OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2017; 8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	3200 Block Merced Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Franco, 33 years, Oxnard Resident Ray Fernandez, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Martin, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Martin (805) 385-7600 Jonathan.Martin@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 16, 2017, at approximately 8:30 P.M., Oxnard police officers conducted a traffic stop on three subjects in a parked vehicle with no license plates in the 3200 block of Merced Place. During the stop, officers contacted Ray Fernandez, who was in the driver seat of the vehicle, and Victor Franco, who was in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Fernandez was found to be on probation and had search terms. Franco was found to be on parole and had search terms.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded .38 caliber handgun was found. The handgun’s serial number had been removed. Franco and Fernandez were arrested for being prohibited persons in possession of a firearm, as well as several other weapons 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 (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: May 17, 2017/ 0050 hours

Ray Fernandez Victor Franco

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2017; 4:45 P.M.
LOCATION:	6200 Block Perkins Rd
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Eric Reza, 49 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Jared Battles, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jared Battles (805) 385-7600 Jared.Battles@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 16, 2017, at approximately 4:45 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a foot patrol at the Halco Plant in the 6200 block of Perkins Road. During the patrol, officers contacted Eric Reza near a reported stolen vehicle which was in the process of being stripped. Reza was found to be on probation and had search terms.

During a search of Reza’s property, a loaded 9mm handgun was found. The handgun had been reported stolen the day prior, as it was taken with the above listed vehicle. Reza was arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, as well as several other weapons related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2017/2040 hours

Eric Reza

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2017; 6:40 P.M.
LOCATION:	Carnegie Street @ San Mateo Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Cardenas, 21 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Ignacio Coronel, Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Ignacio Coronel (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 14, 2017, at approximately 6:40 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation in the Lemonwood Neighborhood. Officers contacted the passenger in the vehicle who was identified as Jose Cardenas. Cardenas was found to be on probation and had search terms.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm handgun was found next to Cardenas. Cardenas was arrested for being in possession of the loaded firearm in a vehicle and other firearm related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 14, 2017/2140 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Collision into Residence
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2017 / 03:07 a.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block Juneberry Place
VEHICLE:	Grey Mitsubishi SUV
RESIDENCE:	1200 Block of Juneberry Place
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 385-7600 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

Details:

On May 14, 2017, at about 3:07 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the area of the 1200 block of Juneberry Place regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle that had collided into a residence. Preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a grey Mitsubishi SUV was northbound on Lantana Street when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle left the roadway and drove into a residence on Juneberry Place. The vehicle struck a bedroom which was occupied by three female juveniles. One of the juveniles sustained minor injuries. The driver of the SUV fled the scene on foot. An alert citizen followed the driver and alerted police to his location. The driver was contacted and the investigation is continuing.

Alcohol and/or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the collision.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 14, 2017 / 4:30 a.m.

/news-release-05142017-traffic-collision/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Makes 5^thAuto Theft Related Arrest In Two Day Period
DATE/TIME:	May 10^th, 2017/6:10 P.M.
LOCATION:	1900 block N. Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Stephanie Blanco – 19 year old Oxnard resident Virginia Rivera – 44 year old Oxnard resident
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7755 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 10, 2017 at 6:10 P.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) conducted an investigation regarding a stolen Lexus LS400 out of the city of Oxnard. Investigators observed the vehicle, which was occupied by three passengers, in the area of Gonzales Road and Ventura Road. Investigators stopped the vehicle in the 1900 block of North Oxnard Boulevard and arrested the driver, Stephanie Blanco, for auto theft related charges. In addition to Blanco’s arrest, one of the passengers, identified as Virginia Rivera, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant. These arrests mark the 4^th and 5^th arrests in the past two days related to auto theft. Despite these five (5) arrests, the Oxnard Police Department will continue its enforcement and crime prevention efforts.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created in 2015 to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. Since then additional officers have been added to the OATTF to help combat the instances of vehicle theft. Due to the increase in stolen vehicles reported (within the last 30 days) the OATTF is conducting enhanced enforcement that includes the use of bait cars.

In a large majority of the cases for the past 30 days, the keys were easily accessible to the suspects. According to OATTF investigators, the suspects in the above case admitted that they observed the Lexus, unoccupied, with the engine running prior to taking it.

The Oxnard Police Department urges citizens to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and to use anti-theft devices. It is also suggested that you not leave your vehicles unattended with the engine running, as this is a common precursor of vehicle theft. Leaving spare keys (including valet keys) in your vehicle, even if it is locked, is highly discouraged. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity and being proactive about crime prevention is the most effective way to avoid theft.

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 (805) 222-8477 or via email at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus. Anyone with information regarding auto theft in Oxnard is encouraged to contact the OATTF at (805) 385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5-11-17/0945 hours

Stephanie Blanco Virginia Rivera

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotic Search Warrant
DATE/TIME:	May 11, 2017 / 1900 hours
LOCATION:	600 Block of Palm Drive Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard, State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Aguayo, 58-year-old Oxnard resident Monica Ramirez, 28-year-old Oxnard resident Jordan Thayer, 31-year-old Oxnard resident Jesus Morones, 32-year-old Oxnard resident Cynthia Rizalla, 47-year-old Oxnard resident Gerardo Rocha, 43-year-old Oxnard resident Breanna Flores, 22-year-old Oxnard resident Leonel Barrera, 22-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Jeff McGreevy, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 11, 2017, at approximately 7:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department served a narcotics search warrant at a residence in the 600 block of Palm Drive. This residence has been a concern for residents of the Wilson Neighborhood for over a year because of the suspected drug activity and known gang members who frequent the house.

The Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) worked closely with narcotics detectives for several months and authored a search warrant as a result of numerous drug related arrests of persons leaving the home and the high frequency of suspected drug users that were in and out of the home at all hours of the day and night. One of the alarming aspects of the investigation was the high number of known Oxnard criminal street gang members and associates that were seen visiting the house.

Oxnard Police SWAT, K-9, NPT and Narcotics Investigators detained eight individuals, both men and women, at the house and conducted drug influence investigations resulting in all eight being arrested. Two of the eight had active arrest warrants and each of them was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Jose Aguayo was the person in control of the house and was booked for a felony violation of Health and Safety Code 11366 for operating a drug house. Aguayo was allowing narcotics offenders to visit his house to use illegal narcotics.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 11, 2017 / 2330

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Theft Investigation leads the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force to auto theft suspects in Camarillo
DATE/TIME:	May 8^th, 2017/4:45 P.M.
LOCATION:	900 block W. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Haro – 27 year old Oxnard resident Joana Ayala – 25 year old Oxnard resident
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell – Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell 805-385-7755 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 8, 2017 at 4:45 P.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force conducted an investigation regarding a stolen Chevrolet Tahoe out of the city of Oxnard. Investigators were led to the city of Camarillo, where they observed the suspect, Juan Haro, driving the stolen Tahoe. Haro was contacted with two other suspects in the 900 block of Ventura Boulevard in the City of Camarillo. Juan Haro was arrested for an outstanding warrant and vehicle theft charges and is currently being held on $160,000.00 bail.

Haro, has an extensive history of vehicle theft, and between 2010 and 2017, has been arrested 11 times for auto theft. Haro’s most recent conviction for auto theft, was in November of 2016, this led to him being placed on probation, which included GPS monitoring as part of his terms. Haro violated the conditions of his probation by removing his GPS monitor, consequently a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Joana Ayala who was arrested for auto and identity theft related charges, and is currently being held on $25,000.00 bail. A third subject was contacted during the investigation and was released.

The Oxnard Police Department has seen an increase in auto theft in the past 30 days. 66 vehicles have been reported stolen in the City of Oxnard. In a large majority of the cases, the keys were easily accessible to the suspects.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created in 2015 to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department has added additional officers to the Auto Theft Task Force and is conducting enhanced enforcement to combat vehicle theft. The Oxnard Police Department is utilizing bait cars to address auto theft in the City of Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department urges citizens to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and to use anti-theft devices to secure their vehicles. The Oxnard Police Department also suggests not leaving your vehicles unattended with the ignition running, as this is a common method of vehicle theft. The Oxnard Police Department also discourages leaving spare keys (including valet keys) in your vehicle, even if it is locked. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity, with prevention being the most effective way to avoid theft.

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 (805) 222-8477 or via email at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus. Anyone with information regarding auto theft in Oxnard is encouraged to contact auto theft detectives at 805-385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:

5-10-17/1515 hours

Juan Haro Joana Ayala

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police crackdown on railroad trespassers and right-of-way violations
DATE/TIME:	May 10, 2017 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard railroad tracks
PREPARED BY:	Officer James Langford, 805-385-7600 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Officer James Langford, 805-385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On May 10, 2017, between the hours of 6:30 AM and 11:00 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department teamed up with Special Agents from the Union Pacific Police Department and deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for an enforcement operation on the railroad tracks running through the City of Oxnard from Camarillo to Montalvo. The objective was to look for any and all trespassers on the private railroad property belonging to Union Pacific Railroad. Also, all vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists who failed to yield the right-of-way or obey train crossing signs/warnings at all grade crossings.

During the operation, officers witnessed 60 various violations. As a result, 11 persons were arrested for trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property and 28 motorists were issued citations for various railroad related violations. One vehicle was towed as the driver had a suspended Driver License for a prior DUI conviction. Violators face fines and penalties ranging from $200.00 to $500.00 and possibly even jail time.

California was ranked # 1 in the United States for highway-rail grade collisions in 2016 with a total of 157 collisions with fatalities. Texas was in 2^nd place with 64 collisions with fatalities.

The public is reminded that trespassing on Union Pacific railroad property, or any railroad property, is a misdemeanor offense. It is also life-threatening considering the speed and size of any train. Anyone found trespassing on railroad property is subject to arrest. In addition, it is unlawful for any pedestrian, bicyclist or vehicle to travel around or under a railroad arm once the red warning lights and alarm are activated and the gate arm is closed or closing.

Listed below are some general rail safety information:

Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule; schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.
Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time — over ambulances, fire engines, cars, the police and pedestrians.
If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks “rusty.”
A typical locomotive weighs approximately 400,000 pounds or 200 tons. When 100 railcars are added to the locomotive, the train can weigh approximately 6,000 tons. The weight ratio of an automobile to a train is proportional to a soda can and an automobile.
A train may extend three feet or more outside the steel rail, which makes the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the rails themselves.
Trains cannot stop quickly. It is a simple law of physics: the huge weight and size of the train and the speed of the train dictate how quickly it can stop under ideal conditions. A 100-car freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour will need more than a mile to stop — that’s approximately 18 football fields — once the train is set into emergency braking.
Trains can move in either direction at any time. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled. This is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale “clackety-clack.” Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
Never walk down a train track; it’s illegal and it’s dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Remember: Rail and recreation do not mix!

In an effort to increase motorist and pedestrian safety near railroad tracks, law enforcement officers will continue to enforce the State’s railroad crossing laws. Pedestrians, including students, must cross at designated railroad crossings. During this operation, traffic safety tips were provided to motorists and pedestrians to avoid becoming a rail collision statistic.

Funding for this enforcement is provided to the Union Pacific Police Department by Operation Lifesaver, a non-profit organization to educate the public about railroad safety and making the community safer. More information about railroad safety can be found by going to: www.oli.org.

Further details regarding railroad involved collisions can be found by going to: www.fra.dot.gov.

This operation was also funded in part by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 10, 2017 / 1300 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision Involving a Bicyclist
DATE/TIME:	May 9, 2017 / 3:00pm
LOCATION:	Victoria Avenue north of Gum Tree St., Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):	Amado Ray Johnson 46-year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Sean Patrick Donovan 54-year-old Ventura County resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1995 Chevrolet van
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Pena (805)385-7750

DETAILS:

On May 9, 2017, at approximately 3:00pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision involving a bicyclist in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue north of Gum Tree St. When police and fire personnel arrived, they located 46-year-old Oxnard resident Amado Johnson deceased from injuries he suffered as a result of the collision.

Based on the preliminary investigation it was determined that Mr. Johnson was riding his bicycle southbound on Victoria Ave. A white 1995 Chevrolet van driven by 54-year old Ventura County resident, Sean Patrick Donovan, was southbound on Victoria Avenue and for unknown reasons drifted onto the dirt shoulder striking and killing Mr. Johnson.

Officers evaluated Mr. Donovan for signs of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Officers determined that Mr. Donovan was under the influence of prescription medication. Mr. Donovan was arrested and booked for violation of 23153(f) CVC (felony driving under the influence of drugs causing serious injury or death) and 192(c)2 PC (vehicular manslaughter).

Anyone who has information regarding the collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Maria Pena (805)385-7750 or via email at [email protected]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 9, 2017 / 1930

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	May 9, 2017 at 6:15 am
LOCATION:	San Mateo Place and Kepler Drive, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM:	34-year-old male Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Inglehart
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brett Smith, 805-486-6211

DETAILS:

On May 9, 2017 at 6:15 am the Oxnard Police Department received reports of a shooting victim in the area of San Mateo Place and Kepler Drive. Officers responded and located one victim who apparently had a single gunshot wound. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury.

Officers were unable to locate a crime scene.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 9, 2017 at 9:09 a.m.