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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon armed with loaded gun and possessing drugs arrested
DATE/TIME:	March 10, 2018, @ 6:30 P.M
LOCATION:	Robert Avenue @ C Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Hector Duran, 30 year old Oxnard resident Yovani Ramirez, 34 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On March 10, 2018, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Robert Avenue and C Street. Officers arrested Hector Duran for several outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants.

Upon further investigation, officers discovered that Yovani Ramirez was on probation for sales of illegal narcotics. His search terms were invoked and officers found a large amount of packaged methamphetamine, a loaded handgun and additional items belonging to Ramirez in the vehicle. Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of narcotic sales and being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm and ammunition.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang 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. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime. 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: March 10, 2018, / 9:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle pursuit suspects discard loaded gun
DATE/TIME:	March 10, 2018, @ 2;30 A.M
LOCATION:	Fuente Drive @ Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Arturo Suarez, 23 year old Oxnard resident Manuel Tejeda, 25 year old Oxnard resident Jacob Steir, 20 year old Oxnard resident Franco Yordano, 26 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On March 10, 2018, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Third Street and Marquita Street. The vehicle was occupied by four male subjects.

The driver of the vehicle refused to yield and a police pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended when the driver of the suspect car slowed in the 1300 block of Fuente Drive and 3 of the 4 occupants fled into the neighborhood. The suspect who remained in the vehicle was apprehended without incident. The vehicle had a minor collision with a parked car at the end of the pursuit.

With the combined assistance of the public, VCSO helicopter and an Oxnard Police Canine all the remaining suspects were located and arrested. It was found that the suspects had discarded a loaded firearm during the pursuit. Officers located that firearm during their search.

All four suspects were charged with crimes that include resisting arrest, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, felony and misdemeanor warrants and parole violations.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 10, 2018, / 8:00 p.m.

Yordano Franco

Jacob Steir

Arturo Suarez

Manuel Tejeda

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Armed Robberies
DATE/TIME:	March 5, 2018, 4:24 pm 5:32 pm 6:21 pm
LOCATION:	1650 E. Gonzales Dr., Oxnard First St. and E St., Oxnard 105 W. Fifth St., Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Heavy set male adult/dark hair
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective [email protected] (805) 288-3289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective [email protected] (805) 288-3289

DETAILS: On March 5, 2018 at 4:24 pm, Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery in the 1600 Block of E. Gonzales. At 5:32 pm, Oxnard police officers responded to a second robbery with a firearm at First St. and E St and a third robbery a short time later at Oxnard Drug Store located at 105 W. Fifth St. In each of the robberies a firearm was reported by the victims as being used as the suspect demanded property. The suspect was described as a heavy set male with short dark hair. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded and it is believed that all three incidents are related.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-5-18 / 10:27 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Fatal Traffic Collision Involving a Motorcyclist

DATE/TIME:

March 3, 2018 / 6:17 p.m.

LOCATION:

Victoria Avenue @ Monaco Drive

VEHICLES:

2005 Black Suzuki GSXR (Motorcycle)

2006 Silver Honda Accord

DRIVERS:

58-year-old male, Oxnard resident (motorcyclist)

29-year-old male, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Denise Shadinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Officer Adam Aguilar (805)385-7750

[email protected]

**Update – See below for original news release details**

The motorcyclist was transported to a local hospital in grave condition. Despite life saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. He has been identified as a 58-year-old Oxnard resident. His identity will be released by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office once family members have been notified.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-4-18 / 4:15 p.m.

DETAILS:

On March 3, 2018, at approximately 6:17 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision on Victoria Avenue and Monaco Dr. When officers arrived they located an unidentified motorcyclist in the roadway suffering from serious injuries. The motorcyclist was transported to a nearby medical center by ambulance and is in grave condition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, officers determined that the motorcyclist had been traveling northbound on Victoria Avenue approaching the intersection of Monaco Dr. A silver 2006 Honda Accord, driven by a 29-year-old Oxnard resident, was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue and attempted to make a U-turn in the intersection when it was struck by the motorcycle. Neither the driver of the Honda nor its two passengers were injured in the collision.

It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were involved. The collision is still under investigation.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-3-18 / 11:50 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police Announce the Arrest of Three Suspects for Multiple Homicides and Robberies

DATE/TIME:

May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 P.M.

May 16, 2017, between 9-9:30 P.M.

LOCATION:

300 block of North G Street, Oxnard

5400 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Aaron Austin, 29-years old, Oxnard resident

Eduardo Leon, 23-years old, Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Joel Montijo, 22-year old Oxnard resident

Joseph Martinez, 19-year old Oxnard resident

David Flores, 20-year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

Black 2000’s Model BMW

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

DETAILS:

(Oxnard, Calif) – Oxnard Police Chief Scott Whitney announced the arrest of three individuals suspected of murdering 29-year old Aaron Austin and 23-year old Eduardo Leon, both from Oxnard. Arrested for the murders were 22-year old Joel Montijo, 19-year old Joseph Martinez, and 20-year old David Flores. All three suspects are Oxnard residents. The murders took place on May 16, 2017.

The first homicide occurred on May 16, 2017, at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the 300 block of North G Street. Oxnard police officers responded to the report of a shooting victim. Upon their arrival, they located a 29-year old male, identified as Aaron Austin, suffering from gunshot wounds. Austin was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) by ambulance. Unfortunately, Austin was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

While this investigation was still in its initial stages, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of another shooting victim. On May 17, 2017, at approximately 5:30 a.m., residents in the 5400 block of Perkins Road called the police department after they found a shooting victim lying in the west alley. Police officers responded and located the shooting victim, a 23-year old male, identified as Eduardo Leon. EMS personnel arrived on scene and declared the victim deceased. During this investigation, police officers and detectives spoke to several residents who said they heard gunshots or fireworks the previous evening (May 16, 2017) but did not report it to the police.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to both homicides and began to diligently investigate both cases and follow up on all leads. Detectives developed information on both cases that led detectives to determine that both of these homicides were committed by the same suspect(s). Additionally, detectives uncovered video surveillance recordings that captured, what detectives believe, was a vehicle associated with the suspect(s) in the homicides.

Detectives reviewed the surveillance video and strongly believed that the suspect vehicle was a dark colored 2000’s compact BMW sedan. This determination was made based on the various mechanical characteristics of the vehicle, including the location of the different exterior lights on the car.

As the investigation evolved, detectives identified a potential suspect named Joel Randy Montijo. Montijo was identified as a suspect based on fingerprint evidence located at the crime scene on North G Street. Detectives researched Montijo’s background and his acquaintances. Detectives learned that Montijo regularly associated with 20-year old David Flores and 19-year old Joseph Martinez. Detectives also learned that Martinez was the owner of a black 2000’s model BMW.

Detectives moved forward on the investigation by serving search warrants and conducting countless interviews. Detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence to conclusively determine that all three suspects were involved in the murders of Aaron Austin and Eduardo Leon. Detectives also believed that the motive for the murders was robbery. While investigating the homicide cases, detectives identified two additional armed robberies that involved multiple suspects. These robberies occurred the same night as the murders.

Detectives investigated the robberies and learned that the victims were robbed of their cellphones and money at gunpoint. One robbery occurred at approximately 9:20 p.m. in the 3500 block of Samuel Avenue. The second robbery occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the 5400 block of Roland Way, which is in the same general vicinity where Eduardo Leon was killed. Detectives believed that Montijo, Martinez, and Flores committed these robberies.

During the investigation, the detectives worked closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives shared all evidence and information gathered with the District Attorney’s Office during the nine month long investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office advised detectives that there was sufficient evidence to obtain arrest warrants for Montijo, Martinez, and Flores for the murders of Aaron Austin and Eduardo Leon, as well as two armed robberies that were committed the same night as the murders.

On February 23, 2018, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Major Crimes Detectives obtained signed arrest warrants for the three suspects. Detectives directed officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) to arrest Montijo and Martinez. Montijo and Martinez were arrested at approximately 8:00 p.m. the same night without incident. At the time of his arrest, Martinez was driving his black BMW sedan. The BMW was impounded as evidence. On February 26, 2018, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Major Crimes Detectives arrested Flores at the Ventura County Jail. Flores was in custody on firearms possession charges, unrelated to the homicide investigations. If found guilty on all charges, all three suspects face a potential sentence of death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The arrest of the three suspects is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the officers and detectives of the Oxnard Police Department. Several allied agencies also provided a great deal of assistance with the investigations. They include the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ventura office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000.00 reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases. Although police have arrested suspects in the senseless murders of Aaron Austin and Eduardo Leon, detectives will continue their investigation. Detectives ask that anyone with information on these murders to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. 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: February 28, 2018, at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Aaron Austin Eduardo Leon

Joel Montijo Joseph Martinez David Flores

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	February 24, 2018 / 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
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 Saturday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI checkpoints 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, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver. Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 618 DUI collisions, which have claimed eight lives and resulted in another 389 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.

Recent statistics reveal 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. 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.

Law Enforcement emphasizes the preventable nature of drunk driving reminding everyone that all it takes is a little planning ahead. Designate a sober driver or call a cab. But whatever you do, don’t drink and drive. The California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched last year, the new DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

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, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 23, 2018 / 9:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Person Arrested with a Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	February 23, 2018 @ 12:39 a.m.
LOCATION:	Carty Drive @ Robert Avenue, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Joseph Perez, 22 year-old, Oxnard resident Reuben Vaca 23 year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant [email protected]

DETAILS:

On February 23, 2018, at approximately 12:39 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Carty Drive and Robert Avenue for a traffic violation.

Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and learned that a passenger, Joseph Perez (22 year old Oxnard resident), was on active probation with search terms and had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. During a search incident to arrest, Officers discovered that Perez possessed methamphetamine concealed inside his clothing. Perez was arrested for his warrant and for possession of a controlled substance.

An additional passenger, Reuben Vaca (23 year old Oxnard resident), was found to have a loaded firearm concealed in his waist band and was arrested for felony charges related to the possession of the firearm.

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.

Joseph Perez

Rueben Vaca

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 23 2018 / 3:45 A.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Pursuit Leads to Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 22, 2018 / 5:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	San Gorgonio Avenue @ Driskill Street
VICTIM:	State of California
SUSPECT:	Alejandro De La Cruz, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Brown Saturn Sedan (stolen)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez (805) 385-7650 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2018, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 500 block of Cooper Road reference a theft of a vehicle that just occurred. Officers contacted the owner of the vehicle and learned that the vehicle was left unattended with the engine running. Approximately 15 minutes later, a detective from the Oxnard Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force observed the vehicle being driven in the area of Sarita Drive and First Street. Responding officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver led officers on a brief pursuit. At the conclusion of the pursuit, the vehicle collided into three parked vehicles at the intersection of San Gorgonio Avenue and Driskill Street where it became disabled. The driver, suspect Alejandro De La Cruz, fled from the vehicle on foot but was apprehended by officers a short distance away.

Suspect De La Cruz was arrested for and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and evading the police. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail. De La Cruz was previously arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and evading police in 2016.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department encourages community members to never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running, lock their vehicles and use anti-theft devices to help secure their vehicles.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/22/18 / 2200 hours