News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 10, 2022 (9:33 PM)

SUBJECT: Wanted Subject / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Edgar Sosa, 32-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Lantana St. at Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On February 10, 2022, at approximately 9:33 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted an enforcement stop at Lantana and Gonzales Rd. for a suspected traffic infraction. Officers contacted the subject and identified him as Edgar Sosa. Officers conducted a records check on Sosa and learned that Sosa was on probation for firearms possession and that Sosa had outstanding warrants. Officers arrested Sosa for his outstanding warrants. During a search officers discovered that Sosa was in possession of an unloaded revolver. Sosa is a prohibited person due to his prior firearms conviction.

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.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 11, 2022, 10:00 AM

SUBJECT: Early 2000s Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Theft Prevention

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Senior Officer | (805) 385- 7664 | [email protected]

During the months of January and February, The Oxnard Police Department has noticed an increase in the vehicle thefts of early 2000s Chevrolet Silverados city wide. Approximately eleven Chevrolet Silverados have been stolen. A few of the stolen Chevrolet Silverados have been recovered with parts or equipment missing from the vehicles. A majority of the vehicles had their catalytic converters removed from the vehicles.

A significant percentage of stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your vehicle unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the vehicle, even if you think they are “hidden,” including the valet key.
Do not leave your vehicle idling and unattended because it is unnecessary, unsafe, illegal and someone can steal your vehicle.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and steering wheel locks are also effective.
Park the vehicle in a garage or a well-lighted area.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing crime in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding these cases 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.

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Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 9, 2022

SUBJECT: Super Bowl Sunday DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant | (805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Enjoy the Super Bowl Responsibly: Choose a Sober Way to Go

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department is reminding football fans to stick to the “go safely” game plan and designate a sober driver if you plan on drinking at a Super Bowl LVI watch party.

On Super Bowl LVI Sunday (Feb. 13), the Oxnard Police Department will have extra 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 at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

If you plan to have a drink or two, choose a sober way to get to and from wherever you are watching the game. Have a ride-hailing service or a family member who hasn’t been drinking take you home.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can all affect your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand the potential side effects of certain drugs.

When it comes to getting to and from places safely, we’re all on the same team. The choice is simple: Don’t drive impaired.

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

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 9, 2022 (6:16 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested for Illegal Firearms Possession; Parolee and Post Release Offender Arrested for Violating Supervision Terms

SUSPECTS: Jessica Facon, 20-year-old Transient

Mario Hernandez, 32-year-old Camarillo resident

Colin Jones, 31-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Escalon Dr. at El Cajon Wy., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On February 9, 2022, at approximately 6:16 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction. Officers contacted the driver, Colin Jones, who is a Post Release Offender for firearm and narcotics violations. The Post Release Offender Program was created in 2011 under Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment Act). The program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex related felony offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense and prior convictions are not considered. Officers identified Jessica Facon and Mario Hernandez as passengers in the vehicle. Hernandez is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member and on parole for assault with a deadly weapon.

A search of the vehicle was conducted pursuant to Jones’ and Hernandez’ search terms. Officers located a loaded revolver in Facon’s possession. Officers arrested Facon for felony weapons possession; Hernandez and Jones were arrested for violating the terms of their supervised release.

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There is a water mainline break on South Oxnard Blvd. near Woole Rd. (1215 South Oxnard Blvd). The number 2 southbound lanes will be closed until repairs are completed.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 5, 2022 (9:16 PM)

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrests

SUSPECTS: Amanda Bustamante, age 32, Oxnard resident

Juan Rivera, age 21, Oxnard resident

Cesar Morales, age 20, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Bryce Canyon Avenue and J Street

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On February 5, 2022, at approximately 9:16 p.m., officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver 2020 Nissan Sentra for traffic infractions near the intersection of Bryce Canyon Avenue and A Street. The driver failed to stop and a brief 30 second pursuit ensued before the driver collided into a chain-link fence near the intersection of Bryce Canyon and J Street. Officers observed a handgun being tossed from the vehicle. The firearm was later recovered and determined to be a loaded 9mm handgun. The driver was identified as Amanda Bustamante, age 32. There were two adult male passengers in the vehicle; Juan Rivera (age 21) and Cesar Morales (age 20). All of the occupants are Oxnard residents. During a search in and around the vehicle, a second loaded 9mm P80 handgun was located. Additionally, a box containing over 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition was located along with an extended magazine, and a quantity of methamphetamine. Suspect Bustamante was arrested for various felony firearm related charges in addition to felony evading. Suspects Rivera and Morales were also arrested for various felony firearm/ammunition related charges.

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: February 1, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales and Firearms Arrest

SUSPECTS: Jesus Rangel, 43-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1400 block of West Date Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 [email protected]

During the month of January, 2022, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 1400 block of West Date Street. During the investigation, detectives identified the resident, Jesus Rangel, as being involved in narcotics sales. Detectives also learned that Rangel had a felony warrant issued for his arrest for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Detectives authored a search warrant for Rangel’s residence.

On February 1, 2022, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT team, Oxnard K9 Unit, Oxnard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit (UAV), and the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Rangel fled out of the rear garage and into the main residence.

SWAT Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants for several minutes and four occupants exited the residence. For over two hours, Rangel refused to exit the residence. SWAT officers put chemical irritants inside of the residence in an attempt to gain compliance. After approximately five minutes of the irritants being placed inside of the residence, Rangel broke out a rear window of the residence and surrendered to the officers.

DEU detectives responded to the residence after all of the subjects were detained to complete the investigation. During a search of the residence, detectives located two loaded firearms, large amounts of US Currency, narcotics, and indicia of narcotics sales. Jesus Rangel was arrested for a felony warrant regarding his Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for being a felon in possession of a firearm, narcotics sales, and several additional firearms related charges. Rangel is being held in custody at the Ventura County Jail without bail.

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: February 1, 2022

SUBJECT: Project Leave Behind

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Steve Trickle, Sergeant | (805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Unit has recently partnered with Ventura County Behavioral Health and embarked on a pilot program called “Project Leave Behind.” The newly implemented program is the first of its kind in Ventura County. As part of this program, the Oxnard Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Officers began distributing Overdose Rescue Kits to the city’s unsheltered / homeless population in December 2021. The kits were created to combat and reduce fatal opioid overdoses in the City of Oxnard.

The Overdose Rescue Kits contain three doses of Naloxone (Narcan), a CPR shield, & educational and additional information for county-wide drug addiction treatment and recovery. Naloxone is a medication used for the treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose, and can rapidly reverse its effects. Naloxone was used by Oxnard Police officers over sixty (60) times in 2021. The literature in each kit is printed in both English and Spanish. In addition, there is a QR code in each kit to access the same information via any smartphone or tablet.

Nationally, drug overdose deaths increased 28% in 2021 with a total of over 100,000 deaths. In 2020, there were 78,000 drug overdose deaths nationally; the drug fentanyl is responsible for the dramatic increase in OD fatalities. Ventura County has also suffered a similar increase in overdose rates due to fentanyl use. The Oxnard Police Department responded to a total of 283 total overdose calls for service in 2021 (nearly a 40% increase since 2019); 35 of the overdose calls for service were fatalities.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Unit distributed 50 Overdose Rescue Kits to unsheltered / homeless individuals during the first month of “Project Leave Behind.” The goal of the program is to save lives, reduce overdose rates, and provide resources to the population that is most vulnerable. After evaluating the pilot program, OD Rescue Kits will be issued to Oxnard PD Neighborhood Policing Teams and Patrol Officers. OD Rescue Kits will be distributed at overdose calls for service, contacts with opioid/narcotic dependent users or family members/significant others of addicts who are likely to encounter a loved one suffering from an opioid overdose.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 2, 2022, at approximately 2:00 PM

SUBJECT: Attempted Kidnapping of a Juvenile

LOCATION: “G” Street at Teakwood Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: White male, 5’-6” to 5’-8” tall, short brown hair, black shirt and black pants with a blue face covering, a scar above his right eye

VEHICLE: Black 4-door sedan with a possible cracked windshield

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant | (805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On February 2, 2022, at approximately 2:00 PM, the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of an attempted kidnapping near the intersection of “G” Street and Teakwood Street in Oxnard. Oxnard police officers responded to the area and spoke to the victim, a 13-year old female juvenile.

Officers learned that the victim was walking home from school when the suspect, a white male with brown hair, a scar above his right eye, wearing a blue face covering, a black shirt, and black pants, pulled up next to the juvenile in a black 4-door sedan. The suspect briefly conversed with the juvenile, but the juvenile continued to walk away from the suspect. The suspect got out of the car and approached the juvenile at one point. The suspect grabbed the victim’s wrist and yelled for her to get in his car. A Samaritan driving by witnessed the incident and yelled for the suspect to leave the girl alone. The suspect entered his vehicle and left the area. The victim made it home safely and notified her parents, who contacted the police.

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU) were notified and investigated the incident. Detectives and patrol officers canvassed the area searching for video evidence and additional leads.

This afternoon, additional detectives and uniformed officers, including Traffic Officers, School Resource Officers (SRO), and the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT), saturated the area searching for the suspect and his vehicle. School administrators were also made aware of the 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 click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can also remain anonymous by calling Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. you can submit a tip via text or email to www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 3, 2022, at 1:53 A.M.

SUBJECT: Robbery Suspect Dies After Altercation with Convenience Store Clerk

LOCATION: 490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Name Withheld Pending Family Notification

CONTACT: Michael Velasquez, Detective | (805) 385-8287 | [email protected]

On February 3, 2022, at 1:53 A.M., the Oxnard Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call of an armed robbery that occurred at the Circle K, located at 409 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard.

Oxnard police officers arrived at the store and spoke to the clerk. Officers learned that a suspect armed with a handgun entered the store and demanded money from the clerk. The clerk gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of money. Afterwards, the suspect ordered the clerk out of the store and away from the business. The clerk walked outside the store as ordered. In an apparent effort to defend himself, the clerk fought with the suspect. During the fight, the victim produced a knife and stabbed the suspect multiple times. In doing so, the victim disarmed the suspect of the handgun. The suspect was able to flee the scene. The clerk returned to the store and called 911.

While police officers were at the scene of the robbery, a 911 call came into the Emergency Communications Center at 2:01 A.M. of a stabbing victim in the 3500 block of Pier Walk. When officers arrived, they located a 30-year old male with stab wounds. The male with stab wounds matched the description of the Circle K robbery suspect. The male was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition. The male died of his wounds at 11:55 A.M.

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) arrived at the scene to assume the investigation of the robbery and the stabbing. VCU detectives believe that both incidents are related, and there are no additional suspects. The handgun used by the robbery suspect was found to be a replica handgun. The clerk was cooperative and forthcoming with officers and detectives.

VCU detectives are still reviewing evidence from the scene and are actively investigating the incident. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Michael Velasquez at (805) 385-8287.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030