OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant / Gun Arrest / Child Endangerment
DATE/TIME:	March 21, 2018, 5:00 AM
LOCATION:	200 block E. Sixth Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Jonathan Gabriel Merino, 21 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant [email protected] (805) @48-9122

DETAILS:

On March 21, 2018, Officers and Investigators from the Oxnard Police Departments Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and K-9 Unit served a search warrant in the 200 block of E. Sixth Street, Oxnard. The warrant was in response to recent violent robberies where a gun was used or brandished during the commission of a robbery. During the search of the residence officers found 3 handguns. One of the handguns was found in a child’s toy chest. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oxnard Police Department 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.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

March 20, 2018, 4:03 p.m.

LOCATION:

1300 Block of Huntswood Drive, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown Male

PREPARED BY:

John Brisslinger

[email protected] (805) 486-6297

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

John Brisslinger

[email protected] (805) 486-6297

DETAILS: On March 20th, 2018, at 4:03 p.m., Oxnard Police officers and EMS personnel responded to a shooting victim in the 1300 block of Huntswood Drive. Officers located a 27 year old male who sustained a single gunshot wound to his lower left leg. The victim was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center and is listed in stable condition. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the scene and are actively investigating the incident. At this point in the investigation, detectives do not know a motive for the shooting.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

March 19, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m.

LOCATION:

1000 block of West Gonzales Rd., north alley

VICTIM(S):

Hispanic male, 44-year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Steven Ramirez (805) 385-7760

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On March 19, 2018, at approximately 1 p.m., Oxnard police officers and EMS personnel responded to a wounded person in the north alley in the 1000 block of West Gonzales Road. EMS arrived on scene and located the wounded person laying in the alley. The victim, a 44-year old Hispanic male and Oxnard resident, had been shot. The victim was placed in an ambulance and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in critical condition.

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) and the Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene to take over the investigation. At this point in the investigation, detectives do not know a motive for the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Steven Ramirez at (805) 385-7760. 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: March 19, 2018, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Injury Traffic Collision at Costco
DATE/TIME:	March 19, 2018 / 11:35 a.m.
LOCATION:	Costco 2001 Ventura Blvd. Oxnard, Ca
DRIVER:	86 year-old Oxnard resident
VEHICLE:	1989 Buick Regal
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer Michael Wood (805)385-7750

DETAILS:

On Monday, March 19, 2018, at approximately 11:35 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a traffic collision at the Oxnard Costco, located at 2001 Ventura Blvd.

When officers arrived they discovered that a white 1989 Buick Regal, driven by an 86 year-old Oxnard resident, drove through the entrance to the business and collided with six pedestrians. The vehicle came to rest inside of the business after striking a large merchandise display rack.

The injuries to the pedestrians ranged from minor to moderate. Two of the injured parties were transported to local hospitals by ambulance and treated for their injuries.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene and indicated to officers that he inadvertently placed his car into reverse and accelerated while attempting to park his vehicle in the store’s parking lot. Drugs and/or alcohol are not believed to have been involved. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured. The collision is still under investigation.

Anyone who may have witnessed or had information regarding the collision is asked to contact Officer Michael Wood at (805)385-7750 or via email [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-19-18 / 2:00 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Shooting Victim

DATE/TIME:

March 18, 2018, 1:39 p.m.

LOCATION:

200 Block Anita Ave, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):

3-4 Hispanic males, early to late teens.

PREPARED BY:

John Brisslinger

[email protected] (805) 486-6297

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Carey Everhart

[email protected] (805) 486-6228

DETAILS: On March 18th, 2018, at 1:39 p.m., Oxnard Police officers responded to the 200 block of Anita Avenue. Officers located a 17 year old shooting victim who sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest. The victim was transported to VCMC and is listed in stable condition. The suspects were described as three to four Hispanic males that were last seen in an unknown direction in the alley of Anita Avenue.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/18/18, 1630 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

This St. Paddy’s Day, Don’t Rely on the Luck o’ the Irish

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

Oxnard, CA — St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular holidays in the United States. With a plethora of Irish immigrants—and many, many more St. Paddy’s Day well-wishers, the holiday is heavily celebrated by most Americans with friendly pinches, bangers n’ mash, and green beer galore. Sadly, all this merry-making can lead to dangerous driving conditions as party-goers head home.

In 2016 alone, 60 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes over the St. Paddy’s Day holiday period (6 p.m. March 16 to 5:59 a.m. March 18) nationwide. The selfish act of drinking and driving can rip people from their friends and loved ones forever. For this reason, the Oxnard Police Department is working to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving. Even one drink can be one too many. If you’re heading out for the Irish festivities, plan ahead and remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

During the holiday weekend, the Oxnard Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI Saturation Patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. In addition, on Saturday, March 17, 2018, the Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a Driver’s License and Sobriety Checkpoint during the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

Police, Sheriff, and the CHP will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. 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.

In recent years, California has seen an 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 use can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Remember: It’s not just about you. There are other people on the roads who want to get where they are going safely. Don’t let alcohol and or drug impairment cause you to be a risk to yourself and others on the road. Impaired driving is an act of selfishness. Before you put your keys in the ignition, remind yourself: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If you feel a buzz, you are in no shape to drive.

The Oxnard Police Department recommends the following safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

First: Always remember to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take that role seriously—your friends are relying on you.
There are many other ways to ensure a safe ride home besides relying on a friend. The OTS DDVIP app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. The app offers enhanced features, allowing users to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Additionally, the app users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb.
Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
Always remember to report drunk drivers – call 911.

This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

The next DUI campaign is set for Cinco de Mayo.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 16, 2018 / 8:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

UPDATE: Homicide Suspect Arrested

DATE/TIME:

March 15, 2018 10:30 am

LOCATION:

6500 block of Ventura Boulevard, Ventura

VICTIM(S):

Ryan Switzer, 33-year old, White male

SUSPECT(S):

Jonathan Fuentes, 21-year old, Hispanic male

PREPARED BY:

Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On March 15, 2018, at approximately 7:00 a.m., information was received from community members about the location of wanted subject Jonathan Fuentes. This information led officers from both the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura Police Department to the area of the Motel-6, located on Johnson Drive, in the City of Ventura. Officers began searching the area and at approximately 9:30 a.m., Fuentes was located in the 6500 Block of Ventura Boulevard and taken into custody without incident.

The victim has been identified as 33-year old Ryan Switzer. Switzer was the brother-in-law of Jonathan Fuentes. Both parties lived in the same residence on Deodar Avenue in the City of Oxnard. Detectives believe that Switzer and Fuentes were involved in a family dispute prior to the shooting. Major Crimes Detectives are on still on scene at the location of the homicide.

Detectives will continue to investigate the incident. Detectives encourage anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (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: March 15, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

Jonathan Fuentes

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police are Searching for Homicide Suspect

DATE/TIME:

March 14, 2018 at approximately 9 .p.m.

LOCATION:

300 block of West Deodar Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Name being withheld

SUSPECT(S):

Jonathan Fuentes, 21-year old, Hispanic male

PREPARED BY:

Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Miguel Serrato (805) 385-7688

[email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is searching for a suspect wanted in connection with a homicide investigation. The homicide occurred on March 14, 2018, at approximately 9 p.m., in the 300 block of West Deodar Avenue. Witnesses have identified the suspect as 21-year old Jonathan Fuentes (see picture below). Fuentes is described as a light-skinned Hispanic male with a thin build, 6’-1”, approximately 150 pounds, short black hair, brown eyes, wears eyeglasses, thin mustache, a small amount of hair on his chin, and wearing a black jacket. Police consider Fuentes to be armed and dangerous. If anyone in the community sees Fuentes, you are not to directly contact him. Immediately dial 911.

Major Crimes Detectives are on scene and are in the beginning stages of the investigation. Detectives do not believe the motive for the murder is gang-related.

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Jonathan Fuentes, you are asked to call Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688 or the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 15, 2018 at 1:30 a.m.

Jonathan Fuentes

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Armed Robbery

DATE/TIME:

3/14/18, 8:02 p.m.

LOCATION:

4200 block Saviers Rd.

VICTIM(S):

Undisclosed

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

LOSS:

Undisclosed

PREPARED BY:

Robin Whitney, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Robin Whitney, Patrol Watch Commander

(805) 385-7771

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On 3/14/18, at approximately 8:02 p.m., an armed suspect entered Mariachi Grill, in the 4200 block of Saviers Rd. confronted an employee at gunpoint and demanded money. The employee handed over an undisclosed amount of currency. The suspect fled in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as a Hispanic, Male, 20-25 years old, 5-6, 140 lbs., black hooded sweatshirt, with a black bandana covering his face.

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 at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/14/18, 2200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Subject
DATE/TIME:	3/14/18 2:35 p.m.
LOCATION:	3600 block of South E Street
VICTIM:	State of California
SUSPECT:	Mario Sanchez, 39 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Stolen Motorcycle
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda [email protected] (805) 766-5760

DETAILS:

On March 14, 2018, at 2:35 p.m., Detective Enrique Alvarez observed Mario Sanchez in the 3600 block of South E Street riding a motorcycle. Alvarez knew that Sanchez had an outstanding felony warrant for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle. Uniformed officers attempted to contact Sanchez but he fled into a residence.

Officers made numerous announcements for Sanchez to exit his residence but he refused. His family was evacuated and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to assist. Officers continued attempts to establish communication with Sanchez without success.

Sanchez refused to exit his residence and chemical agents were introduced in the house. Sanchez ultimately exited but continued to be uncooperative and was apprehended by the police canine.

During further investigation, officers determined that the motorcycle Sanchez was riding had previously been reported stolen out of the City of Oxnard.

Sanchez was medically cleared at a local hospital and was booked into the Ventura County Jail for possession of a stolen motorcycle, resisting arrest and an outstanding felony warrant.

Mario Sanchez

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 14, 2018 7:50 pm