News Releases

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.

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, 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.

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 18, 2022 (9:34 PM)

SUBJECT: Critical Missing Juvenile

LOCATION: 3000 block of Monterey St.

VICTIM: Sylas Olivares, male, age 8

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a critical missing 8-year-old juvenile. On 6/18/22, at approximately 9:34 p.m., officers were dispatched to a missing eight-year-old boy from the 3000 block of Monterey Street. The family reported that the child had been missing for approximately one hour. The child’s name is Sylas Olivares, age 8. His description is H, M, 4’0”, 42 lbs., wearing a black shirt, and shorts. The department is currently conducting an extensive search for the child. Anyone who has seen Sylas Olivares, or knows his possible whereabouts, is encouraged to immediately contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

Forwarded message –
From: Whitney, Robin <[email protected]>
Date: Sat, Jun 18, 2022 at 11:00 PM
Subject: News Release: Critical Missing Juvenile (6/18/2022)
To: DL – Press Releases <[email protected]>

We're happy to report that the child has been located safe and returned to his family. Thank you for your assistance.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 18, 2022 (9:34 PM)

SUBJECT: Critical Missing Juvenile

LOCATION: 3000 block of Monterey St.

VICTIM: Sylas Olivares, male, age 8

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 19, 2022, at 6:30 AM

SUBJECT: Two Gunshot Victims Found Dead in Oxnard

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

VICTIM: Female, Hispanic, 34 Years Old, (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

Male, Black, 66 Years Old, (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On June 19, 2022, at 6:30 AM, officers were dispatched to the Oxnard Transportation Center (OTC), located at 201 East Fourth Street. The call for service was regarding two subjects bleeding and unresponsive. Upon officer’s arrival, they discovered a male and a female who were seated on a bench on the train station platform along the tracks, north of the Oxnard Transportation Center. They both appeared to be suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel arrived and quickly pronounced both subjects dead at the scene.

It is believed that the victims were there for several hours prior to being discovered by OTC security and the police department were then notified. The names of the victims are being withheld until notification can be made to their families.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, 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/201eastfourthotc 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: 6/19/22, 10:50 Hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 17, 2022 (2:14 PM)

SUBJECT: Three juveniles arrested after an attempted robbery and shooting

SUSPECTS: Name withheld, male, age 16, Oxnard resident

Name withheld, male, age 16, Oxnard resident

Name withheld, female, age 17, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 4700 block of S. C Street

CONTACT: Dale Mc Alpine, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On June 17, 2022, at about 2:14 PM, officers responded to the area of Saviers Road and Dollie Street regarding a shooting and attempted robbery. The adult male victim reported he was sitting in his vehicle in the 4700 block of S. C Street when three juvenile suspects approached his vehicle. One of the suspects opened the passenger door, pointed a handgun at him, and demanded his money. A second suspect opened the driver's side door, at which point the victim began to drive away. The suspects fired one round at the victim, which grazed the back of his neck. The third suspect acted as a lookout. Responding officers set up a perimeter and located the three juvenile suspects hiding in a backyard in the 4700 block of S. A Street. A loaded 9mm Glock-style P80 handgun was found nearby. The suspects were detained and the victim positively identified them. The three juvenile suspects were arrested for attempted robbery, attempted murder, conspiracy, and various firearms related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 15, 2022, 1:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Road at Longfellow Way, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 17-year-old male of Port Hueneme, CA

1997 Honda Accord

PASSENGER: 17-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Andrew Pinkstaff, Corporal

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

On June 9, 2022, at approximately 4:49 p.m., Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a single-vehicle traffic collision in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Longfellow Way. When EMS personnel arrived at the scene of the incident, they discovered that the occupants of the vehicle, identified as a 17-year-old male of Port Hueneme and a 17-year-old male of Oxnard, were trapped inside. Oxnard Fire Department personnel extracted the occupants, who were transported to Ventura County Medical Center with critical injuries.

On June 13, 2022, the 17-year-old driver was pronounced deceased by medical personnel at Ventura County Medical Center. The 17-year-old passenger remains under medical care at the Ventura County Medical Center, with serious injuries.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the 1997 Honda Accord was traveling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road east of Longfellow Way. For unknown reasons, the driver lost control of the vehicle and collided with a block wall and tree along the north side of the roadway. An investigation is ongoing regarding the cause of the collision and whether speed, drugs, and/or alcohol were involved.

Due to the ages of the involved parties, and at the request of the families involved, the Oxnard Police Department will not be releasing the names of the juveniles; however, the families of both juveniles have been notified by the Oxnard Police Department.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Corporal Andrew Pinkstaff at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 13, 2022, 1:00 PM

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Starbucks Raise Funds and Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in April of 2022

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | [email protected]

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2022 marked the fourth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. This year, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation teamed with Autism Society Ventura County and local Starbucks stores to raise over $10,675.00 for the cause.

Funds were raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced in part through donations from title sponsors Stacy Miller Public Affairs, Silver Mortgage Group, and the Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association. The Channel Islands Farmers Market, The Collection Farmers Market, F. Morton Pitt Company (Ventura), and local business owner Ron Wertzenberger of Ron’s Signs also donated services to the cause.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to four police department pop-ups and also collected in-store donations from customers throughout the month of April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships. Autism Society Ventura County Vice President Ashley Pope explains, “Fundraisers and donations are our only source of income for our operations and the programs that we hold. We serve thousands of families in Ventura County each year, and it’s all funded through these efforts. It was amazing to work with Oxnard P.D. & Starbucks for the third year! The relationships we hold are so much more than the funds they raise for us, it’s about the community seeing a united front for our cause.”

The Oxnard Police Department strives to build strong community partnerships and assist Oxnard’s vulnerable populations. Police Chief Jason Benites recognizes the importance of autism awareness and education. According to Benites, “As more attention has been brought to autism, it has become increasingly apparent how far reaching this condition is. More and more people have mentioned that they have someone in their family that is on the autism spectrum. We have a number of officers and staff members who have personal experiences and have shared them, and they are highly motivated to raise the level of both understanding and acceptance to the forefront. I would like to thank and commend all of those persons and organizations that have come together with us in the effort to promote understanding and acceptance. I would also like to thank everyone who has made some form of contribution, which will help improve the lives of those impacted by autism.”

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 10, 2022, 6:30 A.M.

SUBJECT: Suspect arrested in stolen vehicle from residential burglary

SUSPECT: Omar Alvarado-Cruz, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2200 block of Edelweiss Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Corporal Meagan Tobey

(805) 385-7755 | Meagan.tobey@Oxnardpd.org

On June 10, 2022, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 2200 block of Edelweiss Street in regards to a residential burglary where the victim’s vehicle was stolen. The suspect made entry into the residence from an unlocked door and stole vehicle keys and other personal property while the residents were sleeping.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., Officers from the Port Hueneme Police Department located the stolen vehicle traveling in the area of the Gill Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road in the City of Port Hueneme. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and contacted the driver, 23-year-old Oxnard resident Omar Alvarado-Cruz. The Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. At the conclusion of their investigation, Alvarado-Cruz was arrested and charged with first degree residential burglary, driving a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of stolen property. The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755. Also, anyone with information on 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.