NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 21, 2024 (6:00 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Juvenile Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Firearm

SUSPECTS: Male Juvenile, 17-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1200 Block South Oxnard Blvd.

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On March 21st, at approximately 6:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed multiple subjects loitering near gang graffiti in the 1200 block of South Oxnard Blvd. Officers also observed a juvenile who was known to be a member of a criminal street gang and on felony probation for firearms possession. As officers approached and attempted to contact this juvenile, the juvenile discarded a loaded 9 millimeter handgun. The juvenile attempted to flee, however, he was taken into custody without incident.

Officers conducted a records check of the juvenile and confirmed that he is currently on felony probation for possession of firearms with search terms. A search of the juvenile was conducted and a can of spray paint was found on his person. The juvenile was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm and possession of graffiti tools.

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 this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 22, 2024

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member Arrested for Gun Possession

SUSPECTS: Izaac Galvan Martinez, 24-year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2000 block South J St, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Coe, Sergeant

(805) 486-6211 (Tue-Fri 7 AM-5 PM)

scott.coe@oxnardepd.org

During February 2024, the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), and the Ventura County Sherriff’s Office Special Crimes Unit (SCU) began an investigation into Izzac Galvan Martinez illegally possessing firearms. Mr. Martinez is a documented member of a criminal street gang and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The investigation led Detectives to develop enough evidence to obtain a search warrant.

On March 21, 2024, members from the Ventura County Sherriff’s Office SCU, Oxnard Police Department VCU, K9, and DEU conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Mr. Martinez in west Oxnard. During a search of the vehicle pursuant to the search warrant, detectives located a loaded and unregistered 9mm handgun. A search warrant was later served at Mr. Martinez’s residence where a loaded .357 revolver was located. The serial number on the revolver had been obliterated. Detectives also located a high-capacity magazine, gun parts, and over two hundred rounds of ammunition.

Mr. Martinez was charged with multiple firearm and ammunition-related charges. He was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 online via the Oxnard Police Department's website: www.oxnardpd.org, and click on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also 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.

UPDATED

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 22, 2024

SUBJECT: Man Stabbed, Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: Plaza Park 500 South C St, Oxnard

VICTIM: Noel Oregeal Jasso, 50-year-old Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Robert Jimenez 71-Year-Old Male Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Detective Adam Aguilar

(805) 385-7680 (Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM-5:00 PM)

adam.aguilar@oxnardepd.org

Oxnard Police Detectives have identified the victim of the stabbing as Noel Oregeal Jasso, a 50-year-old Oxnard resident. The suspect, Robert Jimenez, a 71-year-old Oxnard resident, is currently in custody for an unrelated arrest warrant. The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit is continuing to work this ongoing investigation in conjunction with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Adam Aguilar (805) 385-7680. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Also, anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website:www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also 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.

Sergeant Jaime Miranda
Major Crimes Unit
805-385-7632 Desk
805-607-0776 Cell
jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 20, 2024 / 7:20 p.m.

SUBJECT: Felon Arrested for Possession of Firearm

SUSPECTS: Eric Harris, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 500 block Wagon Wheel Rd.

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On March 20th, at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) observed Eric Harris, inside of a parked vehicle in the 500 block of Wagon Wheel Rd. Officers attempted to make contact with Harris, who was known to be on probation with search terms and Harris fled from officers on foot. During the foot pursuit, Harris discarded a loaded 9 millimeter handgun in the breezeway of the apartment complex and was taken into custody without incident.

Officers conducted a records check on Eric Harris and confirmed that he is currently on federal probation for possession of firearms. Harris was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm and resisting arrest.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2024, at 11:53 P.M.

SUBJECT: Woman Shot. Dies in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1000 block of Industrial Ave., Oxnard

VICTIM: Yanelly Vargas 35-Year-Old Female, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant (805) 385-7632 (Tues – Fri 7:00 AM -5:00 PM) | jaime.miranda@Oxnardpd.org

On March 17, 2024, at approximately 11:53 P.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a fight with possible shots being fired in the 1000 block of Industrial Ave. Officers and EMS personnel arrived on scene and located a 35-year-old female, later identified as Yanelly Vargas, suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. Vargas was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation.

Investigators encourage anyone who has any information or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ricardo Vega (805) 385-7688. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

DATE / TIME 3/18/24 / 5:00 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2024

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

CONTACT: Michael Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Seven impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On March 17, 2024, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Channel Islands Boulevard and Peninsula Road. The operation resulted in seven arrests for impaired driving, and twenty-three citations.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 17, 2024

SUBJECT: Firearms Arrest During California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control “Holiday Enforcement” Operation

SUSPECT: Anthony Ixta, 26-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-7600 | Mon-Thur 8AM-6PM | steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

On Sunday, March 17, 2024, The Oxnard Police Department conducted an enhanced alcohol enforcement detail at various locations throughout the city.

This Holiday Enforcement Operation was focused on addressing alcohol-related crimes and quality-of-life issues near establishments that sell alcohol. During the operation, officers arrested two individuals who were drinking and involved in narcotics-related activity at Del Sol Park. One of the arrestees, identified as Ixta, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm concealed in his waistband. Ixta was booked at Ventura County Jail for multiple firearms violations. An associate of Ixta was also arrested and booked for various narcotic-related charges.

In addition to the firearms arrest, officers issued four alcohol-related citations in public locations near alcohol establishments.

This enforcement operation, funded by ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA, is designed to raise awareness about alcohol-related crimes throughout California and keep communities safe.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 17, 2024 / 15:35 p.m.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 12, 2024

SUBJECT: St. Patrick's Day Weekend DUI Enforcement Operations

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department is working to keep roadways safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

Please Celebrate Responsibly: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by millions across the country, often culminating in parties where drinking is involved. Sadly, this leads to tragedies on our roadways when drivers choose to leave parties impaired.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol ready to stop and arrest drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Additional officers will be on patrol Friday, March 15, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and again on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. In addition to the patrols on Sunday, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2021, 1,370 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 10, 2024

SUBJECT: California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Statewide “Shoulder Tap” Operation

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-7600 | steven.ramirez@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department and ABC cite two in a Statewide Underage Drinking Enforcement Operation

The Oxnard Police Department and agents from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) cited two individuals during ABC’s statewide Shoulder Tap operation on March 09, 2024, in Oxnard for furnishing alcoholic beverages to minors. This enforcement operation is designed to create awareness about the dangers of underage drinking throughout California and keep communities safe.

A Shoulder Tap operation focuses on adults who purchase alcohol for persons under the age of 21. A minor under the direct supervision of law enforcement stands outside of a liquor or convenience store and asks customers to buy them alcohol. The minor also indicates they are underage and cannot purchase the alcohol. If an adult agrees to purchase alcohol for the underage person, they can be arrested and cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. The penalty for furnishing alcohol to a minor is a minimum $1,000 fine and 24 hours of community service.

“We conduct these operations to keep alcohol out of the hands of our youth,” said ABC Director Joseph McCullough. “By preventing underage drinking we can increase the quality of life in our communities and reduce DUI’s.”

Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a much higher risk of being involved in a crash than older drivers. About 25 percent of fatal crashes involve underage drinking according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

This operation was funded by ABC’s Alcohol Policing Partnership program and the California Office of Traffic Safety through NHTSA.

*UPDATE*

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: March 8, 2024

SUBJECT: Fatal traffic collision involving a pedestrian

LOCATION: Rose Avenue at Fifth Street

DRIVER: Miguel Garcia Ruiz, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 2003 Ford F-250

PEDESTRIAN: 73-year-old Oxnard Resident, name withheld pending next of kin notification

CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 200-5668 (Mon-Thu 7AM-5PM) | alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org

Update (Refer to the original collision information below)

On March 4, 2024, at approximately 6:16 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that occurred near the intersection of Rose Avenue and Fifth Street. The pedestrian was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office later identified the pedestrian as Modesto “Morey” Navarro. Navarro was a longtime resident of Oxnard. The driver, Miguel Garcia Ruiz, also of Oxnard, remained on scene and cooperated with officers.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805)200-5668, or by email at alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org.

On March 4, 2024, at approximately 6:16 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that occurred near the intersection of Rose Avenue and Fifth Street. The pedestrian, a 73-year-old resident of Oxnard, sustained major injuries and was transported to a hospital. He was pronounced deceased a short time later. The driver of the vehicle, Miguel Garcia Ruiz, also of Oxnard, remained on scene and was uninjured.

Based on the initial investigation, it was determined that Garcia Ruiz was driving northbound Rose Avenue when he struck the pedestrian, who had been crossing Rose Avenue, north of Fifth Street. Investigators did not believe that speed, alcohol and/or drugs were contributing factors to the collision. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805)200-5668 or via email at alexis.arellano@oxnardpd.org.