News | Page 111 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 16, 2021, 8:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting Incident, Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Shopping At The Rose Shopping Center, 2001 North Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

On February 16, 2021 at approximately 8:15 P.M. an Oxnard police officer was patrolling in the area of the Rose Shopping Center, 2001 Rose Avenue, when he heard several gunshots. The officer observed a subject fleeing the area and set up a perimeter. An area search was conducted with negative results.

The victim, a 19-year-old Ventura resident, was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center by a private party.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the investigation, investigators were able to identify a suspect in the shooting. On February 28, 2021, the suspect was contacted by members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit and arrested for unrelated charges. On March 2, 2021, investigators Contacted the suspect at the Ventura County Jail and arrested him for his role in the shooting. The suspect, a 24-year-old male Oxnard resident, is not being identified at this time because the investigation is still ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 1, 2021, 4:45 P.M.

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit, Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Oxnard Boulevard and Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Mike Johnson, Sergeant

(805) 486-6211

mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org

On March 1, 2021 at approximately 4:45 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Oxnard Boulevard and Wagon Wheel Road. The vehicle failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit was initiated. The vehicle fled into the Riverpark Neighborhood and through parts of The Collection before entering the N/B 101 freeway. Officers lost sight of the vehicle and the pursuit was terminated. Prior to the termination of the pursuit, officers were able to identify the driver as 36-year-old Oxnard resident Brandon Guerra. A warrant was later issued for his arrest.

On March 5, 2021, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, members of the Special Enforcement Unit and K-9 Unit, located Guerra in the 800 block of Cedar Court. Officers attempted to contact Guerra however, he fled on foot. Guerra was captured a short distance away and resisted the officer’s attempt to apprehend him. After a brief struggle, Guerra was taken into custody. He was found to be in possession of a collapsible baton. Guerra, who is a Post Release Offender, was arrested for his outstanding warrant, resisting arrest, and possession of a baton.

The Post Release Offender Program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 5, 2021, 4:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Arrest / Firearm Recovery

SUSPECTS: Russell Dow, 29 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2200 block of Etting Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) received information from an Oxnard Patrol Officer regarding drug activity occurring in the area of Etting Road, east of Old Roads. During the investigation, detectives were informed by an observant patrol officer who observed a vehicle leaving the area of the reported drug activity. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and the driver, Russell Dow, was found to be on probation for Child Abuse.

During the traffic stop, officers conducted a search of his vehicle based upon his search terms. During a search of the vehicle, Dow was found in possession of Xanax. Additionally, officers located a shotgun and ammunition inside of the vehicle. Russell Dow was arrested for possession of Xanax, a misdemeanor, and the shotgun was seized pending the ongoing investigation.

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: March 6, 2021 (1:25 AM)

SUBJECT: Post Release Offender arrested for assaulting officers and possession of a firearm

LOCATION: 100 block of E. Yucca Street

SUSPECT: Carlos Aristoteles, age 33, transient

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

On 3/6/21, at about 1:25 AM, officers attempted to contact a suspicious subject on Yucca Street, east of Saviers Road. The suspect, Carlos Aristoteles, age 33, ducked into a dumpster enclosure, where there were two homeless individuals sleeping inside. Officers heard a metal object hit the ground and later discovered a P80 Glock-style handgun. As officers attempted to handcuff suspect Aristoteles, he pulled away from the officers and physical struggle ensued, during which Aristoteles became violent towards the officers. Four officers physically struggled with suspect Aristoteles before he was brought under control and taken into custody. Several officers sustained minor injuries, consisting of scrapes and abrasions, however none required medical attention. Suspect Aristoteles was arrested for the felony charges of assaulting an officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of an unregistered firearm. Suspect Aristoteles is on Post Release Offender Supervision and has a significant violent criminal history including prior assaults on officers, escape from custody, robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping.

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. 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: March 2, 2021, 6:22 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest / Animal Cruelty

SUSPECTS: Donny Askar, 44 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2500 Block of Peninsula Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife completed an investigation into Donny Askar regarding narcotics activity occurring at his residence located in the 2500 block of Peninsula Road. During the investigation, investigators learned that Askar may be in possession of an alligator.

On March 2, 2021, with the assistance of SEU Officers, Donny Askar was located in the City of Port Hueneme. SEU Officers contacted Aksar and detained him pursuant to his probation terms. SEU Officers and DEU Detectives conducted a probation search at Aksar’s residence pursuant to his search terms. During the search, officers found Askar to be in possession of heroin for sales, Methamphetamine for sales, cocaine, and an alligator approximately four feet in length.

Wardens from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife responded to the residence to secure the alligator. The four-foot alligator was found submerged in a poorly secured tank with rancid water. Askar’s residence is a waterfront residence which could have led to the alligator escaping into the Channel Islands Harbor. Wardens seized the alligator and transported it to a safe and secure location.

Donny Askar was arrested for possession for sale of heroin and methamphetamine, both felonies, animal cruelty, a felony, and illegal possession of an alligator, a misdemeanor.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 27, 2021, 9:42 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 800 blk. E. Yucca St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Miguel Jimenez, 39-year-old Oxnard resident

Anna Raya 34-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | timothy.kelley@Oxnardpd.org

On February 27, at approximately 9:42 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic violation in the 800 blk. of E. Yucca St. The driver, identified as Miguel Jimenez, quickly exited the vehicle but was detained by the officers. The officers immediately recognized Jimenez as a documented criminal street gang member that had been on parole for assault with a deadly weapon. Jimenez had been recently discharged from parole supervision. Officers also made contact with the right front passenger, who was identified as Anna Raya. Officers conducted a records check and learned that Raya was on parole for robbery and that she also had an outstanding felony warrant.

Both subjects were detained and the vehicle was searched pursuant to Raya’s parole terms. Officers located a loaded handgun in the vehicle. Raya was arrested for her felony warrant, and Jimenez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Officers searched Jimenez’ person subsequent to his arrest and located substances resembling methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 27, 2021 / 2350 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 28, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

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

Four Drivers Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Calif. – 798 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on February 27, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Vineyard Avenue and Esplanade Drive from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Twenty-nine drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license and four 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: February 26, 2021 (9:09 PM)

SUBJECT: Parolee arrested for discharging a firearm in public

LOCATION: 100 Block of South Oxnard Blvd.

SUSPECT(S): Alejandro Arroyo, age 29, Port Hueneme resident

Unidentified female, age 23, Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | email@Oxnardpd.org

On 2/26/21, at around 9:09 PM, officers were dispatched to a report of a subject firing a handgun into the air, from the driver’s seat of a vehicle, in front of a donut shop in the 100 block of S. Oxnard Blvd. After firing the shots, the suspect drove a short distance, before pulling into a gas station at First Street and Oxnard Blvd. Responding officers observed a vehicle matching the description parked in front of the gas pumps. A high risk stop was conducted and suspect Alejandro Arroyo (10/1/91) was arrested. As officers were attempting to take Arroyo into custody, a 23-year-old unidentified female accompanying Arroyo interfered with officers and delayed them in the performance of their duties. As a result, the female was subsequently arrested for the respective misdemeanor charge. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded .22 caliber handgun and at least one .22 caliber shell casing. Investigating officers responded back to the crime scene and located multiple .22 caliber shell casings on the ground. A records check revealed that Arroyo is a convicted felon and is currently on parole for a carjacking. Arroyo was arrested the felony charges of discharging a firearm with gross negligence, carrying a loaded firearm in public, felon in possession of a firearm, and felon in possession of ammunition.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 26, 2021 (11:01 PM)

SUBJECT: Suspect arrested shortly after carjacking

LOCATION: Canterbury Way and C Street

SUSPECT(S): Edwin Garcia, age 20, Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771 | email@Oxnardpd.org

On 2/26/21, at around 11:01 PM, officers were dispatched to a carjacking that just occurred in the area of Canterbury Way and C Street. The victim reported that four suspects approached his vehicle. One suspect pointed a handgun at the victim and demanded property. After the victim handed over several items, the suspects entered the victim’s vehicle and drove away. As officers were on scene conducting the investigation, they observed the carjacking vehicle travelling northbound on Charles Street. A high risk traffic stop was conducted near Pleasant Valley Road and C Street. The vehicle was occupied by the driver, Edwin Garcia, age 20. Officers detained Garcia and the victim positively identified him as one of the four suspects. Garcia was subsequently arrested for carjacking. During a search, officers located the victim’s wallet on Garcia’s person.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 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 February 27, 2021

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI Checkpoint on Saturday, February 27, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 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.