OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department to receive the 2018 James Q. Wilson Award for excellence in community policing
DATE/TIME:	February 20, 2018
LOCATION:	Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief [email protected] (805) 385-7626

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce that it will receive the 2018 James Q. Wilson Award, for excellence in community policing.

This prestigious award is presented by the Regional Community Policing Institute – California, the California Police Chiefs Association, and the California Attorney General’s Office. The purpose of the award is to recognize California law enforcement agencies that demonstrate excellence in community policing philosophies. One California agency is selected to receive the award each year, along with two finalists.

Overall, the award is based upon the following areas:

Problem Solving – The level of agency commitment to solving public safety and disorder issues.
Partnership with the Community – The level of agency collaboration with the community while addressing public safety and disorder issues.
Partnership with Public and Private Organizations/Agencies -The level of agency collaboration with other public and private organizations/ agencies while addressing public safety and disorder issues.
Institutionalization – The extent that the Community Policing philosophy has been integrated throughout the agency (e.g. percentage of personnel involved, training, relationship to promotional processes, etc.).
Results – What have been the positive outcomes that can be linked to the chosen Community Policing Strategy and how were they determined?

Oxnard’s proposal, Turning the Tide on Crime, focused on the developing of clear agency priorities, and communicating them with not only the department, but also with the community. The five-page proposal also centered on the Oxnard Police Department’s commitment to crime reduction strategies, efforts to improve traffic safety, prioritizing problem-solving at the neighborhood level, and the importance of community partnerships/engagement.

The award will be presented during the California Police Chiefs Association Annual Training Symposium Luncheon on March 19, 2018. Chief Scott Whitney plans for the agency to be well-represented on this date, and will have a number of officers present from every level of the department, in addition to community members:

Chief Scott Whitney: “I am very proud of our officers and civilian staff at every level of the department. We are also very grateful for all of our community members that are willing to step up, partner with us and help make our city safer.”

Chief Whitney added in an email message to all members of the Police Department: “Most importantly, this award was based upon the work that you all do every day. I am very proud of this agency and everyone in it, and am very grateful for not only what you do, but how well you do it!”

The Oxnard Police Department also received this award in 2008.

More information about the James Q. Wilson award can be found at the Regional Community Policing Institute – California’s website at: https://www.rcpi-ca.org/james_q_wilson_award

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 20, 2018 / 1600 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Oxnard Police Make Arrest in Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

December 5, 2017, at approximately 11:30 P.M.

LOCATION:

300 block of North Rose Avenue, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Jesus Pizano, 26-year old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Omar Alan Tapia, 25-year old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669

[email protected]

DETAILS: (Oxnard, Calif) – Major Crimes Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department have arrested a person in connection with the murder of Oxnard resident, Jesus Pizano.

On December 5, 2017, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 300 block of North Rose Avenue. Police officers arrived on scene and located the victim, 26-year old Jesus Pizano, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Pizano was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and was listed in critical condition. Despite the life-saving efforts of the medical staff, Pizano died on December 8, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m.

Initially, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the crime scene to investigate the stabbing. Major Crimes Detectives took over the investigation upon Pizano’s death. Major Crimes Detectives diligently and thoroughly investigated the murder of Pizano to identify the person or persons responsible for his death. During the investigation, Major Crimes Detectives interviewed numerous people who provided detectives with valuable information. Detectives also located and collected important items of evidence. As the homicide investigation progressed, detectives were able to positively identify 25-year old Omar Alan Tapia, an Oxnard resident, as the person responsible for the death of Jesus Pizano.

Major Crimes Detectives worked closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation. The District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and all the information detectives obtained during the investigation. After a thorough review of the information, detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant for Tapia.

On February 21, 2018, Major Crimes Detectives arrested Tapia at Ventura County Jail and charged him with the murder of Jesus Pizano. Tapia, who was in custody on charges unrelated to the homicide investigation, will remain in custody with a bail amount of $500,000.00.

Major Crimes Detectives will continue to investigate the murder of Jesus Pizano with the possibility of additional arrests. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669. 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 21, 2018, at approximately 8:00 A.M.

Omar Alan Tapia

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man arrested on warrant had loaded rifle
DATE/TIME:	February 17, 2018 / 9:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	5400 block of Roland, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Marco Cerda, 19 year-old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 17, at approximately 9:00 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers were conducting a warrant service in the 5400 block of Roland Street. Officers observed the warrant suspect, Marco Cerda, entering a vehicle to the rear of a residence. Officers contacted Cerda and observed a .22 caliber rifle next to him in the vehicle. Officers inspected the rifle and found that the rifle was loaded. Cerda was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearms related charges.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7600. 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.

.22 Caliber Rifle

Marco Cerda, 19

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Warrant Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 17, 2018 / 12:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	300 block of W. Channel Islands Blvd, Pt. Hueneme
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gary Meza, 36 years, Oxnard resident Frank Duran, 31 years, Oxnard resident Misty Lopez, 37 years, Oxnard resident Emmanuel Estrella, 26 years, Oxnard resident Lauren Evans, 26 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Rick Marquez, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander [email protected] 805-385-8290

DETAILS:

On February 17, at approximately 12:30 a.m., officers from the Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact a wanted subject in the 300 block of west Channel Islands Blvd in Port Hueneme. Gary Meza, who was walking with an unidentified male, was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants. As officers approached Meza, he and the unidentified male fled into a hotel room at the Casa Via Mar Inn. Additional officers responded and attempted to establish contact with the subjects for over two hours without success.

Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and K-9 Unit responded to assist. Officers continued to try and establish communication with Meza and his companion and instructed them both to exit the hotel room. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to gain the cooperation of Meza and his partner, Violent Crimes Unit detectives authored a search warrant for the hotel room.

After a six hour stand-off, SWAT officers forced the hotel room door open. Meza immediately complied with officers and he was taken into custody without incident. Four additional subjects were found inside the room. Emmanuel Estrella was arrested for a violation of probation under the Post Release Offender program. Frank Duran, a documented gang member, and Lauren Evans were arrested for delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties. Misty Lopez was arrested for a violation of parole. Gary Meza was arrested for his outstanding warrants and for a violation of probation under the Post Release Offender program. Meza is also a documented gang member.

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: February 17, 2018 / 1100 hours

Gary Meza, 36

Emmanuel Estrella, 26

Misty Lopez, 37

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Parents of Missing 3-year old Kimberly Lopez Arrested for Murder

DATE:

February 14, 2018

LOCATION:

Ventura County Superior Court

VICTIM(S):

Kimberly Lopez, 3-years old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT(S):

Mayra Alejandra Chavez, 26-years old, Oxnard Resident

Omar Misael Lopez, 33-years old, Oxnard Resident

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) – After nearly a year and a half long investigation, detectives with the Oxnard Police Department announce that arrests were made in the disappearance of 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has filed murder charges against Kimberly’s parents, Mayra Alejandra Chavez and Omar Misael Lopez.

The official police investigation started on September 7, 2016. At that time, officials from Ventura County Children and Family Services (VCCFS) notified the Oxnard Police Department that 3-year old Kimberly Lopez was missing. Kimberly was last seen by a VCCFS social worker in the custody of her guardian, Omar Lopez. Guardianship was given to Omar after he completed the required classes to become the guardian of Kimberly. Mayra Chavez was granted supervised home visits with Kimberly. The visits were to be supervised by Omar and Maria Lopez, Mayra’s mother. The last reported sighting of Kimberly was during a home visit by a VCCFS social worker on March 10, 2015.

In July of 2016, VCCFS social workers received information concerning the well-being of Kimberly. Social workers made several home visits in an attempt to check on Kimberly. However, Omar and Mayra provided social workers with unverified information that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. After numerous home visits, neither Omar nor Mayra were able to provide verifiable documentation or proof that Kimberly was living with relatives in Mexico. VCCFS notified the Oxnard Police Department on September 7, 2016, that Kimberly was missing and unaccounted for. A missing person report was filed, and detectives immediately began investigating the whereabouts of Kimberly.

Also in September of 2016, VCCFS initiated a new juvenile dependency case on Kimberly, and the Ventura County Juvenile Court issued an order to take Kimberly back into protective custody once she was located.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Family Protection Unit, along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) all worked diligently in an attempt to locate missing 3-year old Kimberly Lopez. Detectives interviewed family members, friends and associates of Mayra and Omar who expressed their concern for Kimberly’s disappearance. Detectives also conducted extensive and detailed interviews with Mayra Chavez and Omar Lopez. Detectives believed that Mayra and Omar were the key to finding Kimberly.

During the police investigation and search for Kimberly, Mayra and Omar were in custody on civil arrest warrants for failing to provide accurate information on the whereabouts of Kimberly.

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to gather sufficient evidence and information to believe that Kimberly Lopez was deceased and that Mayra Chavez and Omar Lopez were responsible for her death. Detectives believe Kimberly was placed in a situation that resulted in her death while in the care and custody of Mayra and Omar.

Detectives, working closely with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, submitted police reports and other items of evidence for review. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office examined all the information obtained during the extensive police investigation. On February 14, 2018, Mayra Chavez was officially charged with murder (187 P.C.), child endangerment resulting in death (273ab (a) P.C.), and torture (206 P.C.). Omar Lopez was charged with murder (187 P.C.) and child endangerment (273a (a) P.C.). If convicted of all charges, Mayra could face a maximum of 47 years to life in prison. Omar could face a maximum of 42 years to life in prison. Mayra and Omar, who were still in custody on the civil arrest warrants and perjury charges, were arrested at Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 14, 2018 at approximately 8:00 a.m.

Mayra Alejandra Chavez

Omar Misael Lopez

Kimberly Lopez

INCIDENT:

Missing Elderly Dependent Adult

DATE/TIME:

02/11/2018; 0130 hours

LOCATION:

400 Block of South “F” Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Gabriel Santana, 89 years

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger (805) 385-7746

[email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing dependent adult. Mr. Gabriel Santana, 89 years old, walked away from his residence in the 400 Block of South “F” Street, Oxnard, around 1:30AM this morning. Mr. Santana is described as a Hispanic male, 5’-10” tall and weighs approximately 175 lbs. He was wearing a tan jacket, grey long sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. He is known to frequent the local shopping areas including Circle K at First Street and Rose Avenue, and the WalMart shopping center. If you see Mr. Santana, please contact the Oxnard Police Department dispatch center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 11, 2018 @ 1030 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

February 11, 2018 at approximately 12:00 a.m.

LOCATION:

Community Center Park, 801 Hobson Way

VICTIM(S):

African American male, 26-year old Oxnard resident; name withheld pending notification

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763

[email protected]

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Robert Valenzuela (805) 385-7645

[email protected]

DETAILS: On February 11, 2018, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a call for service of gunshots heard in Community Center Park, located at 801 Hobson Way. Police officers arrived on scene and located a shooting victim. The victim, a 26-year old African American male, was found lying on the sidewalk near the northern parking lot. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to the scene. Unfortunately, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assume the investigation. At this early stage in the investigation, detectives do not have any suspect information nor do they have a motive for the murder.

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. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Robert Valenzuela at (805) 385-7645.

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, 11 2018, at 5:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Home Invasion Robbery
DATE/TIME:	February 10, 2018, 7:55 p.m.
LOCATION:	4000 blk Terrace Avenue, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	S1 H, M, 5’6, 16-18 years, thin build. S2 H, M, 5’2, 18-25 years, heavy build
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: On February 10, 2018, at 7:55 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery where two subjects forced entry into a home in the 4000 blk of Terrace Avenue. One of the subjects brandished a firearm and demanded money from several family members. The second subject remained outside of the home acting as a look out. One of the family members gave the subject with the firearm $5.00. A second family member suffered a minor injury when S1 struck her with the firearm. Both subjects fled from the home. While fleeing S2 attempted to rob an additional victim, a pizza delivery man, that robbery was unsuccessful. The Oxnard Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit responded. The investigation is ongoing.

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:	Man arrested for being in possession of a concealed firearm
DATE/TIME:	February 9, 2018 / 1:55 p.m.
LOCATION:	5300 South J Street, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Marquez, 20 year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Rocky Marquez, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Rocky Marquez, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 9, at approximately 1:55 p.m., officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team were conducting a foot patrol in the 5300 block of South J Street, when they observed a suspicious subject attempting to conceal a firearm in his waistband. Officers contacted Jesus Marquez, who was found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun. Marquez was arrested for numerous firearms related charges.

The Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team focuses on crime and quality of life issues at the neighborhood level, with a focus on Community Policing and Problem Solving. The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. 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 (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 9, 2018 / 1600 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2017 FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Data Shows a Decrease in Oxnard Crime
DATE/TIME:	January-December 2017
LOCATION:	Citywide – City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Bureau Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Bureau Commander [email protected]; (805) 385-7620

DETAILS: The FBI gathers crime statistics from law enforcement agencies each year as part of their Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program. The UCR Program collects data on four violent crime and four property crime categories. The purpose of the program is to generate a reliable set of crime statistics for use by law enforcement. The Oxnard Police Department has been a participating UCR agency for over forty (40) years and believes it is important to share the crime data with our residents.

The police department continued to focus on crime prevention efforts in 2017 for another successful decrease in the number of crimes committed in Oxnard. The 11.1% overall decrease in crime translated to 782 crimes prevented in comparison to last year. The UCR crime categories and the reported crime data for 2016 and 2017 are listed below:

Police Chief Scott Whitney said about the reduction in overall crime:

“At the beginning of 2017, we set an ambitious goal for our organization of reducing overall Part One crime by 10%. Our officers in our neighborhoods as well as our detectives tasked with investigating these crimes shifted their focus from traditional policing methods to intelligence-led policing methods focused on two key areas: 1) Preventing crimes from ever happening, and 2) targeting chronic and repeat offenders responsible for a bulk of our crime. We believe these methods are reflected in the UCR data and are very excited to continue towards another crime reduction in 2018.”

Aggravated Assaults

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define aggravated assault as “an unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.”

Aggravated assaults decreased by 9.1% with 40 fewer aggravated assaults in 2017 as compared to 2016 statistics. Overall, aggravated assaults within the City of Oxnard have been trending downward for decades. During calendar year 1994, there were 1,073 aggravated assaults reported in the City with a population of 50,000 fewer people as compared to 398 during 2017.

Robberies

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define robbery as “The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear.”

The number of robberies increased from 429 in 2016 to 430 in 2017. Carjacking had the largest increase with a 48.1% jump from the last year. Robberies to businesses realized the largest decrease of 17.2%.

Larcenies (Thefts)

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define larceny as “an unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another.”

The crime category of larceny (theft) decreased by 10.7% overall. There were 4,309 larcenies reported during calendar year 2016 and 3,848 during 2017, a decrease of 461 incidents. The two driving forces behind the larceny crime rate continue to be Shoplifting and Thefts from Motor Vehicles, accounting for 59% of all thefts in the City of Oxnard. Larceny is responsible for 61% of the total crime picture and is the most preventable.

“We placed an emphasis on shoplifting reduction in 2017 and we’re proud of the efforts of our officers in making it happen,” stated Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard, who oversees the Investigative Services Bureau. Assistant Chief Sonstegard added, “You do not realize an 18% reduction by accident. It’s through the concerted crime prevention efforts of our property crimes investigators that we were able to put mechanisms in place to prevent these crimes from ever happening.”

Motor Vehicle Theft

For purposes of crime classification and reporting, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Justice define motor vehicle theft as “the theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle.” A motor vehicle is defined as a self-propelled vehicle that runs on land surface.

Motor vehicle theft decreased 11.8%. There were 786 motor vehicle thefts reported during calendar year 2016 and 693 during 2017, 93 fewer crimes.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 8, 2018, 2:00 PM