Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	New Year’s Eve DUI Enforcement Results
DATE/TIME:	December 31st, 1800-0400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted three sobriety and driver’s license checkpoints on Friday, December 31st, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard @ Second Street. The second one was in the southbound lanes of Saviers Road @ Laurel Street. The last checkpoint was in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road @ Devonshire Drive.

Officers screened 776 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers also conducted three DUI investigations, however, no DUI arrests were made.

Citations were issued to 19 drivers for various drivers’ license violations. Eleven drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and three drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. One individual was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. Four vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

Following the checkpoints, traffic officers patrolled the City of Oxnard searching for impaired drivers. This enforcement resulted in the arrest of 10 DUI drivers within three hours.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

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

INCIDENT:	Railroad Crossing Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, March 16, 2011 1600-1900
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

On March 16, 2011, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit joined forces with special agents from the Union Pacific Police Department and deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during an aggressive enforcement operation targeting railroad crossing violations. The operation also targeted violations of pedestrians trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property between intersections.

During the operation, officers observed over 60 violations. Officers issued citations to 64 drivers who violated various railroad crossing violations. Of those violations, 25 vehicles were observed stopping on the tracks, most for significant amounts of time. Several additional vehicles were observed driving over the railroad tracks, under the descending railroad arms, while trains were approaching. Fifteen of the drivers cited did not have a valid driver’s license. Three pedestrians were arrested for trespassing on railroad property.

In 2009, California was ranked #2 in the United States for highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with a total of 121 collisions. Out of the collisions, 91 were fatalities, 61 were trespass-related collisions with fatalities and 42 were trespass-related collisions with injuries. The Oxnard Police Department investigated two railroad crossing collisions in 2010. Fortunately, there were no deaths as a result of those collisions. On average across the United States, a collision between a train and a vehicle or pedestrian occurs every two hours.

The public is reminded that trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property, or any railroad property, is a misdemeanor offense. It is also life-threatening endeavor considering the speed and size of any train. Anyone found trespassing on railroad property is subject to arrest. In addition, it is illegal 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 is 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, 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!

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these types of operations to educate the public about railroad safety. More information about railroad safety and Operation Lifesaver can be found at www.caol.us or www.oli.org.
For any questions related to traffic enforcement or these types of operations, 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

INCIDENT:	Robbery (Handgun)
DATE/TIME:	3-22-2011/ 10:46 A.M.
LOCATION:	3465 Saviers Road-Delia’s Hair Fashion
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, dark complexion, 5’-5”, 185, wearing a black ski mask, sunglasses, black hooded sweatshirt, faded black pants, approximately 29-30 years of age.
WITNESS(ES):	Undetermined amount of coins.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeffery McGreevy 805-385-3982 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 3-22-2011 at approximately 10:46 A.M. a subject entered Delia’s Hair Fashion’s located at 3465 Saviers Road. The suspect walked up to the lone hairdresser and demanded cash as he pointed a handgun at her. The victim told the suspect there was no cash in the business and the suspect ended taking a vase with an undetermined amount of U.S. coins inside.

The suspect exited the business and was last seen running on foot west bound towards “A” street. Oxnard Police Department detectives responded and continued the investigation.

If anyone has any information, please contact Detective Jeffery McGreevy of the Oxnard Police Department or call Crime Stoppers at 805-385-8255.

An investigation is continuing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision – Vehicle vs. Bicyclist
DATE/TIME:	October 21, 2013 / 0802 hours
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue (overpass) and 101 Freeway
PARTY -1	Pablo Cesar Tellez Chavez, 20 years, Oxnard resident
PARTY -2	Daniel Martinez Meza, 45 years, Oxnard resident
VEHICLE – 1	Silver, 2000 BMW 323i
VEHICLE -2	Black, men’s bicycle
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On October 21, 2013, at about 8:02 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a silver BMW and a bicyclist. Upon arrival, officers found that a male bicyclist had been struck by the BMW on the Rose overpass at the 101 Freeway.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the bicycle, ridden by a Daniel Martinez Maze, was traveling in the bicycle lane northbound on Rose Avenue towards Auto Center Drive. The BMW, driven by Pablo Cesar Tellez Chavez, was also northbound on Rose Avenue towards Auto Center Drive. The BMW started to change lanes to get into the 101 Freeway on-ramp. As the BMW was changing lanes, it struck the bicyclist.

Daniel Martinez Meza died as a result of the injuries sustained from the collision. Driver Chavez was not injured.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at
805-385-7750. The investigation is ongoing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim, last night
DATE/TIME:	11/18/13 at approximately 2100 hours
LOCATION:	100 block Eliza Court / 5100 block Columbus Place
VICTIM(S):	Diego Espinoza, 18 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Long [email protected] or (805) 486-6506

DETAILS: On 11/18/13 at approximately 2100 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to the La Colonia neighborhood after hearing numerous shots being fired. Emergency police dispatchers also received numerous calls reference shots being fired in the 100 block of Eliza Court.

Officers arrived on scene and located a shooting victim, Diego Espinoza, laying on the walkway north of Eliza Court. Espinoza was shot once in the left knee and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. His wound is not life threatening.

Based on information provided to the police, officers began looking for a suspicious vehicle in the area of the shooting. Specific information about the vehicle was broadcasted to other patrol officers in the area. With the public’s assistance, a possible suspect vehicle was located in the 5100 block of Columbus Place.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, and the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. No arrests have been made. The investigation is continuing.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Jeff Long at (805) 486-6506. 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: 11/19/13, 1615 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery (susspect photos attached)
DATE/TIME:	November, 11 2013 @ 10:26 AM
LOCATION:	5300 block Perkins Road (west alley)
VICTIM(S):	Male, 28 Yrs, Oxnard Resident.
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male, late teens to early 20s, 5’8”, 175 pounds, medium build, dark hair, wearing a gray t-shirt, dark colored checkered shorts *photo attached*
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White 4 door sedan *photo attached*
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda 805-385-7665 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public’s help with identifying a suspect in a robbery. The robbery occurred on November 11, 2013 at about 10:27 AM in the west alley of the 5300 block of Perkins Road.

The lone victim was walking through the alley when a white 4 door sedan pulled alongside him and stopped. A passenger in the vehicle exited and approached the victim while pointing a gun at him. The suspect demanded the victim hand over his property. The victim handed over an unknown amount of cash and the suspect returned to the vehicle and fled the area. Video surveillance cameras in the area captured the incident.

If anyone can identify the suspect or has further information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665. 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.

Perkins 211 suspect.jpg

The robbery suspect is the person on the left side of the picture.

Vehicle associated with the robbery.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11-21-13, 1140 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:	Saturday, March 15, 2014 8:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	Eastbound Lanes of Channel Islands Blvd near Rose Avenue
PREPARED BY:	Derek Miller, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7600 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On March 15, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Blvd near Rose Avenue.

Officers screened 474 motorists who passed through the checkpoint and conducted four DUI investigations on drivers who had been drinking alcohol and/or using drugs while driving. Two of these drivers were arrested for violations of misdemeanor DUI. One additional driver was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant and was later found to be in possession of methamphetamine. His passenger was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. A passenger in one of the vehicles being driven by an impaired driver was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Citations were issued to 22 drivers for various vehicle code violations. One driver was issued a citation for driving with a suspended driver’s license while 13 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license. Four vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

Through strategic efforts involving enforcement, engineering and educational programs, the Oxnard Police Department has made significant progress with reducing the number of collisions in the City of Oxnard. In 2008, there were 2,593 collisions in the city. Last year experienced a 41 percent reduction with 1,519 collisions. In 2013, over 500 drivers were also arrested for DUI in Oxnard.

Each year, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) uses collision data gathered from cities throughout California and ranks them according to their population size. The City of Oxnard is among 55 cities placed in a group where the population is between 100,001 to 250,000. Collision statistics gathered by OTS include total fatalities and injuries, alcohol involved by age, motorcycles, pedestrians by age and bicyclists. Over the past several years, the City of Oxnard consistently ranked among the top five of the “worst” on this list. Our dedicated efforts towards collision reduction have resulted in a 2011 OTS ranking of 17 on the same list.

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 that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. 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].

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Parental Abduction – Update
DATE/TIME:	6/3/14 at approximately 1630 Hours
LOCATION:	Marina West School, 2210 Carob Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Nadine Basquez, 7 years old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Brenda Quiroz, 32 years old, Transient
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dale Mcalpine, (805) 385-3921 [email protected]

DETAILS: On 6/2/14 at 2:30 P.M., the father of 7 year old Nadine Basquez came to the Oxnard police department to report that the child’s biological mother had picked her up from school. The mother, Brenda Quiroz, does not have parental custody rights per a court order and should not have contact with Nadine without the father’s consent. Brenda made contact with the child at Marina West Elementary at approximately 1:30 P.M. and left with the girl by unknown means.

Belinda Quiroz is a 32 year old Hispanic female, 5’-4”, weighing 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She has the following tattoos: “Richard” on her chest, “Deliliah” on her back, “Erick” on her left shoulder, “Stephanie” on her right shoulder, “Jossie” on her left ankle, and “Nadine” on her right ankle.

Nadine Basquez is a Hispanic female, 7 years old, 4”-7”, 80 pounds, black hair and brown eyes.

Investigators learned that Quiroz might have left the Ventura County area with Nadine Basquez. Detectives with the Oxnard police department have been working in conjunction with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Child Abduction Unit. The Child Abduction Unit is the county’s primary investigative unit that investigates crimes involving children that have been abducted by non-custodial parents.

The Ventura County’s District Attorney’s Office and the Oxnard police department have been actively pursuing leads since the start of the investigation. The Oxnard police department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating both Brenda Quiroz and Nadine Basquez. Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Brenda Quiroz and Nadine Basquez, should immediately contact the Oxnard police department at (805) 385-7600 or dial 9-1-1.

Updated Pictures of Brenda Quiroz and Nadine Basquez are attached

Brenda Quiroz 2013 Brenda Quiroz 2014 Nadine Basquez

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/3/2014 at 1700 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Operation: Holiday Heroes

DATE/TIME:

December 2, 2014, 1100hrs

LOCATION:

2800 block North Oxnard Boulevard

PREPARED BY:

Officer Andrew Pinkstaff

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Officer Andrew Pinkstaff
805-385-7600

DETAILS:
On December 2, 2014, between 11:00am and 4:00pm, Oxnard Police Officers conducted an operation targeting thefts from vehicles in retail shopping centers. Officers dubbed the event “Operation: Holiday Heroes.”

Traditionally, during the holiday season, officers respond to an increase in auto burglaries and thefts. The increase in shoppers at major retail locations seemingly creates an environment very attractive to criminals. At busy shopping centers with various retail stores, shoppers may leave purchases and other valuable items in plain view within their vehicles making them the ideal targets.

Due to the increased possibility of theft-related criminal activity, the Oxnard Police Department deployed a “bait car” filled with gift-wrapped packages and other valuable merchandise. This vehicle was parked in a busy shopping center, with high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Officers conducted surveillance of the vehicle, and were assigned to contact persons suspected of criminal activity in and around the vehicle.

During this operation, officers did not observe any criminal activity, however were able to make contact with a total of eleven “Holiday Heroes.” During the surveillance, officers were able to observe many of the “Holiday Heroes” secure the property that was unattended inside of the “bait car.” These actions included closing the vehicle door and notifying nearby store personnel.

After observing the “Holiday Heroes” take action to secure the “bait car” property, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were able to make contact with the Heroes and present them with gift cards to local businesses. These gift cards were small tokens of appreciation to these “Heroes” that took action to protect property and their community.

Several businesses made donations for this event, including: Target, Five Guys Burgers, Century Theatres, The California Strawberry Festival, and Menchies.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and on Nextdoor.com.

Remember to lock your vehicle.
Remove and/or hide all valuables (including gift-wrapped items) from your vehicle.
The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.
Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-2-14/ 1715 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:	March 7, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Saturday, March 7, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment while also ensuring drivers are properly licensed. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

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.

How to Report a Drunk Driver
1.    Call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. **You do not have to give your name**
2.    Provide a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
3.    Describe the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling.
4.    Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
5.    Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

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: March 5, 2015 / 1900 hours