NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:           November 20, 2021 (10:57 PM)

SUBJECT:    Shooting Victim

LOCATION: 2400 block Alvarado Street

VICTIM:       Withheld, teenaged male

SUSPECT:    Unknown

CONTACT:  Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

 

On November 20, 2021, at 10:57 p.m., officers were dispatched to a shooting victim at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Alvarado Street. The victim was teenaged male who suffered a gunshot wound to his upper body. He transported to a local hospital in a private vehicle before officers arrived on scene. The victim is currently listed in stable condition. Officers located a crime scene at the location and collected evidence. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist with the investigation.

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:            November 19, 2021, 9:50 A.M.

SUBJECT:   Suspect Arrested For Multiple Armed Robberies

LOCATION:  11/02/21, La Michoacana, 2444 Saviers Road

                        11/05/21, 76 Gas, 3650 Saviers Road

                        11/06/21, Spirit Smoke Shop, 2136 Saviers Road

                        11/09/21, Speedway Express, 1501 West Gonzales Road

                        11/10/01, 76 Gas, 303 North Oxnard Boulevard

SUSPECT:   Angel Tejada Cortez, 24-Year-Old Port Hueneme Resident

CONTACT:   Kevin Gormley, Detective           

(805) 385-7686                                

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org           

 

 

Between November 2^nd and November 10^th 2021, the City of Oxnard began experiencing an increase in commercial armed robberies. Investigators from the Special Operations Division began investigating the robberies and quickly determined that there were similarities between several of the robberies.

 

During the investigation, investigators learned that four armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery were committed by the same suspect. In each case, the suspect entered the business and brandished a firearm while demanding money. After obtaining money from the victims, the suspect would flee the business.

 

After conducting an extensive investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 24-year-old Port Hueneme resident Angel Tejada Cortez. Cortez has prior arrests for robbery and is currently on parole for a robbery conviction.

 

On November 12^th, investigators and officers from the Special Operations Division located Cortez in a vehicle in the parking lot of Taco Bell, located at 1725 North Oxnard Boulevard. Cortez was uncooperative with officers and initially refused to exit the vehicle however, Cortez eventually complied and was taken into custody for a parole violation without further incident. In addition to Cortez, the driver, Melany Perez, a 30-year-old Oxnard resident who is a Post Release Offender, was arrested for a violation of probation and possession of narcotics. Both Cortez and Perez were later booked into the Ventura County Jail.

 

On November 19^th, investigators contacted Cortez at the Ventura County Jail and arrested him for his involvement in the four armed robberies and one attempted robbery. Based on his prior convictions, Cortez’ bail was set at $400,000.00. The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org.

 

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:  November 19, 2021 / 2:40 P.M.

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:           November 18, 2021 (10:46 PM)

SUBJECT:    Armed Robbery to Business

LOCATION: 2100 block of Saviers Road

SUSPECTS:  Unknown

CONTACT:  Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

 

On November 18, 2021, at about 10:46 p.m., officers were dispatched to an armed robbery that just occurred at a smoke shop in the 2100 block of Saviers Road. Two suspects entered the business, one armed with a handgun and the other with an assault style rifle. The first suspect demanded money while the second suspect with the rifle stood watching the front door. After obtaining an undisclosed amount of currency, both suspects exited the front door and fled on foot N/B on Saviers Road, then E/B on Iris Street. There is limited suspect information at this point due to both suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts and masks.

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:           November 13, 2021

SUBJECT:    DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT:   Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

Two DUI Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

 

Oxnard, Ca. – 165 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on November 12, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Rose Avenue south of Gonzales Road from 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. 

 

Eleven drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Two drivers were arrested for DUI-drug related charges and two drivers were arrested for misdemeanor or felony warrants.

 

Checkpoint locations 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.

 

As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic safety concern.  Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:           November 10, 2021

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

CONTACT:   Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant   

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

 

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, November 12, 2021, 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.

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:                        November 10, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

SUBJECT:                 Butane Honey Oil Lab Explosion

SUSPECTS:               William Smith, 56-year-old Oxnard resident (Deceased)

                                       Vincent McMahon, 59-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION:               1300 Gardenia Street, Oxnard                                       

CONTACT:                Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

                                   805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

                                   

                               

     

On October 27, 2021 at 6:02 PM, the Oxnard Fire Department requested assistance with a structure fire that occurred in the 1300 block of Gardenia Street. Oxnard Police Officers arrived on scene and located evidence of a butane honey oil (BHO) lab. The Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit responded to the residence and began a narcotics investigation with the assistance of the Oxnard Fire Department

 

DEU detectives learned that William Smith and Vincent McMahon were in the process of extracting the THC from the marijuana plants when an unknown ignition source caused an explosion and fire. Both subjects were transported by ambulance to the hospital with critical burn injuries. A 79-year-old female resident was outside of the residence when the explosion occurred. The female did not sustain any injuries and was relocated by the American Red Cross. Ventura County Adult Protective Services was notified regarding the incident.  

 

On November 2, 2021, DEU detectives learned that William Smith died as a result of injuries he sustained in the explosion. Vincent McMahon remains hospitalized with critical injuries. The investigation is on-going.

 

A butane honey oil conversion lab converts marijuana into hash oil or "honey oil." The extraction process uses parts of the marijuana plant and converts them to a more concentrated oil using butane gas in the process. Since butane is a highly-flammable gas, the extraction process is dangerous and non-regulated BHO labs pose a significant risk to public safety.      

 

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:            November 5, 2021, 4:43 p.m.  

SUBJECT:   Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION:  H Street at Holly Avenue, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 84-year-old female of Oxnard, Ca. /

                                    2000 Toyota Tacoma

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 40-year-old male of Oxnard, Ca. /

                                    2004 Dodge Durango

CONTACT:   Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

                        (805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

On November 5, 2021, at approximately 4:43 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a traffic collision that occurred on H Street at Holly Avenue.  Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officers responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a 2004 Dodge Durango was traveling North on H Street when a 2000 Toyota Tacoma, traveling west on Holly Avenue, entered the intersection. The Dodge Durango was involved in a collision with the Toyota Tacoma

The driver of the 2004 Dodge Durango, identified as a 40-year-old male of Oxnard, suffered minor injuries and later received medical treatment at Community Memorial Hospital. The driver of the 2000 Toyota Tacoma, an 84-year-old female of Oxnard, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. Sadly, on November 7, 2021, the 84-year old female succumbed to her injuries. Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in this collision. The investigation into this collision is on-going.

Anyone who witnessed this traffic collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749 or via email at jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:          November 5, 2021

SUBJECT:   Three Oxnard Store Clerks Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION:  7-Eleven, 2201 E. Gonzales Road

                     Circle K, 2200 N. Rose Avenue

                     Vallarta Supermarket, 2690 E. Vineyard Avenue

CONTACT:   Rocky Marquez, Sergeant 

                     (805) 200-2337 | rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

 

Three Store Clerks in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

 

The Oxnard Police Department with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control has cited three clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to minors on November 5, 2021.  The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which minors, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 11 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.   

 

Those who sold to the minor face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation.  In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor.  That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

 

Compliance checks are being conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.  Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunken driving fatalities than the general adult population.  The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the availability of alcohol to minors.

 

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s.  When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent.  When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.  

 

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.  

 

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department’s Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

 

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  November 5, 2021 / 10:00 p.m.