Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Felony Suspect
DATE/TIME:	December 7, 2014 at 07:00 am
LOCATION:	3500 Block of Samuel Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Not Disclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Lawrence Beasley, 41 year old male Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Mike Adair, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On December 7, 2014 at 7:00 am, Oxnard Police Officers received a call of a felony sexual assault and possible kidnap that occurred in the 3500 block of Samuel Ave. Officers learned that the suspect was possibly still in the area and attempted to make contact with him. The officers found the suspect in an apartment on Samuel Ave. When contacted by officers, the suspect was uncooperative and barricaded himself inside the apartment.

After approximately two hours, the suspect surrendered to SWAT officers who had responded to the scene. During the incident six apartments evacuated.

Traffic was shut down on the following streets for the duration of the incident.
· La Canada Ave. between Samuel Ave. and La Costa Pl.
· Samuel Ave. between La Canada Ave. and Yucca St.

The suspect has been arrested for several felony crimes. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are handling the investigation.

We want to encourage anyone that may have information about this incident to call Detective Dale McApline at (805) 385-3921. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-7-14/ 0835 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary and Forcible Sexual Assault
DATE/TIME:	January 7, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	5200 Block of Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld – 37 year old female
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male, 5’5-5’6”, thin-med build, Mustache, Unk age Wearing a Black Hooded Sweatshirt, Black Ski Mask, Blue Jeans and White Tennis Shoes
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Dale McAlpine, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-3921, dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:(OXNARD, Calif) – On January 7, 2015 at 10:05 a.m., officers responded to the 5200 Block of Saviers Road, regarding a prowler. Officers learned a male suspect had entered a home through an open back door. The suspect approached the victim and began to physically and sexually assault her. The victim fought back as the suspect attempted to strangle her. The victim broke free from the suspect and ran to a nearby garage whereby she barricaded herself and called police. The suspect fled the area. According to the victim, the suspect was wearing a black ski mask at the time of the assault.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are still investigating the case and request that if anyone has information about this incident to please call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-3921, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 7, 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle pursuit and arrest of gang member in possession of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 8, 2015/1630
LOCATION:	Saviers Road and Laurel Ave
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Varela 21 years old and 16 year old male juvenile. Both are residents of Oxnard.
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Stored
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant, (805) 385-8290 Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 8, 2015 at approximately 1600 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted a traffic stop in the area of Saviers Road and Hill St for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to yield and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit two subjects fled from the vehicle. A 16 year old male juvenile fled from the vehicle and was quickly apprehended. He was in possession of loaded handgun. The second subject, Jose Varela, was apprehended with the assistance of several citizens who directed officers to his location.

Due to the traffic conditions the vehicle pursuit was cancelled.

Jose Varela and the juvenile are both documented gang members. The juvenile was booked on several firearm related charges and Varela was charged with delaying a peace officers duties.

An investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 8, 2015/1715

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms / Narcotics Arrest
DATE/TIME:	3-10-15 / 2205 Hours
LOCATION:	Saviers Road at Elm Street
VICTIM(S):	State of CA
SUSPECT(S):	Efrain Jimenez, 46 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Not disclosed
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Officer Rodney Spicer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 3-10-15, at 2142 hours, officers stopped a vehicle on Saviers Road near Elm Street for minor traffic violations. The driver, Oxnard resident Efrain Jimenez, 46 years, was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and arrested.

Narcotics were also located in plain view inside the vehicle. Police Service Dog, “KOA,” searched further and a hidden compartment was located in the center console. Several baggies of cocaine and methamphetamine were located. Additionally, a loaded revolver was located.

Jimenez was charged with a number of felony and misdemeanor offenses: possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for sale, possession of a loaded firearm while being under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm with narcotics.

At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST was to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement .

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.

Date Prepared: 3-10-15 / 0650 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle / Mail Theft / Narcotics Arrest
DATE/TIME:	3-17-15 / 0500 hours
LOCATION:	Anchorage Street and Monet Place
SUSPECT(S):	Angel Fernandez Tienda, 24 years, Oxnard resident; Ruben Blanco, 27 years, Oxnard resident; David Garcia Cruz, 23 years, Salinas, Ca. resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez (805)385-7600 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On 3-17-15, at 0500 hours, Officer Jack Martin observed a vehicle possibly casing for thefts in the area of Monet Place and Anchorage Street, in Oxnard. The license plate on the suspect vehicle, a blue 1994 Honda Accord, were shown to have been stolen from a 2012 BMW. An investigative stop was conducted and officers learned that the Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) had been removed. It was determined that the vehicle was stolen on 2/27/15, from within the City of Oxnard.

Narcotics paraphernalia and several items of stolen property, possibly from recent mail thefts, were located inside the vehicle.

The driver, Oxnard resident Angel Tienda 24 years, was charged with a number of felony and misdemeanor offenses: unlawful taking of a vehicle, possession of burglary tools, receiving stolen property, possession of a vehicle without proper identification number and receiving a stolen motor vehicle.

The two passengers, Oxnard resident Ruben Blanco 27 years and Salinas resident David Cruz 23 years, were both charged with possession of narcotics paraphernalia.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force and Property Crimes Division responded to assist and advised the United States Postal Inspectors. The investigation is ongoing.

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.

Date Prepared: 3-17-15 / 0945 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for, Possession for Sales of Meth, Transportation of Meth, Possession of Meth. Maintaining a location to use narcotics Under the influence of narcotics Resisting or Delaying an officer
DATE/TIME:	4-1-15 3:00 PM
LOCATION:	200 Blk E. Collins St. Oxnard Ca.
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Richard Portanova 35 years of age Virgina Arguelles 50 years of age Monica Merrill 34 years of age Steven Montijo 39 years of age Oscar Juarez 38 years of age
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 7636 Charles.woodruff@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	James Langford 805 385-7637 James.Langford@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:Narcotic investigators from the West County Street Team concluded their investigation into the selling of Methamphetamine at a home in the area of the 200 Blk. of Collins St. Investigators had received several anonymous complaints about the location.

Investigators observed the primary suspect, Richard Portanova, walking from the home and attempted to contact him reference a search warrant. Portanova spotted the officers and began running from the scene and into a local convenience store. Portanova was contacted in the store and found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. Investigators followed up with a service of a search warrant at his residence and located an additional amount of Methamphetamine.

While at the residence, Detectives contacted several other subjects. They arrested four of the subjects for various narcotic violations. Investigators were able to add the charge of maintaining a residence to allow narcotic activity to the homeowner and primary suspect Portanova.

Portanova was booked for possession for sales and transportation of Methamphetamine as well as maintaining a residence for narcotic activity and resisting and delaying an officer. All other suspects were booked for various narcotic violations at our facility and later transported to the Ventura County Jail Facility.

The West County Street Team is made up of Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department narcotics detectives working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.

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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Pursuit / Assault with a Deadly weapon on an Oxnard Police Officer
DATE/TIME:	4-10-15 1000 hours
LOCATION:	Cooper Road @ Grant Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown Hispanic Male
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Silver Toyota Camry (stolen)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Mike Gregson 805-385-7632

DETAILS:

Members of the Oxnard Police Department observed a stolen Toyota Camry in the area of Cooper Road and Grant Avenue. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the vehicle failed to yield. Officers pursued the vehicle, at which time the suspect backed into a police vehicle causing minor damage to the police vehicle.

The pursuit was terminated due to unsafe speeds in the area of Rice Avenue and Channel Islands Blvd. The stolen vehicle was located unoccupied in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Fifth Street. A search of the area with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff Department Air Unit and K9 Unit was conducted with negative results of locating the suspect.

The Oxnard Police Department has formed an Auto Theft Task Force to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department advises citizens to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and use anti-theft devices to secure their vehicles.

Anyone with information regarding the stolen vehicle pursuit is advised to contact auto theft detectives at 805-385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4-10-15/1400 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department to Offer Start Smart Class for Teen Drivers
DATE/TIME:	May 26, 2015 / 1830 to 2030 hours
PREPARED BY:	Traffic Officer Mike Wood, (805) 385-7749 mike.wood@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Traffic Service Assistant Victoria Izquierdo, (805) 207-5265 victoria.izquierdo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is excited to announce its first Start Smart teenage driver safety class. Oxnard’s Start Smart program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and developed in partnership with the California Highway Patrol.

The Start Smart program provides focused traffic safety information for new and future teen drivers and their parents and/or guardians. The course offers interactive and innovative lecture including discussions on traffic laws, defensive driving, common collision factors, collision avoidance tips, DUI awareness and making the appropriate decisions before and while driving a motor vehicle. The educational program aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths among teenagers as a result of traffic collisions. Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-20.

This free class will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 300 W. Third Street in Oxnard. For more information or to schedule your attendance, please contact Senior Traffic Service Assistant Victoria Izquierdo at (805) 207-5265 or via email at victoria.izquierdo@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 26, 2015 / 1200 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2015 4:27 p.m.
LOCATION:	1000 block of Inlet Drive
VICTIM(S):	59 year old male, Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Maynard Lee Allen, 53 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 gordon.currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 16, 2015 at approximately 6:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to check the well-being of the resident in the 1000 block of Inlet Drive. When officers arrived they located a male subject inside the residence unresponsive. Fire and EMS arrived to provide aid to the victim but unfortunately he was deceased.

The victim was a 59 year old Oxnard resident. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. After investigators interviewed several witnesses they were able to identify Maynard Lee Allen, a 53 year old Oxnard resident, as a person of interest. Allen was contacted a short distance from the crime scene. Allen was transported to the Oxnard Police Department and later arrested for murder. He was booked at the Ventura County Jail. Because this is an active investigation, investigators are unable to provide a motive for the attack or the cause of death. Investigators are confident that this wasn’t a random act because the victim and suspect knew each other. This is Oxnard’s sixth homicide of the year. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Gordon Currie at (805) 200-5682. 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: 5/16/15, 6:00 p.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary
DATE/TIME:	05/17/2015 at 12:45 am
LOCATION:	200 block of Del Norte Boulevard, Oxnard
LOSS:	$2630 CA Lottery Tickets and Cash
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell 805-385-7594 lucy.buttell@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On 05/17/2015, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a burglary to a closed business in the 200 block of Del Norte Boulevard. The suspect forced entry into the business and stole California Lottery Tickets and cash, valued at $2630.

During the investigation, detectives learned that some of the lottery tickets have been cashed. Photos of the suspect that committed the burglary and cashed the lottery tickets are attached.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. If anyone has any information, please contact Detective Lucy Buttell at (805) 385-7594, Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS, or at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.