News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: December 16, 2021

SUBJECT: Winter DUI Enforcement Mobilization

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON:	Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

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)

[email protected]

(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 | [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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 | [email protected]

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.

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 9, 2021 (8:04 PM)

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: Ventura Road (west frontage road) and Hill Street

VICTIM: Undisclosed, 33-year old male

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On December 9, 2021, patrol officers were in the area of Piedmont and Hill Street when they heard several gunshots nearby. The Officers began searching the area and located a 33-year-old male gunshot victim in the roadway of the frontage road of Ventura Road, north of Hill Street. The victim sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in critical condition.

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 9, 2021 (8:43 PM)

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest and Narcotics Arrest

SUSPECTS: Angel Perez, 30-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: B ST. and First St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On December 9, 2021 at approximately 8:43 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction at A St. and Magnolia Ave. The vehicle failed to yield and accelerated away from the police unit. The vehicle came to a stop on B St. and First St. The vehicle had four occupants in it; the occupants were uncooperative and initially ignored commands from the officers. The officers eventually gained the compliance of the occupants and officers removed them from the vehicle.

Officers identified Angel Perez as one of the passengers in the vehicle. A records check revealed that Perez is on probation, with search terms, for prior convictions of vandalism and obstructing a peace officer. Perez is also a documented criminal street gang member in the city of Oxnard.

Officers searched the vehicle pursuant to Perez’ terms and located a loaded 9-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun in Perez’ vicinity. 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 also located loose 9-milimeter ammunition near the handgun. Officers also located methamphetamine near the handgun. Perez was booked for felony firearm and narcotics related charges.

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NEWS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

EVENT:	Funds Available for Community Organizations to Combat Drug Abuse and Divert Gang Activity
DATE/TIME:	December 9, 2021 / 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Police Chief [email protected] (805) 385-7801

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department participates with outside agencies in the investigation and prosecution of narcotics related crimes. Assets seized are proportionately shared among the participating agencies. The California Health & Safety Code requires that a portion of the seized assets “shall be used for the sole purpose of funding programs designed to combat drug abuse and divert gang activity…It is the intent of the Legislature to cause the development and continuation of positive intervention programs for high-risk elementary and secondary school age students.”

The Oxnard Police Department invites community-based organizations in Oxnard interested in this funding to visit:

https://www.oxnardpolice.info

and complete an application for consideration and review. As the City of Oxnard continues to look for viable options to the gang lifestyle for our youth, the Oxnard Police Department is excited for this opportunity to work with the community to provide healthy and productive alternatives.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Monday, January 10, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.

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: December 8, 2021, 2:30 PM

SUBJECT: Pimping / Prostitution Arrest

LOCATION: 400 Block of South A Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Erasmo Santiago, 43 years old, Los Angeles Resident

Xiomara Gonzales, 37 years old, Downey Resident

Anabel Ramirez, 44 years old, Lynwood Resident

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 | [email protected]

On December 6, 2021 the Oxnard Police Department received a community complaint regarding suspicious activity occurring at an abandoned business in the 400 block of South A Street, in the City of Oxnard. Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) detectives conducted a follow-up investigation on the business. Based on the information obtained from the investigation, detectives believed the business was being used for prostitution and a search warrant was obtained.

On December 8, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard Central Business District Neighborhood Policing Team, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) served a search warrant at the business. Upon completion of the investigation, Erasmo Santiago was arrested for pimping, a felony, after detectives discovered that he was receiving proceeds generated from prostitution. Xiomara Gonzales and Anabel Ramirez were also arrested and issued a notice to appear for soliciting prostitution, a misdemeanor.

This is Erasmo Santiago’s third arrest for pimping. He currently has a “NO BAIL” felony warrant issued by Post Release Community Supervision out of Los Angeles County (PRCS) for failing to report to PRCS. He is currently on PRCS for Pimping.

The Post Release Offender Program was created in 2011 by Assembly Bill 109 (Public Safety Realignment). The program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex related felony offenses will 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.

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. Any witness can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

to submit a tip via text or email.