News | Page 113 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 4, 2021 at 7:00 PM

SUBJECT: Shooting in Oxnard leaves one man dead

LOCATION: 600 block of Howell Road

VICTIM: 21 year old male, Oxnard Resident (name withheld pending notification to family)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 805-385-7763 | [email protected]

On April 4^th, 2021, at about 7:00 PM, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 600 block of Howell Road. They were also advised that there was a subject down in the street. Officers responded and found a male subject suffering from a gunshot wound laying in the middle of the roadway.

Emergency medical personnel arrived and immediately transported the male to the hospital for further medical treatment. Unfortunately, once at the hospital the male succumbed to his injuries and died.

This is the second homicide in the City of Oxnard this year. Investigators are seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding this incident.

Detectives are encouraging 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/600howellroad. 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

Investigators are also encouraging anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within 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 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: April 5, 2020, 2:15 A.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 3, 2021 (2:00 AM)

SUBJECT: Catalytic converter theft suspects arrested

LOCATION: Del Norte Blvd. and Sturgis Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECT(S): Anibal Oregon, 32, Julio Nambo, 27, Fernando Esparza, 37, Bakersfield residents

PREPARED BY: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | [email protected]

CONTACT: Meagan Tobey, Senior Detective

(805) 385-7755 | [email protected]

OXNARD, CA – On Saturday, April 3, 2021, at around 2 a.m., an Oxnard officer patrolling on Del Norte Bl. near Sturgis Rd. heard what sounded like metal being cut. When the officer went to investigate, a grey minivan quickly sped out of a parking lot. The officer drove after the van and stopped the vehicle.

The driver was unlicensed and the two passengers were on probation for theft charges. Inside the vehicle, the officers found power saws, used saw blades, and other cutting tools and nine freshly cut catalytic converters.

The officers checked the area where the cutting noise had been heard and found several trucks with catalytic converters cut from their exhaust systems.

The three men, Anibal Oregon, 32-years-old, Julio Nambo, 27-years-old, and Fernando Esparza, 37-years-old, were arrested and booked in Ventura County Jail for their alleged involvement in the thefts.

Catalytic converters are used to reduce vehicle emissions and thieves target these because of the rise in the value of the precious metals contained inside them, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The stolen items are then sold online and can fetch high prices. For victims, the repairs can cost additional thousands. Trucks, fleet vans, and other vehicles with a higher ground clearance are especially targeted because the catalytic converters are easier to access.

These are some tips to try and prevent catalytic converter thefts:

Park your vehicle inside a secure garage, secured yard, or parked in a way to prevent access to the undercarriage (especially for fleet vehicles).
If parking in a driveway, be sure to have motion lights or continuous lights illuminating your driveway as a deterrent.
If available, be sure to park in areas that are covered by video surveillance.
A car alarm equipped with a vehicle motion detector will also be helpful.
Mark or engrave your vehicle’s catalytic converter with the vehicle license plate or VIN number, or with brightly colored, high-temperature paint. This will help law enforcement track a converter back to your vehicle in the event of a theft.
Check with your insurance company regarding catalytic converter theft as many insurance companies do cover such a theft under comprehensive coverage plans, as the catalytic converter is an OEM vehicle part.
There are also several options for anti-theft devices from companies such as the “CatClamp” and “CatStrap” that offer devices that surround or bolt onto the converters, or there are covers and shield type devices from “Cat Security” and various others, that are made for specific vehicle models and bolt in place, protecting the catalytic converter.
If suspicious activity or crimes in progress are seen, be sure to call 911 immediately. If your catalytic converter is stolen, you will know as soon as the vehicle is started, as it will sound like there’s no muffler at all. It is still ok to drive your vehicle directly to a muffler shop/dealership for repairs. If possible, take photos of the damages prior to repairing the vehicle.

The Oxnard Police Department is actively working on these investigations and asking anyone with information about these thefts, to contact Oxnard Police Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 2, 2021, 5:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Parolee in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 100 blk. E. B St, Port Hueneme

SUSPECTS: Mark Garganta 24-year-old Port Hueneme resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On April 2, at approximately 5:30 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 100 blk. of E. B St. The driver, identified as Mark Garganta, was contacted as the only occupant of the vehicle. Officers conducted a records check and learned Garganta was on parole for robbery. Officers exercised Garganta’s parole search terms. During a search of the vehicle a loaded P80 9mm handgun was located. Garganta was subsequently arrested for numerous firearms violations.

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: April 2, 2021 / 1900 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 2, 2021, 9:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 600 blk. S. A St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Juan Sauceda 21-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On April 2, at approximately 9:35 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 600 blk. of South A St. The passenger, identified as Juan Sauceda, quickly exited the vehicle and fled from officers. A short foot pursuit was initiated and Sauceda was ultimately taken into custody a short distance away. It was found that Sauceda had discarded a loaded P80 9mm handgun as he fled from officers. The handgun was located a short distance from where officers took Sauceda into custody. Sauceda is a convicted felon and on felony probation and is prohibited from owning firearms. Sauceda is also a documented gang member. Sauceda was arrested for numerous firearms violations.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 2, 2021 / 2219 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 1, 2021

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Awareness Month

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Give the Phone a “Break”: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers to give the phone a break and focus on the road.

On April 6 and April 19 the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

According to the 2020 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 75% of surveyed drivers listed “Distracted Driving because of TEXTING” as their biggest safety concern.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone for any reason, including hands-free.

If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location. Drivers should silence their phones or put the phone out of reach, such as the glove box or trunk.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 23, 2021, 5:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members Arrested for Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: 900 Block of Kimball Road, Ventura CA.

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On March 23, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a grey Nissan Altima in the 900 block of Kimball Road, Ventura CA. Officers contacted four subjects in the vehicle; two female occupants, Mark Hernandez (20yrs) and a male juvenile (15yrs) who are all Oxnard residents. Hernandez and the male juvenile are known criminal street gang members within the City of Oxnard, and both are currently on probation within the County of Ventura. The male juvenile is a prohibited person from possessing firearms and/ or ammunition due to prior firearm arrests, assault with a deadly weapon arrests and was released from custody under SB 439 reference a shooting that he had committed at the age of 11 or 12.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded non-serialized P80 (Glock Style) 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun was located concealed in the passenger compartment. P80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold incomplete and without serial numbers; they must be further manufactured to make them functioning firearms and later serialized. Both Hernandez and the male juvenile were arrested for various firearm and gang related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 20, 2021, 11:07 P.M.

SUBJECT: Subject Arrested for Resisting Arrest and Firearm Possession

LOCATION: Seventh St. at E St., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Andres Ibarra, 18-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On March 20th, at approximately 11:07 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic violation at Fifth St. and B St. After the vehicle yielded, Ibarra fled from the traffic stop and an officer went in foot pursuit of Ibarra. As Ibarra fled he was seen holding the area around his waistband. Ibarra led the officer on a lengthy foot pursuit but was ultimately apprehended. Officers retraced the route Ibarra ran and located a loaded firearm. Ibarra was arrested for delaying a peace officer, and for carrying a loaded firearm and not being the registered owner, a felony.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 21, 2021 / 0030 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 18, 2021, 2:36 p.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Bard Road west of Justin Way, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 28-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2003 Nissan 350Z

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 30-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2003 Ford Explorer

CONTACT: Paul Knapp, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

On March 18, 2021, at approximately 2:36 p.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a call of a traffic collision involving two vehicles that occurred on Bard Road west of Justin Drive. Based on the investigation, it was determined that a 2003 Nissan 350Z and 2003 Ford Explorer were traveling westbound on Bard Road at a high rate of speed. For unknown reasons, the vehicles were involved in a collision west of Justin Drive, continued onto the eastbound lanes of Bard Road, and then collided with a tree on the south sidewalk. The collision caused both vehicles to catch on fire.

The driver of the 2003 Nissan 350Z, identified as a 28-year-old male of Oxnard, sustained critical injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the 2003 Ford Explorer, identified as a 30-year-old male of Oxnard, was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center due to minor injuries and is 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 [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2021

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

One Driver Arrested at the Oxnard DUI Checkpoint

Oxnard, Ca. – 1504 drivers were screened while driving through a DUI checkpoint on March 17, 2021. The checkpoint was held at Oxnard Blvd. south of Wagon Wheel Road from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Fourteen drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. One driver was 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: March 17, 2020, 10:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms and Narcotics Possession

LOCATION: 1600 Block West Ninth Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Ricardo Vega, Detective

(805) 385-8291

[email protected]

On March 17^,2021 at approximately 10:00 A.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assisted the Ventura County Probation Agency, Oxnard Probation and Post Release Offender Unit, with a probation search at a residence in the 1600 block of West Ninth Street. While at the residence, the subject of the search, 26-year-old Enrique Arciga, was contacted and detained.

During the search of the residence, three handguns and an AR-15 style rifle were located, along with a large amount of ammunition. In addition, narcotics and evidence of narcotics sales were located. Arciga was arrested for numerous firearms and narcotics related charges, in addition to his probation violations, and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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.