News | Page 105 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 2, 2021

SUBJECT: Pedestrian Safety Month

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

September is Pedestrian Safety Month: Be Predictable, Look Out for One Another

Oxnard, CA– As part of Pedestrian Safety Month, the Oxnard Police Department is supporting efforts throughout September to improve pedestrian safety and help reduce crashes and injuries.

Pedestrians are more at risk on the road based on data from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) as 2020 had the largest ever annual increase, 21 percent, in the rate at which drivers struck and killed pedestrians. In California, pedestrian deaths accounted for 27 percent of all traffic-related deaths in 2019.

For the safety of everyone walking or driving, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol throughout September specifically looking for California Vehicle Code (CVC) violations pertaining to drivers and pedestrians. These violations include right-of-way at crosswalks, illegal turns and not stopping for signs or signals (e.g., right turn on red or red light running), and speeding.

The Oxnard Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or being involved in a crash, including staying off the phone when behind the wheel or walking:

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use crosswalks.
Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. No vehicle can stop instantly. At 30 M.P.H., a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

Follow the speed limit and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never 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: August 31, 2021

SUBJECT: Summer DUI Enforcement Mobilization

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department encourages the public to stay safe during the final stretch of summer travel season

Oxnard, CA – As friends and family plan vacations during the final days of summer, the Oxnard Police Department is reminding everyone to stay safe by always choosing a sober way to go.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the end of summer and Labor Day weekend, make sure you do so responsibly. Take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your family by buckling up, ditching the distractions, following the speed limit, and never driving impaired.

To help keep our community safe during the busy late summer and Labor Day weekend travel season, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol Aug. 31 through Labor Day (Sept. 6) looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The increased efforts to address impaired driving are part of a national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.

In addition to roving patrols, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI checkpoint on Friday, September 3, 2021, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city of Oxnard.

Forty-five people were killed in crashes throughout California over the 2019 Labor Day holiday period, and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) made more than 1,000 arrests for driving under the influence during the 78-hour Labor Day weekend enforcement period alone.

Driving while impaired is not just from alcohol. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and marijuana may also impair. If you plan on drinking or taking medications with a driving warning label, let someone who is sober drive. If you see someone driving impaired, call 9-1-1.

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: August 28, 2021 (4:35 PM)

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: 1300 block of Redwood Street

VICTIM: Withheld, adult male, late 20’s

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On 8/28/21, at 4:35 PM, officers were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 1300 block of Redwood Street. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim in his late 20’s suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is currently listed in critical condition. The investigation revealed that the shooting likely occurred near the intersection of Poplar and M Street.

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: August 28, 2021 (7:24 PM)

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim

LOCATION: 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar (north alley)

VICTIM: Withheld, adult male, late 30’s

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

On 8/28/21, at 7:24 PM, officers were dispatched to a shooting victim in the north alley of the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim in his late 30’s suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to his lower body. The victim was taken to a local hospital and is currently listed in stable condition.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 27, 2021, 3:55 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian

LOCATION: Ventura Road at Bay Blvd., Oxnard

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

2018 Ford Mustang

PEDESTRIAN: 76-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

(Name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

On August 27, 2021, at approximately 3:55 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and pedestrian that occurred at the intersection of Ventura Road and Bay Blvd. When police personnel arrived at the scene of the collision, they discovered a 2018 Ford Mustang driven by a 20-year-old male of Oxnard who had collided with a 76-year-old male pedestrian of Oxnard. The pedestrian sustained critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision. After the collision, the driver continued southbound on Ventura Road and parked his vehicle in the area of Redwood Street and Ventura Road. The driver then left the scene but returned as officers were conducting the investigation and provided information regarding the collision.

Traffic investigators determined that the driver of the Ford Mustang was traveling southbound on Ventura Road when the driver struck the pedestrian who was walking westbound in the south crosswalk at Bay Blvd. Investigators do not believe that speed was a contributing factor to the collision. An investigation is ongoing regarding the collision and 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 [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can 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 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.

Officers are on the scene of a fatal traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that occurred at 3:55 a.m. near the intersection of Ventura Road and Bay Blvd. Traffic is closed for N/B Ventura Road at Channel Islands Blvd and for S/B Ventura Road at Bay Blvd. Motorists traveling in the surrounding area can expect significant traffic delays and are advised to seek alternate routes. A news release with further details of the collision will be completed later this morning.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2021

SUBJECT: Car Thieves Targeting 1999 and 2000 Year Toyota 4-Runners

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Detective Enrique Alvarez

(805) 385-7664 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is warning members of the community that there has been an uptick in stolen Toyota 4-Runners. Car thieves are targeting 1999 and 2000 model Toyota 4-Runners and the thefts have occurred in the last three days. So far, four Toyota 4-Runners have been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department.

Detectives assigned to the Department’s Auto Theft Task Force are asking that community members help prevent auto theft by never leaving vehicles running while unattended and to remove all keys and valuables from inside the vehicles. Also, remember to lock and secure vehicles at all times and utilize vehicle alarms or anti-theft devices like the Club. Finally, if possible, park vehicles inside a garage or a well-lit area.

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 or visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2021

SUBJECT: Night Time Intruder Arrested

LOCATION: 100 Block of North G Street

VICTIM: Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Johnathan David Cardenas, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Greg Utter, Detective

(805) 385-7687 | [email protected]

On August 12, 2021, Oxnard police officers responded to a “Hot Prowl” Burglary to a residence in the 100 Block of North G Street. Officers were informed that a suspect had forced entry into the house through a rear window while the residents were home. It was discovered that the suspect had stolen items, consumed food, and vandalized the property.

Property Crimes Detectives assumed the investigation and worked closely with technicians at the Ventura County Crime Lab to process evidence located at the crime scene. Based on the evidence, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 36-year old Johnathan David Cardenas, an Oxnard resident.

On August 23, 2021, Oxnard police officers located Cardenas in the city of Oxnard and arrested him for residential burglary and an outstanding felony warrant. Cardenas is also suspected of committing an additional “Hot Prowl” burglary at the same residence on August 16, 2021.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have regularly shared throughout the year.

Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.
Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.

Landscape improvements-

Keep dense bushes and trees trimmed and at least six feet away from your doors and windows. You want neighbors to have a clear view of the perimeter of your home.
Plant thorny roses or berries under and around your windows.
Eliminate anything that could be used as a stepping stone for burglars to hoist themselves in through a window.
Install motion sensor lights. They’re practical and energy-efficient.
Use gravel on your walkways. The loud crunch of footsteps on gravel could deter would-be thieves.
Opt for open or low fencing. Avoid brick walls and other types of opaque fencing that can hide intruders from view.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: August 24, 2021, 7:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest / Felon in possession of a loaded firearm

SUSPECTS: Kevin Hlyt, 21 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3400 block of Naples Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, [email protected]

During the month of August 2021, the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) received several complaints regarding a nuisance residence in the 3400 block of Naples Drive. NPT officers notified the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) regarding narcotics activity occurring at the residence. DEU Detectives conducted a narcotics investigation and identified the resident, Kevin Hlyt, as being involved in the narcotics activity. Detectives developed probable cause to author a search warrant for the residence.

On August 24, 2021, Hlyt was observed driving at a high rate of speed throughout the neighborhood. Oxnard Patrol Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop on his vehicle and found him to be under the influence of narcotics, in possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Hlyt was placed under arrest and transported to the Oxnard Police Department.

DEU Detectives served the search warrant at his residence and located a loaded firearm. A large quantity of pure fentanyl, methamphetamine, thousands of dollars in US Currency, and further evidence of narcotics sales. Hlyt is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning firearms. Upon completion of the investigation, Hlyt was arrested for narcotics sales, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to identifying and disrupting the narcotics activity responsible for creating quality of life issues 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: August 23, 2021, 1600 hours

SUBJECT: Oxnard Police Seeks Public’s Assistance Locating Homicide Suspect

LOCATION: 1500 block of Crawford Street, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Genaro Cortes, 35 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

VICTIM: Uriel Barrera, 26 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in the shooting which occurred on August 19^th, 2021, in the 1500 block of Crawford Street. Officers responded to a shooting victim, Uriel Barrera, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Barrera was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries and died.

The suspect fled the scene prior to officer arrival. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Genaro Cortes, a 35 year old, Oxnard resident, black hair, brown eyes, 5-07, 200lbs. Cortes fled the scene in a white 2000 Chevrolet Utility Truck, California license plate 6L29406. “Full House Plumbing” in blue lettering on doors. Pictures attached.

Cortes is wanted in connection with this homicide. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

Detectives are also 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/1500crawfordstreet 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 Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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.

truck 2.PNG