Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest: Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	2/20/14 1930 hours
LOCATION:	1900 Block of N. “H” Street
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Petris, 32 year-old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer Keith Oblander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander (805) 385-7600

DETAILS : On 2-20-14, at approximately 1930 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a report of subjects disturbing in the 1900 block of N. “H” Street. Officers contacted Jose Petris, a 32 year-old male, who was seated in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, a loaded handgun was located inside of the vehicle and in Petris’ immediate possession. Petris, a convicted felon, was placed under arrest for carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, and other related weapons charges. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle tampering, stolen property and assault arrest
DATE/TIME:	03/01/2014 @ 0700
LOCATION:	2^nd Street and H Street
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	16-year-old Port Hueneme resident
PREPARED BY:	Chris Inglehart, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications, 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

On 03/01/2014 at 0700 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to 2^nd and H Streets reference a possible interrupted auto burglary. Several residents had confronted the suspect inside of a vehicle. The suspect got out, attempted to strike one of the witnesses with a bat, and then fled the area.

Officers responded to the area and were directed to the suspect’s location by an alert witness. The suspect, a 16-year-old Port Hueneme resident, was taken into custody without incident. A search of his property revealed property stolen from a previous auto burglary. The suspect was booked at Ventura County Juvenile Hall for vehicle tampering, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of stolen property.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. This is an excellent example of a witness who saw suspicious activity, called the police, and provided the appropriate information.

If anyone has more information on this incident, you are encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7600. If someone wishes to remain anonymous, they can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 03/01/2014 @ 1549

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:	March 22, 2014 / 0609 hours
LOCATION:	Rice Avenue at Camino Del Sol
VICTIM:	Hispanic Male, 41 years, Residence unknown, (Name withheld pending notification of family)
PARTY 1:	36 year old male, Oxnard Resident
PARTY 2:	48 year old male, Port Hueneme Resident
PARTY 3:	57 year old female, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 1:	Black, 2000 Nissan Maxima
VEHICLE 2:	Green, 1995 Ford Escort
VEHICLE 3:	Blue, 2002 Mercedes
PREPARED BY:	Officer Garrett Knowles, PatrolOfficer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On March 22, 2014, at about 6:09 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Camino Del Sol and Rice Avenue in reference to an injury traffic collision involving three vehicles.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a Nissan Maxima was traveling southbound on Rice Avenue and both a Ford Escort and a Mercedes SUV were driving northbound on Rice Avenue. As all three vehicles approached Camino Del Sol, the Nissan Maxima attempted to turn eastbound onto Camino Del Sol directly in front of the Ford Escort, causing a head on collision. The Mercedes SUV then collided into the Nissan Maxima.

Three occupants from the Ford Escort were transported to local hospitals. Two occupants sustained major injuries and a third occupant died as a result of his injuries. The driver of the Nissan Maxima and the Mercedes SUV were not injured.

Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor in the collision. No witnesses to the accident have come forward; if anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750. The investigation is ongoing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 22, 2014 at 1130 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 Safer and Stronger: Scams target Oxnard Residents and Southern California Edison Customers
DATE/TIME:	03/28/14
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631 [email protected] Southern California Edison Media Contact: David Song, (626) 302-1203 or 24-hour media line at (626) 302-2255

DETAILS:The end of March brings the third installment of Oxnard Police’s Operation Safer & Stronger crime prevention public service announcement. This month the Oxnard Police Department is highlighting scams targeting Oxnard residents and business, as well as Southern California Edison customers.

“We have seen continuing telephone scam attempts targeting Oxnard and the central coast, since the start of the year – and continue to advise community members to be alert and cautious,’ said Miguel Lopez, Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager. “As we understand, these calls are not coming from local numbers, instead from out of state, another country, or numbers that are hard to track. Often times, they are cold calls, that catch residents off-guard and demand immediate payment to avoid an interruption in service,” Lopez added.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is also advising customers to be aware of on-going telephone scams that are demanding immediate payment for allegedly past due electricity bills.

Imposters have been calling SCE customers – at home and businesses – telling them they must make immediate payment on past due bills or have their electric service disconnected. The callers are also demanding that payment be made through a prepaid cash card, such as a PayPal or Green Dot card. Further, SCE reports that 90% of these scams are targeting business, with a majority (80%) targeting minority and small businesses.

“We ask our customers to be alert to these calls that demand immediate payment and threaten service disconnection,” said Henry Martinez, SCE vice president of Safety, Security & Compliance. “Customers suspecting a fraudulent call should ask for the caller’s name, department and business phone number. If the caller refuses to provide this information, customers should terminate the call and report the incident immediately to local police or SCE at 800-655-4555.”

SCE also reminds customers to ask for identification when a stranger comes to the door or calls claiming to be a utility worker. SCE utility workers will provide verification, including their department and phone number, when asked.

In most cases, home visits by SCE are scheduled by the customer and SCE will confirm the appointment in writing. If there are any concerns, SCE and Oxnard Police suggest having the utility worker wait outside until their identity can be verified.

Oxnard residents and SCE customers should also note that:

·         An SCE employee will never ask for money in person.
·         If SCE does need to contact and call you, they would be calling from an 800-number. SCE never calls to collect payment.
·         Never reveal your credit card, ATM or calling card numbers (or PIN numbers) to anyone.
·         If someone calls and requests you leave your residence at a specific time for a utility-related cause, call the police. This could be a burglary set up by the caller.
·         Be suspicious of anyone who arrives at your house without an appointment asking to check an appliance, wiring, or suggesting that there may be some other electrical problem inside your residence

If you are a victim of such scam, you are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department to file a police report. Oxnard Police is working with corresponding prosecuting and other agencies that are investigating these crimes, nationwide.

The Operation Safer and Stronger initiative was launched by Chief of Police Jeri Williams in response to the increase in crime, especially the rise in preventable property crime. Oxnard Police has been releasing monthly public service announcements to target trends citywide, and offering crime prevention tips to address these challenges. In addition, bi-monthly public crime prevention seminars have been scheduled. The next Crime Prevention Seminars are scheduled for Thursday, April 17^th at Channel Islands High School Cafeteria and Friday, April 18^th at Hueneme High School Library, both from 6:00-7:30pm (both in English with Spanish translation available. To RSVP please contact Detective Crystal Walker at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED:   3/28/14 4:00pm.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Death
DATE/TIME:	3/29/14 1127 hours
LOCATION:	4900 block of South “C” Street
VICTIM(S):	48 year old Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato , (805) 385-7688 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On March 29, 2014 at approximately 1127 hours, officers and EMS were dispatched to the 4900 block of South “C” Street regarding a subject not breathing. When officers and EMS arrived they located the female subject. Emergency responders pronounced her deceased at the scene.

The subject was a 48 year old Oxnard resident. Her name is being withheld until her family is notified. Investigators didn’t observe any signs of trauma on the victim and at this time don’t know the cause of death. Investigators are attempting to locate witnesses and establish what occurred.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics Arrest
DATE/TIME:	4/11/14 0700 hours
LOCATION:	300 Block of E. Juniper Street
VICTIM(S):	14 year old juvenile
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Munoz, 44 year old, Oxnard Resident David Munoz, 49 year old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Charles Woodruff, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Eddie Kasaba, Detective (805) 385-7641

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department Narcotics/FBI task force ended a three week long investigation with the service of a search warrant to a residence in the 300 block of East Juniper Street. During the search, detectives located several handguns and rifles with one of them being reported stolen. They also located evidence of methamphetamine sales and stolen property which included a stolen vehicle.

During the search, detectives also learned that the suspect’s 14 year old son was staying in the same room where the weapons and narcotics were located. Child Protective Services were notified and responded to the scene.

Suspect Salvador Munoz was arrested along with his brother, David Munoz. Both were later booked at the Ventura County Jail for a variety of charges including child endangerment.

The Oxnard Police Department is continuing to actively investigate individuals for narcotic and weapon violations.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the narcotic hotline at (805) 982-7084 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4/11/14 12:50 pm

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fraudulent use of credit cards
DATE/TIME:	4-23-14 1200 hours
LOCATION:	900 Blk Cheyenne Way
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Armando Navarro 46 years of age
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edward Kasaba 805 385 7641 [email protected]

DETAILS: On 4-23-14, at about 1200 hours, detectives from the Oxnard Narcotic Street team conducted a probation search at a residence in the 900 block of Cheyenne Way. Once at the location, detectives contacted several subjects inside. They contacted suspect Jose Armando Navarro who is also the renter of the location. After further investigation, detectives learned that Navarro had been using his deceased brother’s identity. Navarro had obtained a California identification card, credit cards and state benefits cards. Detectives were able to confirm the suspect’s true identity as Jose Armando Navarro.

Navarro was arrested for fraudulent use of credit cards. The investigation is continuing to find out how many accounts were opened as well as how many state provided benefits Navarro had fraudulently received from the State of California.

Two additional male subjects were arrested at the location for outstanding warrants.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4-23-14 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:	Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	4-25-14, 2115 hours
LOCATION:	1800 Block North Ventura Road
SUSPECT(S):	Adrian Villagomez 18 years old
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of money
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Scott Aaron
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Scott Aaron 385-8241 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On April 25, 2014, at about 2120 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department contacted Adrian Villagomez in the 1800 block of North Ventura Road. Villagomez was wanted for a vehicle burglary that occurred on March 5, 2014. During the contact, officers were advised that Villagomez had just committed a robbery of a food vendor who was set up in a parking lot in the 1800 block of Ventura Road.

An investigation revealed that Villagomez had just stolen the vendor’s tip canister. When the victim attempted to chase down Villagomez to retrieve the canister, Villagomez simulated a handgun and told the victim he had a gun. Villagomez was contacted by officers while fleeing and was taken into custody for robbery. He was also charged with being in possession of a narcotic smoking pipe. Villagomez did not have a gun.

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. You may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Death (Update Release)
DATE/TIME:	June 3, 2014 / 2320 Hours
LOCATION:	Wooley Road @ Richmond Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Carlos Marrero Alvarado, 49 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS: On June 3, 2014, at approximately 11:20 P.M, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service related to a man down in the area of Wooley Road and Richmond Avenue. They arrived on scene and found an unconscious male subject lying near the roadway. Emergency medical personnel also responded, but unfortunately the male victim was determined to be deceased.

The Oxnard Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this death. An autopsy examination is scheduled to take place on June 4, 2014.

Update:
On June 4, the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy on victim Carlos Marrero Alvarado. The results of the examination revealed that victim Alvarado died as a result of injuries consistent with a traffic collision. The Oxnard Police Department is now investigating this incident as a hit and run collision as the vehicle involved fled the scene. It is unknown what time the collision occurred.

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 this incident should contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477, http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 4, 2014, 1530 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 Conduct Motorcycle Safety Enforcement and DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	6-8-14
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 two traffic safety operations this Sunday, June 8, 2014. The first operation, scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m., will target motorcycle safety. Officers will be on the lookout for unsafe motorcycle riders as well as those motorists who jeopardize the safety of motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders and passenger vehicle drivers are reminded to watch out for each other while traveling the roadways, especially at intersections and in vehicles’ blind spots while traveling alongside or passing. In 2014, there have been 7 motorcycle collisions in the City of Oxnard, all of which resulted in injuries to the motorcyclists. Tragically, a motorcyclist was killed in one of the collisions.

According to preliminary figures from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, more than 400 people were killed and nearly 12,000 people were injured in motorcycle-involved collisions in 2011, representing a nearly 20 percent increase in the death rate in California from the previous year.
At the conclusion of the motorcycle enforcement, officers will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In 2014, there have been 395 vehicle collisions, with 41 of those involving an impaired driver. Two of those collisions resulted in the deaths. The Oxnard Police Department has arrested 195 drivers for DUI so far this year.

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 6, 2014 / 2030 hours