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 begin Fourth of July fireworks suppression campaign
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7631

DETAILS: (Oxnard, CA) In anticipation of the July 4, 2014 holiday, Oxnard police officers will enforce the ban on fireworks in Oxnard. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling any type of fireworks is subject to criminal arrest or may be issued a civil citation with a fine of up to $1,000.

This year Oxnard PD has set up an email address – fireworks@oxnardpd.org – to report fireworks in advance of the holiday. In your email, please include the exact address where the fireworks are being used. It is not necessary for you to leave your name and phone number if you do not wish to do so.

In response to your tip, Oxnard PD will issue warnings to residents by mail, in person or by phone in an effort to prevent illegal fireworks activity in the days leading up to and including the Independence Day holiday.

Statistics show fireworks are among the most risky of consumer products. Nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms every year and two of five people injured by fireworks are under 15 years old. The most current statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that in 2011 eight out of nine, or 89 percent, of all fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency room injuries were caused by fireworks that are allowed for consumer use by federal or state regulations. Similarly, Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for one-third (34%) of emergency room fireworks injuries.

“Fireworks are not only illegal in the City of Oxnard, they can also be dangerous” Oxnard Police Department Chief Jeri Williams said. “We hope the public will help us share this information in our effort to increase awareness about the prohibition of fireworks in the City – and help lower the risk of fires and injuries. As with other suspicious activity, we all have a responsibility to report anything we see or hear ahead of the holiday to ensure everyone’s safety.”

On July 4, residents are encouraged to report fireworks activity by calling the Oxnard PD Communications Center at (805) 385-7740. Please be prepared to tell the dispatcher as much information about the fireworks activity as possible including the location or the general area where the fireworks are coming from.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with a Handugn
DATE/TIME:	6-16-14 / 1956 hours
LOCATION:	900 Block North Ventura Road

SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 30-35 years old, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, in possession of a dark grey or black handgun


LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications 385-7740

DETAILS:

At approximately 2030 hours, officers responded to the business in the 900 Block of North Ventura Road reference a robbery with a handgun. Officers learned the suspect, described above, entered the business, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect fled the business towards Devonshire Road. Nobody was injured during the robbery.

Persons with information are asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 385-7740, or call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Persons with information may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx .

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-16-14 / 2216 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 firearm
DATE/TIME:	6/28/14 6:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	4600 Block of S. J St.
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Barrera
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

On June 28, at approximately 6:00 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to contact a known gang member on felony probation in the 4600 block of South ‘J’ St. The suspect, Uriel Barrera, fled from officers and attempted to jump a fence into the backyard of a residence. Barrera was quickly apprehended by the officers and was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun that was concealed in the pocket of his pants. Barrera is a documented gang member and has prior felony charges, both of which prohibit him from possessing firearms. Barrera was charged with several weapons related violations and was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, 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 is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-29-14/ 0130

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Grand Theft
DATE/TIME:	09-24-14 / 1349 hours
LOCATION:	323 S. “E” Street, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Santa Clara Church
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male
LOSS:	Crucifix
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager Detective Lucy Buttell lucy.buttell@oxnardpd.org

UPDATE:

The Oxnard Police Department has received video of the theft from Santa Clara Catholic Church and would like to share it with the public in an effort to identify the suspect and return the Crucifix to the Church.

In addition, the Ventura County Crime Stoppers has announced a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be placed at 1-800-222-TIPS, www.tipsubmit.com, or text “BUSTED” plus message to CRIMES (274637).

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DETAILS:
On 09/24/14 at approximately 1:45 pm, a male subject entered Santa Clara Catholic Church located in the 300 Block of South “E” Street and stole a crucifix. A photo is attached. The crucifix itself has relatively little monetary value, but has significant sentimental value to the Church and the parishioners that worship there. The suspect is described a Hispanic male, 30’s, 5-9, 170, shaved head, dark eyes with a very large, bushy mustache. A surveillance photo of the suspect is attached, but is grainy.

Santa Clara Church and the Oxnard Police Department are working closely together and asking for assistance from the public to locate the crucifix and information on the suspect. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	10/5/14 5:50 a.m.
LOCATION:	4100 block of San Juan, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	15-year-old juvenile female
SUSPECT(S):	Jeffrey Chambers, 24 year old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Neail Holland, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Watch Commander (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On October 5, 2014, at 5:50 a.m., a female juvenile was walking home in the 4100 block of San Juan Avenue in Oxnard. A suspect approached her and forcibly took her cell phone from her pocket. During the struggle, and unbeknownst to him, he dropped his own cell phone on the ground before fleeing westbound on Bard Road with the victim’s cell phone.

Police officers arrived and identified a possible suspect from the cell phone that was left behind. The victim identified Jeffrey Chambers as the suspect that robbed her. Soon after, Officer Jeff Miller located Chambers and arrested him for the robbery. The stolen cell phone has not been located.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit at (805) 385-7645. 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/05/2014, 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:	Search Warrant Service/Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/22/14 at approximately 5:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Barrera, 19-year old Port Hueneme Resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Earlier this morning, simultaneous search warrants were served by Oxnard Police Department Investigators with the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.). The search warrants were served in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme and were part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

During the searches, investigators seized firearms, ammunition, and additional evidence related to the ongoing criminal investigation. As a result of the evidence seized, investigators arrested 19-year old Port Hueneme resident Uriel Barrera (see picture below). Barrera is a convicted felon; therefore, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Barrera was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Barrera is a documented Colonia Chiques gang member and has previously been served with the civil gang injunction. Today’s arrest marks the fourth time that he has been arrested in possession of a firearm in the last four (4) years.

Earlier this year in an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, 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 within the city. The objective of this initiative andFAST is 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.

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:	11-7-14 / 0030 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	36-year old Oxnard resident, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two males, 25 to 30 years
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green or dark pickup, possible extra cab
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 11-7-14. at 0030 hours, officers responded to St. John’s Regional Medical Center re: a shooting victim driving to the hospital. Within moments the 36-year old Oxnard resident arrived.

The victim told officers he was with his girlfriend parked at a convenience market located in the 2000 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road. A green or dark pickup, possibly with an extra cab, parked nearby. The victim got out of his vehicle and one subject exited the pickup. An argument ensued. A second subject got out and fired a handgun striking the victim. The victim got back into his car and his girlfriend drove him to St. John’s.

The suspects are described as two males, 25 to 30 years. The victim was later transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, 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 within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact/aspx.

Date / Time Prepared: 11-7-14 / 0200 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 firearm and violation of the gang injunction.
DATE/TIME:	November 23, 2014/2210 hours
LOCATION:	Third Street and B Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Alvaro Cervantes 30 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant, (805) 385-7600 Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 23, 2014 at approximately 2210 hours members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were working gang enforcement in the downtown area of the city. They conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the area of Third Street and “B” St. One of the passengers was Alvaro Cervantes.

Alvaro Cervantes is a known gang member, currently on probation and on the Colonia gang injunction. During a search of the vehicle a loaded semi-automatic handgun was recovered.

Cervantes was arrested for violation of the gang injunction and several firearm related charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 23, 2014/2310

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Ventura Road Closed Due to Flooding
DATE/TIME:	12-12-14 / 0300 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road between Wagon Wheel Road and Stone Creek Drive
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Ventura Road has been closed from Wagon Wheel Road south to Stone Creek Drive because of the flooding caused by the late night storm. Motorists should use an alternate route this morning. It is unknown when the road will re-open.

Motorists are advised to allow more time to reach their destinations, reduce their speeds, and watch for slick or flooded road conditions.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-12-14 / 0300 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-Firearms Strike Team (FAST) and Post Release Offender (PRO) Efforts
DATE/TIME:	November/December 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Assistant Chief of Police
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 Eric. Sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

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 importance of this initiative has been magnified as the City of Oxnard continues to address issues associated with the Post Release Offender (PRO) Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the “2011 Public Safety Realignment”), which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The City of Oxnard has approx. two-hundred and twenty-six (226) of these PRO offenders currently residing within our jurisdiction. This represents approx. 35.5% of the PRO population living in Ventura County. The Oxnard Police Department made three-hundred and five (305) felony arrests of PRO offenders in 2014. These PRO offenders often have serious and violent criminal backgrounds that are not considered prior to release under AB 109. Release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense (prior convictions are not considered).

During the months of November and December, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-nine (29) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, calls for service, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On November 7, 2014, Jesse Olivares, a 43-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers during a traffic stop and found to be in possession of controlled substances. During a follow-up probation search at his residence, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located. Olivares was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation).
On November 23, 2014, Alvaro Cervantes, a 30-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by SEU officers during a traffic stop in the 300 block of “B” Street. During a probation search of the vehicle, a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located where Cervantes was seated. Cervantes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm (He is currently on probation and had previously been served with the Colonia Chiques civil gang injunction).
On December 26, 2014, at approx. 11:00 p.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. contacted a group of gang members in the 1800 block of MacArthur Place. One of the subjects, Daniel Arciga, a 19-year old Oxnard resident, was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Arciga was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On December 27, 2014, at approx. 3:00 a.m., Officer Rodney Spicer Jr. attempted to contact a 17-year old Oxnard resident in the area of Commercial Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. The juvenile fled from Officer Spicer but was apprehended a short time later. The juvenile was found to be in possession of a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He was subsequently arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Overall, in 2014, Oxnard officers made one-hundred and six (106) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department seized two-hundred and forty (240) firearms in 2014 and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

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 / TIME PREPARED: December 31, 2014 1200 hrs.