OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 13, 2019

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:

Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager

OFFICER JAMES LANGFORD RETIRES AFTER 15 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

Oxnard, CA – Today, in front of family, friends, and colleagues, the Oxnard Police Department celebrated the outstanding career of Officer James Langford as he was presented with his retirement plaque honoring fifteen years of dedicated service to the City and its residents. Officer Langford began his law enforcement career with the Oxnard Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 2004 and was sworn in as a Police Officer in July 2005.

Officer Langford served as a patrol officer, central business district officer, narcotics detective, and most recently a traffic officer. He was recognized by both his peers and the Ventura County Superior Courts as an expert in the area of narcotics and human trafficking enforcement and was a founding member of the Ventura County Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Officer Langford was a problem solver whose work ethic matched his positive attitude. He was willing to step into numerous roles to assist the department including, driving instructor, field training officer, bike patrol officer, mobile command post driver, police academy instructor, drug recognition expert, and cross training as a dispatcher and booking officer.

In 2011, Officer Langford received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his efforts in a human trafficking and prostitution ring that spanned both Ventura and Los Angeles counties. In February 2018, he once again received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his role in the Technical Support Unit and the community camera project, which began in late 2016. His dedication and ingenuity led to the installation of cameras in several neighborhoods impacted by violent crime.

Officer Langford was also recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for his efforts in arresting subjects for driving under the influence of alcohol (2010) and by the California Highway Patrol for his stolen vehicle enforcement efforts (2008 and 2010). In 2016, he was an Officer of the Year nominee.

Tragically, on September 26, 2017, Officer Langford was involved in a single motorcycle collision during a training ride on Highway 58 in Kern County. Officer Langford was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. In June 2018, after nearly 200 days of care and rehabilitation Officer Langford returned to Ventura County with his family. Although Officer Langford made great strides in his recovery, it is what led to his retirement.

“We are a better department and a safer city because of James’ hard work,” said Chief of Police Scott Whitney, “although his time with us was not as long as we wanted, he made a tremendous impact on our community. We are proud to have served alongside him.”

###

/32551-2/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Teen, 16, arrested with loaded gun after traffic stop
DATE/TIME:	August 12, 2019 / 3:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	H St. and Second St., Oxnard, CA 93030
VICTIM(S):	California, State of
SUSPECT(S):	16-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] 805-207-4762
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Luis Mc Arthur, Commander [email protected] 805-207-4762

DETAILS:

On Monday, August 12, 2019, at about 3:10 p.m., officers stopped a car on H Street near Second Street for a stop sign violation.

The 16-year-old was the right-front passenger in the vehicle.

Officers immediately detected an odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle and saw the teen toss out a small amount of marijuana out the passenger window, leading to a search of the two occupants.

During a pat-down search of the teen, a loaded gun fell from his pants. The 16-year-old was arrested for carrying a concealed firearm in a car. The 20-year-old driver, Joseph Viramontes was arrested for resisting, or otherwise delaying the duties of a police officer and for allowing a passenger to carry a loaded handgun in a car.

The teen was booked in juvenile hall and Viramontes was transported to Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 12, 2019 / 10 p.m.

Gun falls from teen’s pants

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2019 / 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules, and responsibilities.

On August 11, 2019, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed is up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated six fatal collisions and 65 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

The Oxnard Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 9, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE:	August 11, 2019
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting motorcycle safety enforcement

The Oxnard Police Department encourages drivers and riders to share the road

The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, August 11, 2019, between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

The motorcycle safety enforcement operation aims at educating both motorcyclists and drivers on the rules of the road.

Motorcycle fatalities have jumped dramatically in California over the past decade. In 2017, there were 576 people killed in motorcycle crashes statewide, up nearly 17 percent from 494 in 2015. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions have resulted in five fatal and 91 injury crashes in Oxnard alone.

Drivers should be alert for motorcyclists, as many motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers do not see them. Check your mirrors and blind spots, especially when merging, turning, or changing lanes.

Riders should make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored, protective clothing and keeping lights on during the day. Riders should also change lanes only when there is enough room and always wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet.

Although lane splitting is now legal, motorcyclists should be extra careful traveling between lanes, avoiding the practice of riding next to large vehicles like big rigs, buses, and motorhomes and factoring in lane width, traffic flow, and roadway conditions.

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 9, 2019 / 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Members Arrested with a firearm and Narcotics
DATE/TIME:	August 4, 2019 / 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Kingswood Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Chavez, 27 year old, Ventura resident Juan Macias, 25 year old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn @Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christ [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On August 4, at 9:00 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) attempted to stop a vehicle for a vehicle code infraction. The vehicle failed to yield for the stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued. During the course of the pursuit, the occupants discarded a loaded handgun out the window which was later recovered by officers. The vehicle stopped several blocks later and the two occupants attempted to flee. Both were apprehended by SEU officers at the scene. They were assisted by patrol units and the K-9 unit of the Oxnard Police Department. The driver was identified as Juan Macias and the passenger was identified as Daniel Chavez. Both are documented criminal street gang members. Passenger Chavez is a Post Release Offender and is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm or ammunition. Additionally, narcotics and other evidence were located belonging to the suspects.

Both suspect Chavez and Macias were arrested for multiple felonies that include carrying a unregistered firearm, 25850(c)(6) PC, and carrying a loaded firearm within his vehicle, 25400(a)(1) PC. Suspect Macias was additionally arrested for his involvement in the vehicle pursuit, 2800.2 (a) CVC.

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 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: August 4, 2019 / 11:00 P.M

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Extortion/ Vandalism/ Child Endangerment/ Resisting Arrest
DATE/TIME:	8/3/19, 6:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	400 Block N. Juanita Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Multiple- Undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Manuel Andrade, age 31, Transient
WITNESS(ES):	Undisclosed
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Jeep Grand Cherokee
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/3/19, between the hours of 3:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., multiple callers reported a subject was slashing tires in the 400 block of N. Juanita Avenue. On each occasion, the suspect fled the scene prior to the arrival of officers. The suspect was described as driving a green Jeep Grand Cherokee. At around 6:27 p.m., officers were dispatched to a call of a subject in a green Jeep Grand Cherokee threatening the reporting party. While officers were searching the neighborhood for the suspect, they detained Juan Manuel Andrade in the 100 block on N. Harrison Avenue. During the investigation, multiple victims positively identified Andrade.

One of the victims was a street vendor who reported suspect Andrade had been following the vendor around the Colonia Neighborhood in an intimidating manner and repeatedly threatened the vendor by saying that he was from a specific gang and the vendor would need to pay the suspect “taxes”, if the vendor wanted to continue selling in the neighborhood. Witnesses also reported the suspect approached several other yet to be identified victims and brandished a knife at them as well. It is believed there are other victims that have yet to come forward.

Andrade was arrested for felony vandalism, felony attempted extortion, child endangerment, and resisting arrest. Andrade physically resisted arrest as officers went to put him into handcuffs.

Andrade has an extensive criminal history from Kern County and Ventura County, including crimes of violence, criminal threats, and vandalism.

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:

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Drug, Firearm, and Warrant Arrests
DATE/TIME:	August 2, 2019/ 9:44 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue and Westar Drive
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Luis Soto, age 23, Oxnard resident Roberto Figueroa, age 22, Oxnard resident Ashley Padilla, age 22, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 2013 GMC Sierra Truck
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8/2/19, at about 9:44 p.m., a patrol officer conducted a traffic stop on the above described vehicle at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Westar Drive. Upon contacting the occupants, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun, over 32 grams of cocaine, over 82 grams of marijuana, and other evidence of narcotics for sales. Suspect Jose Luis Soto was arrested for the felony charges of possession for sale of narcotics and transportation of narcotics, along with various firearm related charges including possession of a controlled substance while armed. The driver, Roberto Figueroa, was arrested for a misdemeanor charge of possession of more than one ounce of marijuana. An additional passenger, Ashley Padilla (age 23), was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/3/19, 0215 hours

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Pedestrian Related Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	August 1, 2019, 8:50 P.M.
LOCATION:	Intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd and Cypress Rd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic male, 29-year-old Oxnard resident
VEHICLE INVOLVED:	2008 White Honda Accord driven by an 81-year-old Oxnard resident.
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Paul Knapp (805) 385-7750 [email protected]
FOLLOW UP CONTACT PERSON:	Officer Justin Songer (805) 385-7750 justin.songer@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 1, 2019, at about 8:50 P.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department, along with Emergency Medical Services (EMS), responded to the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Cypress Road, in the City of Oxnard, regarding an injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian. EMS personnel arrived and transported a 29-year-old male pedestrian to Ventura County Medical Center. The male is currently listed in critical condition at the time of this press release.

Based upon a preliminary investigation, the male was walking in a crosswalk across Pleasant Valley Road at the intersection with Cypress Road. A white Honda Accord was travelling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road. A witness reported the Honda Accord was passing through a green light and the pedestrian walked against a red light when the vehicle struck him. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with investigators. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the collision.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Officer Justin Songer at (805) 385-7750. 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: August 2, 2019, 2:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant/ Robbery Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	August 1, 2019, 5:00 AM
LOCATION:	1400 Block Of West Elm Street
SUSPECT(S):	16-Year-Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective [email protected] (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On August 1^st2019 at approximately 5:00 A.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and the K-9 Unit, served a search warrant in the 1400 block of West Elm Street. The search warrant was related to a robbery investigation involving members of an Oxnard based criminal street gang which occurred on July 20^th 2019 in the area of Durley Park.

During that incident, the suspects approached the victim, battered him, and stole his personal belongings. During the crime, one of the suspects claimed allegiance to an Oxnard based criminal street gang. During the subsequent investigation, investigators were able to identify a 16 year old Oxnard resident as the primary suspect. During this morning’s search warrant, the suspect was taken into custody and lodged in Juvenile Hall with charges of robbery and street terrorism (gang enhancement). Items of evidentiary value were located during the search. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics / Elder Abuse Arrest
DATE/TIME:	July 26, 2019 @ 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 Blk of Holly Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Christian Leanos, 47 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide [email protected], 805-256-5121

DETAILS:

On July 26, 2019, at approximately 7:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department SWAT Team and K-9 Unit served a search warrant in the 1300 block of Holly Avenue in reference to ongoing narcotics activity.

During the service of the search warrant, Christian Leanos was found inside of the residence. A search of the residence revealed a quantity of Methamphetamine, Heroin, and paraphernalia, consistent with narcotics sales.

Christian Leanos was arrested for maintaining a drug house, a felony, and possession of narcotics for sale, a felony.

Additionally, Christian Leanos was additionally charged with Elder Abuse, a felony, after investigators determined that he was financially and mentally abusing an elderly person since February of 2019.

This is an ongoing investigation. 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.