OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Santa Clara River Homeless Encampments Assessment
DATE/TIME:	June 20, 2017 7:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Santa Clara River Bottom
PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Senior Officer Dale.Mcalpine@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant Jeff.McGreevy@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On June 20, 2017, at approximately 7:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Neighborhood Policing Team, Homeless Liaison Officers and the Simi Valley Police Department assessed several homeless encampments along Ventura Road in the Santa Clara River bottom near the Riverpark, Wagon Wheel and Southbank neighborhoods in the City of Oxnard.

During the detail, Officers arrested Andrew Lamont Brown, 42, for false impersonation, identity theft, petty theft and three outstanding warrants. Officers also arrested Aurelio Junior Salazar, 48, Arturo Pena Hernandez, 43, and Christopher Otho Willis, 27, for outstanding warrants. The subjects arrested were booked into Ventura County Jail.

The number of people living illegally along the Santa Clara River has grown significantly since authorities last cleared out the permanent encampments along the Ventura River. Officers were aware that the number of illegal encampments had been growing. Officers also talked to an additional six people and warned them about illegally camping.

This area of the river bottom has caused growing concern for authorities and nearby residents in the recent months due to thefts and vandalism of property in the adjacent communities.

During the assessment, representatives from St Vincent De Paul were on site to provide outreach services for our homeless population. Several large homeless encampments were also found were no one was contacted, but showed signs of recent use.

We would like to remind the public that while the City of Oxnard does not provide any direct homeless services or emergency housing, the City does provide funding to several agencies and non-profit organizations that do provide such services. Below is a list of service agencies and places that provide assistance:

EMERGENCY HOUSING

If you are facing homelessness or are already homeless and need emergency housing:

Homelessness Prevention Program

Rapid Re-Housing Program

County of Ventura Human Services Agency

805-385-8585

www.vchsa.org/hprp

The Kingdom Center

(women and children only)

805-487-3400

www.tkcoxnard.org

Turning Point Foundation

(services for homeless with mental illness)

805-652-0000

www.turningpointfoundation.org

RAIN Project Transitional Living Center

805-389-3308

www.raincommunities.org

OTHER SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PERSONS

Community Action of Ventura County

Day-time One-Stop Center; mail drop, counseling, job resources, showers

621 Richmond Ave., Oxnard CA 93030

805-436-4000

www.ca-vc.org

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Housing and utility assistance, health care, employment resources

Assistance hotline: 1-888-552-7872

“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: June 21, 2017 / 1630 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested for vehicle pursuit, drug paraphernalia, and gang injunction violations
DATE/TIME:	June 19, 2017/ 4:45 PM
LOCATION:	“J” Street and Bard Rd
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Cesar Reyes, 29 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.Whitmer@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600

DETAILS:

On June 19, 2017, at approximately 4:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (Special Enforcement Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in the area of “J” Street and Bard Rd when they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle violation.

The vehicle was driven by Cesar Reyes who failed to stop causing officers to pursue him. Reyes committed several traffic violations, and a loaded firearm was thrown out the window, during the pursuit. The pursuit stopped in the 800 block of Joyce Dr, in Port Hueneme. An unidentified Hispanic male passenger fled from the vehicle and was not detained. Reyes was arrested for the felony pursuit, drug paraphernalia, and gang injunction violations. The firearms charges are pending further investigation.

The Oxnard Police Department Gang Unit (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.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit at tip via text or email.

Cesar Reyes

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 06/19/17 / 2015 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 17, 2017; 7:17 p.m.
LOCATION:	1900 block North Rose Ave.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Frenes, 47 year old Port Hueneme resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On June 17, 2017, at approximately 7:17 p.m., officers were dispatched to a gas station in the 1900 block of North Rose Ave. reference a suspicious vehicle that was left abandoned with the engine running. Officers arrived on scene and contacted the reporting party who provided a physical description of the driver that left the vehicle.

Officers located a subject in the area that matched the driver’s description. The subject was identified as 47 year old Port Hueneme resident Daniel Frenes. A records check revealed Frenes was on supervised release for narcotic related offenses. Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded handgun and narcotics in the vehicle. Frenes was arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and for narcotics possession.

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 (805) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 18, 2017 / 1235

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Alert Community Member Helps Stop In Progress Auto Burglary
DATE/TIME:	June 17, 2017 / 7:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	1000 block of Pacific Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Robert Lopez, 25 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On June 17, 2017, at approximately 7:45 a.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1000 block of Pacific Ave. reference an auto burglary in progress. As one of the employers was leaving the business, the employer noticed the suspect was using an improvised burglary tool, attempting to gain entry into one of his employee’s vehicles. The victim employee was notified and attempted to make contact with the suspect who began walking away. Officers were dispatched to the area and the suspect, who was attempting to hide in some bushes, was located by one of the responding officers.

The officer attempted to detain the suspect and the suspect was noncompliant and attempted to pull away from the officer. The officer ultimately took the suspect into custody. The officer searched the suspect incident to his arrest and located a meth pipe. Neither the officer nor the suspect sustained any injuries.

The suspect, 25 year old Oxnard resident Robert Lopez, was charged with attempted auto burglary, resisting arrest, possessing narcotic paraphernalia, in addition to seven misdemeanor warrants mostly dealing with narcotic related offenses and for resisting arrest.

“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 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.”

Robert Lopez
DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 17, 2017 / 1000 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 16, 2017, 2:30PM
LOCATION:	2201. E Channel Islands Blvd
VICTIM:	7-Eleven
SUSPECT:	Michael Rios, 25 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vega, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Vega (805) 385-8291 Ricardo.vega@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On October 16, 2016, at approximately 2:20 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 7-Eleven located at 2201. E Channel Islands Blvd, reference a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers learned a male subject had entered the 7-Eleven and brandished a firearm at the clerk. The suspect demanded the money from the cash register and as he continued to hold the firearm. Suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and left the area in an unknown type vehicle

Through the course of the investigation, Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department, Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) learned that the suspect involved in the robbery was Michael Rios. Rios is currently in custody for an unrelated case at the Ventura County Jail. Rios was subsequently arrested for the robbery.

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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 16, 2017, @ 2100 hours

/news-release-armed-robbery-arrest-61617/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 16, 2017 / 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	450 South Ventura Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Sergio Huerta, 30 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant Bakari.Myers@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On June 16, 2017, at approximately 9:30 a.m., officers received a call of an attempted robbery in the 400 block of South Ventura Rd. Officers contacted the victim who stated that he was in a vehicle parked at the location when the suspect approached him. The suspect leaned in through the open passenger side window of the victim’s vehicle while in possession of an opened folding knife. The suspect demanded the victim’s cellular phone but the victim refused. The suspect walked away from the victim’s location but stayed in the same area.

Officers responded to the location and contacted the suspect, 30 year old Oxnard resident Sergio Huerta. During the contact, officers learned that Huerta was on supervised release for narcotic related offenses and is a documented criminal street gang member. Huerta was positively identified by the victim and arrested for attempt robbery and for being in possession of narcotic paraphernalia. Officers also located a folding knife in Huerta’s possession that fit the description provided by the victim.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 16, 2017 / 1145 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man Sleeping in Refuse Bin Sustains Minor Injuries
DATE/TIME:	June 14, 2016/8:13 AM
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Rose Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Male, 67 years old
PREPARED BY:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez (805) 342-8292 melissa.valdez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On June 14, 2017, at approximately 8:13 a.m., Oxnard Police and Fire personnel responded to a call in the 2000 block of Rose Avenue of a man trapped inside the chute of a refuse truck. A City of Oxnard refuse truck was making a routine refuse pick up when the driver heard screams for help and halted the truck. Further investigation revealed that a man had fallen asleep in the refuse bin which was then emptied into the truck. Fire personnel were able to extract the man from the truck and he was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries.

Although some people may look at refuse bins as providing options for more than just the disposal of trash, please note that this practice can lead to serious injury and even death. The City of Oxnard makes safety a priority when handling community waste and requests that you please stay out of refuse dumpsters for your safety as well as the safety of our drivers and helpers. This will help us avoid any unintended mishaps.

Please note that while the City of Oxnard does not provide any direct homeless services or emergency housing, the City does provide funding to several agencies and non-profit organizations that do provide such services. Below is a list of service agencies and places that provide assistance:

EMERGENCY HOUSING

If you are facing homelessness or are already homeless and need emergency housing:

Homelessness Prevention Program

Rapid Re-Housing Program

County of Ventura Human Services Agency

805-385-8585

www.vchsa.org/hprp

The Kingdom Center

(women and children only)

805-487-3400

www.tkcoxnard.org

Turning Point Foundation

(services for homeless with mental illness)

805-652-0000

www.turningpointfoundation.org

RAIN Project Transitional Living Center

805-389-3308

www.raincommunities.org

OTHER SERVICES FOR HOMELESS PERSONS

Community Action of Ventura County

Day-time One-Stop Center; mail drop, counseling, job resources, showers

621 Richmond Ave., Oxnard CA 93030

805-436-4000

www.ca-vc.org

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Housing and utility assistance, health care, employment resources

Assistance hotline: 1-888-552-7872

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 14, 2017/ 4:30 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Homicide Investigation

DATE/TIME:

June 11, 2017 at approximately 10:19 p.m.

LOCATION:

Wilson Park

350 North C Street, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):

Eduardo Banales, 33 year old Oxnard resident

SUSPECT(S):

Unknown

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Alex Arnett 805-385-7620

alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:

Detective Miguel Serrato 805-385-7688

miguel.Serrato@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On June 11, 2017, at approximately 10:19 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call of a subject that was shot in the area of Wilson Park, located at 350 North C Street. The police officers arrived on scene and located a male shooting victim, later identified as 33 year old Eduardo Banales of Oxnard. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) in critical condition. On June 13, 2017 at approximately 3 p.m., Mr. Banales died from his injuries associated with the gunshot wounds.

This is Oxnard’s 10^th homicide of the year. The motive for the murder is unknown at this time.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the Community’s assistance. If anyone has further information about this or any recent homicides, they are encouraged to call Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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: June 14, 2017 / 10:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fireworks Are Dangerous and Strictly Prohibited in Oxnard
DATE/TIME:	June 12, 2016/ 3:45pm
PREPARED BY:	Melissa Valdez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Melissa Valdez (805) 342-8292 melissa.valdez @oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

According to the National Fire Protection Association website “From 2009-2013, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks. These fires included 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside and other fires”

Please consider the following facts:

In 2014, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.
The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 5-9, followed by children 10-19.
Sparklers alone account for more than one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

Fireworks are not just strictly prohibited in Oxnard – they’re dangerous. Playing with them could cost a child or you serious burns to the head, face, hands, and body. It could also cost you a thousands of dollars for using or possessing them. And if they cause property damage, you’ll pay even more. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling fireworks is subject to arrest or fines of up to $1,000. Fireworks can also cause serious injury to pets. Dogs, cats, and horses get scared by fireworks, causing them to panic and escape, get lost, wind up at animal shelters or even run into the street resulting in motor vehicle accidents and injuries.

The City of Oxnard encourages the public to help keep family, friends and neighbors safe during the July Fourth holiday by calling the Oxnard Police Department’s hotline, (805) 394-5884, to report the habitual use of illegal fireworks. The hotline can be used during and leading up to the holiday. The line is not staffed and is for messages only. Hotline callers can remain anonymous, and any information provided will remain confidential. Tips received through the hotline will help the Police Department’s Neighborhood Police Team better identify fireworks-prone areas and quickly address illegal activity. The hotline, (805) 394-5884, is dedicated solely to the reporting of habitual fireworks.

A list of additional resources available to the public is noted below:

Habitual fireworks: Email the Police Department at fireworks@oxnardpd.org

In-progress fireworks: Call the Police Department’s dispatch line at (805) 385-7740. Be prepared to provide specific information regarding the firework activity. For example, address, suspect description, etc.

Emergencies: (e.g., house fires, injuries): Dial 9-1-1

Members of the public who want to dispose of illegal fireworks can stop by any of the Oxnard Fire Department’s eight stations to hand over fireworks without facing penalties:

Station 1: 491 S. K St.

Station 2: 531 E. Pleasant Valley Rd.

Station 3: 150 Hill St.

Station 4: 230 W. Vineyard Ave.

Station 5: 1450 Colonia Rd.

Station 6: 2601 Peninsula Rd.

Station 7: 3300 Turnout Park Circle

Station 8: 3000 S. Rose Ave.

The City encourages the public to enjoy the free annual fireworks show, Fireworks by the Sea, at Channel Islands Harbor. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Be smart on the 4th of July – don’t kid around with fireworks!

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 12, 2017/ 3:45pm

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Update – Located Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	June 11, 2017; 8:13 a.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block W. Iris St.
VICTIM(S):	Ricky Solis, 39 years old
PREPARED BY:	Chris Inglehart, Sergeant 805-385-7771
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Chris Inglehart, Sergeant 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

The missing person returned safely to his residence on 6/11/17 at 2330 hours.

The Oxnard Police Department is currently searching for a 39 year old dependent adult who walked away from his home in the 1300 block of W. Iris St. Ricky was described as a Hispanic male, 5’11”, 225 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black leather Scooby Doo jacket, Denver Broncos hat, and black jeans.

Anyone who has seen Ricky or knows his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

Ricky Solis

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 12, 2017/ 1010 hours