News | Page 16 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 25th, 2024 (5:11 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Juvenile Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: 15-year-old male Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: 800 blk. of Jane Dr., Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

On September 25th, at approximately 5:11 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) contacted a group of juveniles in the 800 blk. of Jane Dr. reference drinking alcoholic beverages in public. During the contact a 16-year-old juvenile attempted to flee and was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. The 16-year-old was ultimately cited and released to his mother for resisting arrest.

A 15-year-old juvenile that had been detained was found to be on probation for possession of a loaded firearm. Officers conducted a probation search at the juvenile’s residence and located a loaded, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield, 9-millimeter, semi-automatic handgun and a loaded, extended 34 round 9-millimeter magazine with the juvenile’s belongings. The 15-year-old was subsequently charged with various felony firearms violations and transported to the Juvenile Justice Center.

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.

UPDATED NEWS RELEASE

DATE: January 1, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Shot, Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 2100 Block of Sierra Way, Oxnard

VICTIM: Jose Juarez, 34-year-old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Adam Aguilar, Detective

(805) 385-7680 | [email protected]

On January 1, 2024, at approximately 12:10 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 2100 block of Sierra Way regarding a shooting victim in the street. Officers and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel arrived on scene and located a 34-year-old male, later identified as Jose Juarez, suffering from a single gunshot wound. Officers began life saving measures and EMS Personnel quickly arrived and transported Juarez to the Ventura County Medical Center.

Unfortunately, despite life saving measures at the hospital Juarez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. This marked the first homicide in the city Oxnard for 2024.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit has been responsible for the investigation. New leads have been developed in the investigation and investigators are seeking additional information and the public’s support. Investigators are urging anyone who may have any information regarding this incident to contact Detective Adam Aguilar at (805) 385-7680 or [email protected]. The city of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the city.

Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7755, 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 1 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 22, 2024 / 9:55PM

SUBJECT: Unlawful Gun Possession Arrest

SUSPECT: Junior Ortiz Flores,18-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2700 Block of Riverpark Blvd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 (Fri-Sun 6PM-6AM) [email protected]

On September 22nd, at approximately 10:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, the driver became uncooperative and was detained at the scene as he attempted to walk away. Officers observed a loaded handgun on the driver's seat in plain view. The driver was subsequently arrested for unlawful firearm possession.

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.

Sergeant Enrique Alvarez

Oxnard Police Department

(805) 797-6655 Cell

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 21, 2024

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

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

Eight impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On September 20, 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 Saviers Road and Coach “C” Lane. There was also a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in eight arrests for impaired driving, two arrests for driving while suspended, and seventeen citations for driving while unlicensed.

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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 13, 2024 / 8:40PM

SUBJECT: Unlawful Gun Possession Arrest

SUSPECTS: 16 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 4300 Anchorage Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 (Thu-Sat 4PM-4AM) [email protected]

On September 13^th, at approximately 8:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were sent to Fred Williams Elementary School, 4300 Anchorage Street, reference persons seen on the roof of the school. Officers arrived and contacted a group of juveniles on the campus. One of the juveniles, a 16 year old male, was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm. This juvenile was subsequently arrested for unlawful firearm possession.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 19, 2024

SUBJECT: Convicted Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Manufacturing Firearms

SUSPECTS: Sergio Durazo Lopez, 44 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 300 block De Anza Way, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

On September 19^th, 2024, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit concluded their investigation into 44 year-old Oxnard resident, Sergio Durazo Lopez. Through the investigation, detectives suspected Durazo Lopez of selling narcotics and manufacturing firearms. A records check of Durazo revealed he has a lengthy criminal history with a prior felony conviction. He was recently arrested for being in possession of a firearm and is currently out on bail.

DEU detectives gathered substantial evidence allowing them to secure a search warrant for Durazo Lopez and his residence, located in the 300 block of De Anza Way. With the assistance of the Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K9 Police Service Dog “Joey,” Durazo Lopez was detained pursuant to the search warrant and his residence was searched.

Detectives located and seized evidence related to the manufacturing firearms and ammunition. Durazo Lopez was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Detectives applied for a bail increase with the Ventura County Superior Court.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit is comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officer(s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are in charge with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

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: September 10, 2024

SUBJECT: Assembly Bill 413 (Daylighting)

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Written Warnings Issued for AB413 “Daylighting” to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety

Oxnard, Calif. – Assembly Bill 413, also known as “Daylighting,” was signed into law October 10, 2023. Daylighting helps increase the visibility of pedestrians and bicyclists by removing vehicles parked near crosswalks and intersections. This bill prohibits the stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. No additional red curbs or signs are required.

Implementation of AB413 began January 1, 2024, and authorized jurisdictions to issue written warnings for a violation. This week, the Oxnard Police Department will be issuing written warnings for this violation. No action will need to be taken by the owners of the vehicles who were issued the citation. This is to let the community know that they are in violation and on January 1, 2025, when the law goes into full effect, an actual citation will be issued.

The Oxnard Police Department began education and outreach on AB413 earlier this year. Officers provided presentations on the new law at various community meetings, and messages were posted on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook and social media sites. This will continue throughout 2024. The Oxnard Police Department’s goal is to get the word out, create awareness and understanding of the new parking law before motorists begin receiving citations for non-compliance. Officers and Traffic Service Assistants have now begun to issue warnings for this violation. The warnings will serve as an additional education tool to help remind community members of the new law.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

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

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for September 18, 2024

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department will conduct a traffic safety operation on September 18, 2024 between 7:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide the right- of-way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

The Oxnard Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or killed in a crash:

Pedestrians:

· Be predictable. Use crosswalks when available.

· Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.

· Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.

· Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.

· Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers:

· Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.

· Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.

· Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists:

· Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.

· Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.

· Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.

· If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.

· Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians with marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.

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

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 6, 2024

SUBJECT: Unlawful Gun Possession Arrest

SUSPECTS: Martin Mendoza, 19 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 4800 block Olds Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Kevin Baysinger, Commander

(805) 385-7600 (Thu-Sat 4PM-4AM) [email protected]

On September 6^th, at approximately 9:24 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) contacted three persons in the west alley of the 4800 block of Olds Road. One of the persons, Mendoza, toss a loaded unserialized P80 firearm over a fence that was retrieved by the officers. Mendoza was arrested for firearms violations and booked into Ventura County Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 17, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, September 20, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

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