OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service/Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	October 24, 2018, 6:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	400 Block of West Kamala
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Aguirre, 22 year-old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez Jr., Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Comander [email protected] (805) 207-7234

DETAILS:

On October 24, 2018, at approximately 06:00 a.m., Officers with the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and K-9 unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Kamala Street, City of Oxnard. During the search warrant a firearm and ammunition was located. One of the residents, Victor Aguirre, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearms related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s is committed to reducing gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws. 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.

INCIDENT:

Barricaded Subject

DATE/TIME:

October 20, 2018, 7:24 p.m.

LOCATION:

5100 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard CA

VICTIM(S):

N/A

SUSPECT(S):

Eusebio Tavares, 40 years, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Brett A. Smith, Sergeant

[email protected]

(805) 248-9122

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Michael Velasquez, Detective

[email protected]

805-385-8287

DETAILS:

On October 20, 2018 at approximately 1924 hours, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a residence in 5100 block of Perkins Road in the City of Oxnard. A call was received regarding a possible domestic violence incident at that location. When officers arrived on scene they heard a subject, later identified as Esebio Tavares, making statements and yelling that lead officers to believe additional occupants were inside the residence and were being held against their will.

The Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Team, Crisis Negotiation Team and Neighborhood Policing Team responded to assist with the incident. Officers were able to establish communication with Tavares. Shortly thereafter, Tavares became non-compliant and discontinued any communications. Tavares refused to follow any commands by officers and barricaded himself in the residence. After several hours Tavares ultimately surrendered to waiting officers. It was found that Tavares was the sole occupant of the residence and found to be under the influence of a controlled substance. Tavares was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance and not complying with the officers on scene.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Michael Velasquez at (805) 385-8287. 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 www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 21, 2018 / 0130 Hours

INCIDENT:

Juvenile Gang Member in Possession of a Loaded Firearm, Ammunition, Cocaine and Xanax for Sale

DATE/TIME:

October 19^th, 2018 / 9:30 p.m.

LOCATION:

Cypress Road and Pleasant Valley Road

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

17 Year Old Juvenile, 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 October 19^th, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. The vehicle stopped near the intersection of Cypress Road and Pleasant Valley Road in the City of Oxnard. The right front passenger, a 17 year old juvenile, was asked to provide identification and was found to have a small bag of cocaine in his left hand. The juvenile was then arrested for possession of cocaine. During a search incident to arrest of the vehicle for additional contraband, the juvenile was found in possession of a loaded .25 caliber Raven handgun, approximately one ounce of marijuana, approximately 200 Xanax pills, a gram scale and several hundred dollars of cash in mixed denominations indicative of controlled substance sales.

After the juvenile was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Hall Facility, Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search at the juvenile’s residence in the south end of Oxnard. During the search of the juvenile’s bedroom, additional large quantities of Xanax, .25 caliber ammunition, almost two pounds of marijuana and a gun cleaning kit were located.

The juvenile is a known gang member in the City of Oxnard. The juvenile was arrested for numerous firearms violations, possession of cocaine and possession of Xanax for sale.

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: October 19^th, 2018 / 11:55 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:

October 19, 2018; 8:37 p.m.

LOCATION:

800 Block S. “A” Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Luis Diego, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

[email protected]

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On October 19, 2018, at about 8:37PM, a motor officer with the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a silver 2015 Honda Civic for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle was previously reported stolen in Oxnard. The driver, Luis Diego, was arrested without incident for the unlawful taking of a vehicle (a felony), and additional charges.

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: 10/19/18, 2330 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Teen Driver Safety Week
DATE/TIME:	October 21-27, 2018
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Rules for the Road:

Week Dedicated to Teaching Teen Drivers How to be Safe behind the Wheel

National Teen Driver Safety Week is Oct. 21-27

Next week is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and the Oxnard Police Department wants to remind parents and guardians the importance of talking to their teen drivers about new responsibilities and rules that come with operating a vehicle.

The reality is that vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens ages 15 to 18. According to data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 73,736 crashes in 2016 involving drivers 16 to 20 years old in California alone. In those crashes, 437 people were killed.

Throughout the week (Oct. 21-27), the Oxnard Police Department will join the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) in offering tips to parents and caregivers on how to talk to teens about the consequences of making dangerous and illegal choices behind the wheel.

Graduated Driver License (GDL): Learn about California’s GDL laws, which place restrictions on passengers and driving late at night during the first year they have a license.
Lead by example: Practice safe driving yourself. Have practice driving sessions with your teen.
Set Ground Rules: No cell phones, no passengers, no speeding, no alcohol, no drowsy driving, and always buckle up. No keys until they know the rules. Establish consequences you will enforce if your teen breaks the rules.
With driving comes great responsibility: Remind your teen that driving requires your full attention. Texts and phone calls can wait. Teach them about zero-tolerance laws and the adult consequences they face for driving after drinking or using drugs. Urge them to never ride with someone who has been drinking or using drugs.

To learn more about teen driver safety, visit the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) website at http://ghsa.org/html/issues/teens/index.html.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 19, 2018 / 3:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force Continues Its Enforcement; #NotThisCar!
DATE/TIME:	10/17/18, 10:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Ninth Street
SUSPECT(S):	Rubiel Juarez-Garcia, 27 years old Joseph Garcia, 25 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Enrique Alvarez, Detective [email protected] or (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 10/17/18 at approximately 10:30 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a previously reported stolen truck traveling southbound on Ventura Road approaching Ninth Street. Detectives stopped the vehicle and arrested Rubiel Juarez-Garcia, 27 years old.

One of the detectives involved in the arrest of Juarez-Garcia, was working a burglary case where surveillance footage had captured an image of the suspect. The detective recognized Juarez-Garcia as the person in the surveillance footage. Juarez-Garcia was ultimately charged with burglary, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and an outstanding felony warrant. This is Juarez-Garcia’s THIRD arrest for vehicle theft in the last couple months.

Today, 10/18/18 at 2:32 a.m., an officer located an occupied stolen vehicle near the intersection of Del Sur Way and La Costa Place. The suspect, Joseph Garcia, 25 years old, fled from the vehicle as officers approached. Garcia was located after a yard-to-yard search and taken into custody for vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.

To combat the increase in vehicle theft throughout the city, the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Detectives came up with 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 will work closely with the District Attorney’s Office for greater prosecution of repeat offenders, suspects arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be charged with DUI, use of theft deterrent stickers will be offered to vehicle owners and officers will be 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: 10/18/18, 5:02 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Investigators Make an Arrest in Oxnard’s 13th Homicide of 2018

DATE/TIME:

October 18, 2018, at 10:15 a.m.

LOCATION:

Intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Jorge Gonzalez Tejada 23 year-old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Gerardo Miguel Rodriguez-Grajeda 33 year-old, Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805)385-7763

[email protected]

FOLLOW UP MEDIA CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Scott Aaron (805)385-7763

[email protected]

Commander Sharon Giles (805)385-7620

[email protected]

DETAILS:

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested Gerardo Miguel Rodriguez-Grajeda for the murder of 23-year old Oxnard resident, Jorge Gonzalez Tejada.

On September 23, 2018, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the intersection of Fifth Street and Meta Street regarding an injury traffic collision. When police officers arrived, Mr. Tejeda was found lying in the intersection with injuries consistent with being struck by a vehicle. Mr. Tejeda was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) where he passed away due to his injuries.

Major Crimes investigators worked diligently and thoroughly, investigating the suspicious death of Mr. Tejeda and identified the person responsible. Through the course of the investigation, Investigators learned Mr. Tejada was intentionally struck and killed by the vehicle driven by the registered owner, Rodriguez-Grajeda.

On October 18, 2018, Major Crimes investigators arrested Rodriguez-Grajeda at the Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of Mr. Tejeda. Rodriguez-Grajeda, who was in custody on charges unrelated to the homicide investigation, will remain in custody at the Ventura County Jail on a bail amount of $750,000.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who video recorded or photographed all or part of this incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators through the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/fifthandmeta. You can provide the video or photographs and remain anonymous.

The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Investigators are asking the public to come forward if anyone has witnessed this incident. The public is asked to contact Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688. 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 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 18, 2018, at 11:30 a.m.

Gerardo Rodriguez-Grajeda

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Stolen Vehicle Arrests

DATE/TIME:

October 17, 2018; 7:44 p.m.

LOCATION:

Kohala Street and Latigo Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Jessica Castro, 27-year-old Oxnard resident

Nicole Rasalan, 41-year-old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

(805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On October 17, 2018, at approximately 7:44 p.m., a patrol officer spotted and stopped a stolen 2013 Honda Accord at the intersection of Kohala Street and Latigo Avenue. The driver, 27-year-old Jessica Castro, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, 10851 of the Vehicle Code. The passenger, 41-year-old Nicole Rasalan, was arrested for receiving a stolen motor vehicle, 496d(a) of the Vehicle Code. Both offenses are 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: 10/17/18, 2300 hours

Castro, Jessica Rasalan, Nicole

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2018 K-9 Trials
DATE/TIME:	October 12-14, 2018
LOCATION:	Lake Las Vegas, Nevada
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Departments K-9 Unit participated in the annual K-9 Trials this past weekend at Lake Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was sponsored by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The annual event brings K-9 units from around the country and abroad to compete and showcase their skills, in Obedience, Handler Protection, Narcotic detection, Explosive detection and Agility. This year’s participants reached its pinnacle as the largest contingency of K-9 teams (66), in the events 28-year history.

The Oxnard Police Departments K-9 Unit, Senior Officer Daniel Casson/ K-9 Capone, Officer Robert Caston/ K-9 KOA, and Officer Moses Martinez/ K-9 LEO competed at the highest level of the competition earning several awards: First Place Handler Protection & Building Search; Second Place Handler Protection; Third Place Area Search & Handler Protection, and the coveted Top Dog and Top Agency.

The K-9 Trials were funded through the Oxnard Community K-9 Foundation. The Foundation was established in 1980 and has been a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization since 1995. The Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit relies on support from the community, through donations and various annual fundraising events. The Foundation covers the purchase cost of the police service dogs, training for the K-9 teams throughout their career, off-duty care, equipment, food, and medical costs for retired police service dogs. We are always looking for support, whether it’s donating your time at a fundraiser or providing financial support, you will be proud to know you are directly supporting public safety. Congratulations OPD K-9 Unit.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 16, 2018 / 1:00 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Brandishing / Possession of a Loaded Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/14/18; 5:40PM
LOCATION:	1800 Block La Puerta Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Villalobos, 27 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide [email protected] 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On October 14, 2018 at about 5:20PM, officers responded to a radio call regarding a brandishing of a firearm. During the investigation, Oxnard Police Officers located the suspect vehicle driving in the area. Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop and contacted the driver, Jose Villalobos. During the investigation, officers located a loaded firearm in the vehicle.

Jose Villalobos, a 27 year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for brandishing a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, both misdemeanors.

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). You can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 14, 2018 / 7:15PM