Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	January 21, 2015, 6:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block of Balsam Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Luis Amaro, 41 years old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Older model dark colored Honda
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander [email protected], 805-385-7756
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Ken Tougas, Senior Officer [email protected], 805-200-5669

DETAILS: On January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 200 block of Balsam Street. Upon arrival, officers were advised that a male shooting victim was transported by family members to St. John’s Hospital. The victim was then transported via ambulance to VCMC in critical condition. The victim, identified as Luis Amaro, would subsequently be pronounced dead at VCMC as a result of an apparent gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was standing near or around his residence when he was confronted by an unknown suspect. Witnesses recall multiple gunshots being fired and a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model sedan possibly a dark colored Honda. As of this release, no suspect(s)have been identified and the motive remains unknown.

This is Oxnard’s second homicide of the year. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
January 21, 2015, 2230 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closure – UPDATE
DATE/TIME:	2-25-15 / 1500 Hours
LOCATION:	5th Street and Rice Avenue
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

Road closures associated with the train derailment at 5^th Street and Rice Avenue have been lifted. Clean-up and repair operations are nearing completion and roads are mostly open. However, the northbound #2 lane of Rice Avenue at 5^th Street is temporarily closed.

The motoring public’s patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2-25-15 / 1500 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felony Assault, Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	March 8, 2015, at approximately 0130 hours
LOCATION:	900 block of Ontario Street
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	17 year old Ventura resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective John Brisslinger (805) 486-6297 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 3/8/15 at approximately 0130 hours, officers responded to a fight at a house party in the 900 block of Ontario Street. When officers arrived, they located the male victim laying in the front yard of the residence. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in grave condition. After several medical tests, the victim’s condition was downgraded to critical but stable condition. The injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. During the investigation, officers and investigators located a witness that provided valuable information to assist with the investigation. A suspect was located and identified. The suspect, identified as a 17 year old Ventura resident, was arrested for felony physical assault.

Investigators are still investigating the incident and are looking for additional witnesses. If you witnessed the incident or have information to assist with the investigation, you are encouraged to call Senior Detective John Brisslinger at (805) 486-6297. You can also provide information anonymously by calling 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: March 8, 2015 at 0549 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:	May 5, 2015 / 1800-0000 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 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. We encourage people to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo holiday but want everyone drive safe and sober. So far, over this Cinco de Mayo Weekend (May 1 to May 4), officers from the Oxnard Police Department have arrested 15 DUI drivers.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking driver’s for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available at the checkpoint to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Additional officers will be deployed throughout the city to conduct DUI enforcement.

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 Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 4, 2015 / 1215 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:	June 26, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Friday, June 26, 2015, 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 also checking drivers for proper licensing. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. Not only do impaired drivers face jail time but the fines and fees associated with a DUI conviction in Ventura County can exceed $10,000. This doesn’t include potential long-term increases to vehicle insurance premiums, driver’s license suspension and mandatory attendance in DUI classes.

In 2014, Oxnard Police officers arrested over 500 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. Officers also investigated 174 alcohol-related collisions causing the tragic and preventable deaths of three people.

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: June 25, 2015 / 2130 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member in possession of a loaded handgun
DATE/TIME:	7-4-15, 2200 hours
LOCATION:	Ives Avenue at Carnegie Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Ezequiel Reyes, 29-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, (805) 385-7644 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On July 4, 2015 at approximately 2200 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit and K9 Unit were conducting gang enforcement in the Lemonwood Neighborhood. While patrolling in the area of Carnegie Street and Ives Avenue, SEU officers made contact with Ezequiel Reyes a known documented gang member. During a search of Reyes, he was found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

Reyes was arrested for several weapon related violations.

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 focusing on known, active gang members residing in the city. Residents are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses of crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 4, 2015 / 2230 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Traffic Collision and Related Congestion
DATE/TIME:	7-17-15 / 1545 Hours
LOCATION:	Saviers Road at Wolff Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, [email protected], (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

Officers and traffic investigators are on the scene of a serious traffic collision near Saviers Road and Wolff Street. This is a vehicle versus small motorcycle collision that occurred at 1545 hours. The two persons on the motorcycle, a male and female, are in critical condition.

Southbound Saviers Road traffic has been reduced to one lane. Motorists should avoid the area as there is traffic congestion.

A more detailed press release will follow.

Date Prepared: 7-17-15, 1545 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

INCIDENT:	Subject in possession of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	9/26/2015 at 1:29 am
LOCATION:	3200 Block Merced Place, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	NA
SUSPECT(S):	(2) 17 year old males, Oxnard residents
WITNESS(ES):	NA
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	NA
LOSS:	NA
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, 805-385-7746

DETAILS:

On 9/26/2015 about 0129 hours three Oxnard Police Officers were doing directed patrol in the Diamond Bar neighborhood due to an increase in gang activity. The officers observed two subjects on the driveway of a home on Merced Place who tried to hide from them as they approached. The officers detained two 17 year old juveniles for further investigation. During the investigation two homemade 12 gauge “Zip Guns” were located on the driveway where the two suspects were seen. Both teens are associated with a criminal street gang and were arrested for unlawful firearm possession. They were later booked into the Juvenile Justice Center for various gun charges.

A “Zip Gun” is defined as a homemade or make shift gun. These types of weapons are extremely dangerous to handle. The guns located this morning by OPD officers were modified to fire a shotgun shell. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing gang related crimes and violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws primarily targeting known or active gang members. Citizens are reminded to contact the Oxnard Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime. Case# 15-105150

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/26/2015 at 5:50 am

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
DATE/TIME:	9-30-15 / 1104 P.M.
LOCATION:	1500 S. Oxnard Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	Adult male (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jon Keller
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett / [email protected] / 486-6211

DETAILS:

A shooting victim was located in the 1500 block of Oxnard Blvd. The victim suffered a critical injury, but he is listed in stable condition. We have no further information on any possible suspects at this time. Any witnesses are encouraged to call either of the following numbers:

Violent Crime Hotline: 805-982-7070
Crimestoppers: 1-800-222-8477

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-1-15 / 0100

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
DATE/TIME:	October 15, 2015 / 2239 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Wagon Wheel Road
VEHICLE:	White, 1993 Nissan 300ZX
DRIVER:	Asael Gregorio Mendez, 18 years, Port Hueneme Resident
PASSENGER:	Male, 18 years, name withheld pending next of kin notification
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On October 15, 2015, at about 10:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road in reference to a single vehicle injury collision. Upon arrival, firefighters and rescue personnel used the Jaws of Life to extricate the two male occupants from the vehicle, a white 1993 Nissan 300ZX.

The driver of the Nissan, Asael Mendez, sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is still listed in critical condition. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation and information obtained from witnesses indicates that the Nissan was traveling northbound on Ventura Road approaching Wagon Wheel Road at a high rate of speed. For an unknown reason, it lost control, veered off the roadway and collided into a block wall located at the entrance to the shopping center at the intersection. During the collision, the vehicle also struck a fire hydrant positioned on the sidewalk near the block wall. The hydrant was dislodged from its base and landed several feet away in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road. The Nissan came to rest on the center median of Ventura Road at its intersection with Wagon Wheel Road.
Although speed contributed to the cause of the collision, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash. The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750 or via email at maria.pena@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 16, 2015 / 0515 hours