News | Page 117 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 9, 2021, 9:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Overdose investigation leads to Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Colin Hughes, 27 year old Oxnard resident

Cory Hughes, 19 year old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3600 Block of Samuel Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

During the month of March, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT), and Homeless Liaison Officers (HLO’s) began an investigation regarding an increase in drug overdoses occurring in the area of Yucca Street and Saviers Road. During the investigation, Colin Hughes was identified as being involved in the sale of Fentanyl in the surrounding area. DEU Detectives developed enough evidence to obtain a search warrant for narcotics sales.

On April 9, 2021, with the assistance of South District NPT Officers, a search warrant was served at Colin Hughes’ residence. During the service of the search warrant, officers located Colin asleep on a couch next to the front door of the residence. Detective’s detained Colin and found that he was in possession of an imitation firearm that was concealed behind his back. Cory Hughes was located inside of the residence and arrested for his outstanding misdemeanor warrant. During a search of the residence, Detective’s located Fentanyl, Alprazolam (Xanax), and further evidence of narcotics sales.

Colin Hughes was arrested for possession for sale of Fentanyl and possession for sale of Xanax, both felonies. Colin was booked into the Oxnard Jail with a bail request of $250,000

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, 6:30 a.m.

SUBJECT: Single Vehicle Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Hobson Way north of Seventh Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 48-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

(Name withheld pending notification to next of kin)

2016 Nissan Sentra

CONTACT: Oscar Toraya, Traffic Officer

(805) 385-7750 | [email protected]

On April 8, 2021, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a single-vehicle traffic collision that occurred on Hobson Way north of Seventh Street. When police personnel arrived at the scene of the collision, they discovered a 2016 Nissan Sentra had collided with a tree with the driver, a 48-year-old male of Oxnard, partially trapped in the vehicle. Police and EMS personnel were able to remove the driver from the vehicle who was unresponsive and seriously injured. The driver was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, however, despite advanced medical treatment; the driver succumbed to his injuries.

Traffic investigators determined that the driver of the Nissan Sentra was traveling northbound on Hobson Way from Seventh Street when for unknown reasons, the driver veered onto the southbound lanes, continued over the west sidewalk, and then collided with a tree. Traffic investigators do not 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 Officer Oscar Toraya at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 5, 2021, 6:40 P.M.

SUBJECT: Vehicle Pursuit/Documented Gang Member in Possession of a rifle

LOCATION: 200 blk. Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Crisostomo Palomares 20-year-old Oxnard Resident

Daniel Cervantes 20-year-old Camarillo Resident

CONTACT: Tim Kelley, Commander

(805) 857-5297 | [email protected]

On April 5, at approximately 6:40 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 200 blk. of E. Clara St. The driver, identified as Daniel Cervantes, failed to yield and led officers on a three minute vehicle pursuit. The vehicle ultimately stopped in the north alley of Cuesta Del Mar 200 block. The passenger, identified as Crisostomo Palomares, quickly exited the vehicle while holding an AR-15 style rifle. Palomares fled from officers still holding the rifle. A short foot pursuit was initiated and Palomares was found hiding under a parked vehicle and was taken into custody. It was found that Palomares had discarded the rifle under a nearby vehicle as he fled from officers. The rifle was recovered and found to be loaded and unregistered. Cervantes is a convicted felon, on probation with searchable terms and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Palomares is a documented gang member from the City of Oxnard. Palomares was arrested for numerous gang & firearms violations. Cervantes was arrested for felony evading.

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

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.

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