NEWS RELEASE

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	2/8/19 at 11:55 pm
LOCATION:	500 block Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Mendez, 27-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	[email protected] (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On February 8, 2019 at 11:55 pm an Oxnard Police Department patrol officer contacted a group of subjects in the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar. Luis Mendez, 27-year-old Oxnard resident, was seen discarding a loaded semi-automatic handgun as the officer approached. Mendez was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm.

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: February 9, 2019 @ 3:00 AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gun Arrest
DATE/TIME:	2/8/19 at 9:07 am
LOCATION:	300 block De Anza Way, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alejandro Garcia, 21-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Chris Inglehart
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Chris Inglehart, [email protected] 805-385-7778

DETAILS:

On February 8, 2019 at 9:07 AM an Oxnard Police Department patrol officer stopped a vehicle in the 300 block of De Anza Way for a traffic violation. When officers contacted the driver, they observed an unsecured gun case in the front portion of the vehicle. Officers checked the case and located a loaded semi-automatic hand gun with an additional loaded magazine.

The driver, Alejandro Garcia, was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 8, 2019 @ 4:30 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man Arrested for the Sexual Assault of a Minor and Luring Minors Using the Internet
DATE/TIME:	February 7, 2019 / 3:40 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 block East Gonzalez Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Emmanuel Carrillo, 21-year-old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7756

DETAILS:

On January 29, 2019, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department was contacted regarding a 12-year-old female who had been sexually assaulted in a vehicle by an adult male in Oxnard. It was learned that the victim had agreed to meet with the male after communicating with him on a popular social media app on the Internet.

Detectives diligently worked the case and identified the suspect as 21-year-old Emmanuel Carrillo of Oxnard. During the investigation, it was discovered that Carrillo was actively using the Internet and social media to entice and lure other minors to meet for the purpose of sexual activity.

On February 7, 2019, at approximately 3:40 p.m., Carrillo was contacted and arrested by officers from the Oxnard Police Department when he arrived at a public place in the 100 block of East Gonzalez Road for a pre-arranged sexual encounter with a 14-year-old female. Carrillo was booked into the Ventura County Jail for violations of 288(a) PC – lewd acts with a child under the age of 14 and 288.4(b) PC – luring a minor for the purpose of lewd or lascivious behavior. His bail was set at $500,000.

This investigation is ongoing and if anyone has further information regarding these or similar incidents, they are strongly encouraged to contact Detective Juanita Suarez at (805) 385-7759.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to the safety and protection of children who use the Internet, social media, and other computer technologies. Detectives from the Family Protection Unit are part of the ICAC Task Force of Los Angeles. They routinely investigate crimes of online enticement and distribution of child pornography by using specialized techniques to actively seek out predators who use online technology to sexually exploit children.

The detectives who conducted this investigation were members of that task force. They routinely set up accounts on social media platforms and identify themselves as minors to those offenders looking to lure or arrange meetings with underage boys and girls for sexual activity. Sergeant Walker, who supervises the Family Protection Unit at the Oxnard Police Department, said, “We want child predators to know that we’re on social media too and the next child that they target may be an undercover officer waiting for them with handcuffs.”

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC) is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. These agencies are continually engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of persons involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the Internet.

Police have seen child predators use many online methods to lure children – everything from dating and messaging apps like Tinder, Grindr, Whisper, Kik, Skout, Snapchat, and Instagram to gaming apps like Fortnite and Minecraft. “Just like you are vigilant about a stranger approaching your child in a public place, you need to be equally, if not more, vigilant about the dangers lurking in these new cyber and social media forums,” Sergeant Walker added. Parents and family members have a critical role in keeping children safe by familiarizing themselves with apps popular among young people and making sure they are age-appropriate.

Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7663, the LA Area ICAC Task Force at (562) 624-4027 or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Reports can also be submitted to http://www.cybertipline.com, and the information will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency on a nationwide basis.

You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or by visiting their website at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 8, 2019 / 2:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	February 9, 2019 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Saturday

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, February 9, 2019, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. 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.

Oxnard Police Department offers these reminders 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 are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! 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 this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 7, 2019 / 5:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On February 5, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a stolen 1997 Honda Accord in the 700 block of Cooper Road. Detectives stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Richard Abarca, 25 years old. During the investigation, it was determined that the Honda was stolen out of the city of Oxnard on January 31, 2019. Abarca was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and for possession of burglary tools.

Richard Abarca has a history of arrests related to auto theft which he has been convicted of in Ventura County. Abarca is currently on probation for possession of a stolen vehicle and he is the 18^th person arrested for auto theft this year in the city of Oxnard.

So far in 2019, there have been 97 stolen vehicles reported to the Oxnard Police Department. Honda’s are the number one stolen vehicle in Oxnard.

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.

As part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000 Honda passenger vehicles are asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Auto Theft Task Force has a 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 depend 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: 2/6/19 11:20 AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 3, 2019; 9:40PM
LOCATION:	Saviers Rd and Bryce Canyon Ave, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Mario Sanchez, 40-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Guerrero-Flores, 27-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	[email protected] (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On February 3^rd 2019, at about 9:40 PM, officers with the Oxnard Police Department located a stolen vehicle (1988 Toyota) in the area of Saviers Rd and Bryce Canyon Ave. The officers contacted the driver, Guerrero-Flores, and arrested him without incident for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges. The passenger, Sanchez, was arrested for possessing stolen property.

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: 2/4/19, 2:00 AM

Guerrero-Flores

Sanchez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	February 5, 2019 / 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vazquez (805) 385-7847 [email protected]

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned for Oxnard

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

On February 5, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.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 2018, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated six fatal collisions and 174 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: February 3, 2019 / 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Firearm Possession and Narcotics for Sale
DATE/TIME:	February 2, 2019 / 6:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Rd. at Seaview St., Port Hueneme
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Medina, 30-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 February 2, at approximately 6:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic enforcement stop at the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Seaview St. During the traffic stop it was learned that the driver, Juan Medina, was on parole with search terms. Officers had Medina exit the vehicle so they could exercise his search terms. Officers searched Medina and located a substantial amount of methamphetamine that was consistent with narcotics sales.

Officers placed Medina under arrest and then conducted a follow up investigation which led them to a nearby motel in the City of Port Hueneme. Officers searched Medina’s motel room and located a loaded handgun

Medina is on parole for carjacking and has been charged with violating the terms of his parole. Charges related to the narcotics and handgun 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 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: February 2, 2019 / 2045 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Super Bowl Sunday – DUI Saturation Patrols
DATE/TIME:	February 3, 2019 / 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ricardo Vazquez (805) 385-7847 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Don’t Get Super Busted on Super Bowl Sunday by Driving Impaired

Law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department is encouraging all football fans to celebrate Super Bowl LIII responsibly by not driving impaired, or letting other fans get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

In an effort to flag those who choose to drive impaired, the Oxnard Police Department will increase patrols Super Bowl Sunday (Feb. 3), adding additional officers to look for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department also 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.

If you’re hosting a party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers. Be sure to monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Even one drink can be one too many so have your sober friend be the “MVP” and get you home, use ride-share or take public transportation. Anyone who sees a drunk driver should call 911.

No matter who you are rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday, we are all on the same team when the game ends so remember to go safely.

Funding for Super Bowl Sunday enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 31, 2019 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Locates Another Stolen Vehicle, Driver Arrested
DATE/TIME:	1/30/19 5:00 PM
LOCATION:	Rice Avenue and Gonzales Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Guadalupe Gomez, 31 Years Old
PREPARED BY:	Luis Mancha, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On January 30, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a 1997 Honda Accord in the area of Rice Avenue and Gonzales Road with stolen license plates affixed to it. Detectives stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, later identified as Guadalupe Gomez, 31 years old. During the investigation it was determined that the Honda was stolen out of the city of Sylmar. Gomez was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and for an outstanding felony warrant for auto theft.

This is the 13^th person arrested for auto theft this year in the city of Oxnard.

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 a 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: 1/30/19 5:00PM

Guadalupe Gomez