News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 13, 2021

SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

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

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for October 14, 2021.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation on October 14, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. aimed at keeping people out exercising or enjoying the outdoors safe.

The Oxnard Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that make roads unsafe.

These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other traffic violation by bike riders or pedestrians.

The safety of bicyclists and pedestrians remains a top priority for the Oxnard Police Department. To keep you and your family safe, the Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips when out biking, driving, or walking:

PEDESTRIANS

● Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.

● Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.

● Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.

● Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 12, 2021, 3:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: Dupont St. & Emerson Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Daniel Castaneda, 19-year-old Oxnard resident CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On October 12, 2021, at approximately 3:35 P.M., an Oxnard police officer conducted a enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Dupont St. and Emerson Ave. One of the passengers of the vehicle, identified as Daniel Castaneda, was found to be in possession of a P80 handgun (“Ghost gun”) with a high capacity magazine. He was arrested for several felony firearm violations and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 12, 2021 / 5:32 P.M.

DATE: October 8, 2021, 5:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Joseph Maria, 38 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 Block of Glenwood Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On July 8^th, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) arrested Joseph Maria for possession for sale of Fentanyl, possession for sale of Methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and a felony warrant.

During the month of September 2021, DEU detectives developed information that Maria was out on bail and continuing to sell fentanyl in the area of Wilson Park. DEU detectives began a second investigation and learned that Maria was in fact out on bail for the July 8^th, 2021 arrest and also out on bail for a narcotics sales arrest in January 2021. Additionally, Maria had an outstanding felony warrant issued for his arrest related to auto theft.

DEU detectives were able to identify Maria’s residence in the 400 block of Glenwood Avenue and developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant. On October 8^th, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), DEU detectives conducted surveillance on Maria. During the surveillance, detectives observed Maria engaging in a narcotics transaction. SEU officers contacted and arrested Maria for his outstanding felony warrant. Maria was found in possession of fentanyl and a large quantity of US Currency.

DEU detectives served the search warrant at Maria’s residence and recovered additional fentanyl, packaging material, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Maria was additionally charged with narcotics sales, a felony. He was also selling drugs within a thousand feet of an elementary school Maria has been arrested for narcotics sales three times in 2021. Maria was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $500,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related overdoses within Oxnard neighborhoods. 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: April 8, 2021 (4:37 PM)

SUBJECT: Good Samaritan intervenes during attempted carjacking

LOCATION: 3700 block W. Fifth Street

VICTIM: Withheld

SUSPECT: Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, Santa Maria resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On 10/8/21, at about 4:37 p.m., an elderly female victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot in the 3700 block of W. Fifth Street when suspect Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, approached her as she was attempting to enter her vehicle. Suspect Rocha grabbed the victim, including her keys, and demanded her car. An alert good Samaritan witness observed the crime in progress and intervened, causing suspect Rocha to divert his attention towards the witness and aggress on him. At the time, the witness directed the victim to get into her car and leave the scene. The victim followed the witness’ direction and drove away. Suspect Rocha tried fleeing the scene on foot, however the witness entered his vehicle and followed suspect Rocha, keeping him in view the entire time, until police arrived. Rocha was positively identified during an infield lineup and was subsequently arrested for the felony charge of attempted carjacking. Officers later determined that Rocha is currently on parole out of Santa Maria.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 6, 2021, 9:20 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearms Related Arrest

LOCATION: 1500 Block Of 7^th Street, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

On August 23, 2021 at approximately midnight, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a brandishing of a firearm in the 1200 block of South G Street. When they arrived, they contacted the victim, who told them that a subject in a vehicle had brandished a firearm at him in a threatening manner.

Investigators from the Special Operations Division assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 37-year-old Port Hueneme resident John Kozak.

On October 6, 2021 at approximately 9:20 A.M., investigators located Kozak driving his vehicle in the City of Port Hueneme. Kozak was contacted and taken into custody without incident. During a search of his vehicle, two loaded handguns were located. A search warrant was subsequently served at Kozak’s residence. During the service of the warrant, several other firearms, including two AK-47 style assault rifles, several thousand rounds of ammunition, high capacity magazines, and numerous other gun parts were seized. The firearms located in the residence were found to be loaded and unsecured. Several children were present at the residence and had access to the firearms.

Kozak was arrested for criminal threats, child endangerment, and numerous firearms related charges. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on those charges. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormely@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 6, 2021 / 3:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 5, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Manufacturing Fentanyl / Firearm / Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Gabriel Cardenas, 37-year-old Oxnard resident

Martin Ipatzi, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 South J Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

On January 26, 2021, DEU detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of South J Street. During the service of the search warrant, detectives located a large quantity of fentanyl and a fentanyl processing lab. During the month of September, DEU detectives learned that subjects were continuing to process fentanyl and sell narcotics from the residence. Detectives developed enough probable cause to obtain a second search warrant for the residence.

On October 5, 2021, DEU detectives were conducting surveillance at the residence when a known drug offender, Martin Ipatzi, engaged in a suspected narcotics transaction at the residence. Ipatzi was stopped by uniformed patrol officers and found to be in possession of narcotics. Ipatzi was arrested for misdemeanor narcotics offenses.

After Ipatzi was arrested, DEU detectives served the search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Gabriel Cardenas fled the residence on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Cardenas was taken to the ground and surrendered without further incident. Cardenas was found in possession of a large quantity of US Currency.

DEU detectives conducted a search of the residence and located multiple pounds of methamphetamine, multiple pounds of processed fentanyl, over a pound of pure fentanyl, cutting agents, a processing machine, a firearm, and further evidence of narcotics processing and sales. Gabriel Cardenas was arrested for felony narcotics related crimes. This is Cardenas’ fourth narcotics sales arrest in Ventura County. Cardenas was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $1,000,000.

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 2, 2021 (7:45 PM)

SUBJECT: Parolee in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Nauman Road at Hueneme Road

SUSPECT: Jose Suarez, age 33, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On October 2nd, 2021, at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Nauman Road and Hueneme Road Officers contacted the driver, Jose Suarez, age 33, who is on parole for robbery.

Officers conducted a search of Juarez and his vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded 9 millimeter handgun inside of the vehicle. Juarez was arrested for various felony firearm 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 3, 2021 (4:14 AM)

SUBJECT: Illegal Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Hull Place and K Street

SUSPECT: Juan Hernandez, age 27, Oxnard Resident

Jorge Fernandez, age 20, Santa Barbara Resident

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | jose.velazquez@oxnarpd.org

On October 3rd, 2021, at 4:14 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Communication Center received a 911 call in reference to gunshots heard in the area of Hull Place and K Street. Upon officer’s arrival, several subjects fled the area.

After a brief foot pursuit, officers apprehended Juan Hernandez (27 years), Jorge Fernandez (20 years), and an additional Hispanic male adult. Fernandez is currently on active California Department of Corrections parole for assault with a firearm.

During a search of Hernandez, officers located a loaded .38 caliber handgun. A records check of the handgun revealed it was previously reported stolen. Hernandez was arrested for various felony firearm related charges. Fernandez was arrested for a parole violation.

During the canvass of the area no gunshot victim was located.

*UPDATE*

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 1, 2021, 10:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Located Missing Elderly Adult

LOCATION: 1900 block Lantana Street, Oxnard

VICTIM: Javier Humberto Martinez, 75-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

On October 1, 2021, at about 8:00 A.M., Javier Humberto Martinez was located at the United States and Mexico border. Mr. Martinez was found safe and is currently in the process of being reunited with his family.

During the investigation, investigators learned that Mr. Martinez was living safely in Mexico for the last week.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 1, 2021 (7:00 PM)

SUBJECT: Wanted Gang Member Arrested for Unlawful Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 1400 block of Ivywood Drive

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On October 1st, 2021, at approximately 6:35 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the Hobson Park West area of Oxnard when they conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 1400 block of Ivywood Drive. Officers contacted the driver, Serafin Arenas (21yrs). Arenas is a documented member of a tagging crew in the City of Oxnard. Arenas was found to be driving on a suspended driver’s license, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and had an open alcoholic beverage inside of the vehicle.

Officers conducted a search of Arenas and his vehicle. During the search, officers located a 9 millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun, a 9 millimeter magazine, and 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition in the center console. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Arenas was arrested for various felony firearm related charges.