News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 24, 2021

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

LOCATION: 7-Eleven, 1955 S. Patterson Road

Doc’s Beer and Wine, 521 S. C Street

La Colonial Market, 520 E. Third Street

La Mexicana Market, 601 S. A Street

Raul’s Liquor, 942 E. Fifth Street

CONTACT: Rocky Marquez, Sergeant

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

Five 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 five clerks in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to minors on September 24, 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 15 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: September 24, 2021 / 10:00 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 20, 2021, 4:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: 2200 Block of South Real Road, Bakersfield, CA

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Detective

(805) 385-7796

jason.radcliffe@oxnardpd.org

On August 28, 2021 at approximately 4:25 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting in the 1300 block of Redwood Street. When they arrived, officers located the victim, a 29-year-old male Oxnard resident. The victim had been struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Investigators from the Special Operations Division responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. It was determined that the shooting occurred near the intersection of Poplar Street and M Street. The suspect, who was in a vehicle, confronted the victim, yelled out the name of a local criminal street gang, then fired several shots at the victim, one of which struck him. The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 31-year-old Bakersfield resident Raymond Reyes. Although Reyes currently resides in Bakersfield, he has ties to the Oxnard area. On September 20, 2021 at approximately 4:00 A.M., investigators located Reyes in the City of Bakersfield. With the assistance of the Bakersfield Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, Reyes was contacted and taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was subsequently served at Reyes’ residence.

Reyes was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (firearm), being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and a violation of the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (gang enhancement). He was transported back to Ventura County and 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 Jason Radcliffe at (805) 385-7796 or jason.radcliffe@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: September 20, 2021 / 12:55 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 22, 2021, 5:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest / Felony Cruelty to an animal

SUSPECTS: Rene Cervantez, 39 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2200 block of Mono Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of July, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 2200 block of Mono Street. During the investigation, detectives identified the resident, Rene Cervantez, as being involved in the sales of Fentanyl to Oxnard residents. Detectives developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence.

On September 22, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT team and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. After Rene Cervantez was detained and the residence was secured by the SWAT team, DEU detectives conducted a search of the residence and located three different types of processed fentanyl, US Currency, and further evidence of narcotics sales.

Additionally, two severely neglected dogs were located in the rear yard of the residence. The dogs were malnourished with no food, water, or shelter. The dogs were covered with fleas and rashes. The Ventura County Animal Services immediately responded to the residence and rescued the animals. The dogs were taken for immediate treatment at the Ventura County Animal Shelter.

Rene Cervantez was arrested for possession for sales of fentanyl and cruelty to animals, both felonies. Cervantez is currently out on bail for two separate narcotic sales arrests. He was booked into Ventura County jail with a bail request of $1,000,000.

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: September 23, 2021

SUBJECT: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol on September 23, 2021, between 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on September 24, 2021, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

· Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

· Use your signal when changing lanes.

· Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

· When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists:

· Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.

· Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

· Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.

· Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

· Although lane-splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.

During these trying times, the safety of the community remains our top priority, and the Oxnard Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by drivers and riders that put the public at further risk.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 23, 2021 / 12:00 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 17, 2021

SUBJECT: Child Passenger Safety Week

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 19-25

Oxnard, CA – As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Oxnard Police Department wants to make sure your child is in the right child safety seat.

Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 19-25 and focuses on educating parents and caregivers about the importance of choosing, installing, and using the correct car seat.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children, and nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused.

California law requires a child to be properly secured in a safety seat until they are at least 8 years of age. Children 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt. Children under the age of 2 must ride rear-facing or until they reach 40 pounds or 40 inches in height.

To search for cat seat programs in your county, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has a dropdown menu on the OTS website. You may also contact your local CHP Area Office to schedule a free safety seat inspection.

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: September 16, 2021 (6:10 PM)

SUBJECT: Gang Member/ Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm

LOCATION: 300 block of S. C Street

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Raymond De La Torre, age 45, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Timothy Kelley, Commander

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

On September 16th, 2021, at approximately 6:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the downtown area of Oxnard when they conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 300 block of S. C Street. Officers contacted the driver, Raymond De La Torre, age 45. De La Torre is a documented gang member from Oxnard. He is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms, due to a prior felony conviction, and is on felony probation with search terms. Additionally, De Le Torre is currently out on bail for a pending felony firearms possession case.

Officers conducted a search of De La Torre and his vehicle, pursuant to his search terms, before responding to De La Torre’s residence nearby to conduct a probation search of his residence. During the search of the residence, officers located a 9 millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun in De La Torre’s property. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. De Le Torre 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September, 16th, 2021 / 7:00 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 11, 2021 (1:02 AM)

SUBJECT: Gunshot Victim

LOCATION: 1200 Block of Hull Place

VICTIM: Name withheld, male, early 40’s

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On 9/11/21, at around 1:02 a.m., officers were dispatched to a call of gunshots heard in the south alley of the 1200 block Hull Place. Officers on scene located a crime scene but no victim. Approximately 30 minutes later, a gunshot victim arrived at St. John’s Hospital in Oxnard. The victim had a gunshot wound to his lower body and was listed in serious condition. The Violent Crimes Unit was called out and is currently on scene investigating the shooting incident.

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: September 11, 2021, 9:17 P.M.

SUBJECT: Wanted Gang Member Arrested For Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 1400 Block, South “G” St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Sergeant Martin Cook

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

On September 11, 2021, at approximately 9:17 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violation in the 1400 block of South “G” St. During a probation search of the vehicle, officers located an un-serialized loaded, semi-automatic, nine-millimeter, Glock-style Polymer 80 handgun under the driver’s seat. The driver, Anthony Flores (18-year-old, Oxnard resident) stated that the firearm belonged to him. Flores was arrested for various firearm violations.

Two other occupants inside of the vehicle were arrested for minor offenses related to graffiti and narcotics violations.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 9, 2021, 4:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Wanted Gang Member Arrested For Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 9400 Block, Telephone Road, Ventura CA.

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On September 9, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) attempted to contact a wanted subject identified as Brandon Guerra (37yrs) in the 9400 block of Telephone Road in the City of Ventura. Guerra is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard, currently on felony probation in the County of Ventura for a felon in possession of a firearm, currently had a felony warrant for his arrest, was identified as a suspect in a felony domestic violence case and is a prohibited person from possession of firearms and ammunition. Guerra has also had a history of fleeing from and fighting with law enforcement.

When Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact Guerra, he immediately fled from officers on foot. As officers gave chase, Guerra threw a loaded firearm. After a short foot pursuit, Officers finally made physical contact with Guerra. Guerra began to fight with officers and attempted to bite one of the officers. During the struggle, several officers sustained injury, but Guerra was taken into custody without further incident.

Officers recovered the firearm that Guerra discarded, and found it to be an unserialized loaded semi-automatic nine-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and serialized. Guerra was arrested for various felony firearms related charges, felony domestic violence and felony assault on a Peace Officer.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 10, 2021, 5:50 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Remedios Zavala, 41 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1500 Block of Levi Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of August 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation related to Remedios Zavala being involved in the sales of Methamphetamine and Cocaine in the City of Oxnard. During the investigation, DEU developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant for his residence.

With the assistance of members from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT), DEU detectives served a search warrant at Zavala’s residence. During a search of the residence several pounds of methamphetamine and a large quantity of cocaine was located. Remedios Zavala was arrested for felony narcotics sales charges.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to identifying and disrupting the narcotics activity responsible for creating quality of life issues 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.