OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Auto Theft Prevention
DATE/TIME:	Month of September, 2016
LOCATION:	City Wide
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7650 [email protected]

DETAILS:The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force has been working to educate the community about leaving their keys in their vehicle unattended. Over thirty percent of the vehicles stolen in the city had the keys left in them or left unattended with the engine running. The police department has distributed auto theft prevention flyers which reminded the community not to leave keys in their vehicle or to leave their vehicle running unattended. A Facebook positing was also placed on the Oxnard Police Department Facebook page warning citizens that leaving their vehicle running unattended is against the law.

The Oxnard Police Department recently began an enforcement campaign with the assistance of the Auto Theft Task Force, Traffic Unit and the Neighborhood Policing Team to enforce this law. Traffic citations were issued to residents that left their vehicles running unattended. During the month long enforcement campaign sixty citations were issued. The fine for leaving your vehicle running unattended is seventy dollars. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to aggressively enforce the law prohibiting leaving a vehicle running unattended.

Many people believe that a vehicle must be warmed up prior to driving. Most vehicles on the road today are no longer carbureted and instead are fuel injected. Experts have found that leaving a fuel injected motor running at an idle for an extended period of time prior to driving does not benefit the engine and will often be detrimental to the engine.



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 the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Commercial Burglary Arrest
DATE/TIME:	March 17, 2016 / 0830 hours
LOCATION:	Shell Gas Station at 655 S. Ventura Rd and Chevron Gas Station at 877 S. Ventura Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Businesses’
SUSPECT(S):	Andrew Carlson, 23 years old Oxnard resident.
LOSS:	Damages and property loss are estimated to be several thousand dollars.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Nathan Martin
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Nathan Martin, (805) 385-7755, [email protected]

DETAILS: On March 17, 2016, at approximately 0830 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrested Andrew Carlson, a 23 year old Oxnard resident, in the 900 block of Stern Lane. With the combined efforts of the victims, the California Lottery Investigators and Oxnard Police officers, it was determined Carlson was involved in a total of nine commercial burglaries during a four week period. Additionally, Carlson was also found to be in possession of the stolen property from two commercial burglaries that occurred in the City of Ventura. Carlson was booked into Ventura County Main Jail.

Persons with information regarding these crimes are encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7600. If someone wishes to remain anonymous, they can call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and to submit a tip via text or e-mail. www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 26, 2016 / 2:40 PM
LOCATION:	300 Blk. Cuesta Del Mar
VICTIM(S):	32 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Robert Valenzuela, Detective [email protected] 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Cody Collet, Detective [email protected] 805-486-6228

DETAILS: On March 26, 2016 at approximately 2:40 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the area of 300 Blk. Cuesta Del Mar regarding several calls reporting a victim of a shooting. Officers located a 32 year old Oxnard resident suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in serious / critical condition.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting. The investigation is still on-going.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage 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) 385-7547. 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:	Gang Member in Possession of Handgun/Recovery of Stolen Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	April 4, 2016/ 1:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 Block of Carmelita Court
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Mauricio Gomez (19) Oxnard resident Diego Espinoza (21 years) Oxnard resident Anthony Itxa (19 years) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On April 4, 2016 at approximately 1345 hours Officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were working directed gang enforcement in the 200 block of Carmelita Court.

As SEU officers entered the area several subjects attempted to flee. Officers were able to contact Mauricio Gomez, Diego Espinoza and Anthony Itxa. All three subjects are members of an active street gang.

During the investigation a loaded handgun and a stolen vehicle were recovered.

Mauricio Gomez was arrested for weapons violations and violation of the gang injunction. Diego Espinoza was arrested for violation of parole and violation of the gang injunction. Anthony Itxa was arrested for being a minor in possession of alcohol.

The investigation regarding the stolen vehicle is continuing.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 4, 2016/ 7:05 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	April 22, 2016 / 5:36 a.m.
LOCATION:	700 block South “G” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic male, 43 year old Oxnard resident and a Hispanic male, 38 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Gallegos, 18 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	– –
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	– –
LOSS:	– –
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Scott Coe
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Scott Coe, [email protected], (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:

On April 22, 2016, at approximately 5:36 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 700 block South “G” Street regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred.

When Officers arrived, they contacted the victim who was identified as a 43 year old Oxnard resident who told officers he had just been robbed at knife point. While conducting their initial investigation officers were contacted by a second victim who was identified as a 38 year old Oxnard resident. The second victim also stated he had just been robbed at knife point. Officers on scene believed the two robberies were related.

Officers located Victor Gallegos, an 18 year old Oxnard resident in the area. Gallegos was in possession of property from both robbery victims and was later identified as the suspect who committed the robberies.

The knife used during the robberies was recovered at the scene.

Gallegos was arrested for two violations of Penal Code section 211, armed robbery.

Gallegos was booked into Ventura County Jail and bail was set at $50,000.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with Shooting
DATE/TIME:	April 24, 2016 / 2:13 a.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Donuts, 2510 Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 27-32 years old, 5-08, 200 lbs., black ball cap, black sweatshirt, black pants, and blue bandanna covering his face
LOSS:	Undisclosed
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Scott Coe, Detective (805) 385-7796 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On April 24, 2016 at approximately 2:13 a.m., a gunman entered Oxnard Donuts at 2510 Saviers Road, confronted an employee and demanded cash. During the incident at least one shot was fired injuring the employee. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash. He was last seen leaving the store and running north through the parking lot.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 27-32 years old, 5-08, 200 lbs, wearing a black ball cap, black sweatshirt, black pants, and blue bandanna covering his face.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and is expected to recover.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Scott Coe 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 24, 2016 / 0415 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Update
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
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 [email protected]

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. The two bodies were discovered by one of the decedent’s children who immediately reached out to a neighbor for assistance.

Today, autopsies were conducted on both parties to assist in confirming the cause of death. Based on evidence recovered at the scene and information gathered from the autopsy, the investigation is being classified and investigated as a murder/suicide. Saul Lemos shot his wife, Sinia Lemus, and then turned the gun on himself. The firearm was recovered from the scene. It is important to note that there are no outstanding suspects in this case. They leave behind two children, ages 12 and 18.

Based on the horrific circumstances of this case and limited family in the area, the Oxnard Peace Officers Association has started a gofundme account for the two school aged children. The OPOA immediately deposited $2,000 into the account and are seeking other ways to assist the family. The oldest child is scheduled to graduate from a local high school this June. The account can be located at: www.gofundme.com/lemusgirls.

Investigators could not locate any history of domestic violence in the household. This is being listed as the third homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard. The death
investigation which occurred in the 1700 block of Oxnard Blvd on May 4^th has not been classified pending further investigation.

According to the Violence Policy Center, Murder-suicides are a shockingly common form of gun violence in the United States — an estimated 11 such incidents each week. The Violence Policy Center has found that more than 1,200 Americans die in murder-suicides each year. Nine out of 10 murder-suicides involve a gun. In nearly three-fourths of all murder-suicides, an intimate partner of the shooter is among the victims.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2016/ 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Amgen Tour of California
DATE/TIME:	May 17, 2016 / 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (approx.)
LOCATION:	Oxnard and Port Hueneme Roadways
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander [email protected] 805-385-7619

DETAILS:DETAILS:

Stage-3 of the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race will pass through Oxnard and Port Hueneme this afternoon as it makes its way up the California coastline.

The race is expected to reach the Oxnard city limits (Pacific Coast Highway and Hueneme Road) at approximately 12:30 pm. There will be several roadway closures along Hueneme Road, Ventura Road, Channel islands Boulevard, and Harbor Boulevard as the race passes through both cities.

Drivers should avoid these areas as there will be heavy traffic and significant delays.

Tour Route: East on Hueneme Rd; North on Ventura Rd; West on Channel Islands Bl.; North or Harbor Bl. to the city of Ventura.

You can follow the race by visiting: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/or by downloading the Amgen Tour App on your smartphone.

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.