OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subject on Parole for Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter Arrested for Firearms Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 2019 / 6:07 p.m.
LOCATION:	Offshore at Keel Ave., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Kevin Fickel, 28-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 13, at approximately 6:07 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle, Kevin Fickel, who is on parole for attempted voluntary manslaughter (stabbing). Officers detained Fickel and then responded back to his residence to conduct a parole search. Officers searched Fickel’s bedroom and located two handguns and flashlight that also functions as a stun gun. Fickel is a convicted felon and is not allowed to possess firearms or stun devices.

Fickel was arrested for violating his parole, charges related to the felony firearms possession are pending.

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: July 13, 2019 / 2030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	July 13, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and conduct Saturation Patrols

The Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. In addition to the checkpoint, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct DUI saturation patrols aimed at getting impaired drivers off the road.

DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols are done in locations with a higher frequency of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these tips to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses not to mention possible jail time. Funding for these enforcement efforts are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 11, 2019 / 10:00 a.m.

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 9, 2019 / 6:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	2100 block of East Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Andy Martinez, 22 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Senior Officer [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 9th, at 6:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 2100 block of East Channel Islands Blvd reference recent gang activity. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a dark colored Honda Accord at the intersection of Channel Islands Blvd and Olds Road. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Andy Martinez (22 years), was found to be a criminal street gang member out of Los Angeles County. During the traffic stop, it was discovered that Martinez did not have a valid driver’s license. As officer’s had Martinez exit the Honda, they saw that there was a concealed firearm under the driver’s seat of Martinez’ vehicle.

The firearm, a semi-automatic 9 millimeter handgun, was also found to be unregistered. It was also discovered that Martinez is a prohibited person from possessing a firearm, due to a prior felony conviction. Martinez was arrested and charged with numerous firearms violations.

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	July 8, 2019 / 3:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	2800 block South Rose Avenue, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Armenta, 18 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Martin Cook, Senior Officer [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 8th, at 3:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) were in the area of the 2800 block of Rose Avenue reference recent gang activity. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a silver Hyundai at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Channel Islands Blvd. One of the occupants of the vehicle, Jesus Armenta (18 years), is a documented criminal street gang member in the City of Oxnard who is currently on probation, and is a prohibited person from possession of a firearm and/ or ammunition. During a probation search of the vehicle, Armenta was found in possession of a firearm.

The firearm, a loaded semi-automatic 9 millimeter handgun, was located concealed in the vehicle, and was also found to be stolen out of the City of Oxnard. Armenta was arrested and charged with numerous firearms violations.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On Monday, June 8, 2019, at about 3:00 a.m., officers responded to a family dispute in the 500 block of Sherwood Way. Family members reported that Francisco Camarena, had accosted them and broken out windows in the house. When police officers arrived, Camarena got into a vehicle and sped off and hit a parked car. Officers pursued Camarena through several south Oxnard neighborhoods, but abandoned the pursuit due to the unsafe conditions.

A short time later, officers found Camarena’s vehicle in the 1500 block of S. Oxnard Bl. near an apartment complex. Camarena was in the vehicle and armed with a machete. Camarena refused to drop the machete and come out of the car. The SWAT team responded and attempted to negotiate Camarena’s surrender from the vehicle.

For over two hours, negotiators tried to convince Camarena to surrender, but he refused. SWAT officers used compliance weapons including pepper balls, CNS gas, and a Ventura County Sheriff’s K-9 to apprehend Camarena.

Camarena was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and booked in Ventura County Jail on multiple charges, including vandalism, felony reckless evading and obstructing police. He was also wanted on several misdemeanor warrants.

S. Oxnard Bl. Between Date St. and Commercial Ave. was closed during the two-hour standoff.

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: July 8, 2019 / 11:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	245 P.C. Shooting
DATE/TIME:	07/03/2019, 6:40 p.m.
LOCATION:	2500 block of El Dorado Avenue, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Michael Velasquez, Detective (805) 385-8287 [email protected]

On 07/03/2019 at approximately 6:40 p.m., Officers with the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 2500 block of El Dorado Avenue in reference to a shooting that just occurred. Officers made contact with the victim and found one bullet strike in the victim’s vehicle. The shooter was described as a Hispanic male in his teens. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 07/04/2019, 2:48 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME:	June 27, 2019 8:30 PM
LOCATION:	200 Block Of Orchard Place
SUSPECT(S):	17-Year-Old Oxnard Resident 17-Year-Old Oxnard Resident 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:

Since May, Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit were investigating a series of robberies that occurred beginning on May 23^rd that continued through the end of June. A synopsis of some of the robberies are listed below:

05/23/2019 – 2030 hours – 1900 block of Ginger Street – 16 year old victim robbed of

cash after returning from the store to buy eggs for his mom. Victim was punched in the

face.

06/07/2019 – 0645 hours – 700 block of Aster Street – 16 year old victim robbed of his

phone and additional items on his way to school. A knife was pulled on the victim.

06/08/2019 – 1100 hours – North alley of the 400 block of Cuesta Del Mar- 81 year old male victim, punched and sustained broken jaw. He was robbed of his wallet.

06/24/2019 – 0830 hours – 400 block of West Esplanade Ave – 76 year old victim

robbed of his gold chains, one of which included the victim’s deceased wife’s wedding ring (please see photo below).

The suspects in these crimes were all described as being Hispanic males in their teens. Through the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify three juveniles who involved in these crimes. On June 19^th, a search warrant was served at the residence of one of the suspects however, he was not located. An arrest warrant was later issued for that suspect and he was arrested on June 27^th by the Ventura Police Department for his warrant and unrelated charges. Also on June 27^th2019 at approximately 8:30 PM, investigators observed two of the juveniles in the 200 block of Orchard Place and took them into custody for robbery. Search warrants were then served at residences in the 2400 block of Blueberry Drive and the 400 block of Vineyard Avenue. All three suspects were later charged with robbery and lodged at Juvenile Hall. Due to their age, names and photographs of the suspects are not available.

Investigators believe these suspects were involved in additional crimes, including robberies and burglaries. If you were the victim of a crime involving suspects with a similar description, please contact investigators.

If you have any information as to the whereabouts of the wedding ring taken during the June 24^th robbery, please contact investigators. The ring has a significant amount of sentimental value to the victim of the robbery.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Member Arrested with a firearm
DATE/TIME:	July 2, 2019 / 4:02 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Ave. @ Billings St., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Eduardo Torres, 26 year old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn @Oxnardpd.org 805-385-8289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On July 2, at 4:02 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic enforcement stop on Rose Avenue at Billings Street reference a vehicle code infraction. Upon making contact with the driver, Eduardo Torres, officers found that he was on probation for driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and was driving on a suspended driver’s license also for DUI. They requested Torres to step out of his vehicle to invoke his search terms when they observed a firearm in plain view inside his vehicle. The firearm was found to be loaded and not registered to Torres. Torres was taken into custody without incident.

Torres is a documented criminal street gang member. Torres was arrested for carrying a loaded firearm, 25850(c)(6) PC, and carrying a loaded firearm within his vehicle, 25400(a)(1) PC.

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: July 2, 2019 / 9:00 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	22nd Annual Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor
DATE/TIME:	July 4, 2019 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Harbor, City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard, CA – Thursday, July 4th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 22nd annual Fourth of July event. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a 5K & 10K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road. This will be followed by the July 4th 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. Marine Emporium Landing will have activities between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., including live music, face painting, an inflatable fun zone, and a rock climbing wall. There will also be vendors with booths as well as a farmer’s market. 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, including those described as “Safe and Sane”, and use of flare ignition devices will not be tolerated. 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.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department would also like to notify the public that driving on any beach in the City of Oxnard is strictly prohibited. From 5:00 p.m. on July 3rd to noon on July 5th, Arnold Road south of Hueneme Road will be closed to all vehicles with the exception of those who have legitimate business in that area or who are traveling to and from work. Parking restrictions on Arnold Road will also be strictly enforced.

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 Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/1/19, 5 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 29, 2019 / 7:48 p.m.
LOCATION:	400 Block of Campbell Way, Oxnard
SUSPECT:	Samuel Vargas, 18 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Dale McAlpine (805) 857-4655 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On June 29, 2019, at approximately 7:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were patrolling the Southwinds Neighborhood in Oxnard. They contacted Samuel Vargas, an 18 year old Oxnard resident, sitting in a vehicle in the 400 Block of Campbell Way.

During the contact with Vargas, officers located a loaded handgun concealed under the driver’s seat Vargas was sitting in. Vargas was placed under arrest and subsequently charged with felony possession of a loaded unregistered firearm and felony possession of a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

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 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: June 29, 2019 / 2145 hours