OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shoulder Tap Operation
DATE/TIME:	August 20, 2017 / 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
LOCATION:	Various Locations – Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Leonardo Sales, 56 year old Oxnard resident Miguel Marquez, 50 year old Oxnard resident Randy Cervantez, 26 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Castillo, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	David Castillo David.Castillo@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department arrested three adults on Sunday, August 20, 2017, for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. One of the adults arrested was also found to be in possession of narcotic paraphernalia. Another subject was contacted during the operation and found to be a Post Release Offender. He was found to have an outstanding felony warrant and arrested. The operation was conducted at various locations throughout the city.

The Oxnard Police Department conducted a program called a Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation which targets adults who purchase alcohol for people less than 21 years of age. Under the program, a minor under the direct supervision of a peace officer will stand outside a liquor or convenience store and ask patrons to buy them alcohol. The minor indicates in some way he or she is underage and cannot purchase the alcohol.

If the adults agree to purchase alcohol for the minor, officers then arrest and cite the adult for furnishing alcohol to the minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

The program is intended to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics show they generally have a higher rate of drunken driving crashes than adults. Studies also show the combination of alcohol and youth tends to increase criminal conduct. According to the American Medical Association, underage drinking can increase chances of risky sexual behavior and teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, compromise health, and result in unintentional injury and death.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Education and Teen Alcohol Enforcement Program Grant, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/20/17 2030 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

DATE/TIME: Saturday, August 19, 2017 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

LOCATION: City of Oxnard

PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint on August 19, 2017, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. The checkpoint was located southbound Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

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

Studies of California drivers have shown 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.

The following are the results of the DUI/driver’s license checkpoint:

• 552 vehicles screened
• Three DUI-alcohol drivers arrested
• One DUI-drugs driver arrested
• 16 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended
• 28 citations issued
• Four vehicles were towed

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more. The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

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

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting additional DUI/driver’s license checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded 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: 08/20/17 3:00 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Officer-Involved Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: August 19, 2017 / 12:10 a.m.

LOCATION: Oxnard Blvd. at Ash Street, Oxnard

DRIVER/VEHICLE: Andres Lopez Hernandez, 38-year-old Port Hueneme resident – Tan 2003 Mazda Protégé

PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847
ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750
manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 19, 2017, at approximately 12:10 a.m., an Oxnard police officer was involved in a serious injury collision while responding to a call for service regarding a disturbance in the 1600 block of South Oxnard Blvd. The officer was traveling southbound Oxnard Blvd. and was involved in the collision after a driver of a 2003 Mazda Protégé failed to stop for a stop sign at Ash Street and attempted to make a left turn northbound Oxnard Blvd. After the collision, the officer lost control of the police vehicle and collided with a parked semi-truck.

The driver, identified as 38-year-old Andres Lopez Hernandez, and the involved officer were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. The officer was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. Hernandez was admitted to the hospital due to critical injuries but is listed in stable condition.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Manuel Perez at (805) 385-7750 or via email at manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org.

INCIDENT:

Theft Operation

DATE/TIME:

8/18/17; 1400-2000 hours

LOCATION:

Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road

VICTIM(S):

Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road

SUSPECT(S):

Five Oxnard residents

PREPARED BY:

Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant, Neighborhood Policing Team

Jeffrey.mcgreevy@Oxnardpd.org

805-385-7746

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant, Neighborhood Policing Team

Jeffrey.mcgreevy@Oxnardpd.org

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a theft operation in partnership with Rite Aid 720 N. Ventura Road. This Rite Aid retail store has historically been a “hot spot” in recent years for theft and other nuisance type activity that require a police response. The Oxnard Police Department is partnering with several retail stores like Rite Aid and conducting extensive Crime Prevention inspections of several retailers to give merchants tips and tools to reduce crime in and around their stores.

On Friday afternoon several officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team conducted a plain clothes theft operation with Rite Aid loss prevention agents. The store loss prevention agents are in direct contact with police officers who are stationed inside and outside the store. When a theft is observed the police officers are signaled and detain suspects outside after they exit the store without paying for merchandise. Today’s operation resulted in five arrests for theft. One of the women arrested had her infant child with her and had encouraged a 16 year-old girl to steal alcohol. She was also arrested for contributing to the delinquency of a minor and conspiracy to commit theft.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to work with our retail partners towards reducing shoplifting crimes and helping them with crime prevention education resources. We ask our community members to think twice before you steal from a store in Oxnard, as you never know when you will be greeted outside by an Oxnard Police Officer.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/18/2017; 2140 hours

INCIDENT:

Brandishing of a Firearm & Battery Arrest

DATE/TIME:

8/18/17; 1710 hours

LOCATION:

1200 Block of Camelot Way

VICTIM(S):

24 year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Fred Vargas, 65 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

805-385-7746

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On the above date/time, officers responded to a call of a dispute involving a firearm in the 1200 Block of Camelot Way. Officers contacted the victim, who said he was battered by the suspect, and that the suspect brandished a handgun at the victim.

Officers made contact with the other occupants of the residence in an effort to locate the suspect. A short time later, officers located the suspect in the area of Ventura Road and Devonshire Road. The suspect was ultimately arrested for brandishing and battery. The firearm was located at the residence.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 08/18/2017; 1955 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Summer Mobilization DUI Enforcement Period
DATE/TIME: August 18, 2017 through September 4, 2017
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

This Labor Day, the Oxnard Police Department Reminds Motorists to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over in Effort to End Impaired Driving

The end of summer is traditionally marked by the Labor Day holiday, a time for our country to reflect on the hard work of our fellow Americans. The long weekend is celebrated with picnics, pool parties, and barbecues, as families and friends enjoy the last few days of summer before fall and winter approach. Sadly, the Labor Day holiday is also one of the deadliest, with alcohol and drug-impaired drivers endangering themselves and others on America’s roadways.

This year, Oxnard Police Department is partnering with police, sheriffs, and the CHP across the state to stop impaired drivers and help save lives. The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from August 18 through September 4, 2017.

The Oxnard Police Department DUI Enforcement Team will be deploying this weekend to stop and arrest alcohol and drug-impaired drivers. DUI Saturation Patrols will deploy on August 24-26 and August 31 through September 2, 2017, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints are scheduled on August 19 and August 31, 2017, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests. These extra officers on the road, along with routine patrols, are aimed to drastically reduce impaired driving on our community’s roadways.

Statistics nationwide show a dangerous trend in impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 10,265 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2015, a three percent rise in deaths over 2014. That’s roughly one person killed every 51 minutes in 2015. That’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing each year, with no survivors. This is why the Oxnard Police Department is working to remind drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.

Officers 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.

Plan your sober ride home before the party begins as the end of summer activities wraps up. It is never okay to drive impaired. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation to get home safely.

Have family or a friend who is about to drive buzzed or impaired? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely. The cost of a ride home is cheap. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

Funding for these DUI operation’s 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: August 18, 2017 / 2:30 p.m.

INCIDENT:

Firearm arrest

DATE/TIME:

August 17, 2017/2030

LOCATION:

Hemlock and “M” St.

SUSPECT(S):

Jose Lopez, 28 year old Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:

Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Bill Crisostomo (805) 385-7644

Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 17, 2017 at approximately 2030 hours officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were working uniformed gang enforcement in the area of Hemlock and “N” St. While in the area they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The driver was Jose Lopez. Lopez is associated with an active street gang and is currently on probation. A search was conducted during which ammunition and loaded semi-automatic handgun were located.

Lopez was arrested on several weapon related charges including being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

The Oxnard Police Department 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. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 17, 2017/2135

INCIDENT:

Firearm & Illegal Drug Arrest

DATE/TIME:

August 17, 2017 / 1:15 PM

LOCATION:

1800 Block of Saviers Road

SUSPECT(S):

Daria Gallardo Damian, 34 year old Oxnard Resident

PREPARED BY:

Chris Jimenez, Officer

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Kevin Baysinger, Commander

Kevin.Baysinger@oxnardpd.org; 385-7746

DETAILS:

On August 17, 2017, at about 1:15PM officers contacted a subject sleeping a van in the 1800 block of Saviers Road. The owner of the property has signed an Agent Authorization with the Oxnard Police Department requesting officers cite and arrest trespassers.

Officers made contact with the occupant, Daria Gallardo Damian. During the investigation, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Officers located a revolver in Damian’s purse. In addition, officers found several baggies of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. Damian was arrested for several gun and drug related charges.

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: August 17, 2017 / 5:15 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 15, 2017, 9:30 PM
LOCATION:	500 Block West Vineyard Avenue
SUSPECT(S):	Stephon Jonathan Williams, 25 years, Fresno CA.
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Brett.smith@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vega, 385-8291 or ricardovega@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On August 15, 2017, at approximately 1:50 PM, Oxnard police officers responded to the 500 block of west Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard; reference a robbery with a firearm. Officers learned the male suspect approached the victim and demanded money while holding a large handgun; the victim feared for his life and gave the suspect 200.00 dollars and his cellular phone.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) continued to investigate robbery after the initial police response. During the course of their investigation, investigators learned the identity of the male suspect, Stephen Williams, and authored a search warrant for Williams’s residence. The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served the warrant at approximately 4:00 PM, which lead to the arrest Williams. The gun used in the robbery and the victims cellular phone were recovered.

Williams was subsequently booked into the Ventura County Jail for First-Degree Robbery and Extortion.

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:	Accidental Discharge of a Firearm with Injury
DATE/TIME:	8/15/17, 6:09 AM
LOCATION:	400 Block of North Bonita Avenue
VICTIM(S):	50 year old resident of Oxnard; Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Commander Denise Shadinger
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Commander Denise Shadinger 805-385-7746; denise.shadinger@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 6:09 AM, St. John’s Hospital contacted the Oxnard Police Department to report a shooting victim had arrived at the emergency room. Officers responded and contacted the 50 year old male victim, who is an Oxnard resident. The victim had a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his leg.

An investigation revealed the victim was handling a firearm at his residence in the 400 block of North Bonita Avenue when it discharged, causing the gunshot wound to the victim’s leg. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/15/17; 8:15 AM