Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Armed Robberies
DATE/TIME:	6/23/11 0450 hours and 0540 hours
LOCATION:	1500 Block Graves Ave. and 1900 Block North “C” Street
VICTIM(S):	Names withheld, Oxnard residents
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male, 20-27 years old, 5’5, heavy build, short buzzed haircut.
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
LOSS:	Cellular phones, US Currency
PREPARED BY:	Det. Ed Baldwin
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 6-23-2011 in the early morning hours two separate armed robberies had occurred. The first one was in the 1500 Block of Graves Avenue. The victim was approached from behind and the suspect demanded all of their property. The suspect was possibly in possession of a shotgun. The second robbery occurred in the 1900 Block of North “C” street. In this incident the suspect was also possibly in possession of a shotgun.

During the investigation the suspect descriptions were similar. It is unknown if they were committed by the same suspect. The first robbery was reported shortly after the incident however the second robbery victim waited a significant amount of time before reporting the crime.

The public is reminded to always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activities to the police as soon as possible. Delays in reporting incidents greatly reduce the chances that a suspect will be located fleeing the scene.

If you have any additional information regarding these incidents or any other robberies, please contact Detective Steven Funk or you may also leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	Friday, July 8, 2011 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, July 8, 2011, from 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M. The checkpoint will be held within the City of Oxnard and is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In the first six months of 2011, the Oxnard Police Department has investigated nearly 100 alcohol-involved collisions. This is a 13% reduction compared to the first six months of 2010. Although we are pleased with this reduction, over 390 DUI drivers have been arrested this year in the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to improving traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol related crashes to make our roadways and community safer. We will continue to conduct DUI checkpoints, DUI saturation patrols, and DUI warrant operations this year.

How to Report a Drunk Driver

Call 911 and tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver. **You do not have to give your name.
Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
Give the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction they’re traveling.
Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

As a reminder, the fines, fees and attorney costs associated with a first time DUI conviction in Ventura County can reach over $10,000. Driver’s license suspension and an increase in vehicle insurance premiums are also potential consequences.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

(Oxnard, CA) At 10:40 p.m. on June 23, 2012, personnel from the Oxnard Police and Fire departments responded to the 1100 block of South “L” Street regarding a man possibly overdosing on drugs. The Oxnard Police and Fire Communications Division received a 911 call requesting help for a person later determined to be 26-year-old Oxnard resident Robert Ramirez. The caller told the dispatcher he believed Ramirez had swallowed a large amount of methamphetamine, described as an “eight ball.” The caller described Ramirez as acting erratically and said Ramirez needed medical attention.

The caller told the 911 dispatcher that the man was, “bouncing off the walls” and “it looks like he’s having a, like a, like a fit, almost borderline seizure.” At one point during the call, the caller asked for police to be sent. The dispatcher assured the caller that both police and fire were being sent to Ramirez’s aid.

Assistant Chief Scott Whitney of the Investigative Services Bureau said, “We are still investigating this incident, but we do know that the officers did not strike, choke or use a taser on Mr. Ramirez. The officers did everything they could to get Mr. Ramirez the medical care he needed.”

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Investigation Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office are working together on this investigation. The officers involved in this case were placed on paid administrative leave on the night of the incident, which is standard procedure. All of these officers have since returned to work.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Senior Officer Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174or [email protected].

Included with this news release is the audio recording of the 911 call for service that was received at 10:40 p.m. on June 23, 2012. Also included is a transcript of this 911 call. Please note that the caller’s address and telephone number have been redacted.

Transcript of 911 call Ramirez
Audio of 911 call Ramirez

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery
DATE/TIME:	9/11/12 / 2152 hours
LOCATION:	1450 Doris Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Little Cesar’s Pizza
SUSPECT(S):	20-25 Year Old Hispanic Male
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Dark Color Sedan, Possible BMW
PREPARED BY:	Officer Sheylan Flannery, [email protected], (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Sheylan Flannery, [email protected], (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:
On 9-11-12 at approximately 2152 hours, officers were dispatched to the Little Cesar’s Pizza located at 1450 Doris Ave regarding an armed robbery that had just occurred. Officers contacted the employees who advised a Hispanic male subject armed with a pistol entered the store, pointed the pistol at them and demanded they hand over the money. The store employees were in fear for their safety and complied with the suspects demands giving him $330.00. The suspect fled from the store and entered a dark color BMW sedan.

If anyone has any information regarding this crime please notify the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. 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: 9-11-12 / 2330 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint, tomorrow
DATE/TIME:	July 18, 2014 / 2000-0300 Hours
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, July 18, 2014 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

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.

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.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 17, 2014 / 1730 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	November 14, 2014 / 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Friday, November 14, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing while delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

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.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct several operations through the upcoming holiday season and in 2015 targeting drivers who choose to operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.

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.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2014 / 1100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Pedestrian Intentionally Hit By Vehicle Update – Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 9, 2015, 11:16 p.m.
LOCATION:	608 South “A” St, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	26 year old Santa Barbara resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Garcia Garcia, 8/10/1992, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Scott Coe
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Scott Coe,[email protected] (805)385-7796

DETAILS:On 1/9/15, at approximately 2316 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the parking lot of 608 South “A” St reference a subject that was struck by a vehicle. Officers responded to the location and located the victim, 26 year old Santa Barbara resident, who was lying on the ground with a severe head injury. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit along with the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit responded to conduct an investigation. The preliminary investigation found a black BMW 4-door vehicle, with paper plates, entered the parking lot. A passenger of the suspect vehicle exited and confronted the victim and his associates who were standing in the parking lot. The passenger re-entered the suspect vehicle. Several moments later the vehicle re-entered the parking lot and struck the victim with the vehicle. Detectives are still working on obtaining more information about the incident and suspect(s).

UPDATE
Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) were able to identify the suspect as Uriel Garcia Garcia, a 22 year old Oxnard resident. Based on information and evidence obtained during the initial investigation, VCU investigators believe Garcia intentionally struck the victim with his vehicle during the incident.

In the late evening hours of 1/22/14, Oxnard police officers located Garcia driving the same vehicle he used to commit the violent assault. Garcia was stopped and arrested for unrelated charges. Garcia’s vehicle was impounded as evidence and had damage consistent with the violent assault. Garcia was brought to the Oxnard police department and questioned by VCU investigators. Garcia was formally charged and arrested for attempted murder. The victim is still hospitalized in stable but critical condition at the Ventura County Medical Center.
If anyone has further information about this incident, 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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, February 20, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer, (805) 385-7749
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Friday, February 20, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue north of Lindsey Place and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard south of Vineyard Avenue. These locations were chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

·         799 vehicles through
·         748 drivers screened
·         Six DUI investigations conducted
·         Three DUI alcohol arrests
·         One DUI drugs arrest
·         Three criminal arrests (three individuals arrested for outstanding warrants)
·         30 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Four citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked driver’s license
·         60 total citations issued
·         12 vehicles towed

Three of the four DUI arrests occurred at the checkpoint on Rose Avenue with one found to be under the influence of alcohol, nearly double the legal limit of .08, and the other was under the sole influence of drugs. The fourth DUI alcohol arrest was made at the checkpoint on Oxnard Boulevard.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people to dial 911 if an impaired driver is seen. These DUI 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 DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 02/21/15, 0330 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest Warrant Issued for 2003 Homicide Suspect
DATE/TIME:	June 15, 2003
LOCATION:	West Alley 4200 Block Terrace Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Brian Brown, 28 years old (date of incident)
SUSPECT(S):	David Acosta, 40 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Williams (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Young (805) 385-7606 [email protected]

DETAILS:In the morning hours of June 15, 2003, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service related to a possible shooting victim in the west alley of the 4200 block of Terrace Avenue. When the officers arrived at the scene, 28 year old Oxnard resident Brian Brown was found seated in a vehicle which was parked in the alleyway. Victim Brown was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was in extremely critical condition. Brown was transported to an area hospital via ambulance but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Brown’s death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy examination conducted by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Though exhaustive efforts were made by the original investigators, Brown’s murder remained unsolved in the years that followed. In 2012, investigators with the Oxnard Police Department Cold Case Task Force and the Violent Crimes Unit reopened the investigation into Brown’s death. During the course of the next three years, sufficient evidence was developed to obtain a warrant for the arrest of David Acosta for murder. Acosta is currently in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and will be brought to Ventura County to face charges of murder and personally using a firearm to commit the murder. Because suspect Acosta is currently serving a prison sentence for an unrelated conviction, he will not be eligible for bail.

The investigation into the murder of victim Brown is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Oxnard Police Department Detective Mike Young at (805) 385-7606 or [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/5/2015, 9:45 a.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 15, 2016 / 3:29 PM
LOCATION:	Saviers Road and Hueneme Road
VICTIM(S):	Saviers Road and Hueneme Road
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Scott Coe, Senior Officer [email protected] 805-385-7796
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Officer [email protected] 805-385-7547

DETAILS:

On March 15, 2016 at approximately 3:29 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the area of Hueneme Road and Saviers Road regarding several calls reporting shots fired. Officers located a 19 year old Oxnard resident suffering from two gunshot wounds in the area.

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

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-15-16 / 1845 hours