OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
DATE/TIME:	May 18, 2016 at 8:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	5200 Block Chesebro Drive, Agoura Hills, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Michael W. Smith, 35 years, Agoura Hills Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit [email protected] (805) 385-7620
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Kevin Adair, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit [email protected] (805) 385-7663

DETAILS:On 05/18/16, after a six month long investigation, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU), members of the Southern California High Tech Task Force and officers from Naval Criminal Investigative Service served a search warrant at a residence in the 5200 block of Chesebro Drive in the City of Agoura Hills. During the subsequent investigation and search, Michael W. Smith, was identified as allegedly being in possession of child pornography as well as participating in the distribution of child pornography. Michael Smith lived in the City of Oxnard at the time of the crime and moved to the City of Agoura Hills in the past few months. He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that the possession of child pornography is a felony and can be punishable with imprisonment in State Prison. In addition to being captured in images, many children depicted in the images are often the victims of sexual assault, exploitation, or human trafficking. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to the continuing investigation of these acts and will vigorously pursue those that participate in child-related crimes.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public to be diligent in supervising their children’s activity online to ensure they are protected and safe. If anyone has information regarding the possible online exploitation of a child, they are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com or their local police department.
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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/18/16 5:15 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	May 29, 2016 / 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

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 29, 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. Officers 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.”

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 27, 2016 / 10:30 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	June 11, 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 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Saturday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, June 11, 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 598 DUI collisions, which have claimed 10 lives and resulted in another 399 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:	Arrest for Prohibited Felon in Possession of a Loaded Gun, Resisting Arrest, and Violation of the Colonia Gang Injunction
DATE/TIME:	July 1, 2016 / 9:45PM
LOCATION:	100 Block of North Rose Ave (East Alley)
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Roberto Madrigal, 19 year old Oxnard Resident



PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-8289
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant [email protected] 805-385-8289

DETAILS:

On July 1, 2016, at about 9:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniform gang enforcement in 100 Block of North Rose Ave in the East Alley. Officers noticed a group of subjects loitering in the alley and went to contact them.

When officers approached the subjects they quickly ran away in different directions. A short foot pursuit ensued and Madrigal ran west bound across Rose Ave. Madrigal discarded a loaded firearm during the foot pursuit. Madrigal was apprehended and the firearm was recovered. Madrigal also had 31 rounds of ammunition in his possession.

Madrigal was arrested for being a prohibited felon in possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and for being in violation of the Colonia Injunction.

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.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Subject
DATE/TIME:	July 5, 2016 1:06 P.M
LOCATION:	1000 block of Kelp Lane
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	John St. Clair, 34 year old Oxnard Resident
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander, [email protected] , (805) 385-8290

DETAILS:

On July 5, 2016 at approximately 9:49 A.M, a female called 911 and stated that she was being held against her will by her boyfriend. She said that she was in their apartment, located in the 1000 block of Kelp Lane. Patrol officers responded and attempted to establish contact with the residents for over two hours without success. Officers learned that there had been prior domestic related incidents at the residence and officers had to force entry into the apartment in May 2016. It was also learned that one of the occupants had outstanding warrants and had at least one firearm registered in his name.

Members of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to assist. Officers continued to try and establish communication with the residents without success. Officers saw movement in the apartment and fearing that the female caller may be harmed, forced entry into the residence.

Officers made contact with John St. Clair, a 34 year old Oxnard resident, and detained him without incident. The female resident was not in the apartment and officers had learned that she left the residence prior to officers arriving. St. Clair was arrested for outstanding warrants and for delaying/obstructing a peace officer. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Christopher Camper Homicide – Vehicle of Interest
DATE/TIME:	June 25, 2016 at approximately 5:15 P.M.
LOCATION:	1900 block of North Ventura Road
VICTIM(S):	Christopher Camper, 32 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	None
WITNESS(ES):	None
VEHICLE(S):	Silver 1990’s model Cadillac sedan
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 [email protected]

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are seeking the public’s assistance in attempting to locate a “vehicle of interest” related to the murder of Christopher Camper.

Christopher Camper was shot to death on June 25, 2016 at approximately 5:15 P.M. as he stood at a bus stop in the 1900 block of North Ventura Road. Detectives obtained information that a silver 1990’s model Cadillac sedan was in a parking lot near where Camper was gunned down. Detectives believe the driver of the Cadillac may have witnessed the incident and can provide vital information to assist with the investigation.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. Anyone with knowledge of the silver Cadillac mentioned above, or any person who witnessed the murder of Christopher Camper is asked to contact Detective Edgar Fernandez at (805) 385-7645. You can also provide information anonymously by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 8, 2016 at 10 A.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	July 17, 2016 / 0111 hours
LOCATION:	Oxnard Blvd and Ninth St
VICTIM(S):	California, State of
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Ortiz, 44 years
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2000, Red, Ford Mustang
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Jesse Sedeno, Traffic Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Officer Thomas Martin [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 7/17/2016, at 1:11 a.m. Motor Officers Thomas Martin and Jesse Sedeno were working a two-man enhanced enforcement detail. The officers observed a red Ford Mustang convertible traveling at a high rate of speed on southbound Oxnard Boulevard from the intersection with Seventh Street.

Officers Martin and Sedeno conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver, Jesus Sandoval Ortiz and his female passenger. The officers discovered Sandoval’s license was suspended for failing to appear in court. During the course of the investigation, an interior search of the vehicle was conducted.

Officer Martin located a firearm on the floorboard of the front passenger seat concealed within a red bandana which was tied with a knot. The firearm was identified as a Springfield Armory model 1911A1. Within the handgun was a magazine loaded with seven live rounds of .45 caliber ammunition.

Ortiz was arrested for numerous gun related charges and driving on a suspended license.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Chemical Weapon Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 18, 2016 / 11:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	2701 S. Saviers Road, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	Walmart / State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Martin Reyes 31 years old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez, (805) 385-7664 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On June 18, 2016 at 11:45 a.m., Oxnard Police and Fire personnel responded to the Oxnard Walmart store, located at 2701 Saviers Rd, regarding a suspicious device. Oxnard Police Department and Fire Department officials were able to identify the device as a possible improvised chemical weapon. The business was subsequently evacuated for approximately six hours while a Hazardous Materials Team was able to render the device safe. Walmart management estimated the store lost over $120,000 in revenue as a result of this incident.

An extensive month long investigation followed, led by Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Investigators in conjunction with Walmart Global Investigators, Oxnard Police Department Crime Scene Investigators, and the Ventura County Crime Lab. With the assistance of evidence collected on scene, investigators were able to identify the suspect as Martin Reyes, a 32-year old Oxnard resident.

On July 19, 2016, Oxnard Police Department Investigators responded to the Ventura County Main Jail to interview Reyes, who was in custody for an unrelated charge. Martin Reyes confessed to investigators that he manufactured and placed the chemical weapon inside the open Walmart store. Reyes was aware that the device was capable of creating a gas, which has been classified by the C.D.C. as a chemical that is “Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Considerations (IDLH)”. Reyes told investigators that he conducted most of his research into the device on the internet.

Reyes was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for the unlawful possession and manufacturing of a chemical weapon of mass destruction.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative. 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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested with a loaded handgun and transportation of narcotics
DATE/TIME:	July 27, 2016/ 1215 Hours
LOCATION:	200 Block N. Rose Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Sandoval (age 22), Oxnard resident Christopher Arevalo (age 24), Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, Neighborhood Policing Team Supervisor
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, Neighborhood Policing Team [email protected], (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:On July 27, 2016 around 12:15 P.M. two officers assigned to the Neighborhood Policing Team observed a vehicle run a red light on Rose Avenue near First Street. They made an enforcement stop regarding the traffic infraction and contacted the driver Juan Sandoval and his passenger Christopher Arevalo. Officers did a records check and found that both occupants were document members of an Oxnard based criminal street gang and also noted they had been served with the civil gang injunction. Juan Sandoval and Christopher Arevalo were in violation of the gang injunction by associating with each other.

Officers removed the driver (Sandoval) from the vehicle to affect the arrest and learned that there was a gun inside the car. The officers quickly handcuffed and arrested both men and conducted a search of the vehicle. A loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun was found in the center console and a quantity of methamphetamine was found in the door pocket. Both men were arrested for firearms violations, narcotics transportation violations and violating the conditions of the civil gang injunction.

A booking search of Arevalo revealed he had a small amount of methamphetamine concealed on his person. Sandoval and Arevalo were booked into the Ventura County Jail for multiple Felony charges.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 27, 2016/2230

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	August 13, 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 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Planned this Saturday

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, August 13, 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 634 DUI collisions, which have claimed 10 lives and resulted in another 424 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’.