OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant
DATE:	October 31, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Department Receives Traffic Education and Enforcement Grant

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a $410,800 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney commented that “we appreciate the funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety and will put it to good use. We’ll be doing our part through education and enforcement but we really need the public’s help to improve traffic safety. We all see distracted drivers nearly every time we’re in traffic. We also see those that drive too fast or follow too closely. Everyone’s busy, but it’s no excuse to be a dangerous driver. Not only do you put others at risk, but you also set the example for your loved ones.”

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2019 federal fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2019):

DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where a higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
Distracted driving enforcement operations to educate and cite drivers for using handheld cell phones and texting while driving.
Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders.
Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders
Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.

In 2016, 3,623 people were killed in crashes across the state, a 7 percent increase from 2015, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Particularly alarming is the rise in pedestrian deaths, with 867 pedestrians killed on California roadways in 2016, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. Along with the growing dangers of distracting technologies like phones and drug-impaired driving, this grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these dangerous and illegal behaviors.

“Almost all crashes are preventable,” OTS director Rhonda Craft said. “Education and enforcement go hand in hand helping change behaviors that cause devastating crashes.”

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: October 31, 2018 4:20 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Continues Its Enforcement; #NotThisCar!
DATE/TIME:	10/30/18, 10:50 a.m.
LOCATION:	3700 Block of Saviers Road
SUSPECT(S):	Guadalupe Gutierrez-Gomez, 29 years old
PREPARED BY:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 10/30/18 at approximately 10:50 a.m., officers located an occupied stolen vehicle in the 3700 block of Saviers Road. The suspect, Guadalupe Gutierrez-Gomez, 29 years old, was contacted and arrested at the scene for vehicle theft and possession of burglary tools. Just last month, Gutierrez-Gomez had been arrested for a theft-related crime.

To combat the increase in vehicle theft throughout the city, the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives are using an aggressive strategy to lower instances of stolen vehicles: use of “bait cars” throughout the city, social Media (FB, Instagram, etc.) informational posts, property crimes investigators working closely with the District Attorney’s Office for greater prosecution of repeat offenders, suspects arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and under the influence of alcohol or drugs being charged with DUI, use of theft deterrent stickers and officers detached from patrol duties for the sole purpose of locating stolen vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot be alone in this campaign to curb vehicle theft. Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Let criminals know #NotThisCar!

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: 10/30/18, 3:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	10/30/18, 1:35 p.m.
LOCATION:	600 block West Fifth Street
VICTIM(S):	Jose Nunez, 29 years old
PREPARED BY:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7740 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is currently searching for a missing 29-year-old dependent adult who walked away from his care home on 10/28/18. Jose Nunez was last seen in the area of the 600 block of West Fifth Street in Oxnard, around 11:00 p.m. Jose suffers from a mental disorder and may demonstrate erratic behavior. He is described as a Hispanic male, 6’0”, 180 lbs., black hair, brown eyes, wearing unknown clothing.

Anyone who has seen Jose or knows his possible whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740 or dial 911.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/30/18, 2:50 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, October 26, 2018, 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI Checkpoint Nets Three Arrests

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit arrested three impaired drivers while conducting a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on October 26, 2018. The checkpoint was conducted at Rose Avenue south of Camino Del Sol between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., resulting in the following:

671 vehicles screened
Three DUI-alcohol suspects arrested
23 drivers cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
36 citations issued
Two vehicles 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.

Oxnard PD will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint on November 9, 2018, in our ongoing commitment to take suspected impaired drivers off our streets and highways, ultimately lowering the risk for deaths and injuries.

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: October 27, 2018 / 3:30 a.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Airport Fuel Truck- Arrest

DATE/TIME:

10/29/18, 2:45 p.m.

LOCATION:

Oxnard Airport, 2800 block West Fifth Street

VICTIM(S):

Undisclosed

SUSPECT(S):

Joshua DeJesus, transient, age 30

WITNESS(ES):

Undisclosed

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On 10/29/18, at about 2:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1500 block of West Fifth Street regarding a trespasser. The reporting party informed officers the suspect jumped a fence and entered onto the airport tarmac. While officers were searching the area for the suspect, a witness flagged down an officer advising he had the suspect detained.

The witness saw the suspect enter an unlocked fuel truck on the tarmac, with the keys left in the ignition. The suspect drove the fuel truck across the airport grounds towards the exit gate on the Fifth Street side. He attempted to exit the airport grounds however he did not have the key card required to open the gate. The witness followed the suspect and detained him at the gate until officers arrived. Suspect Joshua DeJesus, a transient, age 20, was arrested for felony auto theft.

Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any criminal activity, is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. Individuals can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or by going to http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/29/18, 11:55 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Minor Injury Traffic Collision / Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

October 26, 2018; 9:23 p.m.

LOCATION:

Yucca and “C” Streets, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Female juvenile, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

[email protected]

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Yucca and “C” Streets reference an injury traffic collision. One of the vehicles involved, a ’08 Silver Ford Escape, was reported stolen yesterday. The driver of the stolen vehicle, a female juvenile, was arrested for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges. She had a complaint of pain. Two people in the other involved vehicle also complained of pain.

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: 10/26/18, 11:35PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Drug Overdoses in the City of Oxnard

DATE/TIME:

October 24, 2018, 5:35 p.m. – 10:04 p.m.

LOCATION:

North Oxnard, West Oxnard, Central Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

38 Year old male (Non-fatal Overdose)

62 Year old male (Fatal Overdose)

33 Year old male (Non-fatal Overdose)

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Steve Trickle 805-384-4799

[email protected]

Commander Sharon Giles 805-385-7620

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On October 24, 2018, the City of Oxnard Police Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to three calls for service involving drug overdoses in a five hour period.

At 5:35 p.m., Oxnard police officers and EMS were dispatched to a suspected heroin overdose in a North Oxnard restaurant bathroom. The 38 year old male victim was revived by EMS personnel after being administered Naloxone (medication designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose and restore normal respiration) and transported to a local hospital.

At 8:03 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a second call for service at a sober living facility in West Oxnard. The staff at the facility located a 62 year old male resident in the bathroom who was unconscious and not breathing. Despite lifesaving efforts, EMS unfortunately was not able to revive the victim from a fatal heroin overdose.

At 10:04 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received several calls for service regarding a subject disturbing in the central area of the city. The victim was a 33 year old male who was transported by EMS to a local hospital for an overdose from suspected methamphetamine use.

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.

The Ventura County Combined Agency Narcotic Team (VCAT) has recently made seizures of counterfeit Roxicodone pills which tested positive for fentanyl by the Ventura County Crime Laboratory. In addition, several kilograms of raw fentanyl were seized by VCAT. The amount of raw fentanyl seized would be more than enough to kill every resident in the City of Oxnard.

The seized counterfeit Roxicodone pills were identical in size, color, and manufacture stampings, thus the user would not be able to know if he or she was ingesting a fake pill which is actually contains a potentially lethal amount of fentanyl. Opiate pills are not the only counterfeit pills being produced illegally which contain fentanyl. Recent seizures across the nation have found fentanyl in counterfeit Xanax (Alprazolam) pills, which is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

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. Since January 1, 2018, the City of Oxnard is on track with the previous year’s fatal and non-fatal drug overdose rates.

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. Since January 1, 2018, EMS has administered Naloxone 105 times to opioid drug overdose victims.

The opioid epidemic crosses all demographics and boundaries. The rate of addiction and overdoses have changed the lives of the nation and Ventura County residents. Very few people can say they do not know somebody who is not affected by the epidemic. Victims range from family members, friends, church members, co-workers, associates to professionals, basically all walks of life. Opioid pill addiction often starts from painkiller use as the result of an injury or surgery or recreational use of opioid pills and progresses to heroin dependency.

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 / repository 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. Opioid education is the first and most vital step to combat the epidemic.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 25, 2018 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	October 26, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, October 26, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

In recent years, California has seen a disturbing increase in drug-impaired driving crashes. The Oxnard Police Department 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.

The deterrent effect of high visibility enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug-impaired crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, alcohol involved collisions led to 1,155 deaths and nearly 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard PD officers have investigated 606 DUI collisions which have claimed 11 lives and resulted in another 467 injuries.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing, delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving, which now accounts for a growing number of impaired driving crashes. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment effects.

Oxnard PD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve 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 safe way to get home by taxi, ride-share or public transportation. You can also look up designated driver services in your area using the National Directory of Designated Driver Services (NDDDS).
See your friend or other patron impaired trying to get behind the wheel? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to get where they are going safely.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

People are encouraged to be a part of the designated driver very important person (“DDVIP”) program. As a DDVIP, you can ensure those drinking get home safely and get rewarded for it. Partnering bars and restaurants statewide have created non-alcoholic specialty drinks (“DDrinks”) for sober drivers: http://bit.ly/OTSDDrinks.

Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving (RADD) also offers a Designated Driver Rewards program at 43 college campuses statewide: http://collegeisradd.org/campus-partners/. Local bars and restaurants provide non-alcoholic drinks and/or food specials to DD’s.

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: October 25, 2018 / 1:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Series of Indecent Exposure Incidents
DATE/TIME:	October 22, 2018 / 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Neighborhood, North Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male in his late teens or early 20’s, with a medium build, wearing a grey shirt and grey or checkered shorts with a skateboard
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7756
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 385-7756

DETAILS:

On October 22, 2018, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department was contacted regarding a Hispanic male exposing himself to females in the area of Gonzales Road and Lantana Street. Officers arrived at the scene and contacted witnesses who said that the suspect had fled from the area prior to the arrival of police.

At approximately 11:50 a.m., additional calls were received regarding similar incidents in the 1000 block of Indigo Place near Sierra Linda Park. Again, the suspect fled from the area and is still outstanding. The suspect was described as being a Hispanic male in his late teens or early 20’s, with a medium build, wearing a grey shirt and grey or checkered shorts in possession of a skateboard.

These incidents occurred in the Sierra Linda neighborhood in North Oxnard and it is believed that the suspect may have friends or family in the area. The Oxnard Police Department is asking for assistance from the public to help locate and identify the perpetrator.

If anyone has further information regarding these incidents, they are encouraged to come forward and contact Detective Mike McManama at (805) 385-7662.

You can also provide valuable information and remain anonymous by calling the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). You can also visit the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

This investigation is open and ongoing and residents are reminded to be alert and aware of their surroundings and the people around them. Frequent patrols will be conducted in the Sierra Linda neighborhood to increase the safety of the community. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they witness or become a victim of similar crimes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 22, 2018 / 9:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Firearm Arrest

DATE/TIME:

10/22/18, 4:50 p.m.

LOCATION:

2800 block of Saviers Road

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Jerlance Perkins, Port Hueneme resident, age 48

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Maroon Ford Expedition

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On 10/22/18, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of South I Street regarding a man threatening with a handgun. The suspect fled in a maroon colored Ford Expedition prior to officers arriving on scene. A description of the vehicle was broadcasted to the responding police units and a patrol officer observed a vehicle matching the description in the 2800 block of Saviers Rd.

A high risk traffic stop was conducted. Suspect Jerlance Perkins, age 48, was the driver of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 40 caliber handgun was located. Perkins was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon, 25400(a)(1) of the Penal Code. Perkins has a previous conviction for the same charge. Therefore, per the Penal Code, any subsequent arrest for the same charge is processed as a felony. An adult female passenger in the vehicle was also arrested for several outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Officers were unable to locate any brandishing victim related to the original call for service.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/22/18, 8:30 p.m.