OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Domestic Violence Incident
DATE/TIME:	May 10, 2019 / 3:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	5100 block Cypress Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	34-year-old, female Oxnard resident 38-year-old, male Port Hueneme resident
SUSPECT(S):	23-year-old, Hispanic male, 6-00, 280 lbs., black hair, brown eyes, with a dark complexion
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7756

DETAILS:

On May 10, 2019 at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 5100 block of Cypress Road in South Oxnard regarding a domestic violence incident involving a knife that had just occurred.

When officers arrived, they contacted two victims and determined that the suspect had left the scene prior to the arrival of police. Information was provided by the victims that led officers to believe the suspect had fled into a nearby residence. Officers surrounded the residence and attempted to make contact with the suspect. There was no response at the residence.

The Oxnard Police Department SWAT team responded and a warrant was obtained to search the residence for the wanted suspect. It was later determined that the suspect was not inside the residence and had fled the area prior to the arrival of police. The investigation is ongoing and a person of interest is being sought for questioning. The person is described as a 23-year-old, Hispanic male, 6-00, 280 lbs., with black hair, brown eyes and a dark complexion.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Greg Utter at (805) 385-3921, 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 10, 2019 at 11:20 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Suspect In Robbery And Stabbing Incident Arrested
DATE/TIME:	May 10, 2019, 5:00 AM
LOCATION:	5300 Block Of Cypress Road
SUSPECT(S):	Javier Flores, 22-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 May 10^th2019 at approximately 5:00 A.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), and the K-9 Unit served a search warrant in the 5300 block of Cypress Road. The search warrant was related to a robbery and stabbing incident that took place on April 7^th 2019, in the 4700 block of Terrace Avenue. During that incident, the victim was confronted and chased by the suspects. At one point, the suspects caught the victim and a struggle ensued. During the struggle, the victim was beaten and stabbed. An undisclosed amount of money was stolen by the suspects before they fled.

During the subsequent investigation, investigators were able to determine that Javier Flores, a 22 year old Oxnard resident, was one of the suspects involved in the robbery. During the service of the search warrant this morning, Flores was contacted and arrested for his involvement in the robbery and stabbing. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. 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:	Documented Criminal Street Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	May 9, 2019 / 3:24 p.m.
LOCATION:	Second St. at Sarita Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alfonso Islas, 25-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 May 9, at 3:24 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) responded to the area of First St. and Rose Ave. reference a call of possibly eight gun shots heard west of the intersection. The shots were heard by another Oxnard officer that was conducting traffic enforcement in the area. As the officers arrived and began checking the area, the located documented Oxnard criminal street gang member Alfonso Islas.

The officers contacted Islas reference the gun shots that were heard in the area and discovered that Islas was in possession of a semi-automatic handgun that was concealed in his pocket. Islas was charged with several firearms related violations.

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 9, 2019 / 1630 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer-Involved Shooting Update
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. (Original incident occurred on Friday, May 3, 2019, at approximately 6:58 a.m.)
LOCATION:	480 North Rose Avenue, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	17 year-old female, Oxnard resident, name withheld due to age
PREPARED BY:	Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Commander [email protected]
MEDIA FOLLOW UP CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 342-8292 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The purpose of this news release is to provide the public with updated information concerning the May 3, 2019 officer-involved shooting that occurred on the 400 block of North Rose Avenue.

Officer Timothy Roberts was the one officer that fired his handgun in this incident. A second officer had arrived on scene and was retrieving what is commonly referred to as a “beanbag” firing shotgun from the back of his patrol vehicle as the shooting occurred. This “less lethal” shotgun is intended to serve as an option in situations such as this. The second officer did not discharge his firearm or the shotgun.

The Oxnard Police Department is also releasing Officer Roberts’ body worn camera video, which captured the incident. Portions of the video footage have been blurred to protect the juvenile’s privacy.

Overview of Incident

During the morning hours of Friday, May 3, 2019, the Oxnard Police Department’s dispatch center received multiple calls from a female reporting a woman with a knife in the area of 1835 San Gorgonio, and then behind the Carl’s Jr. on the 400 block of North Rose Avenue. The female was described as being 18 years in age, wearing a red shirt and blue shorts. During the first call to the dispatch center, it was reported that she “seems disturbed” and that she was walking around and waving a knife. The caller also indicated that the female was possibly armed with a gun. The caller recontacted dispatch three (3) additional times, and during these calls stated that the female was “getting increasingly worse” and that she was screaming and threatening people.

Oxnard Police Officer Timothy Roberts arrived on scene first, and made verbal contact with a female in the dirt field behind the business. The female approached, and then brandished a large kitchen knife (pictured below) at the officer. The officer drew his handgun and made several verbal requests for her to drop the weapon. The female ignored and expressly refused the officer’s requests, and began to advance on him. The officer retreated in an attempt to create space between them. The officer continued to give the female verbal commands to drop the weapon as he retreated backwards through the parking lot. As the second officer arrived on scene and was retrieving a “beanbag” shotgun, the female ran directly towards Officer Roberts with the knife in her hand. Officer Roberts fired his weapon, and the female was struck by gunfire. Officers promptly rendered first aid to her until medical personnel arrived on scene.

The video contains graphic content and viewer discretion is advised. The female’s face has been blurred because of her age. Audio that identifies her by name has also been redacted.

During the incident, the female brandished a large kitchen knife. A picture of the actual knife is shown below:

During the investigation, detectives determined that the multiple calls made into the Oxnard Police Department’s dispatch center came from the phone that was in the female’s possession. Detectives have also discovered evidence that supports the position that the female deliberately intended to be shot by an officer.

At the time of this news release the female is in an area hospital in “critical but stable” condition. A criminal investigation is continuing.

The public may view the video by clicking on the following link:

https://youtu.be/KMpSY3I68A8

Officer Roberts has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since 2015, and is currently assigned to the Department’s Patrol Division. At the time of this update, he is on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident. Detectives are requesting that anyone who might have witnessed the incident, or has additional information to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or by email at [email protected]. Detectives are also encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident to upload media directly to detectives via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/480northrose

Date / Time prepared: Thursday, May 9, 2019 @ 2:00 P.M.

/31061-2/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department’s 20th Annual Memorial Ceremony
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am
LOCATION:	251 South C Street, Oxnard, California
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-8300 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, the Oxnard Police Department will be hosting its 20th Annual Memorial Ceremony. The ceremony will occur in front of the Oxnard Police Department.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation which designated May 15th as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. Decades later, the event became known as National Police Week. This year, National Police Week is from Sunday, May 12, 2019, to Saturday, May 18, 2019. During National Police Week, thousands of law enforcement officers and survivors travel to Washington D.C. and other parts of the United States to honor those officers that made the ultimate sacrifice.

Our Memorial Ceremony will honor Oxnard’s seven fallen police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Each officer made the ultimate sacrifice while proudly wearing the badge of the Oxnard Police Department and bravely working to keep the City of Oxnard safe.

Our fallen Oxnard Police Officers are:

Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton

End of Watch – March 23, 1906

Constable William E. Kelley

End of Watch – August 20, 1921

Officer Albert Gasperetti

End of Watch – April 15, 1956

Officer Frederick J. Clark

End of Watch – October 12, 1971

Senior Officer John Adair

End of Watch – October 7, 1980

Officer James E. O’Brien

End of Watch – December 2, 1993

Officer James R. Jensen, Jr.

End of Watch – March 13, 1996

The ceremony is open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend to honor our fallen police officers, and pay tribute to all law enforcement officers who continue to serve.

Several streets surrounding the Oxnard Police Department will be closed beginning at 7:00 am until approximately 12:00 pm. Vehicle traffic will be diverted from the area and intersections will be controlled by police personnel. Motorists traveling through the area should expect minor delays and are asked to avoid the area if they are not attending the ceremony. The following intersections will be closed:

Northbound C Street from Fourth Street
Westbound Third Street from B Street
Eastbound Third Street from D Street
Southbound C Street from Second Street

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 8, 2019, at 2:00 pm

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hueneme High School Lockdown
DATE/TIME:	May 8, 2019 / 1030 hours
LOCATION:	Hueneme High School 500 W. Bard Road Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of California Names withheld due to age
SUSPECT(S):	17 year old juvenile – Name withheld 15 year old juvenile – Name withheld
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Daniel Shrubb (805)200-2134 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 8, 2019 at approximately 1030 hours, the Oxnard Police Department received a report regarding a student possibly in possession of a handgun at Hueneme High School. The School Resource Officer was on campus when the incident was reported. Additional officers responded and the campus was placed on a school lockdown while the situation was resolved.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a 17 year old student brought an airsoft pellet gun to school and at one point, revealed the pellet gun in the presence of other students. Prior to police contact, the 17 year old passed the pellet gun to the 15 year old student. Shortly thereafter, the 15 year old student was contacted in a classroom and found to be in possession of the pellet gun. Once the involved parties were detained and the pellet gun was located the lockdown procedure was lifted.

Both students were arrested for being in possession of the airsoft pellet gun on a school campus. The 17 year old was also charged with exhibition of an imitation firearm.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/8/19 1500 Hours

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession
DATE/TIME:	May 7, 2019 / 5:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	1100 block of Colonia Road, Oxnard CA. 93030
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	17-year-old, Oxnard resident Eric Soto, 35 years, Oxnard Resident Erica Jimenez, 41 years, 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 May 7, at 5:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a probation search in the 1100 of Colonia Road for a 17 year old Oxnard resident that is a documented criminal street gang member and on probation for firearms violations prohibiting him from possession a firearm. As officers attempted contact with the occupants of the residence, they encountered Erica Jimenez (mother of the 17 year old probationer) at the front door. Jimenez became very argumentative, and began to refuse entry of the officers to conduct the probation search. As officers attempted to gain access to the residence for the probation search, additional officers outside saw a subject, identified as documented criminal street gang member Eric Soto, fleeing out a rear second story window. During the time that officers encountered Soto, the 17 year old probationer came to the front door and began to threaten officers by saying that he was going to kill them.

Officers were able to take Jimenez and the 17 year old into custody for obstructing and delaying peace officers, and resisting an executive officer. Soto was found to be a Parolee at Large, and to have a felony warrant for his arrest. Soto was arrested without further incident after officers safely removed him from the roof of the residence.

During the probation search of the residence, a loaded .22 caliber revolver was located in a bedroom of the residence. The 17 year old was additional charged with numerous firearms violations.

Eric Soto

Erica Jimenez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	May 3, 2019 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint Nets Six Arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested six impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on May 3, 2019. The checkpoint was conducted at Rose Avenue north of Lindsay Place between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

871 vehicles screened
6 DUI-alcohol arrests
23 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
38 citations issued
3 vehicle towed

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. Oxnard PD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all 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.

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

Oxnard PD offers these reminders to ensure a fun night doesn’t get spoiled with a DUI:

Decide before you go out whether you plan to drink or drive. You can’t do both.
If you plan to drink, designate a sober driver before going out, or map out another way to get home safely by taking a cab, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, or using public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).
If you are a designated driver, bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks
If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. Offer a description of the vehicle, location, and direction of travel.
See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys or help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether by bike, car, motorcycle, or walking, the Oxnard Police Department encourages everyone to be a part of the solution and ‘Go Safely California.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 4, 2019 / 2:10 a.m.

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME:	Friday May 3, 2019, at approximately 6:58 a.m.
LOCATION:	480 North Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Police officer, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	17 year-old female, Oxnard resident, name withheld
PREPARED BY:	Sharon Giles, Commander [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

At approximately 6:55 AM on May 3, 2019, the Oxnard Police Department’s Dispatch Center received calls regarding a female who was waving a knife in the parking lot behind the businesses located at 480 North Rose Avenue in the City of Oxnard.

The first Oxnard Police officer arrived on scene and made verbal contact with a female in the dirt field behind the business. The female brandished a large kitchen knife at the officer. The officer drew his handgun and made several verbal requests for her to drop the weapon. The female ignored the officer’s requests, and began to walk towards him. The officer retreated backwards in an attempt to create space between them. The officer continued to give the female verbal commands to drop the weapon as he retreated for approximately fifty yards. As the second officer arrived on scene, the female ran directly towards the first officer with the knife in her hand. The officer fired his weapon, and the female was struck by gunfire. Officers promptly rendered first aid to her until medical personnel arrived on scene. The officer was not injured.

During the encounter, the female made a statement indicating that she wanted the officer to shoot her.

The entire incident was captured on the officer’s body worn camera.

The 17 year-old female was transported via ambulance to a local hospital. At the time of this news release she is listed in critical but stable condition. Her name is being withheld due to her age.

Police Chief Scott Whitney: “On a regular basis our police officers respond to critical incidents where they put themselves in harm’s way. They do everything they can to peacefully resolve these incidents. The last thing that our officers want to happen is to be forced to shoot someone.”

The involved officer has been employed by the Oxnard Police Department since April of 2015, and is currently assigned to the Patrol Division. Per standard protocol for officer-involved shootings, the officer has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation progresses.

Date / Time prepared: Friday, May 3, 2019 @ 11:30 AM

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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	1980 Homicide Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	May 2, 2019, 3:27 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility – 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura
VICTIM(S):	Leah Sarah Bullis
SUSPECT(S):	Lenard Len Chester (58 years old)
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron, (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay, (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 2, 2019, 58-year-old, Lenard Len Chester, was arrested for the December 1980 murder of 81-year-old Oxnard resident Leah Sarah Bullis.

At approximately 12:20 PM on December 1, 1980, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a call of an assault victim in the 1800 block of Coronado Place. The victim, later identified as Leah Sarah Bullis, was found inside her home. She was conscious but severely beaten. Ms. Bullis passed away in the ambulance while being transported to the hospital.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Detectives Jamie Skeeters and Donald Boger began the investigation with the assistance of crime scene investigators. Due to their diligent efforts, several critical pieces of evidence were located and recovered. The criminal investigation revealed that the suspect assaulted the victim while in her home.

During Bullis’ autopsy, evidence was collected. The medical examiner determined that Bullis died as a result of blunt force related bleeding.

The case remained unsolved. In 2018, the Oxnard Police Department partnered with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office to conduct another review the Bullis case. The evidence from this case was sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory for examination.

In late 2018, the Ventura County Crime Lab uploaded the DNA sample to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) where it matched to a profile of a convicted offender. The convicted offender was identified as Lenard Len Chester.

In 1982, Chester was sentenced to 44 years in prison for breaking into homes and sexually assaulting four different women. When Chester was paroled, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office conducted a civil hearing which resulted in Chester being listed as a Sexually Violent Predator (SVP). The court ordered Chester be placed on a civil hold and receive treatment at a state hospital.

Investigators conducted exhaustive research and tracked down several witnesses in this case. This case is an example of how the passing of time, advances in forensic technology, and multiple law enforcement agency collaboration come together to further cold case homicides.

On May 2, 2019, Chester was arrested for the rape and murder of Leah Sarah Bullis. Chester is currently in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Chester’s is being held at the Ventura County Jail without bail.

This teamwork, perseverance, determination, and unwavering drive for justice, ultimately culminated in the Ventura County District Attorney filing the charge of murder and rape against Lenard Len Chester for the homicide.

This case is continuing to evolve and investigators are examining other similar cases from that time period to see if Chester is a possible suspect.

Additional information on Oxnard Police Department’s Unsolved Cold Cases can be found at ColdCase.OxnardPD.org website.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or [email protected].

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.

Lenard Len Chester

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 2, 2019, 5:15 p.m.