OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Theft Problem Continues for Oxnard; #NotThisCarOxnard Campaign
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective (805) 385-7664, [email protected]

DETAILS:

In the spirit of Informing, Educating and Empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department (OPD) would like to remind the residents of Oxnard of a continuing crime trend citywide. The Oxnard Police Department has had over 750 vehicles reported stolen over the past year (overwhelmingly 1990’s Honda sedans) which is a 9.2 % increase from 2017.

This is not a new or isolated trend. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), nationwide, the top two vehicles listed on the “Vehicles Most Likely to be Stolen” graphic are Honda Accords and Civics.

The Oxnard Police Department is still diligently working to solve the issue. Among OPD’s efforts to lower the instances of vehicle theft are:

Informational campaign to educate would-be victims on how to prevent vehicle theft;
Educational Public Safety Videos;
A #NotThisCar Campaign that sees detectives locating owners of 1990’s Hondas and providing them with steering wheel locks; and
An enforcement campaign to target known car thieves and put them on notice that OPD is watching!

Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Next time you walk away from your idling vehicle, in your driveway or on the street, turn around and turn it off. If you see your neighbor running inside with their doors open or unlocked, keep an eye out or let them know. If you see a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! Let’s let criminals know #NotThisCarOxnard!

The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.” Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the ‘90s Honda sedans. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/12/18 @ 4:14 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Theft Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	12/11/18 1:05 PM
LOCATION:	400 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road
SUSPECT(S):	Jairo Perez, 32 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Enrique Alvarez, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 12/11/18, at approximately 1:05 p.m., officers located a stolen Kia Sedona van in the 400 block of east Pleasant Valley Road. The driver, Jairo Perez, 32 years old, was contacted and arrested for vehicle theft and receiving stolen property. Perez’s criminal history shows that he has been previously arrested for numerous narcotics violations and thefts.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind citizens to park and lock their vehicles in well-lit areas and to use anti-theft devices to help secure their vehicles.

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.

Residents are encouraged to be “Partners in Public Safety” and are reminded to report suspicious activity to police. Residents can report anonymously and translators are available 24/7. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/12/18, 4:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
DATE/TIME:	December 12, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department helping keep roadways safe over

Christmas/New Year’s holidays

The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are ways to spend time with family and friends ringing in another year, but also a time when people can make poor choices that put themselves and others at risk on the road.

To help spread the message about the dangers of drunk and drugged driving, the Oxnard Police Department is partnering with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to get impaired drivers off roads.

During the high-visibility enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, which runs from Dec. 14-Jan. 1, the Oxnard Police Department will have more officers on the road conducting saturation patrols looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on December 22, 2018, at an undisclosed location within Oxnard city limits looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Oxnard Police Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Marijuana, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

During the 2017 Christmas (Dec. 22-25) and New Year’s (Dec. 30-Jan. 2) holiday periods, 25 people were killed and 643 injured on California roads, according to data from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).

Funding for impaired driving enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 12, 2018 / 4:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Pursuit 12-10-18
DATE/TIME:	December 10, 2018 / 2:09 AM
LOCATION:	2^nd & H Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Gomez (4-16-86) Michael Gomez (8-24-99)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Chrysler 300 License 8BET886
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Jon Keller / [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vega / [email protected] / (805) 385-8291

DETAILS:

On December 10, 2018, at 2:09 AM, officers attempted to stop a black Chrysler 300 sedan for suspicion of armed robbery. The vehicle failed to yield and the suspects led officers on an 8 minute pursuit before stopping. During the pursuit, a firearm was thrown from the vehicle and recovered by officers. The driver, Anthony Gomez, was arrested for evading police (2800.2 VC) and having unauthorized prescription drugs (4060 B&P). The passenger, Michael Gomez, was arrested for a warrant, possession of dangerous drugs (11377 H&S) and possession of a firearm (25400 PC). Detectives are investigating a possible connection to several armed robberies this same date. The contact person is Detective Vega at [email protected] / (805) 385-8291.

Anthony Gomez

Michael Gomez

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Series of Armed Robberies
DATE/TIME:	December 10, 2018, Between 8:15 PM & 9:00 PM
LOCATION:	Various Locations in South Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Not Disclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, mid 20’s, heavyset, dark hoodie sweatshirt, dark pants, bandana over face
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Sedan
LOSS:	Not Disclosed
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Jon Keller / [email protected] / (805) 385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vega / [email protected] / (805) 385-8291

DETAILS:

A series of armed robberies occurred on various residential streets in south Oxnard during the hours of 8:15 PM and 9:00 PM. One or two suspects were involved in the crimes, with one in possession of a large knife. In each incident, the suspects arrived and fled in a black sedan. During two of the robberies, victims sustained minor defensive wounds to the hands.

Incident #1: 8:15 PM, 2000 block of Walden

Incident #2: 8:47 PM, 1000 block of Jason Place

Incident #3: 8:53 PM, 300 block of Clara Street

Investigators are following leads in these cases. If anyone else was a victim or has information to provide, please phone detective Vega at (805) 385-8291 or email [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED:

December 11, 2018, 0745

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Drug Overdoses in the City of Oxnard

DATE/TIME:

December 10, 2018 / 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION:

Oxnard

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

DETAILS:

In the United States, approximately 115 people die each day as the result of overdosing from opioids. The addiction to pain relievers such as Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Roxicodone has caused a dramatic increase in heroin use nationally and in Ventura County. Heroin is cheaper and a more readily available alternative to opioid pills. Heroin is often cut and mixed with fentanyl to increase the potency and profitability of the drug. Fentanyl is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin and is lethal in very small dosages. A lethal dosage amount could be as little as the size of three grains of salt.

On November 6^th and December 2^nd, 2018, the Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to calls regarding drug overdose victims in Oxnard. Unfortunately, Emergency Medical Services were unable to revive either of the victims during the separate calls for service. The victims were both males age 30 and 32.

Since January 1, 2018, the City of Oxnard has had 29 fatal drug overdoses. OPD and EMS have also responded to 462 non-fatal drug overdoses and administered Naloxone over 150 times to opioid drug overdose victims during this time period

Ventura County had a total of 165 overdose deaths during 2017, which is up sharply from 116 in 2016; this is an alarming 42% increase. The City of Oxnard has had an increase in both fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses during that same time period.

The City of Oxnard had approximately 35 fatal overdoses and 150 non-fatal overdoses in 2017.

In 2017, Oxnard Emergency Medical Services first responders and the Oxnard Police Department officers administered Naloxone approximately 150 times in lifesaving efforts to combat the fatal overdose/opioid epidemic.

Law enforcement in Ventura County has been collaborating with agencies such as Ventura County Behavioral Health to save lives and combat the opioid epidemic. Oxnard Police Department patrol officers carry and have administered Naloxone to overdose victims.

In addition, VC Behavioral Health provides Naloxone kits for family members or people living with an individual struggling with opiate/opioid addiction. Naloxone kits have saved the lives of numerous individuals since being distributed to family members or friends. The administration of Naloxone restores breathing / respiratory system, which buys vital time until EMS arrives.

If you know someone struggling with opioid addiction or drug dependency please refer to the Ventura County Behavioral Health for a list of resources available.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 10, 2018 / 11:00 a.m.

INCIDENT:

Two Stolen Vehicle Arrests

DATE/TIME:

December 8, 2018; 8:40PM and 9:58PM

LOCATION:

Cedar Street and “B” Street, Oxnard;

Colonia Road and Anita Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Silva Ramos, 38 years, Oxnard resident

Erick Calvillo, 18 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

[email protected]

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

During the evening of Saturday, December 8, the Oxnard Police Department made two separate stolen vehicle arrests.

At 8:40PM, an Oxnard officer conducted a traffic stop on a white ’03 Ford Expedition in the area of Cedar and “B” Streets in Oxnard. The vehicle was determined to have been stolen back in November. The driver, Ramos, was arrested for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and possession of stolen property, both felonies.

At 9:58PM, an off-duty Oxnard officer observed an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of Colonia Road and Anita Avenue in Oxnard. Oxnard officers arrived on scene and stopped the vehicle, a red ’18 Volkswagen Bug, in the alley of Cooper Road at Anita Avenue. The driver, Calvillo, was arrested for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and possession of stolen property, both felonies.

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: 12/8/18; 11:25PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited Person Arrested with Loaded Handgun
DATE/TIME:	December 9, 2018 / 9:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	San Gorgonio Ave. at Rose Ave.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Michael Guzman, 37-year-old, Oxnard resident Francisco Rojo, 26-year-old, Oxnard resident Jose Ruelas, 42-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 December 9, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Rose Ave. and San Gorgonio reference a vehicle code infraction. Upon making contact with the occupants, it was discovered that three of the occupants in the vehicle were on supervised release. After the occupants were removed from the vehicle, a handgun was recovered from the passenger compartment. Michael Guzman, who has a previous conviction for firearm possession, was arrested for several felonies related to firearms possession.

Francisco Rojo, who is on parole for a prior gang assault with a firearm, and Jose Ruelas, who is a Post Release Offender for being a felon in possession of a firearm were both arrested for violations related to their supervised release terms.

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.

Michael Guzman Francisco Rojo Jose Ruelas

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 9, 2018 / 2300 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Gang Members With Loaded Firearms

DATE/TIME:

December 8, 2018, @ 6:20 P.M

LOCATION:

Ninth St. @ C St.

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Alvaro Cervantes, 34 year old Oxnard resident

Eric Ixta, 28 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robert Flinn, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON

AND CONTACT INFO:

Christopher Williams, Commander

[email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On December 8, 2018, at approximately 6:20 PM., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Ninth Street and “C” Street in the City of Oxnard. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Eric Ixta and a passenger in the vehicle was identified as Alvaro Cervantes. Both subjects are documented gang members in the City of Oxnard. Further investigation into the vehicle resulted in SEU officers locating two loaded handguns, ammunition and narcotics. The quantity of narcotics found would indicate that they were for the purpose of sales.

Passenger Cervantes is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing or being in control of a firearm. The gun was located on his person. The second firearm was found on the floorboard below Driver Ixta. Both subjects were arrested for several felony charges related to possessing and being in control of the firearms and being in possession of narcotics for sale.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 8, 2018, at 8:15 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

December 6, 2018; 9:10PM

LOCATION:

1300 block of Junewood Way

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Mario Catalan, 25 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

[email protected]

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On November 6, 2018, at about 8:45PM, officers contacted Catalan in the 1300 block of Junewood Way. During a search of Catalan pursuant to his probation terms, officers located a set of car keys in his pockets, and a laptop in his backpack.

Officers discovered that the laptop did not belong to Catalan. Officers were able to contact the owner of the laptop, and learned that the previous day she had reported stolen her vehicle, a silver Toyota Corolla. The victim’s laptop was in the vehicle when it was stolen. The vehicle was located in the immediate area. The keys that were located in Catalan’s pockets unlocked and started the stolen vehicle.

Catalan was arrested for the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and two violations of receiving stolen property for the vehicle and laptop, all felonies.

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: 12/6/18, 11:30PM