News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 5, 2021, 12:38 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a motorcyclist

LOCATION: Ventura Road at Hemlock Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 54-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

(Name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

1986 Harley-Davidson motorcycle

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

On November 5, 2021, at approximately 12:38 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a motorcyclist down in the roadway on Ventura Road south of Hemlock Street. When officers arrived at the scene of the incident, they discovered that a motorcyclist, identified as a 54-year-old male of Oxnard, had been involved in a single-vehicle collision. The motorcyclist was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the motorcyclist was southbound Ventura Road when he collided with the center divider south of Hemlock Street. The impact caused the motorcyclist to be ejected off his motorcycle. It is unknown what caused the motorcyclist to veer towards the center divider causing the collision.

An investigation is ongoing regarding the collision and to determine whether speed, drugs, and/or alcohol were involved.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Sergeant Ricardo Vazquez at (805) 385-7847 or via email at ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

– NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 30th, 2021, 10:10 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession

LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Rd / Longfellow way, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Raul Alvarez, 19 years

CONTACT: Timothy Kelley, Commander

(805) 805-385-7600 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On October 30th at approximately 10:10 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the area of Cypress Rd. and Howell Rd. in the city of Oxnard. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Pleasant Valley Rd. and Longfellow way reference a vehicle code violation. Officers contacted Raul Alvarez in the vehicle and saw immediately he was in possession of a firearm. The firearm was later determined to be an unregistered 9-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun with extended magazine. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers. Alvarez was arrested for various felony firearms related charges.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 29, 2021, 11:21 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Incident

LOCATION: 2500 Block of Spur Drive

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6288

carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org

On October 29, 2021 at approximately 11:21 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 2500 block of Spur Drive. When officers arrived, they located the victim, a 27-year-old male Oxnard resident, down in the street. The victim was suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper body. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

Investigators from the Special Operations Division are currently investigating the shooting and no further information is available at this time. Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6288 or carey.everhart@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: October 29, 2021 / 10:00 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 30, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

Seven Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Ca. – 249 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on October 29, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Saviers Road north of Channel Islands Blvd. from 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Twenty-three drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Seven drivers were arrested for DUI-alcohol and four 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: October 28, 2021, 11:30 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Danny Zuniga, 33-year-old Ventura resident

LOCATION: 1900 North Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On October 28, 2021, the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) were conducting surveillance in the 1900 block of North Oxnard Boulevard. During the surveillance, detectives observed a wanted subject, Danny Zuniga, sitting inside of a vehicle. Zuniga had an outstanding felony arrest warrant for a prior narcotics sales offense.

DEU detectives conducted a traffic enforcement stop and placed Zuniga under arrest for his outstanding warrant. During a search of his vehicle, detectives located over two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, US Currency, and other evidence indicative of narcotics sales. Zuniga was placed under arrest for his outstanding warrant and possession of narcotics for sale, all felonies. He was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $250,000.

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: October 28, 2021, 8:45 p.m.

SUBJECT: Firearm / Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Alejandro Arroyo, 43-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 600 Block of West Beverly Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of September 2021, the Ventura Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation regarding narcotics sales occurring from a residence located in the 600 block of West Beverly Drive. During the investigation, detectives identified Alejandro Arroyo as being involved in the narcotics sales. Detectives conducted surveillance at the residence and learned that there were two residences involved in the narcotics activity. Detectives developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for both residences.

On October 28, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT Team and K9 Unit, SCU and DEU detectives served a search warrant at both residences. During the service of the search warrant, Alejandro Arroyo, was detained. Detectives conducted a search of both residences and located over twenty pounds of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, a fully automatic short barrel rifles, a semi-automatic short barrel rifle, five handguns, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Arroyo is prohibited from owning firearms due to prior arrests.

Alejandro Arroyo was placed under arrest for possession for sale of narcotics, a felony, and several felony weapons violations. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $500,000.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 28, 2021

SUBJECT: Halloween Weekend Safety and Impaired Driving Prevention Campaign

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

Oxnard Police Department Reminds Drivers to Look Out and Always Stop for Trick-or-Treaters Halloween Night

Oxnard, Ca. – With traditional in-person Halloween activities resuming this year, the Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone on the road to be extra careful as more children will be out walking the neighborhood and collecting candy.

As everyone participates in Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebrations, the Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips for families to be as safe as possible on Halloween night:

Drivers

· Slow down and watch out for more foot traffic in residential neighborhoods.

· Take extra time looking for trick-or-treaters at intersections and entering/exiting driveways.

· Never drive distracted or impaired.

Parents and trick-or-treaters

· Make sure costumes fit to prevent trips and falls.

· Decorate costumes and bags/buckets with reflective tape.

· Have kids use flashlights or glow sticks to make it easier for drivers to see them.

· Walk on sidewalks, when available. Avoid darting into the street or crossing between parked cars.

· Stick to familiar, well-lit routes.

· Look both ways before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.

If you are heading to a local bar, restaurant, or house party and plan to drink, bring a designated sober driver with you, use a ride-hailing service, or stay the night.

In an effort to keep trick-or-treaters and others in the Halloween spirit safe, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Halloween night looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Friday, October 29, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Officers are currently on scene of a serious injury collision that occurred on Fifth Street between Rose Avenue and Rice Avenue. Both directions of Fifth Street will be closed between Rose Avenue and Rice Avenue during the investigation. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Brian Woolley

Patrol Sergeant

Oxnard Police Department

(805) 385-7600

brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 22, 2021 (10:33 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspicious person report leads to firearm arrest

LOCATION: 700 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd.

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Lazaro Castro, age 20, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On October 22, 2021, at about 10:33 p.m., an alert resident reported a suspicious person riding a bicycle in the 700 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd. Responding officers detained suspect Lazaro Castro, age 20, in the 900 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd. A records check confirmed that Castro was on probation with search terms related to a criminal history involving violent crimes. Officers conducted a probation search of Castro’s person and located a loaded .380 caliber handgun in his pocket. Castro was arrested for various felony charges related to possession of the loaded firearm, including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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: October 22, 2021, 8:29 p.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving a Bicyclist

LOCATION: Fifth Street (SR-34) east of Rose Avenue, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Unidentified Driver /

Unidentified Tractor Trailer

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 19-year-old male of Camarillo, CA /

2017 BMW 330i

Bicyclist: Unidentified adult male /

BMX bicycle

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

On October 22, 2021, at approximately 8:29 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving a bicyclist that occurred on Fifth Street east of Rose Avenue. Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officers responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a 2017 BMW 330i was traveling west on Rose Avenue when unidentified tractor trailer traveling east on Fifth Street, swerved into the westbound lanes. The 2017 BMW 330i swerved into the bike lane to avoid colliding with the unidentified tractor trailer. The BMW was involved in a collision with a bicyclist which was traveling west on Fifth Street in the bike lane.

The bicyclist, an unidentified adult male, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The driver of the 2017 BMW 330i, identified as a 19-year-old male of Camarillo, was uninjured and remained on scene to provide aid to the bicyclist. Officers were unable to locate the unidentified tractor trailer. Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in this collision.

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