News | Page 145 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 21, 7:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Members / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms, Weapons and Narcotics

LOCATION: “N” Street and Elm Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On May 21, at 7:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a gold Nissan Murano for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of “N” Street and Elm Street. The Driver, Joseph Hidalgo (25yrs), and passengers, Federico Zapien (28yrs), Gabriel Garcia (25yrs) and Rafael Saucedo (25yrs) were contacted in the vehicle. Hidalgo and Zapien are known criminal street gang members in the City of Oxnard. Zapien is on Post Release Supervision, and Hidalgo is on Probation in the County of Ventura. Hidalgo and Zapien are also prohibited persons from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior convictions.

During a search of the vehicle, Zapien was found in possession of a loaded AMT 9 millimeter semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine. The firearm was not registered to Zapien. A subsequent probation search at Zapien’s residence, in the City of Oxnard, was conducted. During the search, additional 9 millimeter ammunition was located. Zapien was arrested for various firearms and narcotics related charges.

Saucedo was found in possession of a Smith and Wesson 9 millimeter semi-auto handgun concealed on his person. Saucedo was arrested for firearms related charges.

Garcia was found in possession of a “Cold Steel” Escrima Fighting melee weapon and arrested for weapons charges.

Hidalgo was arrested for the driver of a motor vehicle knowingly allow passengers to possess firearms in a vehicle.

Zapien is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that 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.

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: May 21, 2020 / 2300 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Stolen Vehicle Update

LOCATION: Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis Mancha, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632, luis.mancha@oxnardpd.org

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent stay at home order issued on March 19, 2020, the City of Oxnard has seen a significant increase in auto theft-related crimes. From January 18, 2020, to March 19, 2020 (pre-COVID-19), there were 80 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard. From March 20, 2020, to May 20, 2020 (COVID-19 stay at home period), there were 193 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard, a 141% increase. In addition, on April 6, 2020, the California Judicial Council approved the “zero bail” rule for most misdemeanors and some low-level felony crimes. This has had a direct impact on the increase in stolen vehicles.

More than half of the reported auto thefts occurred in the south end of the city. Hondas, 1990-1999, are still the preferred vehicle of car thieves. Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives, members of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT), and Oxnard Police Department Patrol Officers have been working to recover these vehicles, and to take into custody those responsible.

On May 21, 2020, Oxnard Resident Marco Meza was contacted by Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes detectives and detectives from the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT), driving a stolen vehicle in the 3200 block of Saviers Road. During the contact, Meza resisted arrest while trying to discard narcotics and was found in possession of “shaved keys” commonly used during vehicle thefts. Meza has two prior arrests for vehicle theft and numerous prior arrests for narcotics-related offenses. Meza had been arrested on May 17, 2020, while driving a stolen vehicle and was released later that same day per the zero bail rule.

On May 14, 2020, Oxnard Resident Alejandro Garcia was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers, driving a stolen vehicle in the 900 block of Richmond Ave. Garcia has four prior arrests for vehicle theft in addition to narcotic related offenses.

On May 18, 2020, Oxnard Resident Jonathan Martinez, who is a Post Release Offender (PRO) in the County of Ventura, was contacted by Oxnard Police Department patrol officers driving a stolen vehicle in the 2400 block of Saviers Road. Martinez has eight prior arrests for vehicle theft in addition to numerous property crime-related offenses. In 2018, Martinez was sentenced to the California Department of Corrections for two counts of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, identity theft, and felony evading. Since his release from the California Department of Corrections in 2019, Martinez has been arrested four times for parole violations and for the May 18, 2020 vehicle theft.

In order to combat the increase of auto thefts, Property Crimes Detectives from Oxnard Police Department responded to various retail locations in the area of Saviers Road and Channel Islands Boulevard in order to provide crime prevention information. This is part of an ongoing effort by the Oxnard Police Department to better inform the public and provide insight on how to avoid becoming a victim.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to encourage members of the public to use auto theft prevention devices such as steering wheel locks and vehicle alarms, and to never store vehicle keys inside of their vehicle. Remember to “Lock it, Take it, Keep it,” lock your vehicles and take items of value out of your vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit is committed to reducing auto theft in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding any of these cases 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.

MARCO ANTONIO MEZA.jpg ALEJANDRO GARCIA.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 16, 11:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Person Arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Palm and Magnolia Streets, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Jonathan Espinoza, 23 year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.Org

On May 16, at about 11:15 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Palm and Magnolia Streets in Oxnard regarding a traffic collision. Officers learned that a vehicle driven by Espinoza had collided with four parked vehicles. Officers began to suspect that Espinoza had been driving his vehicle while under the influence of drugs. After an investigation, officers arrested Espinoza for driving while under the influence of drugs. During a search of Espinoza’s vehicle officers located a loaded firearm inside the vehicle.

Espinoza was arrested for multiple firearm charges and driving under the influence of drugs.

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: May 17, 2020 / 0315 hours

Espinoza, Jonathan.bmp

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 17, 2020, 8:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Possession of Narcotics for Sale and for Possession of Ammunition

LOCATION: San Juan Ave. at Bard Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECT: Jessie Cortez, 32 year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On May 17, at approximately 7:45 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were patrolling near the area of Bard and San Juan when they came upon a non-injury traffic collision. While the officers were assisting the motorist with the exchanging of their information, officers recognized one of the passengers as documented gang member Jessie Cortez. Officers were aware that Cortez was on supervised release and that on May 7^th, he was arrested by the Special Enforcement Unit for possessing a loaded/concealed handgun.

Officers verified Cortez’ probation and then conducted a probation search at Cortez’ residence. During the search officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine. Based on the amount of methamphetamine officers believed the methamphetamine was possessed for the purpose of sales. Officers also located handgun magazines along with ammunition. Based on Cortez’ criminal history, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 17, 2020 / 2350 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 18, 2020, 5:41 P.M.

SUBJECT: Traffic Stop Results in Two Gang Members Being Arrested for Firearms

LOCATION: “A” St. at Robert Ave., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: Eddie Rojo, 26-year-old Oxnard resident

Antonio Ramirez, 26-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Christopher Williams, Commander

(805) 207-7234 | christopher.williams@Oxnardpd.org

On May 18, at approximately 5:41 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of “A” St. and Robert Ave. During the traffic stop officers learned that one of the occupants had a misdemeanor warrant, and two additional occupants had search terms per their supervised release. During the search officers discovered that Eddie Rojo and Antonio Ramirez, both felons, were in possession of loaded and concealed handguns. A third occupant was arrested for a juvenile warrant.

Rojo and Ramirez, are both documented criminal street gang members and prohibited persons. Rojo is a Post Release Offender and on supervised release for a prior firearm offense. Ramirez is on probation for a prior conviction for shooting at an occupied vehicle.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 18, 2020 / 1950 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 19, 2020, 6 p.m.

SUBJECT: Attempted rape

SUSPECT: Christopher Vittoria, 53, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 2800 block of Saviers Road, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Luis McArthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at about 2:35 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to calls about a naked man in front of Popeye‘s Kitchen located at 2805 Saviers Rd. When officers arrived, they made contact with the nude man, Christopher Vittoria, 53. He refused to obey the officers’ commands and an officer used his Taser device before the suspect was taken into custody.

A woman told officers the man had tried to sexually assault her.

Vittoria was booked in the Ventura County Jail for intent to commit a rape and resisting arrest.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 19, 2020 / 6 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 15, 5:02 P.M.

SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearms and Narcotics for Sale Possession

LOCATION: “E” Street at Guava Street, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On May 15, at 5:02 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a Ford Ranch Wagon for a vehicle code violation at the intersection of “E” Street and Guava Street. The Driver, Lisa Roman (44yrs), and passenger, Noe Rodriguez (27yrs), were contacted in the vehicle. Rodriguez is a known criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard and on Post Release Supervision in the County of Ventura. Rodriguez is also a prohibited person from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

During a search, a loaded Kassnar 12-gauge shotgun with a sawed-off barrel and modified pistol grip was located, and additional 12-gauge ammunition was located in Rodriguez’ pants pockets. The firearm was found to be unregistered in the state of California. Rodriguez was also found to have approximately one ounce of methamphetamine and a digital scale on his person. Rodriguez was arrested for various firearms and narcotics for sale related charges.

Roman was found in possession of approximately one ounce of methamphetamine, an eighth of an ounce of heroin, a scale and additional controlled substance packaging material. Roman was arrested for narcotics for sale charges.

Rodriguez is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 15, 2020 / 1900 hours

DATE: May 15, 8:56 P.M.

SUBJECT: Person Arrested for Firearm and Narcotics Charges

LOCATION: 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard, CA

SUSPECT: Ricardo Sandoval, 21 year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.Org

On May 15, at 8:56 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of Cuesta Del Mar reference subjects drinking and disturbing. As officers were conducting a foot patrol in the area, they observed the suspect, Ricardo Sandoval, duck out of view and heard an object discarded. Officers contacted Sandoval and located a loaded firearm that he had attempted to hide from officers. An amount of methamphetamine was also located on Sandoval.

Sandoval was charged with multiple firearm and narcotic related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2020 / 0100 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 14, 2020; 9:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Missing Juvenile

Michael Robert Dennie, 11 years old

LOCATION: 700 Block of Isela Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 | Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile. Michael Robert Dennie, 11 years old, was reported missing from his home in the 700 block of Isela Street in Oxnard at about 5:00PM. Michael is described as a white male, 5’1”, 90 pounds, blond hair and blue eyes. He was wearing a black “Nike” t-shirt and dark colored basketball shorts.

It is not known where Michael may have been headed. If you see him, please call the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740

Date/Time Prepared: May 14, 2020 / 9:20PM

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 12, 2020, 11:55 AM

SUBJECT: Pimping / Prostitution Arrest

LOCATION: 500 Block Danvers River Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Choon Seet, 53 years old, New York Resident

Ju-zhen Shen, 46 years old, Transient

Ying Shen, 40 years old, El Monte Resident

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

(805) 256-5121 | Brandon.Ordelheide@Oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department received several complaints regarding suspicious activity at a residence in the 500 block of Danvers River Street in the City of Oxnard. Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation on the residence. Based on the information obtained from the investigation, detectives believed the residence was being used for prostitution.

On May 12, 2020, with the assistance of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Ventura County High Tech Task Force, Oxnard Family Protection Unit, Oxnard Neighborhood Policing Team, and a victim services group, Oxnard Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. Upon completion of the investigation, Choon Seet was arrested for pimping, a felony, after detectives discovered that he was receiving proceeds generated from prostitution. Ju-zhen Shen and Ying Shen were also arrested and issued a notice to appear for soliciting prostitution, a misdemeanor.

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. Any witness can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.