News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 20, 2021, 5:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested For Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 600 Block, Evergreen Lane, Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

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

On July 20, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) and Oxnard Police K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop of a Nissan Sentra in the 600 block of Evergreen Lane in Port Hueneme. During the traffic stop, Officer contacted Miguel Vasquez (39yrs), Jeanette Siquiedo (20yrs) and an additional female subject in the vehicle. Vasquez and Siquiedo are known criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard, and both are prohibited from the possession of firearms and/or ammunition. Vasquez has several prior felony and firearms convictions and Siquiedo is currently on probation in the County of Ventura for firearms possession.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded semi-automatic .380 caliber Ruger handgun was located concealed in the passenger compartment. Vasquez was found to be in possession of the firearm and arrested for several felony firearms violations. The firearm was found to be unregistered in the State of California.

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: July 17, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

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

Three Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Ca. – 794 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on July 17, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road from 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Twenty-two drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. Three drivers were arrested for DUI.

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.

As businesses continue to reopen, including bars and restaurants, impaired driving remains a top traffic safety concern. 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: July 17, 2021, 1800 Hours

SUBJECT: Assault Victim Dies from Injuries

LOCATION: 500 N. Roosevelt Avenue, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Melecio Chavez, 73 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

On July 13, 2021, at about 11:25 PM, officers responded to the call of a subject down in the street, in the 500 block of Roosevelt Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located 73 year old Melecio Chavez who was bleeding from a wound to his head. Officers learned that Chavez had stepped outside of his house and became involved in an argument with two unknown male subjects in front of his residence. During this altercation, it is believed that Chavez was struck by one or both subjects and knocked to the ground.

Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived to provide assistance. Chavez was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for emergency medical treatment.

Today, July 17, 2021, Melecio Chavez succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the hospital.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit has taken over this investigation. This is the ninth homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

Detectives are asking 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/500rooseveltave. 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.

Also, investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective John Sunia (805) 385-7760. Also, 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: July 17, 2020, 9:20 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 16, 2021, 12:50 P.M.

SUBJECT: Body of Missing Person Located

VICTIM: Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas, 46 years old

SUSPECT: Josefino Cayetano Maldonado, 41 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org

On Saturday, July 10, 2021, at about 8:30 P.M., Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas was seen by family members getting into a vehicle with an unknown person and driving away from her residence. Eudelia didn’t return home on Saturday night, so family members became concerned because she was not responding to telephone calls. The family eventually reported her missing to the Oxnard Police Department on Sunday night, July 11, 2021.

A detailed follow-up investigation was conducted by the Missing Persons Unit and Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department. Detectives obtained evidence that upgraded this case to suspicious circumstances instead of voluntary missing.

On Thursday, July 15, 2021, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department served a search warrant on a residence in Salinas, California. This residence belonged to the victim’s ex-husband, Josefino Cayetano Maldonado. Josefino Cayetano Maldonado was interviewed by detectives and confessed to killing his ex-wife, Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas in Ventura County but disposed of her body in Santa Barbara County. Detectives are still processing the area where she was murdered. The killing of Ms. Rojas did not take place within the City of Oxnard. Maldonado provided the unincorporated area of the killing to the police at the time of his interview.

The body of Ms. Rojas was located down an embankment in the area of the US 101 Freeway, North of the Gaviota Tunnel in Santa Barbara County. Detectives requested the assistance of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team to recover the body of Ms. Rojas.

Maldonado was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility Roajs’ murder and a bail amount of $500,000.

This investigation is still ongoing at the time of this news release.

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7688 or Detecitve Michael McManama (805) 385-7662.

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.

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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: July 15, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Oxnard Police Department Holding DUI Checkpoint on July 17, 2021

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, July 17, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 14, 2021, 6:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Suspicious Missing Person

LOCATION: 4500 block Terrace Avenue, Oxnard

MISSING PERSON: Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas, 46 years old

CONTACT: The Missing Persons Unit

(805) 385-7629

On Saturday, July 10, 2021, at about 8:30 P.M., Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas was seen by family members getting into a vehicle with an unknown person and driving away from her residence. At this time, the Oxnard Police Department does not have any further information on the vehicle Ms. Gonzalez left in or the individual she left with.

Eudelia Gonzalez Rojas is described as a 46 year old Hispanic female, 5’0, 140-150 lbs, black hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black cardigan sweater, dark blue blouse with flowers and shiny stones, dark blue jeans, and black heels.

She was reported missing by her family on Sunday night, July 11, 2021. On today’s date, Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department learned additional information that upgraded Ms. Gonzalez’ disappearance to Suspicious Circumstances.

The Oxnard Police Department asks for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Gonzalez. If you have any information about the disappearance of Ms. Gonzalez, please contact the Oxnard Police Department’s Missing Persons Unit at (805) 385-7629.

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

Eudelia Gonzalez.jpg

Significant traffic collision at Rose and Gonzales.

Traffic will be closed in all directions approaching the intersection for the next several hours.

Please use an alternate route until further notice.

If you witnessed this collision or have any information that may help the investigation, please call (805)385-7600.

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: July 13, 2021, at 2:03 P.M.

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Rose Avenue at Gonzales Road, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 1999 Silver Honda Civic / 46-year old Hispanic female driver

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 2012 White Dodge Ram 2500 Truck / 38- year old Hispanic male driver

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Police Officer

(805) 385-7750 | paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org

On July 13, 2021, at approximately 2:03 p.m., Oxnard police officers and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Gonzales Road. When police personnel arrived on scene, they discovered that two vehicles, a silver Honda sedan and a white Dodge Ram truck, collided in the intersection.

Three occupants in the silver Honda Civic were injured and were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. Unfortunately, a 13-year old occupant of the silver Honda Civic was pronounced deceased at the Ventura County Medical Center. The two other occupants of the silver Honda Civic do not appear to have life-threatening injuries. Additionally, there were two occupants in the Dodge Ram truck that were not injured.

Traffic investigators responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that the white Dodge Ram truck was southbound on Rose Avenue. The silver Honda Civic was northbound on Rose Avenue, making a left turn onto westbound Gonzales Road when the two vehicles collided. An investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed this traffic collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via email at paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org.

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: July 10, 11:58 p.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian

LOCATION: Victoria Avenue at Hemlock Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 28-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2012 Nissan Altima

PEDESTRIAN: 69-year-old male of Ventura, CA

(Name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7750 | paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org

On July 10, 2021, at approximately 11:58 p.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian that occurred at the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Hemlock Street. When police personnel arrived at the scene of the collision, they discovered a 2012 Nissan Altima driven by a 28-year-old male of Oxnard who had collided with a 69-year-old male pedestrian of Ventura. The driver remained at the scene of the collision and cooperated with the investigation. The pedestrian sustained critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision.

Traffic investigators determined that the driver of the Nissan Altima was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue when the driver struck the pedestrian who was walking in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue at Hemlock Street. Investigators do not believe that speed was a contributing factor to the collision. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether drugs and/or alcohol were involved.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via email at paul.knapp@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 8, 2021, 6:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Firearm /Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Joseph Maria, 38 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 Block of North Oxnard Blvd, 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 regarding Joseph Maria being involved in the sale of Fentanyl in the City of Oxnard. During the investigation, detectives learned that Maria had an outstanding felony warrant issued for his arrest and he was on active probation with search terms. DEU Detectives located Maria at a motel in the 400 block of North Oxnard Blvd.

With the assistance of South District Neighborhood Policing Officers, Maria was contacted when he left the motel on foot. After Maria was taken into custody for his felony warrant, officers found him in possession of Fentanyl for Sale. South District NPT Officers and DEU Detectives conducted a probation search at Maria’s motel room and located a loaded stolen firearm, a large quantity of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and further evidence of narcotics sales.

Joseph Maria was arrested for possession for sale of Fentanyl, possession for sale of Methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm, all felonies. Additionally, Maria was charged with his outstanding felony warrant.

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.