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Officer Identified in OIS; Suspect Formally Arraigned in Court

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Release of Oxnard Police Officer’s Name Involved in Shooting; Charges Formally Filed Against Suspect
DATE/TIME: April 4, 2016; 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION: 2300 Block of EL Dorado Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Officer Carey Everhart, 6 Year Veteran Officer
SUSPECT(S): Erik Rene Garcia, 27 years old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:
Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
(805) 385-7756; andrew.salinas@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:
Detective Ken Tougas, Major Crimes Unit
(805) 200-5669; ken.tougas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On March 31, 2016, at approximately 3:48 p.m., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the 2300 block of El Dorado Avenue after a 911 call was received of a suspicious subject waving a gun in the air. An Oxnard police officer arrived on scene and located a subject, later identified as Erick Rene Garcia, which matched the description of the person seen with the gun. The police officer attempted to contact Garcia, and Garcia ran from the officer. The officer ran after Garcia and followed him into the carports of an apartment building.

As the officer was searching for Garcia in the carports, Garcia pulled out a gun and pointed it at the officer. The officer drew his service weapon and fired one shot at Garcia, missing him. Garcia then fired at the officer and the officer was struck in the upper body by debris and possibly bullet fragments. Garcia fled on foot while other Oxnard police officers were responding to the scene.
 
During the search for Garcia, the Oxnard Police Department received information from residents that live in the area that Garcia had entered an open residence in the 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue. The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) responded to the scene and eventually rescued several children that were in that residence. After several announcements were given to exit the residence, Garcia surrendered to SEU officers. A search warrant was obtained, and investigators searched the residence where Garcia was hiding. A loaded handgun was located and seized as evidence.
 
Garcia, a documented Oxnard gang member, was subsequently arrested for attempted murder of a police officer and booked into Ventura County Jail. During suspect Garcia’s arraignment this afternoon, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office formally arraigned suspect Garcia on the following charges: 664/187 PC- Attempted murder of a police officer; 245(a)(2) PC-Assault with a deadly weapon by use of a firearm; 246.3(a) PC-Discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner; and 69 PC – Resisting the duties of an officer through force or violence. Garcia remains in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail with bail set at $505,000.00.
 
The Oxnard Police Officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Carey Everhart, a 6 year veteran of the department. Officer Carey Everhart is currently out on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer involved incident.
 
If anyone has further information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Ken Tougas at (805) 200-5669 or via email at ken.tougas@oxnardpd.org.  If a witness wishes to remain anonymous, they may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  They can also visit this site www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  April 4, 2016; 4:10 p.m.
 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Increase in Stolen Vehicles 
DATE/TIME: Year to Date
LOCATION: Citywide
PREPARED BY: Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: 

In the spirit of informing, educating and empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department, would like to advise the residents of Oxnard of a potential crime trend citywide.  The Oxnard Police Department offers this reminder to take the necessary precautions to avoid being the victim of a vehicle theft.
 
Since April 1st, there have been over thirty (30) vehicles reported stolen citywide.  The vehicles being targeted are primarily 90’s Hondas, Civics or Accords.  There are no similarities in the methods used to take the vehicles.  Below are some tips to assist with preventing vehicle thefts.
 

  • Immediately report any suspicious activity!  The police department encourages anyone with information about any criminal incident to call 911 or (805) 385-7740 from any phone. 
  • DO make sure you do not leave your keys in your car, on or off.  If your car is left on to warm up:  stay with your car.  Your car can easily be taken if you are not there to watch it;
  • DO make sure not to leave any valuable items in your car.  These items are a temptation for someone to break your window and steal your things.
  • DO NOT enter if you find your vehicle broken into.  Call 911 and wait elsewhere for police arrival.  Try not to touch anything as officers can possibly obtain fingerprints or other evidence.
  • Make note of suspicious persons and vehicles (including license plates).

 
The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be partners in public safety with our Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP) Initiative.  Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day.
 
In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the above mentioned vehicles.  To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Crystal Walker at (805)385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Domestic Violence
DATE/TIME: April 11, 2016 / 9:06 a.m. 
LOCATION: 200 block West Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Hispanic male, 24 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): Tania Ramirez, 23 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY: Senior Officer Scott Aaron
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Scott Aaron, Scott.Aaron@Oxnardpd.org, (805) 385-7662

DETAILS:
On April 11, 2016, at approximately 9:06 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of West Vineyard Avenue regarding a possible stabbing victim.
 
When Officers arrived, they contacted Tania Ramirez. The investigation revealed that both Ramirez and the victim are involved in a dating relationship.  Ramirez was involved in a verbal dispute with the male victim.  During the verbal dispute it is believed that Ramirez obtained a knife and stabbed the victim.  The victim was able to leave the residence and call for help on a cellular telephone.  The victim’s wounds were not life threatening and he has since been released from the hospital.
 
Ramirez was arrested for violation of Penal Code sections 245(a)(1), assault with a deadly weapon and 273.5(a), domestic violence, corporal injury.  The couple’s three month old infant was present during the incident. The Ventura County Children and Family Services were contacted and responded and took custody of the infant child.
 
Ramirez was booked into Ventura County Jail and bail was set at $45,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  April 11, 2016 / 6:45 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME: April 15, 2016 / 8:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

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, April 15, 2016, 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 568 DUI collisions, which have claimed 10 lives and resulted in another 380 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 affects. 
 
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: Distracted Driving Enforcement Operation 
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION: City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Wednesday, April 20, 2016, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and California Highway Patrol, Ventura Area, conducted a distracted driving enforcement operation in the City of Oxnard.  The purpose of the enforcement operation was to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in an attempt to change behavior and save lives.   
 
WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING?
 
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

  • Texting
  • Using a cell phone or smartphone
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to passengers
  • Grooming
  • Reading, including maps
  • Using a navigation system
  • Watching a video
  • Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

 
Text messaging is by far the most alarming distraction because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.

The distracted driving enforcement operation resulted in the following:
 

  • 54 citations issued to drivers using a cell phone or smartphone
  • 20 citations issued to drivers who were texting
  • One citation issued to an unlicensed driver
  • Two citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
  • One misdemeanor warrant arrest
  • Two vehicles towed

 
The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct similar type of enforcement operations this year.  These operations are an effort to reduce the number of crashes and to make our roadways and community safer.  These 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 traffic enforcement operations, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.  

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: 17th Annual Memorial Ceremony 
DATE/TIME: May 4, 2016 at 1030 Hours
LOCATION: 251South C St. Oxnard CA 93030           
VICTIM(S):  
SUSPECT(S):  
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):  
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Charles Woodruff
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 8300
Charles.woodruff@oxnrdpd.org

DETAILS:The Oxnard Police Department will be hosting its 17th Annual Memorial Event on May 4, 2016 at 1030 hours. The Department welcomes the public to attend and celebrate the lives of seven Oxnard officers who lost their lives while in the line of duty. The Oxnard Police Department hosts this event every year with officers, families and the community attending.

 
 
The names of the officers that will be honored are;
 
Deputy Constable Andrew McNaughton ..EOW March 23, 1906
Constable William E. Kelley…………….. EOW August 20, 1921
Officer Albert Gasperetti………………….EOW April 15, 1956
Officer Frederick J. Clark…………………EOW October 12, 1971
Senior Officer John Adair…………………EOW October 7, 1980
Officer James E. O’Brien…………………EOW December 2, 1993
Officer James R. Jensen, Jr…………..…EOW March 13, 1996
 
This year we will also have a special display from the Los Angeles Police Department. The End of Watch mobile wall will be on display during the ceremony. This wall proudly displays the names of 253 Los Angeles Police Officers who have lost their lives along with video displays of Law Enforcement Officers from Ventura County. The mobile display has been traveling throughout the nation and will be at our station on display until 2200 that night. The Oxnard Police Department invites the public to come by and take a look at the display in person and take the time to remember the officers who have lost their lives.
 
http://lapd.com/end_of_watch_memorial_wall/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Multi-Location Search Warrant Operation
DATE/TIME: April 27, 2016, at approximately 5:00 AM 
LOCATION: Four locations in Oxnard
VICTIM(S): State of California    
SUSPECT(S): Richard Chairez, 20, Jesse Chairez 23, Javier Flores 19, Feliciano Salazar 25, Bertin Salazar 22, Robert Delacerda 37
PREPARED BY: Brett A. Smith, Police Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Cody J Collet, cody.collet@oxnardpd.org
(805) 486-6228

DETAILS: On April 27, 2016 at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers and detectives from the Oxnard Police Department along with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Ventura Police Department and California State Parole, served simultaneous gang related search warrants at multiple locations in the City of Oxnard. The gang search warrants were a result of ongoing investigations related to recent gang shootings in the City of Oxnard.

At the conclusion of the search warrants, three adults were arrested: Richard Chairez-possession of a loaded firearm, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and prohibited person in possession of ammunition; Javier Flores – Child Endangerment related to the location of a firearm; Robert Delacerda – Violation of his parole terms, specifically, possession of drugs for sale.
 
The Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit is committed to reducing gang crime and related violence in the City of Oxnard through comprehensive and detailed investigations, targeting  active gang members residing in the city.  The Oxnard Police Department continues to devote considerable resources to combat gang and firearms violence.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. 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: Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE/TIME: May 15, 2016 / 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
PREPARED BY: Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
 

Improving Motorcycle Safety
Aim of Oxnard Police Department Operation
 
Careless motorists, as well as riders, get special scrutiny

 
The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, May 15, 2016, in an effort to lower collision-related deaths and injuries.  Extra officers will be on-duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur.  Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes.  They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.
 
Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010.  In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a five-year high.  California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning, and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike. 
 
Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward.  Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle-involved collisions within the City of Oxnard have resulted in five fatal collisions and 108 injury collisions.
 
The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists and drivers are reminded to be safe and follow these safety tips:
 
 Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:
·         Use your lane position to increase visibility and change lanes only when there is ample room
·         Match your speed to surrounding traffic
·         Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
·         Ride with lights on during daylight hours
 
Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:
·         Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning, or changing lanes
·         Motorcyclists are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage
 
Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).
 
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”  
 

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Homicide
DATE/TIME: May 14, 2016 / 4:43 p.m.
LOCATION: 5400 block of Barrymore Drive, Oxnard, CA 
VICTIM(S): Sinia Lemus, 35 year old Oxnard Resident
Saul Lemus, 47 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): Unknown
PREPARED BY: Detective Edgar Fernandez, (805) 385-7645
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645
Edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 14, 2016 at approximately 4:40 p.m., Officers responded to a call of two victim’s suffering from gunshot wounds inside a residence in the 5400 block of Barrymore Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and female deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
 
Investigators are continuing to gather more information at this time. The investigation is on-going.
 
Anyone with information or who may have seen anything suspicious are urged to call the Oxnard Police Department Investigations Bureau at (805) 385-7605 or you can also remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visit the website www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Update: Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: Date of Collision: July 17, 2015 / 1545 hours
LOCATION: Saviers Road @ Wolff Street
DRIVER: Andres Ceja, 32 years, Oxnard Resident 
PASSENGER: Desiree Mendez 24-year-old female
PREPARED BY: Traffic Officer Mike Wood (805) 385-7750
mike.wood@oxnardpd.org   
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Traffic Officer Mike Wood (805) 385-7750
mike.wood@oxnardpd.org   

DETAILS:

Update (see original collision information below):
 
The Oxnard Police Department received information that Andres Ceja had failed to appear at court for sentencing on June 9, 2016, and had active warrants issued for his arrest. Ceja had previously pled guilty to misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter stemming from the motorcycle crash which occurred on July 17, 2015, where 24-year-old Desiree Mendez was killed.
 
On June 11, 2016, Oxnard police officers on patrol contacted Ceja in the area of Wolf Street and D Street. Ceja was arrested for his outstanding warrants and booked into the Ventura County Jail.   
 
                                                           

 
Details:
 
On Friday, July 17, 2015, at about 3:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Saviers Road and Wolff Street in reference to an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles, one being a small motorcycle. 
 
Preliminary investigation indicates that the motorcycle, driven by Andres Ceja and with a female passenger, was traveling northbound on Saviers Road.  The Chevrolet truck was traveling southbound on Saviers Road approaching the intersection of Wolff Street.  For an unknown reason, the motorcycle turned left at Wolff Street and into the direct path of the truck causing a broadside collision.  The impact caused Driver Ceja and his female passenger to be ejected from the motorcycle.  Both of them were transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center with critical injuries.  The female was later pronounced dead at the hospital.  Driver Ceja is currently listed in stable condition.  Driver Trevino was uninjured.         
 
Driver Ceja and his female passenger were not wearing motorcycle helmets at the time of the collision.                     
 
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the collision.  The collision is still under investigation.
 
If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer Mike Wood at 805-385-7750 or via email at mike.wood@oxnardpd.org.       

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  July 17, 2015 at 2030 hours