DATE: October 6, 2022

SUBJECT: Oxnard Man Arrested for Selling Drugs near an Elementary School

SUSPECTS: Francisco Cortez, 45 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 200 block East Hemlock Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

During the month of September 2022, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) began an investigation regarding an unknown subject selling drugs near an elementary school in the Cal-Gisler neighborhood. During the investigation, detectives identified a residence in the 200 block of East Hemlock Street as being involved in the on-going drugs sales. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence.

On October 6, 2022 Oxnard NPT Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle involved in the drug sales and contacted the driver, Francisco Cortez. Cortez was found to have an outstanding felony arrest warrant for a narcotics sales arrest in 2019 and a misdemeanor warrant for narcotics possession. Cortez was placed under arrest for his outstanding warrants and the search warrant was served at his residence. During the search warrant, detectives located a large quantity of methamphetamine, a 9mm altered blank gun, and further evidence of drug sales.

Cortez was additionally charged with possession for sales of methamphetamine within a thousand feet of a school, a felony. He is currently in custody at the Oxnard Police Department with a bail amount of $160,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 6, 2022

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement 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 Friday, October 7, 2022, 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.

DATE: October 5, 2022

SUBJECT: Traffic Safety, Education, and Enforcement Grant

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department Awarded $500,000 Grant to Deter Unsafe Behaviors, Increase Safety on Roads

The Oxnard Police Department will increase patrols throughout the community and provide other traffic safety programs to help reduce the number of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

The grant will provide additional programs and resources, including:

DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.
Community presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, bicycle and pedestrian safety.

Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The grant program will run through September 2023.

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

DATE: October 5, 2019, at 9:25 P.M.

SUBJECT: Police Seek Information on Homicide Case

LOCATION: 3000 block of Merced Place, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Richard Madera, 32-year-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECTS: Unknown

CONTACT: Justin Songer, Detective

(805) 385-7680 | [email protected]

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are seeking information from the community to help solve the murder of 32-year-old Richard Madera.

Mr. Madera was shot and killed on October 5, 2019, and today marks the three-year anniversary of that incident. Mr. Madera was standing in the front yard of a residence in the 3000 block of Merced Place when he was shot multiple times. Despite the lifesaving efforts given by Emergency Medical Services, Mr. Madera succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Mr. Madera left behind a loving family, including three small children.

Detectives are encouraging anyone who was present at the scene and may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Justin Songer (805) 385-7680. 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.

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: October 3, 2022, 4:40 A.M.

SUBJECT: Elderly man Shot in the Head Dies

LOCATION: 700 Block of Cooper Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: Salvador Mejia Chavez, 80-Year-Old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Charles Buttell, Detective

(805) 385-7688 | [email protected]

UPDATE – October 4, 2022

An 80-year-old Hispanic male, who was shot in the head in the early morning hours on Monday, October 3, 2022, has died as a result of his injury. The victim has been identified as Salvador Mejia Chavez, an Oxnard resident. Mr. Chavez died at approximately 1 P.M. today at the Ventura County Medical Center. The motive for the shooting is still not clear to detectives. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit will lead the investigation. Detective Charles Buttell is the case agent for the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this homicide investigation is asked to contact Detective Charles Buttell at 805-385-8291 or [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 3, 2022, 4:40 A.M.

SUBJECT: Police Investigate Shooting Of Elderly Man

LOCATION: 700 Block Of Cooper Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: 80-Year-Old Male Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291 | [email protected]

On October 3, 2022 at approximately 4:40 A.M., the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a possible fall victim in the backyard of a residence in the 700 block of Cooper Road. Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and quickly transported the victim, an 80-year-old male Oxnard resident, to a local hospital. While being evaluated at the hospital, medical staff noticed that the victim was suffering from a gunshot wound and notified the Oxnard Police Department.

Officers responded to the area and located a crime scene in the 700 block of Cooper Road. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. The victim is currently listed in critical condition and no further information is available at this time. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detective Ricardo Vega at 805-385-8291 or [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: September 30, 2022, 2:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Volunteer High School Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with a Student

SUSPECT: Aaron Mora, 24-year-old, Oxnard resident

VICTIM: 16-year-old Juvenile, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 block Navarro Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On September 29, 2022, at about 9:15 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 24-year-old Oxnard resident Aaron Mora. Mr. Mora was arrested after investigators learned he had an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old student at Pacifica High School. Mr. Mora was a volunteer assistant coach at Pacifica High School.

Mr. Mora was arrested and charged with sending harmful material to seduce a minor, possessing child sexual abuse material, and lewd and lascivious acts with a minor. Mr. Mora was taken into police custody and released on a bail amount of $50,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Mr. Aaron Mora is asked to contact Detective Mayra Gonzalez at (805) 385-7662.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 30, 2022

SUBJECT: Street Racing Enforcement

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Traffic Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

On September 29, 2022 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., police officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit and Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a city-wide traffic enforcement operation to address street racing, reckless driving, and modified vehicle violations that disrupt the quality of life of residents.. The enforcement operation resulted in fifty citations including twenty-seven of which were for loud/modified exhaust or modified emissions violations, and one arrest for reckless driving. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to ensuring traffic safety on our roadways and will continue the zero-tolerance enforcement efforts in an attempt to curb illegal street racing and reckless driving.

This has been the fourth street racing operation within the past two months in response to increased community concerns about hazardous and reckless driving on our roadways. Street racing and other forms of reckless driving are dangerous and can lead to serious injury collisions on our roadways. Specially trained personnel will continue working traffic safety operations to reduce collisions and increase safety on our highways.

If anyone has questions regarding this enforcement operation, please contact Traffic Sergeant Jose Diaz at [email protected].

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 27, 2022, 7:43 p.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal Train Collision Involving a Pedestrian

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd. and Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard

Pedestrian: 68-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On September 27, 2022, at approximately 7:43 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers, Oxnard Fire Department personnel and EMS personnel responded to a call of a train collision involving an Amtrak Train and a pedestrian that occurred in the area of Oxnard Blvd. and Wagon Wheel Rd. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that the train was traveling southbound when it collided with the pedestrian who was on the tracks. It is unknown why the pedestrian was on the tracks. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 23, 2022, 10:38 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested For Criminal Threats

LOCATION: 3200 Block Of Taffrail Lane

VICTIM: 43-Year-Old Female Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Samuel Guerrero, 34-Year-Old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Roger Ramirez, Detective

(805) 385-7547 | [email protected]

On September 23, 2022, at approximately 10:38 a.m., a 43-year-old female Oxnard resident came to the Oxnard Police Department to report threats against her and her children. The victim told officers that her estranged boyfriend, 34-year-old Samuel Guerrero, claimed to have a firearm and threatened to go to the schools of the victim’s children and commit shootings.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. Members of the Violent Crimes Unit and Special Enforcement Unit were able to locate Guerrero at a residence in the 3200 block of Taffrail Lane. While preparing to make contact with Guerrero at the residence, Guerrero exited and entered a vehicle in the driveway. Members of the Special Enforcement Unit made contact with Guerrero and were able to take him into custody without incident. At the time of his arrest, Guerrero was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun.

Guerrero was arrested for making criminal threats. He was later transported to the Ventura County Jail and released to the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Roger Ramirez at 805-385-7547 or [email protected].