News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 21, 2021 (4:45 PM)

SUBJECT: Barricaded Wanted Subject Arrested for Assault with a Deadly weapon and Felony Warrants

LOCATION: 800 block of Trinidad Way

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On December 21, 2021 at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed Diego Cruz (27yrs) on foot in the 800 block of Trinidad Way. Cruz was known to have several felony arrest warrants for robbery and dissuading a witness by force, and to have current wants by the Oxnard Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence and vandalism. When officers attempted to contact Cruz, he fled on foot into his residence at the 800 block of Trinidad Way. When Cruz fled into the residence, he locked the doors to the residence and barricaded inside.

Officers set a perimeter around the residence, and the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team was called to the scene. After several hours of announcements and attempting to have Cruz exit his home, chemical agents were introduced into the residence. Cruz attempted to squeeze out of a vent in the attic of the residence, but was confronted by officers. Cruz was then taken into custody for his warrants, current charges and resisting arrest without further incident.

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: December 18, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

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

Three DUI Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Ca. – 295 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on December 17, 2021. The checkpoint was held on Wooley Road west of Oxnard Blvd. from 8:00 p.m. to 2:45 a.m.

Fourteen drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Three drivers were arrested for DUI-related charges and one driver was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant.

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.

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:            December 21, 2021 (4:45 PM)

SUBJECT:   Barricaded Wanted Subject Arrested for Assault with a Deadly weapon and Felony Warrants

LOCATION: 800 block of Trinidad Way

CONTACT:   Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On December 21, 2021 at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed Diego Cruz (27yrs) on foot in the 800 block of Trinidad Way. Cruz was known to have several felony arrest warrants for robbery and dissuading a witness by force, and to have current wants by the Oxnard Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence and vandalism. When officers attempted to contact Cruz, he fled on foot into his residence at the 800 block of Trinidad Way. When Cruz fled into the residence, he locked the doors to the residence and barricaded inside.

Officers set a perimeter around the residence, and the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team was called to the scene. After several hours of announcements and attempting to have Cruz exit his home, chemical agents were introduced into the residence. Cruz attempted to squeeze out of a vent in the attic of the residence, but was confronted by officers. Cruz was then taken into custody for his warrants, current charges and resisting arrest without further incident.

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: December 18, 2021 (12:49 AM)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested for Assault Weapon

LOCATION: 500 block of Collection Blvd.

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Glandros June, age 25, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE: Undisclosed

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On December 18, 2021, at about 12:49 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of possible stabbing in the parking lot in the 500 block of Collection Blvd. Officers arrived on scene within minutes and conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that matched the description of one of the involved vehicles. The vehicle contained four occupants. During a search of the vehicle, Officers located a loaded 762 mm assault rifle along with a backpack containing additional ammunition. Suspect Glandros June, age 25, attempted to flee on foot but was tackled after a short distance and taken into custody. June was arrested for felony charges associated with being a prohibited person in possession of the assault rifle. A records search revealed that June is currently out on bail related to a shooting incident that occurred in the city of Oxnard in February of 2021. For this reason, officers requested the court increase June’s bail amount.

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: December 16, 2021

SUBJECT: Winter DUI Enforcement Mobilization

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Don’t Let Drunk, or “High,” Drive: Celebrate the Holiday Season Responsibly

National “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Enforcement Campaign Begins Dec. 15

This holiday season, the Oxnard Police Department reminds the public to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and encourages everyone to stay in for the night or use a designated sober driver if you have alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs that may impair.

From Dec. 15 through New Year’s Day, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional 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 on Friday, December 17, 2021, at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI checkpoint 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. The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

Impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 15, 2021

SUBJECT: Two more students arrested for social media threats against schools in Oxnard

CONTACT: Oxnard Police Department Commander Luis Mc Arthur

(805) 207-4762 | luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

Police, in collaboration with the Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) have continued investigating the social media posts threatening shootings against Oxnard area high schools since last week. An additional 14-year-old freshman at Oxnard High School has been arrested in connection with last weeks’ post on social media threatening a shooting against the school. The student admitted he made the threat as a joke.

In a separate incident, a 17-year-old 11th grade student at Hueneme High School was arrested following a social media threat circulating last week of a shooting planned at Hueneme High School for today, which the student admitted was done as a joke and there was never a real threat to the school.

These arrests come in the wake of two other 16-year-old students that were arrested last week for threatening a shooting at lunchtime at Pacifica High School as a joke and a 14-year old that was also arrested for making threats of a shooting at Oxnard High School.

The teens face charges of making criminal threats of violence to a school campus and are facing expulsion.

The safety of all students and campus staff will always be a top priority and the Oxnard Police Department takes every threat seriously.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal traffic collision
DATE/TIME:	December 13, 2021, 6:12 P.M.
LOCATION:	Robert Ave at C Street
VICTIM(S):	52 year old Oxnard resident
VEHICLES INVOLVED:	1999 Gray Chevrolet Suburban driven by a 52 year old Oxnard resident. 2015 White Volkswagen Passat (parked and unoccupied)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 paul.knapp@Oxnardpd.org
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON:	Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 paul.knapp@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On December 13, 2021, at about 6:12 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the intersection of Robert Ave and C Street, in the City of Oxnard, regarding an injury traffic collision. EMS responded and transported a 52 year old male that was driving the 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. The driver was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Based upon the preliminary investigation, the male driver was driving east on Robert Ave toward the intersection of C Street, with his mother in the front passenger seat. For reasons to be determined, the vehicle accelerated and veered into a 2015 Volkswagen that was parked and unoccupied on Robert Ave., west of the intersection. The Chevrolet continued across the street and collided with a residential fence on the southeast corner of the intersection. The passenger of the Chevrolet was uninjured.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750. 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: December 13, 2021, 8:40 p.m.

Christopher Williams (click signature for bio)

Patrol Watch Commander/District 2 (click for map)

Sunday-Wednesday 4 pm- 2 am

(805) 207-7234 (cell)

christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org

(Personal Pronouns: he, him, his)

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 10, 2021

SUBJECT: Three Students Arrested After Posting Separate Social Media Threats at Oxnard High School and Pacifica High School

CONTACT: Luis McArthur, Commander

(805)385-7746 | Luis.McArthur@oxnardpd.org

A 14-year-old student was arrested Thursday after they posted a threat on social media threatening a shooting at Oxnard High School. The Oxnard Police Department was able to determine that the threat was not credible by the end of the school day and the student responsible for posting this information was identified and arrested. The student admitted there was never a real threat to the school.

In a separate scare Friday, Pacifica High School students circulated a social media post threatening a shooting at the school planned for lunchtime. The school’s resource officer on campus identified the two 16-year-old students who posted the threat and they were arrested. Both students admitted to posting the message as a joke.

The three teens face charges of making criminal threats of violence to a school campus.

The safety of all students and campus staff will always be a top priority and the Oxnard Police Department takes every threat seriously.

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: December 9, 2021

SUBJECT: One Year Anniversary of Oxnard Homicide

VICTIM: Joshua McNeill, 26 years old

SUSPECT: Unknown

LOCATION: 600 block of Rubens Place, Oxnard

CONTACT: John Sunia, Detective

(805) 385-7760 | John.Sunia@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with information on the homicide of Joshua McNeill. Today marks the one year anniversary of his murder.

On December 9, 2020, at 11:35 P.M., Joshua McNeill was confronted by an unknown assailant and was shot and killed. This incident occurred in the 600 block of Rubens Place in Oxnard, next to Pleasant Valley Park.

Since this homicide occurred, investigators have continued to work diligently to uncover leads in this case. New information has provided investigators with additional direction, but they are still seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding this incident

Detectives are encouraging 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/600rubensplace 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.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective John Sunia (805) 385-7760. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within 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 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: December 9, 2021.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 9, 2021 (4:54 PM)

SUBJECT: Wanted Gang Member Arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Narcotics

SUSPECTS: Ronald Amesquita, 28-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Saviers Rd. and Pleasant Valley Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

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

On December 9, 2021 at approximately 4:54 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the area of Saviers Rd. and Pleasant Valley Rd. During their enforcement, officers observed wanted criminal street gang member Ronald Amesquita enter a vehicle. Special Enforcement Unit Officers had prior knowledge that Amesquita is on parole with active warrants for evading, domestic violence, and resisting arrest. Amesquita is also wanted in connection with an arson and child endangerment case.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and as the vehicle began to slow down, officers observed Amesquita flee from the vehicle. As Amesquita fled from the officers, he discarded a loaded 9-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 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 pursued Amesquita on foot and took Amesquita into custody. Officers searched Amesquita incident to his arrest and located fentanyl on his person.

Amesquita was arrested for various felony firearm and narcotics related charges as well as his outstanding warrants.