News | Page 112 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 26, 2021, 2:45 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearm / PRCS Arrest

LOCATION: 1200 block Azalea Street, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Adolfo Palazuelos, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Luis McArthur, Commander

(805) 305-7771 | luis.mcarthur@Oxnardpd.org

On February 26, 2021 at around 2:26 A.M. an Oxnard Police Officer observed a suspicious parked vehicle in the 1200 block of Azalea St. The officer made contact with the sole occupant, Adolfo Palazuelos, a 29-year-old Oxnard resident. Palazuelos was found to be on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and had an active felony warrant for his arrest.

During a search of Palazuelos and the vehicle, officers located a large quantity of narcotics, evidence of narcotic sales, a loaded .45 caliber handgun and a bullet proof vest. The handgun, a Colt .45, was previously reported stolen in the City of Oxnard.

Palazuelos has prior felony convictions for firearm and narcotic possession. The felony convictions make Palazuelos a prohibited person when it comes to possessing firearms or ammunition. Palazuelos was charged with several firearm and narcotic related violations as well as violating his PRCS terms.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2021, 4:25 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a bicyclist

LOCATION: Channel Islands Blvd. west of J Street

DRIVER: 51-year-old male of Oxnard

VEHICLE: 2018 Ford Transit Van

BICYCLIST: 39-year-old male of Oxnard

CONTACT: Joseph Clarke, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org

On February 25, 2021, at approximately 4:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist that occurred on Channel Islands Blvd. west of J Street. Officers determined that a 2018 Ford Transit Van struck a 39-year-old male of Oxnard, who was riding a bicycle in the roadway. The bicyclist sustained critical injuries and succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and provided information regarding the collision.

Traffic investigators responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the driver of the Ford Transit Van was traveling westbound on Channel Islands Blvd. when the bicyclist was struck. The driver immediately stopped after the collision. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs are contributing factors to the collision.

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7750 or via email at joseph.clarke@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 25, 2021, 8:10 a.m.

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Collision

LOCATION: Wooley Road east of Deckside Drive, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 25-year-old female of Simi Valley, CA

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

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

On February 25, 2021, at approximately 8:10 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Wooley Road east of Deckside Drive. Based on the investigation, it was determined that a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by a 25-year-old female of Simi Valley was traveling westbound on Wooley Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the driver veered off the roadway and drove onto the north sidewalk west of Deckside Drive, and collided with several objects including a light pole, block wall, and tree. The vehicle then finally came to rest back on the roadway.

During the collision, the driver remained in the vehicle; however, a 4-year-old female passenger was ejected from the vehicle. Both the driver and child passenger were immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center due to serious injuries sustained during the collision but are listed in stable condition.

Traffic investigators 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: February 24, 2021, 7:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Mauricio Yepez, 27 year old Oxnard resident

Marc Mendoza, 22 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block of South Roosevelt Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of February, 2020, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 100 block of South Roosevelt Avenue. During the investigation, detectives identified the resident, Mauricio Yepez, as being involved in the sales of methamphetamine in the city of Oxnard. DEU detectives developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence.

On February 24, 2021, with the assistance of the Oxnard SWAT team, Oxnard K9 Unit, Ventura Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Marc Mendoza, was contacted inside the garage of the residence.

DEU detectives responded to the residence after all of the subjects were detained to complete the investigation. During a search of the residence, detectives located a large quantity of Marijuana, methamphetamine, and other evidence of narcotics sales. Marc Mendoza arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales, a felony, possession of marijuana for sale, and resisting or delaying a police officer, both misdemeanors.

During the service of the search warrant, Mauricio Yepez, was transported to the hospital for an unrelated medical condition. Yepez was released due to his medical condition and need for medical treatment. Yepez is on active Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) for auto theft, felony evading, and narcotics. After being medically cleared, Yepez will be facing charges of possession of methamphetamine for sales and a violation of PRCS, both felonies.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the City of Oxnard. 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: February 23, 2021

SUBJECT: Oxnard Resident Arrested for Arson

LOCATION: 300 Block of South K Street

VICTIM: City of Oxnard, Oxnard Navigation Center

SUSPECT: Jose Leyva, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Jared Schacher, Arson Investigator

(805) 385-7755 | Jared.Schacher@oxnardpd.org

On February 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators concluded an investigation into a fire that was intentionally set to the Oxnard Navigation Center, a homeless shelter located at the former Oxnard National Guard Armory, with the arrest of 55-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Leyva.

On February 18, 2021, Oxnard Police and Fire Department Investigators responded to the Oxnard Navigation Center regarding a bag of clothing that was set on fire and thrown onto the roof. No injuries were reported by anyone inside of the Oxnard Navigation Center and the result of the fire was only minor damage to the roof.

Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators assigned to investigate the case reviewed video surveillance footage and identified Leyva as the suspect.

On February 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department patrol officers located Leyva and arrested him. At the time of arrest, Leyva was wearing the same clothing that he had on when the fire was set and was also in possession of items seen in the surveillance footage.

Leyva was known to have received services from the Oxnard Navigation Center.

Arson investigators are also following up on other reported arsons to see if there is a connection to Leyva. All arsons are classified as felonies and if convicted, carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison.

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: February 22, 2021 6:50 P.M.

SUBJECT: Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Wooley Road and “E” Street

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7750 | Paul.Knapp@Oxnardpd.org

On February 22, 2021 at approximately 6:50 P.M. officers were dispatched to a traffic collision at the intersection of Wooley Road and “E” Street. The collision involved a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle and a 2009 Mercedes Benz. The motorcyclist sustained moderate to severe injuries and was transported to VCMC for medical treatment. Despite medical efforts to save the motorcyclist, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 10:54 P.M. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected to be a contributing factor in the collision.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Senior Traffic Investigator Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 21, 2021, 6:15 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotics Arrest / 3 Firearms Recovered

SUSPECTS: Edgar Sosa, 31 year old Oxnard resident

Austin Ervin, 28 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1500 Block of Nadador Place, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of January, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) began an investigation into Edgar Sosa regarding the sales and trafficking of methamphetamine in the City of Oxnard. Additionally, Sosa had three outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for narcotics sales.

On February 21, 2021, with the assistance of SEU Officers, Edgar Sosa was located in the City of Oxnard. SEU Officers contacted Sosa to arrest him for his three outstanding arrest warrants. Sosa was found in possession of a loaded firearm not registered to him, a felony. Additionally, Sosa is a prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm due to an active restraining order. After Sosa was arrested, SEU Officers and DEU Detectives served a search warrant at his residence located in the 1500 block of Nadador Place. During the service of the search warrant, officers contacted Austin Ervin inside of the residence. Ervin is on active parole and had an outstanding felony warrant for violating the terms of his parole. During a search of the residence, two additional firearms and methamphetamine were located.

Edgar Sosa was arrested for his outstanding misdemeanor warrants, several felony weapons violations, possession of methamphetamine, and violation of a restraining order, a misdemeanor. Austin Ervin was arrested for his outstanding felony warrant.

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: February 16, 2021, 3:35 p.m.

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest / Recovered Stolen Firearm

SUSPECTS: Gustavo Meza, 32 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 300 Block of North I Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

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

During the month of February, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation into Gustavo Meza regarding the sales and trafficking of methamphetamine in the City of Oxnard. Additionally, Meza had an outstanding felony warrant for being in possession of narcotics and a loaded assault rifle. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for narcotics sales.

On February 16, 2021, with the assistance of SEU Officers, Gustavo Meza was located in the City of Port Hueneme. SEU Officers contacted Meza to arrest him for his felony arrest warrant and serve the search warrant. Meza was found in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine. After Meza was detained, SEU Officers, DEU Detectives, and FBI Agents served a search warrant at his residence. During the service of the search warrant, officers located a stolen firearm and a large quantity of ammunition.

Gustavo Meza was arrested for his felony warrant, narcotics sales violations, and being a felon in possession of ammunition, all felonies.

NEWS RELEASE

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

SUBJECT: Shooting

LOCATION: 2001 Rose Avenue (Rose Shopping Center).

VICTIM: 19-year-old, Ventura resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 385-7746 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

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. He sustained a single gunshot wound to his upper extremities and is listed in stable condition.

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: February 13, 2021, 7:34 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Possessing a Shotgun

LOCATION: Robert Ave. at Ambrosia St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Carlos Ramirez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

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

On February 13, at approximately 7:34 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction at Robert Ave. and Ambrosia St. Officers made contact with the occupants and learned that one of the passengers, Carlos Ramirez, was on probation for a prior robbery conviction. Officers searched the vehicle pursuant to Ramirez’ court ordered probation terms and located a concealed shotgun in the vehicle.

Due to Ramirez’ prior felony conviction, it is a felony for Ramirez to possess firearms or ammunition. Ramirez was arrested for felony firearms and ammunition possession.

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 13, 2021 / 2245 hours