News | Page 12 | Oxnard Police Department

SUBJECT: The Oxnard Police Department and Community Partners Raise Funds and

Spread Awareness for Autism Society Ventura County in 2024

CONTACT: Paul Carganilla, Community Affairs Manager

(805) 385-7631 | paul.carganilla@oxnardpd.org

Each year, the Autism Society celebrates the month of April as Autism Acceptance Month: an effort to spread awareness and acceptance of individuals and families affected by autism. 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year the Oxnard Police Department joined in this effort with educational community “pop-ups” and fundraisers. Teaming up with local businesses and with the support of sponsor donations, the Oxnard Police Department and Oxnard Police Community Foundation has raised over $5,500.00 for Autism Society Ventura County so far this year.

Starting back in April through this date, funds have been raised through sales of Oxnard Police Department “Autism Acceptance” patches and T-shirts, which were produced through donations from the awareness campaign’s title sponsors: The Oxnard Peace Officers’ Association and Raising Cane’s. Patches and shirts were sold from the police station lobby, as well as pop-up sales at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, Raising Cane’s restaurant, Starbucks locations, and the Aut2Run event.

Oxnard Starbucks stores served as host to two pop-ups back in April. Local District Manager Anthony Valdez noted, “When communities and leaders come together, we know that we can achieve greater things than when we are apart. Being involved is part of our mission and values at Starbucks. We are passionate about supporting the communities that we serve and the Autism Society is a great partner and well deserving organization.”

Oxnard’s Raising Cane’s location hosted an on-site pop-up, as well. Restaurant Leader Dylan Techton noted: “As a Restaurant Leader at Raising Cane’s, one of my favorite parts about my job is being able to give back to the local community. It helps build strong roots within our community but most importantly, it allows us to support others in need. I’m ecstatic that our support to Oxnard P.D. was able to help them raise nearly $6,000 for Autism Society of Ventura County so far this year and we look forward to supporting this organization along with others in the future.”

In an additional effort to raise awareness, one of our department’s police units has been sporting a custom “Autism Acceptance”-designed wrap while conducting patrols around town.

According to their website, the Autism Society Ventura County was founded in 1994 by local parents, educators and professionals to help support newly-diagnosed families and develop needed local resources. The mission of the Autism Society Ventura County is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism. They work to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum and their families to be fully included members of the community. As a local non-profit, the organization relies on local partnerships.

DATE: July 8, 2024 (5:47 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Juvenile arrested for possession of a firearm

SUSPECT: Male Juvenile, 15-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Colonia Park 170 N. Juanita Ave., Oxnard

CONTACT: Steve Trickle, Commander

Steve.Trickle@OxnardPD.org

(805) 385-7746 (Sunday-Wednesday 4PM-2AM)

On July 8, 2024, at 5:47 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service at Colonia Park located at 170 N. Juanita Ave. regarding approximately 20 subjects involved in a fight. As officers arrived on-scene, the subjects ran in different directions and officers pursued a 15-year-old male juvenile after he discarded a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun underneath a car. The suspect was taken into custody a short distance away and arrested for various firearms violations.

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: July 6, 2024

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian

LOCATION: Rose Avenue at Lockwood Street

DRIVER: 29 year old Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 2014 Toyota Camry

PEDESTRIAN: Unidentified Adult Male

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 (Thu-Sat 4PM-4AM)

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org

On July 6, 2024, at approximately 9:00PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at Rose Avenue and Lockwood Streets in Oxnard. The pedestrian, an unidentified adult male, sustained critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he underwent surgery and was last listed in critical condition. The driver of the vehicle, a 29 year old Oxnard resident, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that the pedestrian was crossing Rose Avenue westbound at Lockwood Street as the Camry was travelling southbound on Rose Avenue with a green light. The Camry struck the pedestrian as he was crossing Rose Avenue. Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7600.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 3, 2024

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Members Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Ronaldo Garcia 18-year-old Oxnard resident, Heber Garcia 20-year-old Oxnard resident, Ruben Benitez 18-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 4900 block Olds Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Hugo Garcia, Detective

(805) 247-8972 | hugo.garcia@Oxnardpd.org

During the month of June, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into Ronaldo Garcia, Heber Garcia, and Ruben Benitez regarding illegal firearms possession. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for two residences associated with the Garcia’s and Benitez in the 4900 block of Olds Road in Oxnard.

On July 3, 2024, members of the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, Drug Enforcement Unit, and K9 Unit served search warrants at the two locations on Olds Road in Oxnard. During a search of the residences, detectives located multiple firearms, including an assault rifle, ammunition, gun parts, and items indicative of illegal firearm manufacturing.

Ronaldo Garcia and Heber Garcia were present at one of the locations and were arrested for various firearms offenses. The Special Enforcement Unit located Ruben Benitez at a business in north Oxnard where he was also arrested for various firearms offenses.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses, gang crimes, and gun violence 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. 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: July 1, 2024

SUBJECT: 24th Annual Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant | (805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7pm-5pm) | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

On July 4th, 2024, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 24th annual Fourth of July event. The event will begin with a Children’s Parade on Harbor Boulevard. The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. and take place on South Harbor Boulevard between Cabezone Circle and Albacore Way. Harbor Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parade. Motorists can use Sunset Lane or Ocean Drive as an alternate route.

Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at the Channel Islands Harbor. This will be a family-oriented event with fun for all. The event will end with a fireworks show that begins at 9:00 p.m. and can best be seen near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard.

Public consumption of alcohol, possession, and use of fireworks will not be tolerated. This also includes the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks. All of the involved law enforcement agencies will be conducting strict enforcement of all related offenses.

This event is expected to draw a large crowd and traffic delays are expected following the fireworks show. The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site. Starting at 7:00 p.m., all intersections on Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard from Fifth Street to the harbor area will be monitored by traffic officers. The Channel Islands Bridge, between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, is subject to closure prior to the fireworks display and will be closed after the fireworks display to facilitate the high traffic volume leaving the event.

If you live in the area of these roadways or intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience. The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible. These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.

Please have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July holiday.

For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4th, please contact Sergeant Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7847 or via e-mail at jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 29, 2024

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales Arrest

SUSPECT: Arnulfo Chavez, 27-year-old Bell Gardens Resident

LOCATION: 2000 block of Solar Drive, Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10 AM-8 PM) | After-hours jose.velazquez@oxnardpd.org

On June 27, 2024, at about 9 p.m., Oxnard Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Solar Drive in Oxnard, CA. The driver, Arnulfo Chavez, a 27-year-old Bell Gardens resident, was contacted for violating several vehicle code sections. Chavez was found to be an unlicensed driver.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately ten (10) pounds of suspected methamphetamine packaged for sale, with an estimated street value of over $10,000. Mr. Chavez was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility for narcotic sale-related charges.

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: June 28, 2024

SUBJECT: Fourth of July Traffic Safety and DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Don’t Be The ‘I’ in DUI: Be a Hero, Designate a Sober Driver

Celebrate Fourth of July Responsibly

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers to be the real heroes of the night by prioritizing the safety of everyone on the road this Fourth of July. Plan ahead and celebrate the holiday responsibly.

Beginning Monday, July 1 through Sunday, July 7, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In 2022, 487 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July holiday period. Of those deadly crashes, 40% involved alcohol. In California, 68 people were killed in crashes during last year’s Independence Day holiday period. In addition, California Highway Patrol officers made nearly 1,224 arrests for driving under the influence – an average of one DUI arrest every five minutes.

While some festivities may include alcohol, driving under the influence also includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. Do your research and be informed about how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

If you are hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home.

If you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 9-1-1.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 28, 2024 (7:17 p.m.)

SUBJECT: P80 Handgun, and Two 12-Gauge Pipe Shotguns Recovered During Search Warrant

SUSPECTS: Eduardo Lara, 18-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 3000 blk. S. J St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On June 28^th, 2024, at approximately 7:17 p.m., Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit), and the Violent Crimes Unit served a search warrant in the 3000 blk. of South J St. The subject of the warrant was identified as Eduardo Lara, who was under investigation for illegal firearms possession. Lara was located in the area and officers attempted to detain him pursuant to the search warrant. Lara fled south in the alley behind his residence and was observed discarding a handgun in his rear yard. Lara was apprehended by the pursuing officers.

Officers served the search warrant at Lara’s residence and located the handgun which was a 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun in the rear yard. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. During the service of the search warrant officers located two improvised 12-gauge pipe shotguns. Lara was booked for felony firearms violations, and transported to the Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and Violent Crimes Unit are 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: June 29, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Seven impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On June 28, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Vineyard Avenue and Esplanade Drive, as well as a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in seven arrests for impaired driving, and twenty-six citations for various traffic violations, including being an unlicensed driver and/or driving with a suspended license.

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.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

UPDATED NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 26, 2024

SUBJECT: Officer Involved Shooting Suspect Booked

LOCATION: 500 Block of North Ventura Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: Isaiah Nichols 27-year-old, Male

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 | jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

On June 26, 2024 at 10:00 AM, Isaiah Nichols was discharged from Ventura County Medical Center and transported to the Ventura County Jail where he was booked for attempted murder for an unrelated incident that occurred on May 17, 2024. In addition, he was booked on two counts of assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer, and five counts of exhibiting a deadly weapon to a police officer for the incident which led to the officer involved shooting. Nichols’ bail was set at $1,000,000.00

This is still an ongoing criminal investigation. Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Adam Aguilar at (805) 385-7680 or by email at adam.aguilar@oxnardpd.org. All of the officers involved have since returned to active duty.