News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 14, 2022

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

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

Four DUI Drivers Arrested During Super Bowl Sunday DUI Checkpoint

and Saturation Patrols

On February 13, 2022, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., Oxnard officers held a DUI Checkpoint on Oxnard Blvd. south of Wagon Wheel Road. Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation. The checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols resulted in four DUI alcohol arrests and 36 traffic citations. In addition, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of W. Esplanade Drive and contacted the driver identified as a 27-year-old male of Oxnard. During the traffic stop, officers discovered that the driver was in possession of a loaded .380 handgun. As a result, the driver was arrested for various felony firearm charges related to the possession of a loaded and concealed firearm.

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 operations was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 13, 2022 10:18 p.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision Involving a Bicyclist

LOCATION: Wooley Road east of Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard, Ca.

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Andres Morales, 27-year-old male of Oxnard, Ca.

2018 Honda Civic

BICYCLIST: Unidentified male

Blue BMX-style bike

CONTACT: Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

On February 13, 2022, at approximately 10:18 p.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a 2018 Honda Civic and a bicyclist which occurred on Wooley Road east of Oxnard Blvd. Officers checked on the wellbeing of the unidentified male bicyclist; however, the bicyclist sustained serious injuries and died at the scene of the collision. Officers also contacted the driver of the Honda who was identified as Andres Morales, a 27-year-old male of Oxnard. Morales did not sustain any injuries.

Traffic investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The preliminary investigation determined that Morales was eastbound on Wooley Road at a high rate of speed and veered onto the south shoulder of the roadway east of Oxnard Blvd. Morales then collided with the bicyclist who was located somewhere adjacent to the roadway. The impact of the collision caused the bicyclist to be ejected off his bicycle and land on the roadway.

During the investigation, it was determined that Morales had been drinking alcohol. As a result, officers conducted a DUI investigation. Officers determined that Morales was impaired and under the influence of alcohol during the collision. Morales was arrested for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and felony DUI. Morales was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-trial Detention Facility.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 10, 2022, 9:55 A.M.

SUBJECT: Juvenile Arrested For Possessing A Firearm

LOCATION: 100 Block South Garfield Avenue, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Mike Johnson, Sergeant

(805) 486-6211

mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org

On February 10, 2022 at approximately 9:55 A.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the area of First Street and Garfield Avenue. Investigators observed a 15-year-old male and a 16-year-old female walking southbound on Garfield Avenue and attempted to make contact with the juveniles.

Both juveniles fled from investigators, who gave chase. The female was apprehended a short distance away. The male fled into the yard of a residence in the 100 block of South Garfield Avenue. As he ran through the yard, the male juvenile discarded a loaded handgun. He was taken into custody in the rear yard without further incident. Both juveniles were arrested and transported to the Oxnard Police Department. The female was found to be a missing person. She was cited for resisting, delaying, or obstructing a police officer and released to her parent. The male was later lodged in Juvenile Hall for resisting, delaying, or obstructing a police officer and felony firearms related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 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 PREPARED: February 10, 2022 / 4:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 10, 2022

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant | (805) 385-7847 | ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, February 13, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 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 are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

OXPD NR 021022.png

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: February 10, 2022 (9:33 PM)

SUBJECT: Wanted Subject / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Edgar Sosa, 32-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Lantana St. at Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On February 10, 2022, at approximately 9:33 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted an enforcement stop at Lantana and Gonzales Rd. for a suspected traffic infraction. Officers contacted the subject and identified him as Edgar Sosa. Officers conducted a records check on Sosa and learned that Sosa was on probation for firearms possession and that Sosa had outstanding warrants. Officers arrested Sosa for his outstanding warrants. During a search officers discovered that Sosa was in possession of an unloaded revolver. Sosa is a prohibited person due to his prior firearms conviction.

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.

22-10429 gun.JPG

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 11, 2022, 10:00 AM

SUBJECT: Early 2000s Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Theft Prevention

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Senior Officer | (805) 385- 7664 | enrique.alvarez@Oxnardpd.org

During the months of January and February, The Oxnard Police Department has noticed an increase in the vehicle thefts of early 2000s Chevrolet Silverados city wide. Approximately eleven Chevrolet Silverados have been stolen. A few of the stolen Chevrolet Silverados have been recovered with parts or equipment missing from the vehicles. A majority of the vehicles had their catalytic converters removed from the vehicles.

A significant percentage of stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle 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 the vehicle in a garage or a well-lighted area.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing crime in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding these cases 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.

OXPD NR 021122.png

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: February 9, 2022

SUBJECT: Super Bowl Sunday DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant | (805) 385-7847 | ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

Enjoy the Super Bowl Responsibly: Choose a Sober Way to Go

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department is reminding football fans to stick to the “go safely” game plan and designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking at a Super Bowl LVI watch party.

On Super Bowl LVI Sunday (Feb. 13), the Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers on patrol 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 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

If you plan to have a drink or two, choose a sober way to get to and from wherever you are watching the game. Have a ride-hailing service or a family member who hasn’t been drinking take you home.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can all affect your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand the potential side effects of certain drugs.

When it comes to getting to and from places safely, we’re all on the same team. The choice is simple: Don’t drive impaired.

Funding for this program 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: paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 9, 2022 (6:16 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for Illegal Firearms Possession; Parolee and Post Release Offender Arrested for Violating Supervision Terms

SUSPECTS: Jessica Facon, 20-year-old Transient

Mario Hernandez, 32-year-old Camarillo resident

Colin Jones, 31-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Escalon Dr. at El Cajon Wy., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On February 9, 2022, at approximately 6:16 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction. Officers contacted the driver, Colin Jones, who is a Post Release Offender for firearm and narcotics violations. The Post Release Offender Program was created in 2011 under Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment Act). The program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex related felony offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense and prior convictions are not considered. Officers identified Jessica Facon and Mario Hernandez as passengers in the vehicle. Hernandez is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member and on parole for assault with a deadly weapon.

A search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to Jones’ and Hernandez’ search terms. Officers located a loaded revolver in Facon’s possession. Officers arrested Facon for felony weapons possession; Hernandez and Jones were arrested for violating the terms of their supervised release.

22-10049 gun.JPG

There is a water mainline break on South Oxnard Blvd. near Woole Rd. (1215 South Oxnard Blvd). The number 2 southbound lanes will be closed until repairs are completed.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 5, 2022 (9:16 PM)

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrests

SUSPECTS: Amanda Bustamante, age 32, Oxnard resident

Juan Rivera, age 21, Oxnard resident

Cesar Morales, age 20, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Bryce Canyon Avenue and J Street

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On February 5, 2022, at approximately 9:16 p.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver 2020 Nissan Sentra for traffic infractions near the intersection of Bryce Canyon Avenue and A Street. The driver failed to stop and a brief 30 second pursuit ensued before the driver collided into a chain-link fence near the intersection of Bryce Canyon and J Street. Officers observed a handgun being tossed from the vehicle. The firearm was later recovered and determined to be a loaded 9mm handgun. The driver was identified as Amanda Bustamante, age 32. There were two adult male passengers in the vehicle; Juan Rivera (age 21) and Cesar Morales (age 20). All of the occupants are Oxnard residents. During a search in and around the vehicle, a second loaded 9mm P80 handgun was located. Additionally, a box containing over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition was located along with an extended magazine, and a quantity of methamphetamine. Suspect Bustamante was arrested for various felony firearm related charges in addition to felony evading. Suspects Rivera and Morales were also arrested for various felony firearm/ammunition 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.