News | Page 101 | Oxnard Police Department

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

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.

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 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 14, 2021

SUBJECT: Unattended Vehicle Enforcement

LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Auto Theft Task Force

(805) 385-7664 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force conducted an operation this morning targeting vehicles that were found to be running without the driver being present. Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is against the law and carries a fine of $70. Today, detectives issued a total of 10 citations.

The operation was conducted due to an increase in stolen vehicles over the last month. It has been observed that as the weather turns colder, drivers leave their vehicles on to warm them up and then leave them unattended. These actions create a window of opportunity that is often taken advantage of by a car thief.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce this law and ask that our community members do their part in helping reduce auto theft in our city by not leaving their vehicles running and unattended.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

· Never leave your car unlocked or your keys in the vehicle, not even for a minute.

· Don't leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn't get cold enough here), it is unsafe and illegal (22515(a) V.C.) and someone can steal your car.

· Also, it is a well-known fact that the crime of stealing a vehicle is not the only crime that occurs. Usually, this “first” crime can lead to fraud, theft of identity, grand theft, etc.

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 stay 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.

*UPDATE*

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 13, 2021 6:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Driver arrested in a fatal traffic collision

LOCATION: C Street at Eighth Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT/VEHICLE: Guadalupe Gonzalez

30-year-old female of Port Hueneme, CA

2002 GMC Envoy

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 29-year-old female of Oxnard, CA

2005 Ford Focus

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

Update (Refer to the original collision information below)

On February 4, 2021, at 9:42 p.m., Oxnard officers responded to a traffic collision involving two vehicles that occurred at the intersection of C Street and Eighth Street. Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the 2002 GMC Envoy, driven by Guadalupe Gonzalez, was traveling westbound on Eighth Street when she broadsided a 2005 Ford Focus, driven by a 29-year-old female of Oxnard, that was traveling northbound on C Street. The 29-year-old female was seriously injured and immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center; however, she succumbed to her injuries on February 5, 2021.

Traffic investigators conducted an extensive investigation into the collision and determined that Gonzalez caused the collision by failing to stop for a stop sign. Traffic investigators also determined that Gonzalez was driving her vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. As a result, on October 12, 2021, Oxnard officers arrested Gonzalez for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. Gonzalez was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750, or via email at [email protected].

On February 4, 2021, at approximately 9:42 p.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving two vehicles that occurred at the intersection of C Street and Eighth Street. Officers determined that a 2002 GMC Envoy driven by a 30-year-old female from Port Hueneme broadsided a 2005 Ford Focus driven by a 29-year-old female from Oxnard. Both drivers were seriously injured and immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The 30-year-old female was admitted to the hospital and listed in stable condition. The 29-year-old female sustained life-threatening injuries and is listed in critical condition.

Traffic investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Based on preliminary information, it was determined that prior to the collision, the Ford Focus was traveling northbound on C Street and the GMC Envoy was traveling westbound on Eighth Street. For unknown reasons, the driver of the GMC Envoy entered the intersection and continued into the path of the oncoming Ford Focus. After the broadside collision, both vehicles continued towards the northwest corner of the intersection and then came to rest adjacent to the sidewalk.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 12, 2021, 3:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: Dupont St. & Emerson Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Daniel Castaneda, 19-year-old Oxnard resident CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On October 12, 2021, at approximately 3:35 P.M., an Oxnard police officer conducted a enforcement stop on a vehicle in the area of Dupont St. and Emerson Ave. One of the passengers of the vehicle, identified as Daniel Castaneda, was found to be in possession of a P80 handgun (“Ghost gun”) with a high capacity magazine. He was arrested for several felony firearm violations and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 12, 2021 / 5:32 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 13, 2021

SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for October 14, 2021.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation on October 14, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. aimed at keeping people out exercising or enjoying the outdoors safe.

The Oxnard Police Department recognizes the need to protect the public by looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that make roads unsafe.

These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other traffic violation by bike riders or pedestrians.

The safety of bicyclists and pedestrians remains a top priority for the Oxnard Police Department. To keep you and your family safe, the Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips when out biking, driving, or walking:

PEDESTRIANS

● Only cross at marked crosswalks or intersections with a stop sign or signal.

● Look for cars backing up. Avoid going between parked cars.

● Make eye contact with drivers. Don’t assume they see you.

● Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight when walking at night.

DATE: October 8, 2021, 5:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Joseph Maria, 38 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 400 Block of Glenwood Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, [email protected]

On July 8^th, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) arrested Joseph Maria for possession for sale of Fentanyl, possession for sale of Methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and a felony warrant.

During the month of September 2021, DEU detectives developed information that Maria was out on bail and continuing to sell fentanyl in the area of Wilson Park. DEU detectives began a second investigation and learned that Maria was in fact out on bail for the July 8^th, 2021 arrest and also out on bail for a narcotics sales arrest in January 2021. Additionally, Maria had an outstanding felony warrant issued for his arrest related to auto theft.

DEU detectives were able to identify Maria’s residence in the 400 block of Glenwood Avenue and developed enough probable cause to obtain a search warrant. On October 8^th, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), DEU detectives conducted surveillance on Maria. During the surveillance, detectives observed Maria engaging in a narcotics transaction. SEU officers contacted and arrested Maria for his outstanding felony warrant. Maria was found in possession of fentanyl and a large quantity of US Currency.

DEU detectives served the search warrant at Maria’s residence and recovered additional fentanyl, packaging material, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Maria was additionally charged with narcotics sales, a felony. He was also selling drugs within a thousand feet of an elementary school Maria has been arrested for narcotics sales three times in 2021. Maria was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $500,000.

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: April 8, 2021 (4:37 PM)

SUBJECT: Good Samaritan intervenes during attempted carjacking

LOCATION: 3700 block W. Fifth Street

VICTIM: Withheld

SUSPECT: Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, Santa Maria resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On 10/8/21, at about 4:37 p.m., an elderly female victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot in the 3700 block of W. Fifth Street when suspect Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, approached her as she was attempting to enter her vehicle. Suspect Rocha grabbed the victim, including her keys, and demanded her car. An alert good Samaritan witness observed the crime in progress and intervened, causing suspect Rocha to divert his attention towards the witness and aggress on him. At the time, the witness directed the victim to get into her car and leave the scene. The victim followed the witness’ direction and drove away. Suspect Rocha tried fleeing the scene on foot, however the witness entered his vehicle and followed suspect Rocha, keeping him in view the entire time, until police arrived. Rocha was positively identified during an infield lineup and was subsequently arrested for the felony charge of attempted carjacking. Officers later determined that Rocha is currently on parole out of Santa Maria.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 6, 2021, 9:20 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearms Related Arrest

LOCATION: 1500 Block Of 7^th Street, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

[email protected]

On August 23, 2021 at approximately midnight, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a brandishing of a firearm in the 1200 block of South G Street. When they arrived, they contacted the victim, who told them that a subject in a vehicle had brandished a firearm at him in a threatening manner.

Investigators from the Special Operations Division assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 37-year-old Port Hueneme resident John Kozak.

On October 6, 2021 at approximately 9:20 A.M., investigators located Kozak driving his vehicle in the City of Port Hueneme. Kozak was contacted and taken into custody without incident. During a search of his vehicle, two loaded handguns were located. A search warrant was subsequently served at Kozak’s residence. During the service of the warrant, several other firearms, including two AK-47 style assault rifles, several thousand rounds of ammunition, high capacity magazines, and numerous other gun parts were seized. The firearms located in the residence were found to be loaded and unsecured. Several children were present at the residence and had access to the firearms.

Kozak was arrested for criminal threats, child endangerment, and numerous firearms related charges. He 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 Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or [email protected].

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: October 6, 2021 / 3:30 P.M.