue/E. Guava Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Name Withheld – 16-year-old male, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Sharon Giles, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On July 24, 2022 at approximately 11:54 a.m., a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle in the area of Gisler Avenue and E. Guava Street. The driver was contacted and found to be a 16-year-old male. A records check disclosed that the juvenile was not a licensed driver. The father of the juvenile arrived on scene of the traffic stop and identified his son and gave permission to the officers to conduct a search of the vehicle.

The officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded handgun. The juvenile driver was arrested for various Misdemeanor gun violations and lodged into the Ventura County Juvenile Justice 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 arrests are available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 23, 2022

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and Saturation Patrol Results

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | [email protected]

Five impaired drivers arrested during a DUI checkpoint and saturation patrols

On July 23, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., Oxnard Police officers held a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Rose Ave near Lindsay Place. Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation. The checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols resulted in five DUI arrests and 30 traffic citations.

Checkpoint locations and DUI saturation patrols are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 24, 2022 (3:52 AM)

SUBJECT: Person Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: Marco Rosales, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 800 block of Hill Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Crystal Walker, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On July 24, 2022, at approximately 12:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a domestic in the 800 block of Hill Street. Upon arrival, officers contacted three subjects in the area. Just prior to contact, officers saw Rosales place an unknown item into a parked vehicle.

As officers began a search of the vehicle, Rosales got up and began to flee. Officers gave chase and were able to take him into custody a short distance away.

Once Rosales was taken into custody, officers searched the vehicle where Rosales had been and located a loaded handgun. Ruiz was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and numerous firearms and narcotics 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.

Sergeant Crystal Walker

Oxnard Police Department

251 So. "C" St., Oxnard, CA 93030

(805) 385-7600, Friday – Sunday, 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 22, 2022 (2:50 AM)

SUBJECT: Parolee at Large Arrested After Barricading in Residence, K9 Assists in Apprehension

SUSPECTS: Frank Morales, 37-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 blk. of South Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On July 22, 2022, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard K9 Unit, and the Oxnard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit (UAV), the Oxnard SWAT Team served an arrest warrant at an apartment complex in the 1100 blk. of South Oxnard Blvd. The felony warrant was regarding Frank Morales, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member and parolee at large. Morales’ warrant had a “caution code” attached indicating Morales had “violent tendencies”.

Oxnard SWAT officers surrounded the residence, announced their presence, and called for residents to exit the apartment. After the residents failed to comply, SWAT team members forced entry to the apartment and gave additional announcements. Officers made contact with an adult female and child and escorted them from the residence. Officers continued to make announcements for Morales to exit the residence and Morales failed to comply. Officers attempted to negotiate with Morales for over an hour utilizing the PA system from one of the armored rescue vehicles (ARV) with negative results.

SWAT officers notified neighboring apartments and assisted residents with evacuation. SWAT officers, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, inserted chemical irritants into the residence. Morales emerged from a room inside of the residence to avoid the chemical irritants. Officers gave Morales surrender commands and Morales failed to comply.

After several warnings and opportunities to comply, Oxnard PD K9 Rocky was deployed and Morales was taken into custody. Morales was treated at the scene by a TEMS Specialist (Oxnard Fire personnel attached to the Oxnard SWAT Team) and then escorted downstairs to EMS.

Morales was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for further treatment prior to being booked for his felony warrant.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and SWAT Team members are 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: July 22, 2022, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Missing Juvenile

MISSING: Maria Castro Rodriguez, 13-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 700 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a juvenile that voluntarily left her home in the 700 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive in Oxnard.

Police are looking for 13-year-old Maria Castro Rodriguez. Rodriguez left her residence, where she was living with her parents, after a verbal dispute on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Rodriguez’s mother reported to the police on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at about 3:00 P.M., that her daughter was gone. Police also learned that days before Rodriguez left, she was staying with friends that live in the Southwinds neighborhood. A neighbor saw Rodriguez get into a gray Honda four-door driven by an unknown male. The vehicle was last seen westbound on Cuesta Del Mar Drive.

Rodriguez is described as a Hispanic female, 5’1” tall, 90 pounds. When she left home, she was wearing a gray t-shirt, red shorts, and blue sandals. Rodriguez has a birthmark on her forehead over her left eye.

Detectives with the Family Protection Unit are following up on all leads and are attempting to locate Rodriguez. If you see Rodriguez, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

Maria Rodriguez was found safe and unharmed.

Thank you

On Fri, Jul 22, 2022 at 12:54 PM Aaron, Scott <[email protected]> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 22, 2022, 1:00 P.M.

SUBJECT:               Missing Juvenile

MISSING: Maria Castro Rodriguez, 13-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 700 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT:               Scott Aaron, Sergeant

                                    (805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a juvenile that voluntarily left her home in the 700 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive in Oxnard.

Police are looking for 13-year-old Maria Castro Rodriguez. Rodriguez left her residence, where she was living with her parents, after a verbal dispute on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. Rodriguez’s mother reported to the police on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at about 3:00 P.M., that her daughter was gone. Police also learned that days before Rodriguez left, she was staying with friends that live in the Southwinds neighborhood. A neighbor saw Rodriguez get into a gray Honda four-door driven by an unknown male. The vehicle was last seen westbound on Cuesta Del Mar Drive.

Rodriguez is described as a Hispanic female, 5’1” tall, 90 pounds. When she left home, she was wearing a gray t-shirt, red shorts, and blue sandals. Rodriguez has a birthmark on her forehead over her left eye.

Detectives with the Family Protection Unit are following up on all leads and are attempting to locate Rodriguez. If you see Rodriguez, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 22, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Leopoldo Garcia, 34 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 800 Block of Trinidad Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 [email protected]

During the month of July, 2022, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) began an investigation regarding narcotics sales occurring in the Blackstock Neighborhood. During the investigation, Leopoldo Garcia was identified as being involved in the sale of Methamphetamine in the surrounding area. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for narcotics sales.

On July 22, 2022, with the assistance of South District NPT Officers, Leopoldo Garcia was observed driving a vehicle and a traffic enforcement stop was initiated. During a search of the vehicle, Garcia was found in possession of Methamphetamine for sale. A search warrant was served at Garcia’s residence and a large quantity of methamphetamine and further evidence of narcotics sales was located.

Garcia was arrested for possession for sale of Methamphetamine and transportation of Methamphetamine, both felonies. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related overdoses within Oxnard neighborhoods. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2022 (4:30 PM)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person / Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Alex Valenzuela, 21-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 blk. W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On July 21, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, in the 400 blk. of W. Pleasant Valley Rd. that was observed committing several traffic infractions. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle. During the contact officers learned that the right front passenger, identified as Alex Valenzuela, was on probation for two prior firearms possession convictions and had search terms.

Officers had Valenzuela exit the vehicle to exercise his search terms and located a loaded 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun next to where Valenzuela was seated. Valenzuela was arrested for possessing the handgun. Valenzuela is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member and a prohibited person based on his prior weapons convictions. This is Valenzuela’s third firearm arrest in approximately two years.

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.