INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 25, 2019; 4:40PM
LOCATION:	500 Block of E. Olive Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Thomas Hartley, 38-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	[email protected] (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 25 2019, at about 4:40PM, an officer with the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle (2013 Toyota Corolla) for a vehicle code violation. The officer learned that the vehicle was previously reported stolen out of the City of Port Hueneme. The officer contacted the driver, Hartley, and arrested him without incident for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges. He was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Our city is currently experiencing a significant increase in stolen vehicles. To combat the problem, the Police Department is prioritizing taking a proactive comprehensive approach in the prevention, enforcement, and investigation of stolen vehicles.

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/25/19, 5:30PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Auto Theft Detectives Locate Another Stolen Honda, Two Arrested
DATE/TIME:	1/24/19 11:00 AM
LOCATION:	400 Block South “G” Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Gabriel Magno, 29 years old Alonso Rodriguez, 37 years old
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mancha, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department in its ongoing commitment to curb auto theft has remained vigilant in its efforts to prevent it and to arrest those responsible for it.

On January 24, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF) were notified of a Lo-Jack activation on a 1997 Honda Accord that was recently stolen from the city of Newbury Park. The vehicle was located in the 400 block South “G” Street in the city of Oxnard. A high risk stop was conducted and two subjects were taken into custody. The driver, Gabriel Magno, 29 years old, was arrested for driving the stolen vehicle. The passenger, Alonso Rodriguez, 37 years old, was a suspect in a previous auto theft case. Today, Rodriguez was arrested for possession of the 1997 Honda Accord and for his involvement in the previous auto theft case. According to ATTF Detectives, Rodriguez has five prior arrests related to auto theft.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
To take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running.

Please be advised that a large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force, as part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles are being asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. We are depending on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity. Translators are available 24/7.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:1-24-19 5:10 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal pedestrian collision involving an Amtrak train
DATE/TIME:	January 24, 2019 / 1:22 p.m.
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road at Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	Kathleen Elo 75-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Phillip Flores, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 24, 2019, at approximately 1:22 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision involving a pedestrian and a train near the intersection of Gonzales Road and Oxnard Blvd. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a 75–year-old female identified as Kathleen Elo of Oxnard and her small dog had been struck by an Amtrak train. None of the occupants on the Amtrak train were injured; however, the pedestrian and her dog succumbed to their injuries.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the pedestrian was walking her dog eastbound on the north sidewalk of Gonzales Road and walked into the path of the Amtrak train which was traveling northbound. The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Phillip Flores at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/24/19 @ 6:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	January 22, 2019, 13:23 hours
LOCATION:	1800 Block South G St., Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective [email protected] (805) 288-3289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective [email protected] (805) 288-3289

DETAILS:

On January 22, 2019 at 13:23 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a shooting victim in the area of the 1800 block South G Street, Oxnard. It was determined that the lone victim was confronted while walking in the area and shot one time in the torso. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and the investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

INCIDENT:	Unattended Vehicle Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2019, 5:30-7:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):	State of California
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

This morning, between the hours of 5:30 and 7:30 a.m., officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team and Auto Theft Task Force conducted a citywide unattended vehicle enforcement operation. Forty (40) citations were issued to residents who left their vehicles running and unattended.

Some of the violators reported they left their vehicles running under the mistaken belief they needed to warm up their vehicles before driving them. However, it is not necessary to warm up a vehicle, particularly in our climate. Other violators reported they left their vehicles running because they wanted to warm up the cabin before driving. Both situations present an easy opportunity for a vehicle to be stolen.

Our city is currently experiencing a high level of auto thefts. In 2018, there were 786 vehicles stolen in the city, which represented a 13.4% increase in comparison to the previous year. 25% of the stolen vehicles in 2018 were considered to have been preventable, due to vehicles left running and unattended, keys left in the ignition/vehicle, or unsecured.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to significantly reducing the number of motor vehicle thefts in 2019 by using innovative and creative techniques to proactively address the problem. However, the Department cannot do it alone, and needs the assistance of our residents.

The Department reminds our residents to:

Lock vehicles and remove valuables. An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows. An auto thief can gain access to a vehicle through the smallest of openings.
Do not leave keys in the ignition or in the car. Many motor vehicle thefts occur as a result of vehicles left running.
Do not leave a garage door opener in a vehicle. A thief can use it to gain access to a residence.

Residents can help in combating this problem by reporting suspicious persons or activity to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

The Department will continue with educating the public on this problem and conducting enforcement operations targeting owners who leave their vehicles running and unattended.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 18, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Traffic Stop leads to Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2019 @ 10:40PM
LOCATION:	Spruce and “E” Streets, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Pedro Benitez, 24-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander [email protected]; 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers responded to the area of Spruce and “E” Streets reference a vehicle disturbing in the area. Officers located a truck suspected of causing the disturbance, and stopped the vehicle for vehicle code violations. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and learned that one of the passengers was on probation with search terms.

Officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded .45 caliber firearm underneath the seat of one of the passengers, Benitez. The firearm was reported stolen back in 2013.

Benitez was arrested for firearms related charges, including possessing a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle, a felony.

Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or 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: January 19, 2019 @ 2:00AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police Seek the Public’s Assistance on the Fourth Anniversary of Luis Amaro’s Death
DATE/TIME:	January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block of Balsam Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Luis Amaro, 41-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 21, 2019, marks the 4th anniversary of the death of Luis Amaro. On January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., as Mr. Amaro stood outside his residence located in the 200 blocks of Balsam St. he was confronted by an unknown subject. Mr. Amaro was ultimately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead as a result of a gunshot wound.

Witnesses recalled hearing multiple gunshots being fired and a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model sedan, possibly a dark colored Honda.

The Oxnard Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Suicidal Subject In Possession of Knives
DATE/TIME:	1/16/19, 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block of Althea Court
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 16, 2019, at about 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1300 block of Althea Court, regarding a suicidal adult male threatening with a knife. Officers contacted the subject in the living room and began negotiations with him, as he held two knives to his throat and threatened suicide. Officers learned there were additional family members locked in an upstairs bedroom that were unable to leave the residence. Officers requested the assistance of the Fire Department to respond with a ladder, at which time the officers evacuated the occupants through a second story window. Officers negotiated with the suicidal subject for approximately 30 minutes, as he held the knives to his throat, before he voluntarily put the knives down and surrendered to authorities without incident. The subject was subsequently placed on an involuntarily hold for a mental health evaluation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/17/19, 1120 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant / Gun Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 16, 2018, 5:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	400 block Park Avenue, Port Hueneme 600 block Dorena Drive, Newbury Park
SUSPECT(S):	Joseph Villareal, 39 year old Newbury Park 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 January 16^th, at approximately 5:00 a.m., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, members of the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics teams, and the Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit, conducted search warrant services in the 400 block of Park Avenue in the City of Port Hueneme and the 600 block of Dorena Drive in the City of Newbury Park.

The Search warrant was in reference to a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, which occurred on December 14^th, 2018, in the 1800 block of Saviers Road. During the search, two firearms, a handgun and an assault rifle, were located and seized, in addition to evidence related to the robbery. One suspect, Joseph Villareal, a 39 year old Newbury Park resident, was detained and later arrested for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and firearms related charges. 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 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: JANUARY 16, 2019 / 1330 HOURS

/news-release-search-warrant-and-firearms-arrest-16-01-19/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subjects in Possession of a Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 15 , 2019, @ 3:00 P.M
LOCATION:	Wooley Rd. @ Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Kevin Fernandez, 23 year old Oxnard resident Miklo Serrato, 18 year old Oxnard resident Anna Vergara, 21 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On January 15, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Wooley Rd. and Oxnard Blvd. Officers contacted the three occupants of the vehicle and obtained their information. It was found that two of the occupants were on probation with search terms. Officers searched their vehicle pursuant to their probation terms and located a loaded handgun and ammunition. It was also found that subject Serrato had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Fernandez and Serrato are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm or ammunition per the conditions of their probation and are documented gang members in the City of Oxnard. All three occupants were arrested on various charges that include 25850 (c) (6) P.C Felony, 25400 (a) (3) P.C Felony, 25850 (a) P.C Felony and 25400 (a) (1) Felony.

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 criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or 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.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 15, 2019, at 530 PM.