OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Woman robbed by man with gun
DATE/TIME:	January 24, 2018, 7:00 pm
LOCATION:	4000 blk Tradewinds Drive, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Male adult/dark hair/dark clothing
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 January 24, 2018 at 7:00 pm, Oxnard police officers responded to a robbery with a firearm in the 4000 blk of Tradewinds Drive. Officers located the victim and learned the subject fled prior to their arrival. The subject took several items of the victim’s property and was last seen leaving the area in an unknown type vehicle.

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:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	January 25, 2018 / 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Operation Planned in Oxnard

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Operation on Thursday, January 25, 2018, with focused enforcement on collision causing factors involving motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

The Oxnard Police Department has mapped out locations over the past three (3) years where pedestrian and bike collisions have occurred along with the violations that led to those crashes. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas where bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic crashes occur in an effort to lower deaths and injuries.

Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers, bike riders, and pedestrians alike that can lead to life-changing injuries. Special attention will be directed toward drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to stop for signs and signals, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or any other dangerous violation.

Additionally, enforcement will be taken for observed violations when pedestrians cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped and citations issued when they fail to follow the same traffic laws that apply to motorists. All riders are reminded to always wear a helmet – those under 18 years of age must wear helmets by law. Pedestrians should cross the street only in marked crosswalks or at corners.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising in California as more people use these non-motorized means of transportation. Locally, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated 11 fatal and 489 injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists during the past three (3) years. In 2013, California witnessed 701 pedestrians and 141 bicyclists killed, accounting for more than 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.

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: January 24, 2018 / 5:30 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felons in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition
DATE/TIME:	January 22, 2018, 0004 hours
LOCATION:	1719 S. Oxnard Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	George Glass (age 24) Christian Andrade (age 26)
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7746

DETAILS:

On 1/22/18, at approximately 0004 hours, several Oxnard Police Officers were conducting a foot patrol at the apartment complex located at 1719 S. Oxnard Blvd. when they detained two suspicious subjects seen leaving the apartment complex. The subjects were identified as George Glass (age 24) and Christian Andrade (age 26).

During a search of suspect George Glass, a high capacity handgun magazine fell to the ground. As Officers continued the search, they subsequently located a handgun in Glass’ waistband. Glass is a convicted felon and was arrested for being a felon in possession of firearm with a prior conviction, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of a firearm in a public place, and possession a high capacity magazine. During a search of Andrade’s property, he was found to be in possession of ammunition and small quantity of heroin. Andrade is a convicted felon and was arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition and possession of a controlled substance.

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: January 22, 2018/ 0200 hours

George Glass

Christian Andrade

INCIDENT:

Person Arrested with a Loaded Shotgun

DATE/TIME:

January 21, 2018 @ 10:05 a.m.

LOCATION:

5200 Block of S. “J” Street

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Benjamin Herrera, 19 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger; 385-7746

[email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 21, 2018, at approximately 10:00AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to an apartment complex located in the 5200 block of S. “J” Street in Oxnard reference a subject sleeping in a vacant apartment while in possession of a shotgun.

Officers entered the apartment and detained the subject, 19 year old Benjamin Herrera, without incident. A loaded shotgun was located adjacent to Herrera. Herrera was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest; he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Herrera was arrested on two felony charges and two misdemeanor charges including burglary, possession of a dangerous substance while in possession of a firearm, and probation violations related to possessing a firearm.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at 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: January 21, 2018 / 2:30 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man arrested with drugs and loaded stolen gun
DATE/TIME:	January 20, 2018 @ 5:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Blvd. @ Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Torres, 31 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robert Flinn [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 20, 2018, at approximately 5:15 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Oxnard Boulevard and Gonzales Road.

Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle who was identified as Carlos Torres. Officers determined Torres to be under the influence of a controlled substance and he was arrested. During a search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded 9mm handgun within arm’s reach of a four year old child in the back seat. The gun was later found to be stolen from a burglary in Oxnard in 2009. Officers additionally found narcotics in the vehicle belonging to the suspect.

Suspect Torres was arrested on four felony charges and four misdemeanor charges ranging from child endangerment, possession of stolen property, under the influence with a firearm and being in possession of a concealed loaded firearm in a vehicle.

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.

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: January 20, 2018 / 7:30 P.M

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious injury hit and run traffic collision involving a pedestrian
DATE/TIME:	January 20, 2018 / 10:25 a.m.
LOCATION:	Ventura Road north of Devonshire Drive, Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	Jason Gonzalez, 30-year-old Oxnard resident
VEHICLE:	Black newer model midsize vehicle similar to a Chevy Camaro
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpdorg
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 20, 2018, at approximately 10:25 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a hit and run collision involving a pedestrian which occurred in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road north of Devonshire Drive. When officers arrived, they discovered a 30-year-old male pedestrian in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was identified as Jason Gonzalez of Oxnard. He sustained major injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that Gonzalez was walking northbound along the west curb line of Ventura Road and was struck by a black newer model midsize vehicle similar to a Chevy Camaro. The vehicle was described as having dark tinted windows and should have damage to the right front quarter panel as a result of the collision. After the pedestrian was struck, the vehicle was seen fleeing the area southbound on Ventura Road.

It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were involved. The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) involved in hit and run traffic collisions. You can 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.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 20, 2018 / 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint/Enforcement Saturation Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, January 19, 2018 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Friday, January 19, 2018, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard south of Spur Drive. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol-related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

Additional officers conducted a DUI saturation patrol throughout the city.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

959 vehicles through
737 drivers screened
Five DUI investigations
Four DUI alcohol arrests
One DUI alcohol/drug arrest
One misdemeanor warrant arrest
One citation issued to unlicensed driver
Five total citations issued
Two vehicles towed

The DUI saturation patrol resulted in the following:

Eight DUI investigations
Four DUI alcohol arrests
One DUI drug arrest
One citation issued to an unlicensed driver
14 total citations issued
One vehicle towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7750 or via e-mail at [email protected].

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police K9 Suddenly Passes Away
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2018 @ 7 PM
PREPARED BY:	Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Brett Smith, Police Sergeant [email protected] (805) 248-9122

DETAILS:

It is with great sadness that the Oxnard Police Department announces the sudden passing of one of its police service dogs, K9 Jax.

On Wednesday, January 17, 2018, Jax began showing symptoms of an illness during regularly scheduled training. Jax was taken to a local veterinary hospital, and following a series of procedures, it was discovered that the 5 ½ year-old Belgian Malinois had a large, inoperable tumor near his heart and lungs. The tumor was bleeding, further compounding his condition, and impeding his lung function. Surrounded by his partner/handling officer, family, and friends, Jax succumbed to his illness.

“With Jax’s passing, we have lost a beloved family member of the Oxnard Police Department” said Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites. “Our K9 officers are tightly bonded with their canine partners, who work tirelessly to help protect our community. Jax will be missed by many. Please keep Jax, his handler, and their family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

Jax began his service with the Oxnard Police Department in 2013. He was known as a driven and determined award-winning K9. Jax’s most recent public appearance was in the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade on the Lucy Pet Foundation float. More information about Jax can be found on Instagram under oxnardpolicek9.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 18, 2018 @ 11:10 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	January 19, 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 Friday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 19, 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 683 DUI collisions, which have claimed eight lives and resulted in another 428 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’.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service / Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 07:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	4600 Block Phoenix Drive
SUSPECT(S):	Edgar Ventura, 19 year old Oxnard resident Rafael Alvarado, 19 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jess Aragon, Detective [email protected] 805-207-9097
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Detective [email protected] 805-207-9097

DETAILS:

On January 18, 2018, at approximately 07:00 a.m., Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) in conjunction with the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and K-9 unit served a search warrant at a residence in the 4600 block of Phoenix Drive, City of Oxnard. During the search warrant several firearms were located including two shotguns, a stolen handgun and over 100 rounds of ammunition. One of the residents, Edgar Ventura, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and firearm related charges. Ventura’s associate, Rafael Alvarado, was arrested for a felony violation of probation.

The search warrant was in response to the recent violence throughout the city. The Oxnard Police Department, Violent Crimes Unit, and the Special Enforcement unit are committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known and active gang members residing in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Oxnard Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or witness a crime.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Detective Jess Aragon at (805) 207-9097. 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: January 18, 2018 / 3:20 P.M.

Rafael Alvarado Edgar Ventura