News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 29, 2022 (7:40 PM)

SUBJECT: Documented Criminal Street Gang Members Found in Possession of P80 Semi-automatic Firearms / Follow Up Search Warrant Yields “Ghost” Semi-automatic Rifles

SUSPECTS: Michael Espinoza, 33-year-old Port Hueneme resident

Fidel Rojas, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Ventura Rd. at Scott St., Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On June 29, 2022, at approximately 7:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Scott St. Officers contacted the driver pursuant to a search warrant. The driver, Michael Espinoza, and passenger, Fidel Rojas, were removed from the vehicle. Espinoza and Rojas are documented Oxnard criminal street gang members.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded .40 caliber Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun and a loaded 9-millimeter Glock semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Officers arrested Espinoza and Rojas for felony firearms possession.

Special Enforcement Unit Officers followed up by serving a search warrant at Espinoza’s residence, located in the 100 blk. of East C St., in the city of Port Hueneme. Officers located a bag containing two completed, 80%, semi-automatic, .223 caliber rifles and two loaded 30 round magazines. 80% rifles are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Officers examined the rifles and noted fresh metal shavings on the rifles. Fresh metal shavings can be indicative of a ghost firearm that was recently assembled. Officers continued to search and located a drill press which is often used to further assemble P80 handguns and 80% rifles.

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: June 27, 2022, at 7:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Dispute Results in Death of a Man in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1800 block of Arcadia Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Steven Rodriguez, 43 year old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Hispanic Male, 37 year old, (Deceased) (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On Monday, June 27, 2022, at approximately 7:35 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department received a call of a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso, in the 1800 block of Arcadia Street. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered that the male shooting victim had been transported to St. John Medical Center by private vehicle. The shooting victim, a 37 year old male, was subsequently transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and immediately taken into emergency surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His name is being withheld until notification has been made to his family.

A second victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. It was determined that Steven Rodriguez had been stabbed several times in the upper torso. The stabbing had also taken place during the altercation on Arcadia Street. Rodriguez’s wounds are believed to be non-life threatening.

Investigators were called to the scene. Detectives are in the preliminary stages of the investigation, but it is believed that Rodriguez was inside of his residence when the 37 year old entered Rodriguez’s home and an altercation ensued. During this altercation, Rodriguez was stabbed and the 37 year old male was shot. It is believed that both parties knew each other prior to this incident. The nature of the dispute is currently under investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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 of Oxnard.

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/1800arcadia

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: June, 27, 2022 at 2:00 A.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 25, 2022; 7:20PM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECTS: Darwin Rosas, 27 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Yucca and “B” Streets , Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation at Yucca and “B” Streets. Rosas was the right rear passenger in this vehicle.

During the officers’ investigation, they observed a handgun on the floorboard where Rosas was seated. The handgun was a loaded 9mm handgun. Rosas was arrested for multiple firearms violations. The other occupants of the vehicle were detained, but later released at the scene.

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 26, 2022

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

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | [email protected]

Two impaired drivers arrested during a DUI checkpoint and saturation patrols

On June 25, 2022, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., Oxnard Police officers held a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Pleasant Valley Road west of Saviers Road. Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation. The checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols resulted in two DUI arrests and 24 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: June 23, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest / Firearm Arrest

SUSPECTS: Francisco Dimas Sr, 42 year-old Oxnard Resident

Francisco Dimas Jr, 22 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 500 Block of East Channel Islands Blvd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 [email protected]

During the month of June, 2022, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 500 block of East Channel Islands Blvd. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant in reference to the narcotics activity at the residence.

On June 23, 2022, with the assistance of the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), and Oxnard K9 Unit, Francisco Dimas Sr. was located and detained while driving his vehicle. Once detained, SEU Officers, South District NPT, and DEU Detectives served the search warrant at the residence.

During a search of the residence, DEU Detectives located Francisco Dimas Jr. inside of a bedroom at the residence. Detectives conducted a search of the bedroom where Dimas Jr. was located and located a loaded firearm and narcotics. Dimas Jr. was placed under arrest for being in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics, a felony.

Detectives searched through Dimas Sr.’s personal property and located a large quantity of cocaine, US Currency, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Dimas was arrested for narcotics sales, a felony. Dimas Sr. has a prior arrest and conviction for narcotics sales.

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: June 24, 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 Saturday, June 25, 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 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 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.

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: June 24, 2022

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal | (805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Oxnard, Ca. – The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Saturday, June 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

· Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

· Use your signal when changing lanes.

· Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

· When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists:

· Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.

· Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

· Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.

· Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

· Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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: June 22, 2022

SUBJECT: Police Warn of an Increase in Stolen Chevrolet and GMC Trucks

LOCATION: Citywide

VEHICLE: Early 2000’s Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks

CONTACT: Detective Enrique Alvarez | (805) 385-7664 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department has seen an increase in the number of Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-sized trucks that have been stolen since January 2022. So far this year, twenty-five (25) Chevrolet Silverado trucks and six (6) GMC Sierra trucks have been reported stolen. Evidence indicates that thieves have found a way to defeat the vehicle’s ignition system. Auto Theft Investigators believe the vehicles are being stolen and driven to the Los Angeles area where they are being dismantled. In most cases, the vehicle’s catalytic converter is being stolen.

We are asking that vehicle owners take the following steps to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.

Never leave your vehicle unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the vehicle, even if you think they are “hidden,” including the valet key.
Do not leave your vehicle idling and unattended because it is unnecessary, unsafe, illegal and someone can steal your vehicle.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and steering wheel locks are also effective.
Park your vehicle in a garage or a well-lighted area.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the number of vehicles that are stolen in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding stolen vehicles 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.

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

***UPDATE***

DATE: June 19, 2022, at 6:30 A.M.

SUBJECT: Police Seeking Public’s Assistance in Double Homicide

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

VICTIM: Nicole Albillar, Female, Hispanic, 34 years old

William Tenner, Male, Black, 57 years old

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On Sunday, June 19, 2022, at approximately 6:30 A.M., a call came into the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center of a male and female bleeding and non-responsive at the Oxnard Transportation Center. Less than a minute later, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the scene.

When the patrol officers arrived, they located the male and female. Both had been shot multiple times. Emergency Medical Services also responded; unfortunately, it was determined that the male and female were deceased.

On Monday, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victims as Nicole Albillar, a 34-year-old female from Oxnard, and William Tenner, a 57-year-old male also from Oxnard. At this point in the investigation, there is no known motive for the shooting.

The victims were found on the train platform just north of the Oxnard Transportation Center. This area is not visible from the street and is secluded along the train tracks. Investigators determined that this incident took place at approximately 4:20 A.M., early Sunday morning. There were no inbound trains at that time. The earliest train was scheduled to arrive at 7:55 A.M. Train service was halted for several hours while investigators combed the crime scene searching for evidence. The Oxnard Police Department did not receive any calls of shots being fired at the time of the incident. The victims were discovered by the Oxnard Transportation Center security staff, shortly after they arrived for work and prior to the first train that was scheduled to arrive in the morning.

Homicide Investigators will continue canvassing the area the over the next several days searching for any witnesses, evidence or information. Message boards will be placed in the area of the Oxnard Transportation Center encouraging any passersby to contact the police with information. The City of Oxnard offers a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of any person responsible for homicide in the City.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Kaya Boysan (805) 385-7645.

DATE/ TIME: June, 21, 2022 at 8:00 A.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 18, 2022 (2:55 a.m.)

SUBJECT: Documented Criminal Street Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: Aldrian Higgs, 38-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1200 block of Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 18, 2022, at about 2:55 a.m., officers conducted an enforcement stop on a 2019 Honda Accord for a vehicle code violation in the 1200 block of Oxnard Boulevard. Officers contacted the driver, Aldrian Higgs, who was found to be driving on a suspended driver’s license. During a pat-down search of Mr. Higgs, he was found to be in possession of a 9 mm Glock-style P80 handgun and an extended handgun magazine containing 32 unexpended bullets. Mr. Higgs was arrested for numerous gun related charges and booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

Mr. Higgs is currently out on bail for a prior gun arrest and a separate case for narcotic sales.