News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 18, 2022 (8:30 PM)

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Christopher Diaz, 23-year-old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: 100 blk West Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

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

On March 18, 2022, at approximately 8:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near Pleasant Valley and Saviers Rd. The officers contacted the occupants and identified two rear passengers as documented Oxnard criminal street gang members. Officers learned that both of the rear passengers were on supervised release for weapons violations.

Officers removed the occupants from the vehicle and officers conducted a probation search. During the search, officers located .38-caliber ammunition in the rear passenger compartment of the vehicle. Officers continued searching in and around the vehicle and located a loaded .38 revolver near the vehicle. Officers ultimately arrested one of the rear passengers, Christopher Diaz, for felony firearms possession.

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.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 18, 2022

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

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

Five DUI Drivers arrested during St. Patrick’s Day

DUI checkpoint and saturation patrols

On March 17, 2022, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., Oxnard officers held a DUI checkpoint on Victoria Avenue south Wooley Road. Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation. The checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols resulted in five DUI alcohol arrests and 26 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: March 16, 2022

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department Encourages Safe St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Oxnard, Calif. – This St. Patrick’s Day, the Oxnard Police Department will be on alert for suspected impaired drivers and reminds the community to celebrate the holiday responsibly.

Additional officers will be on patrol in the evening hours of March 17^th looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Additionally, there will be a sobriety/driver’s license checkpoint being conducted at an undisclosed location in the City of Oxnard.

During the 2019 St. Patrick’s Day holiday period, nearly half of all traffic deaths throughout the country involved a drunk driver.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to warn the community that alcohol is not the only substance that can cause impairment. Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and illegal drugs can all lead to a DUI.

If you ever see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911.

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: March 14, 2021, 5:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: At-Risk Missing Person

LOCATION: 1300 block West Gonzales Road, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Yvette “Vet” Raena Baird, 56-years-old

VEHICLE: White 2-door 2010 Honda Accord EX-L, CA 6ZLJ398

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org

The Missing Persons Unit

(805) 385-7629

On Friday, March 11, 2022, at about 6:30 P.M., Yvette Raena Baird was seen leaving the Camelot Room getting into a vehicle with a 50-year old Hispanic male. She was last seen by the California Highway Patrol in Blythe, California, at about 2:00 A.M. on March 12, 2022. Ms. Baird was driving a white, 2-door Honda Accord with California license plate 6ZLJ398. Ms. Baird was in the company of the Hispanic male whom she left with from the Camelot Room.

On March 12, 2022, at about 8:00 A.M., the vehicle Ms. Baird was last seen driving was captured on a traffic camera in the area of Channel Islands Boulevard and Ventura Road in Oxnard.

Yvette Raena Baird is described as a 56-year-old white female, 5’7, 160-170 lbs, blonde hair, and green eyes. She was wearing a gray crewneck sweater, black jeans, black/gray sneakers, and a dark gray purse. Ms. Baird suffers from a serious medical condition that requires medication and medical treatment.

She was reported missing by her family on Saturday afternoon, March 12, 2022. Due to Ms. Baird’s serious medical condition, Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit upgraded Ms. Baird’s disappearance to “At-Risk.”

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Baird. If you have any information about the disappearance of Ms. Baird, we ask that they contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch immediately at (805) 385-7740.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 12, 2022, at 9:38 PM

SUBJECT: Victim Shot and Killed in Oxnard, Two Others Injured

LOCATION: 3075 Saviers Road, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Adrian Sandoval, 21 Years Old, Oxnard Resident – Deceased

Diego Mares, 19 Years Old, Oxnard Resident – Injured

Arkangel Childs, 24 Years Old, Ventura Resident – Injured

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

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

On March 12^th, 2022, at 9:38 PM, officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Saviers Road, regarding a shooting victim. Officers found one victim, Adrian Sandoval, a 21-year-old Oxnard resident, suffering from a single gunshot wound, unconscious, and unresponsive upon arrival. Emergency medical personnel arrived on the scene and attempted to resuscitate the victim. Unfortunately, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Once on scene, officers also discovered that an additional subject had been shot and had suffered a non-life-threatening injury. Diego Mares, 19 years old, Oxnard resident, was transported to the local hospital for further medical evaluation. Also, while officers were at the scene of the shooting, dispatch was advised that a third gunshot victim had fled the location and was down the street requesting help. Arkangel Childs, a 24-year-old Ventura resident, was also transported to the hospital for further medical assistance. Once at the hospital he was listed in critical condition.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. It was determined that the shooting occurred inside an abandoned business. According to witnesses, approximately 100 people had entered the business and were attending a party. It is unclear at this time if the property owners were aware that this party was occurring inside the abandoned business.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who was present at the event and 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/3075saviersroad 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: 03/13/22, 0405 Hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 11, 2022 (5:54 PM)

SUBJECT: Bank Robbery

LOCATION: 2151 E. Gonzales Road

VICTIM: CBC Credit Union

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On 3/11/22, at around 5:54 p.m., officers were dispatched to an armed robbery in progress at CBC Credit Union, 2151 E. Gonzales Rd. The suspect entered the business and brandished a handgun towards the ceiling. There were several customers inside who dropped down to the ground and bank tellers hid under their desks. The suspect jumped over the counter, approached the manager at gunpoint and demanded money. The manager handed over an undisclosed amount of currency and the suspect fled the business. There were no injuries reported. At this time, there is no suspect description to provide, as witnesses provided only vague and non-descript information about him. After the robbery, officers conducted an extensive perimeter search but were unable to locate the suspect.

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: March 11, 2022, 3:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Registered Nurse Arrested for Sexual Assault

SUSPECT: Graham Arthur Fusch, 37-year old, Santa Barbara resident

LOCATION: 1600 block North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant | (805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On March 11, 2022, at about 3:00 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 37-year old Santa Barbara resident Graham Fusch. Mr. Fusch is a Registered Nurse and works in the Emergency Room at Saint John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard. Mr. Fusch was arrested for sexually assaulting one of his patients in the emergency room.

The victim was a patient in the emergency room. During the visit, the victim alleged that Mr. Fusch digitally penetrated her. In addition, he removed his penis and asked her to orally copulate him during the emergency room visit.

Investigators from the Family Protection Unit investigated the allegations and determined there was enough probable cause to arrest Mr. Fusch. Graham Fusch was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a bail amount of $100,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could possibly be other victims that have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Graham Fusch is asked to contact Detective Kevin Adair (805) 385-7663.

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: March 10, 2022, 0500 hours

SUBJECT: Unattended Vehicle Enforcement

LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Auto Theft Task Force

(805) 385-7664 | Enrique.Alvarez@Oxnard pd.org

On March 10, 2022, members of the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force and Neighborhood Policing Team conducted an unattended vehicle enforcement operation in an effort to reduce the amount of vehicles stolen in the city of Oxnard. Fourteen (14) citations were issued to residents who left their vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition and the engine running.

Residents leave their vehicles running and unattended with the misconception there is a need to warm their vehicles for an extended period of time in order for the engine to run properly. Auto theft suspects use this as an opportunity to steal these vehicles. A number of the vehicles stolen citywide are due to residents leaving their vehicle running and unattended or leaving spare keys in their vehicles.

As of January 1, 2022, 118 vehicles have been stolen in the city of Oxnard. Of those 118 vehicles, 24 were stolen due to keys left in the vehicle. Recently, a resident left their vehicle unlocked with the key in the ignition during the early morning hours. Within minutes the vehicle was stolen. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and arrest the car thief due to the stolen vehicle having a tracking device. With the assistance of vehicle owners, these types of vehicle thefts can be prevented.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce unattended vehicle laws in an effort to decrease vehicle thefts. The fine for leaving an unattended vehicle running is $70.00.

The Oxnard Police Department launched The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force in early 2015. Detectives assigned to the task force along with the assistance of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCatt), proactively locate and arrest those responsible for vehicle thefts in Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your vehicle running unattended.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force reminds all residents to remove all keys and valuables from their vehicles, lock and secure their vehicles, and utilize vehicle alarms. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing auto theft 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. 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.

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: March 8, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Ignacio Castillo, 52-year-old Kern County Resident

LOCATION: 1200 block of Commercial Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On March 7, 2022, the Ventura County Money Laundering Task Force (VCMLTF) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) completed a several months long investigation regarding a business, Aris Garage, being involved in narcotics trafficking. During the investigation, VCMLTF investigators identified the owner, Ignacio Castillo, as being involved in narcotics trafficking at the business. Investigators developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the business.

With the assistance of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCatt), Oxnard Property Crimes Unit (PCU), K9 Capone, K9 Maxx, and the South District NPT Officers, Castillo was detained after he left Aris Garage pursuant to the search warrant.

Upon completion of the investigation, investigators located over four pounds of Methamphetamine, over a kilo of Alprazolam “Xanax”, over a pound of Cocaine, a large quantity of suspected “M30” fentanyl pills, a large quantity of US Currency, and further evidence of narcotics trafficking.

Ignacio Castillo was placed under arrest for several narcotics related charges, all felonies. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $500,000. The Ventura County Money Laundering Task Force (VCMLTF) is comprised of the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Detectives and Special Agents from the FBI.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 4, 2022

SUBJECT: Serial Arsonist Arrested in Oxnard

SUSPECT: Alejandra Nunez, 42 Year Old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2511 South “C” Street and 323 South “E” Street in the City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Detective Jared Schacher

jared.schacher@oxnardpd.org

805-385-7594

Oxnard Police Department investigators assigned to the Property Crimes Unit conducted a month-long investigation into several reported incidents of an unknown suspect setting fires to vehicles in the City of Oxnard.

During the investigation, investigators gathered vital information and video surveillance from businesses in the area. With that information, investigators identified the suspect as 42-year-old Oxnard resident Alejandra Nunez.

On March 3^rd, 2022, at approximately 5:30 PM, officers located Alejandra Nunez in the area of Fifth Street and Harbor Boulevard and arrested her. Details learned during the investigation ultimately led to Nunez being charged with two counts of felony arson. Nunez’s bail was set at $300,000.

Nunez may have committed similar crimes that were not reported to the Oxnard Police Department. If you believe you are a victim or witness of a similar crime, please contact Detective Jared Schacher at (805) 385-7594.

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 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 4th, 2022 / 10:00 A.M.