News | Page 17 | Oxnard Police Department

Please forgive me for the quality of the prior photograph. Attached is a better version.

On Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 5:55 PM Velazquez, Jose <[email protected]> wrote:

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            October 26, 2024

SUBJECT:   DEA National Prescription Take Back

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT:   Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

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

On October 26, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) collaborated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and hosted the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day at locations across the country. DEU hosted today’s event in the lobby of the Police Department.

Take Back Day offered free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed tons of medication from circulation since its inception.

We would like to thank community in participating in today’s event. Although this is the last of the year, we encourage the public to continue to remove unnecessary prescription drugs as they pose a public safety risk and prevent addictions. Please contact the Oxnard Police Department or visit www.DEATakeBAck.com for further information on how to dispose unneeded medications.

Today’s event along, as well as the collection of pharmaceuticals collected from our patrol officers during the past year, netted approximately 700 pounds of tablets, capsules, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

Anyone with information regarding with ongoing illegal narcotic activity 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.

Jose Velazquez | Sergeant

Drug Enforcement Unit | FBI Drug & Money Laundering Task Force

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C St. | Oxnard, California 93030

W: (805) 385-7623 | C: (805) 432-6154 | [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 24, 2024

SUBJECT: Search Warrant at Residence for Unlawfully Maintaining a Drug House

LOCATION: 2900 block of Paula Circle

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

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

During the past month, the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation into narcotic sales in District 4, which is located in the southern part of Oxnard. The investigation led to the identification of several residences associated to narcotic sales. Multiple search warrants were executed at these residences in District 4 resulting in narcotic and gun related arrests, including, a suspect who fled from officers and barricaded himself in a residence.

As the investigation progressed, DEU detectives identified a residence located in the 2900 block of Paula Circle which was maintaining and allowing the selling and use of controlled substances in and around the residence. This behavior became a nuisance to the neighborhood by affecting the quality of life due to the narcotic activity. Additionally, over 30 calls for service were generated for the past two years for narcotic activity, and fentanyl overdoses – one fatal overdose. DEU detectives gathered sufficient evidence allowing them to secure a search warrant pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 11366.

On October 24, 2024, DEU detectives, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office – Special Crimes Unit, Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team, and the Oxnard Police Department’s Patrol Division, executed the search warrant. In total, 14 adults were arrested for narcotic related charges and/or outstanding warrants. Detectives located suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine packaged for sales along with evidence related to illegal narcotic usage. All 14 adults were transported to the Oxnard Police Department’s jail facility for booking.

Inside the residence DEU detectives observed evidence that required the City of Oxnard’s Code Compliance and Animal Safety to respond. In addition, Adult Protective Services were notified. DEU detectives will be working closely with the City Attorney’s Office to ensure this type of activity discontinues at the residence.

This operation could not have been done without the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department’s Police Service Officers and Traffic Service Assistants.

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: October 22, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols (10-25-24)

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, October 25, 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.

DATE: October 22, 2024

SUBJECT: National Teen Driver Safety Week

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │[email protected]

National Teen Driver Safety Week:

Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

Oxnard, Calif. – National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26. During this week, the Oxnard Police Department encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about following the rules of the road and how safe driving can help save lives.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022 despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds parents and caregivers to discuss the dangers of risky behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. Teens should also understand the serious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

· Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

· Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely.

· Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, eliminating distractions by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up. Create a parent-teen driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines.

· Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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

###

Correct title for attached news release.

News Release: National Teen Driver Safety Week (10-22-24)

DATE: October 22, 2024

SUBJECT: National Teen Driver Safety Week

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │[email protected]

National Teen Driver Safety Week:

Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

The Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

· Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

· Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely.

· Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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

###

On Tue, Oct 22, 2024 at 10:34 AM Gens, Michael <[email protected]> wrote:

DATE: October 22, 2024

SUBJECT: National Teen Driver Safety Week

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

                  (805)385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7am-5pm) │[email protected]

National Teen Driver Safety Week:

Parents Are Key to Keeping Teens Safe Behind the Wheel

Oxnard, Calif. – National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20-26. During this week, the Oxnard Police Department encourages parents and caregivers to talk with their teens about following the rules of the road and how safe driving can help save lives.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for teens (15-18 years old) in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes involving a teen driver in 2022. In California, young drivers were involved in nearly 12% of all fatal crashes in 2022 despite accounting for only 5% of all licensed drivers in the U.S.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds parents and caregivers to discuss the dangers of risky behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or not wearing a seatbelt. Teens should also understand the serious dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department offers the following tips to parents and guardians for starting conversations about safe driving with teens:

·         Provisional Driver’s License: Learn about California’s provisional licensing law, which places restrictions on passengers and driving at night during the first year they have a license.

·         Lead by example: Have driving sessions with your teen. Tell, but also show, your teen how to drive safely.

·         Set ground rules: Be firm on rules such as no phone use, eliminating distractions by friends, always following the speed limit, and always buckling up. Create a parent-teen driving contract to outline specific driving guidelines.

·         Sober driving: Emphasize the importance of never driving impaired or riding with someone who has been driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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

###

Sergeant Mike Gens

Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division

Tuesday – Friday Dayshift

(805)385-7847 | [email protected]

On 10/21/24, at approximately 9:00 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department was in the 3700 block of Leeward Way regarding a shots fired call for service and an officer involved shooting occurred. There are no outstanding suspects and the investigation is on-going. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes in the area of Victoria Ave and Leeward Way until further notice. A press release regarding the officer involved shooting will follow.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE OF INCIDENT: October 21, 2024

SUBJECT: Officer Involved Shooting

LOCATION: 3700 block of Leeward Way, Oxnard

SUSPECT: 34-year-old male, Oxnard resident (name withheld)

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

(805) 385-7632 (Tues-Fri 7 am – 5 pm)

[email protected] (after hours)

At approximately 8:15 PM, on October 21, 2024, Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service of shots fired from a vehicle, in the 3700 block of Leeward Way. Once on scene, officers saw a male suspect who matched the description provided by the caller.

Officers contacted the suspect, who was seen armed with a firearm. The officers gave commands to him and attempted to gain his compliance. The suspect was uncooperative and would not put down the firearm. Officers continued to attempt to de-escalate the situation. The suspect continued to be uncooperative and eventually pointed the firearm at the officers. As this occurred, two officers fired their department-issued weapons at the suspect, striking him. Officers, followed by emergency medical services personnel, rendered medical aid. The suspect was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for further medical treatment. At the time of this news release, he was listed as being in stable condition. No other persons were injured.

The officers’ body-worn cameras captured the entire incident. The Oxnard Police Department plans to release a Community Critical Incident Debriefing video, with a release date yet to be determined.

In accordance with standard department protocol for officer-involved shootings, the two involved officers have been placed on administrative leave as the investigation progresses. The department plans to release their names, rank, tenure, and assignment information in a subsequent news release.

Criminal charges for the suspect are pending.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident. Representatives from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and are assigned to monitor the investigation. Detectives are requesting that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or has additional information contact Detective Meagan Tobey at (805) 385-7755 or [email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 18, 2024

SUBJECT: Minor Decoy Tobacco Operation

LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Tobacco Retail Outlets

CONTACT: Steven Ramirez II, Corporal

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM) | [email protected]

On October 18, 2024, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted tobacco decoy stings, using underage decoys, to purchase tobacco products at retail establishments in the city of Oxnard. During the operation, nine businesses were visited and none sold tobacco products to the underage decoys.

The goal of the operation is to limit underage access to tobacco products and confirm businesses are operating within the law. California Penal Code Section 308(a) prohibits the sale of tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia, including electronic cigarettes, to persons under the age of 21. Clerks who sell to an underage decoy face a minimum fine of $200 for a first offense, it becomes a $500 fine for a second offense, and $1,000 for a third offense.

A minor decoy operation involves a person under the age of 21 years old who enters establishments and attempts to purchase tobacco. The minor decoy appears young, provides identification when asked, and makes no attempts to mislead the seller. The decoy is supervised by peace officers during the entire process.

The Tobacco Compliance Inspections are funded by the California Department of Justice. Funding for the Tobacco Grant Program was a result of the passage of the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act of 2016 (Prop. 56) increasing taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products by $2.00 starting in April 2017. The initiative allocates a portion of annual revenue to the California Department of Justice. https://oag.ca.gov/tobaccogrants.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Arrest of Gun and Narcotic Violations

SUSPECTS: Jordan Martinez, 24 year-old Oxnard Resident

Frances Reyes, 50 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 3000 block Paula Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

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

On October 17, 2024, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit concluded their investigation into 50 year-old Oxnard resident, Frances Reyes. Reyes was suspected of selling narcotics.

DEU detectives secured a search warrant allowing them to search Reyes’ residence. With the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood’s Policing Team, and Patrol Division, detectives executed the search warrant at the residence and vehicles associated to Reyes. Detectives located evidence of narcotic sales. Additionally, detectives located a loaded unregistered firearm associated to Martinez. Martinez was arrested for gun related violations. Reyes was arrested for being in possession of narcotics.

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: October 16th, 2024 (3:08 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person, Arrested for Burglary and Handgun Possession

SUSPECTS: Luis Orozco, 40-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 200 Blk. McMillan Ave., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On October 16th, at approximately 12:52 p.m., Oxnard Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 300 blk. of La Canada for a suspected vehicle code infraction. As the vehicle slowed, one of the occupants, later identified as Luis Orozco, fled from the vehicle while holding his waistband and was observed hopping over a fence into a rear yard in the 300 blk. of La Canada. As the officers delt with the three additional occupants in the vehicle, they broadcasted the information regarding Orozco and a perimeter was quickly established. As officers arrived on scene, they began to trace Orozco’s route and located a discarded .45 caliber, semi-automatic handgun in the rear yard where Orozco was last seen. Junior high and elementary schools in the area were placed on lockdown while officers continued to search for Orozco. A records check revealed that Orozco is a documented criminal street gang member with a felony warrant for firearms and narcotics possession.

A resident in the 200 blk. of McMillan St. (the residence directly north of the yard where the handgun was recovered), returned home and noticed that the rear slider to her residence was open. Additional officers including officers from the Oxnard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit (UAV), Oxnard K9 Unit, and the Oxnard SWAT team arrived to assist. SWAT team members made several announcements from the armored rescue vehicle with no response. SWAT team members deployed their robot in conjunction with the UAV and began searching the interior of the residence. SWAT officers using the robot located Orozco hiding under a bed inside of the residence. SWAT officers broadcasted additional surrender commands and use of force warnings to Orozco from the robot and Orozco ultimately surrendered. Orozco was charged with several felony firearms violations, burglary, and resisting arrest.

The Oxnard Police Department 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.