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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Request for Public’s Help in Humberto Ochoa Homicide
DATE/TIME:	December 15, 2014, approximately 0135 hours
LOCATION:	700 block of South Oxnard Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Humberto Ochoa, 35 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 [email protected]

DETAILS: Investigators with the Oxnard Police Department are asking for the public’s help in providing any information related to the murder of 35-year old Oxnard resident, Humberto Ochoa.

On December 15, 2014 at approximately 0135 hours, Humberto Ochoa left a business in the 700 block of South Oxnard Boulevard. Ochoa was with a group of friends and acquaintances preparing to get into their vehicles in a nearby parking lot. An unknown male suspect approached Ochoa and fired several rounds at Ochoa striking him. A female that was with Ochoa was also struck in the leg. The suspect fled from the scene to an awaiting vehicle. Ochoa was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, but would later succumb to injuries he sustained by the gunshots. The female’s injury was non-life threatening.

Investigators believe the suspect may have been in the area prior to the shooting and was possibly waiting for the victim. It is believed that witnesses may have seen the suspect early in the evening in or around the area leading up to the homicide.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. There are numerous ways to provide information to the Oxnard Police Department:

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Edgar Fernandez at (805) 385-7645. Spanish speaking investigators are also available if necessary. 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: May 6, 2015 at 1000 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 Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, September 18, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Friday, September 18, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 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 Vineyard Avenue south of Forest Park Boulevard. The second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lane of “H” Street south of Glenwood Drive. 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:

·         550 vehicles through
·         550 drivers screened
·         Three DUI investigations
·         Two DUI alcohol arrests
·         Eight citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         One citation issued to a driver with a suspended/revoked license
·         19 total citations issued
·         Three vehicles towed

All three of the DUI investigations took place on Vineyard Avenue. One of the DUI drivers, a 26 year-old female, was in possession of an open can of beer when she entered the checkpoint.

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].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09/19/15, 0230 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Kidnapping & Attempt Murder Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	December 10, 2015, 5:54 a.m.
LOCATION:	3400 Block of Galaxy Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	25 year old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Gustavo Diaz, 27 year old male, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Kevin Adair, (805) 385-7663
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Scott Aaron – (805) 385-7662 [email protected]

DETAILS: On December 10, 2015 at 5:54 a.m., deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim located at the corner of Ventura Street and A Street in the City of Fillmore. According to the victim, the suspect, Gustavo Diaz kidnapped her from her place of business in the City of Oxnard and drove her vehicle to the City of Fillmore.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department contacted the Oxnard Police Department and members of the Family Protection Unit, along with the Violent Crimes Unit, responded to take over the investigation. The victim told detectives that as Diaz was driving her vehicle he threatened to kill her. The victim, in fear for her life, attempted to exit the vehicle when it was stopped at a red light and she was stabbed multiple times by the suspect. The victim eventually jumped out of the vehicle as it was moving. A citizen observed the injured victim in the roadway and contacted police. The victim was treated for multiple stab wounds at a local hospital. Diaz was located by the Oxnard Police Department and interviewed by detectives from the Family Protection Unit. He was subsequently arrested for a host of felony charges including kidnapping and attempted murder. The victim and Diaz had a prior dating relationship. The suspect was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail where his bail has been set at $530,000.

Detectives are still investigating the case. If you witnessed the incident or have information about this incident, you are encouraged to call Detective Scott Aaron at 805-385-7662. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at 805-982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/11/2015, 1100 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	187 PC Homicide
DATE/TIME:	12/24/09 2320 hours
LOCATION:	200 Block Alpine St, Oxnard
VICTIM/S:	Mario Cisneros / 50 years / Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT:	Alex Compian , 21 years old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor

DETAILS:

A 50 year old Oxnard Resident was shot and killed outside of his residence Thursday evening. On 12/24/09 at approximately 2320 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 200 block of Alpine St. Upon the officer’s arrival, they discovered Mario Cisneros lying on the side of his residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Cisneros was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

It appears that Cisneros was alone outside of his house at the time of the shooting. Detectives determined that suspect in the case was a neighbor of the victim. The suspect was identified as 21 year old Alex Compian. It is believed that the shooting was the result of an ongoing dispute between the two.

Detectives along with SWAT Team members began to search for the suspect who was believed to have remained in the Oxnard Area. At approximately 3:00 pm Compian was located inside of an apartment in the 300 Block of Palm Dr. Compian surrendered peacefully to the SWAT Officers. He was booked into Ventura County Jail for murder.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Shooting)
DATE/TIME:	December 28, 2009 6:23 PM
LOCATION:	900 Block South “F” Street
VICTIM/S:	35 year-old, Oxnard resident 32 year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT/S:	Hispanic , Males 18-20 years, NFD
WITNESS/ES:	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Unknown type vehicle
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On 12-28-09 at 6:23 PM officers received a call of a possible shooting in the 900 block South “F” Street. Upon their arrival they located two victims that were suffering minor cuts from glass fragments. Both victims were medically treated and released from the scene.

They told investigators that the suspect’s had driven along side their vehicle and yelled something. The victims then said the suspect’s opened fire striking their vehicle several times. The suspect’s fled the area South on “F” Street.

Investigators suspect the incident is gang related, if anyone has information about the shooting they are encouraged to call Violent Crimes Detective Jeff McGreevy at (805) 385-3902 or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS (8477)

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2010 1:07 AM
LOCATION:	2700 Block of Detroit Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	19 year-old, Camarillo resident 20 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Gray newer model Toyota Corolla
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Ricardo Vazquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett 805-486-6297

DETAILS:

On 1-31-10 at 1:07 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of an assault in the area of the 2700 block of Detroit Drive. Upon officers arrival they located two gunshot victims. One victim was shot twice and the second victim was shot once; both victims suffered non-life threatening gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to St John’s Regional Center where they were listed in stable condition.

The victims told officers they were attending a party in the 2700 block of Detroit Drive and were standing in the street when the shooting occurred. Witnesses said that the suspect was a passenger in a newer model gray Toyota Corolla. The suspect and vehicle fled the area after the shooting. No motives for the shooting or suspects have been identified.

Violent Crimes Unit detectives are conducting an investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Detective Alex Arnett at 805-486-6297 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070.

John Crombach
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:	February 19th, 2010 1800-2200
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoint on February 19th, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. The checkpoint was held in the northbound lanes of Ventura Road at Seventh Street.

Officers screened 837 motorists who passed through the checkpoint. Officers conducted three DUI investigations that lead to the arrest of one driver for DUI. This driver’s blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit of .08. With the added danger of wet roadways from the rain throughout the night, this driver significantly jeopardized not only his safety but the safety of other motorists on the road while driving under the influence of alcohol.

15 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 9 vehicles were towed and the owners of those vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00. 7 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and 1 driver was cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license. One driver was also found to be in violation of failing to use a court ordered ignition interlock device in his vehicle.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct several additional DUI enforcement operations this year including one more DUI checkpoint next Friday night. 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. The checkpoints are funded by a grant 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].

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subject Rescued From Burning Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	3/26/10 at 2140 hours
LOCATION:	Oxnard Blvd. south of Spur Dr.
VICTIM(S):	William Page, 58 years, Oxnard
VICTIM VEHICLE(S):	1993 Toyota Camry
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Paul Cumming
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	[email protected]

DETAILS:

On Friday, March 26, 2010 at 9:40 p.m., Senior Officer Steven Funk was on patrol traveling southbound on Oxnard Blvd. at Spur Dr. when he observed a Toyota Camry stopped at the side of the road. This vehicle was on fire with flames coming from inside the engine compartment. Senior Officer Funk saw a subject, later identified as William Page, inside the vehicle sitting in the driver’s seat but making no attempt to get out. The victim was conscious but unresponsive to the instructions of the officer. Senior Officer Funk approached the car which now had smoke and flames beginning to enter the passenger compartment. Senior Officer Funk opened the driver’s door and dragged the victim to safety.

The Oxnard Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire. The vehicle had significant fire damage.

The victim was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation. Senior Officer Funk was treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

The actions of the officer likely prevented serious injury or death of the victim.