News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 22, 2021 (10:33 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspicious person report leads to firearm arrest

LOCATION: 700 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd.

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Lazaro Castro, age 20, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

On October 22, 2021, at about 10:33 p.m., an alert resident reported a suspicious person riding a bicycle in the 700 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd. Responding officers detained suspect Lazaro Castro, age 20, in the 900 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd. A records check confirmed that Castro was on probation with search terms related to a criminal history involving violent crimes. Officers conducted a probation search of Castro’s person and located a loaded .380 caliber handgun in his pocket. Castro was arrested for various felony charges related to possession of the loaded firearm, including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

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 22, 2021, 8:29 p.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving a Bicyclist

LOCATION: Fifth Street (SR-34) east of Rose Avenue, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Unidentified Driver /

Unidentified Tractor Trailer

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 19-year-old male of Camarillo, CA /

2017 BMW 330i

Bicyclist: Unidentified adult male /

BMX bicycle

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

On October 22, 2021, at approximately 8:29 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving a bicyclist that occurred on Fifth Street east of Rose Avenue. Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officers responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a 2017 BMW 330i was traveling west on Rose Avenue when unidentified tractor trailer traveling east on Fifth Street, swerved into the westbound lanes. The 2017 BMW 330i swerved into the bike lane to avoid colliding with the unidentified tractor trailer. The BMW was involved in a collision with a bicyclist which was traveling west on Fifth Street in the bike lane.

The bicyclist, an unidentified adult male, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The driver of the 2017 BMW 330i, identified as a 19-year-old male of Camarillo, was uninjured and remained on scene to provide aid to the bicyclist. Officers were unable to locate the unidentified tractor trailer. Investigators do not believe alcohol was a factor in this collision.

Anyone who witnessed this traffic collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 21, 2021 (11:52 PM)

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: Arturus Avenue and McWane Blvd.

VICTIM: Name withheld, adult male

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On October 21, 2021, at about 11:52 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of the dead-end of Arcturus Avenue and McWane Blvd. regarding a shooting victim. Officers searched the surrounding area and located an adult male victim near a homeless encampment who was suffering from several gunshot wounds to his lower extremities. The victim was transported to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition. No arrests have been made and an investigation is continuing.

Please avoid the area of Victoria Avenue between Wooley Road and Leeward Avenue. The roadway will be closed today from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for a follow-up traffic investigation. Residents are asked to use alternate routes.

Sergeant Rocky Marquez

Oxnard Police Department

Patrol Support Division / Traffic

805-200-2337 (Office)

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 20, 2021 (4:19 A.M.)

SUBJECT: Firearm and Narcotics Arrest

LOCATION: Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Roberto Garduno-Rojas, age 33, Los Angeles County resident

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On October 20, 2021, at approximately 4:19 a.m., officers with the Oxnard Police Department initiated a traffic stop of a vehicle who was possibly involved in the thefts of catalytic converters. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by 3 males. The front passenger of the vehicle was identified as Roberto Garduno-Rojas (33 years). Garduno-Rojas was found to have a warrant for his arrest out of Orange County and was arrested. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a loaded 9 millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun and a large amount of methamphetamine inside a bag belonging to Garduno-Rojas. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.

Gardubo-Rojas was also charged with being in possession of a loaded firearm and being in possession of a controlled substance for sale.

The other two males were arrested for other violations. All three males were from the Los Angeles County area. Several items were found inside of their vehicle indicative that the males were possibly casing for thefts of catalytic converters.

The Oxnard Police Department’s is committed to reducing thefts and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws. 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 18, 2021, 11:06 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 84-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2001 BMW 330i

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 20-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

On October 18, 2021, at approximately 11:06 a.m., Oxnard Police Officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving two vehicles that occurred on Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road. Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officers responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling south on Victoria Avenue when a 2001 BMW 330i entered the roadway traveling east across Victoria Avenue. The vehicles were involved in a collision on Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road.

The driver of the 2001 BMW 330i, identified as a 84-year-old male of Oxnard, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, identified as a 20-year-old male of Oxnard, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center due to moderate injuries and is listed in stable condition.

Anyone who witnessed this traffic collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 18, 2021, 11:06 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 20-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2001 BMW 330i

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 84-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

On October 18, 2021, at approximately 11:06 a.m., Oxnard Police Officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving two vehicles that occurred on Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road. Oxnard Police Department Traffic Officers responded to assist with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that a 2001 BMW 330i was traveling south on Victoria Avenue when a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee entered the roadway traveling east across Victoria Avenue. The vehicles were involved in a collision on Victoria Avenue south of Wooley Road.

The driver of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, identified as a 84-year-old male of Oxnard, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the 2001 BMW 330i, identified as a 20-year-old male of Oxnard, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center due to moderate injuries and is listed in stable condition.

Anyone who witnessed this traffic collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 17, 2021, 9:20 PM

SUBJECT: Narcotics arrest after disturbance call

LOCATION: Roderick Avenue and Oxnard Blvd.

VICTIM: State of California

SUSPECT: Sergio Hernandez Diaz, age 41, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On October 17, 2021, at approximately 9:20 PM, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Oxnard Boulevard regarding a subject in possession of a knife who was loitering near customers. Arriving officers initially determined that the individual was not threatening at that no crime had occurred at that time. The individual walked away N/B on Oxnard Blvd. Approximately 10 minutes later, another caller reported the same individual was seen using a knife and hitting a building in the 700 block of N. Oxnard Boulevard. Officers responded to that location and detained suspect Sergio Hernandez Diaz, age 41 an Oxnard resident. A records check confirmed that Diaz was on searchable probation for narcotics and weapons violations. Officers searched Diaz pursuant to the terms of his probation and located a significant quantity of methamphetamine concealed in one of his socks. Diaz was arrested and transported to the Oxnard Police Department. At the conclusion of the investigation, officers determined that Diaz possessed over 36 grams of methamphetamine for purposes of selling it. Diaz was arrested for the felony charge of possession for sale of the methamphetamine.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 15, 2021

SUBJECT: Traffic Safety, Education, and Enforcement Grants

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department awarded $475,700.00 from two grants by the Office of Traffic Safety.

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department received funding from two grants totaling $475,700.00 from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). The police department received $450,000.00 for one of the grants that focus on deterring dangerous and illegal driving behaviors that increase the risk of crashes in the community. This funding allows the police department to provide necessary traffic enforcement measures with the goal of reducing serious injury and fatal crashes on our roads.

The grant will pay for additional enforcement measures, including:

· DUI checkpoints and patrols specifically focused on suspected impaired drivers.

· Enforcement operations focused on suspected distracted drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.

· Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operations focused on driver behaviors that put vulnerable road users at risk.

· Motorcycle safety enforcement operations focused on driving and riding behavior that put motorcyclists as risk.

· Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and/or red-light running, and improper turning or lane changes.

· Enforcement operations focused on illegal street racing and vehicle modifications.

· Community education presentations on traffic safety issues such as distracted driving, DUI, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety.

· Officer training and/or recertification: Standard Field Sobriety Test (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

The Oxnard Police Department was awarded a second grant for $25,700.00 from the California Office of Traffic Safety that will further focus on the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.

Grant funds will pay for a comprehensive safety program that will teach valuable skills for all types of road users including:

· Walking Field Trips that educate youth and older adults on safe walking habits.

· Bicycle skills and training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors.

· Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to those in need.

· Community and school education presentations on best bike/walking practices.

· Incorporating bicycle safety skills into regular community bike rides.

· Pop-up events that promote the importance of visibility on roads with safety equipment such as reflective armbands/leg bands and bicycle headlights/taillights.

The grant program will run through September 2022.

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: October 14, 2021, 7:35 AM

SUBJECT: Suspect Arrested in Shooting Death of Juvenile

LOCATION: 200 block of James Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM: Alexander Belleza, 16 year old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT: 16 year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On April 29, 2021 at around 8:35 PM, a 16 year old juvenile was located suffering from a single gunshot wound, in the 200 block of James Ave. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. On May 6^th, 2021, several days after the shooting, the juvenile victim was taken off life support and pronounced dead.

This morning, after a several month long investigation, the Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit, along with the assistance of the Oxnard Police SWAT Team, Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit and the Ventura County SWAT Team, an arrest was made of a 16 year old male juvenile for the shooting death of Alexander Belleza. The juvenile suspect was transported and will be housed at the Ventura County Juvenile Detention Center.

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/200jamesavenue 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 Kaya Boysan (805) 385-7642. 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.