Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suicidal Female
DATE/TIME:	7/29/14 at approximately 1115 hours
LOCATION:	300 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld, 40 year old female, Ventura resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On 7/29/14 at approximately 1115 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to 300 Esplanade Drive reference a female threatening to commit suicide. The female was located on the roof of the building threatening to jump. Patrol officers and crisis negotiators spoke to the female for approximately one hour. The female was talked down from the roof and was taken to Ventura County Mental Health for treatment.

Due to the circumstances and sensitivity around this incident and the individual’s privacy, personal information will not be released.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:7/29/14 1629 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Stolen Vehicle / Arrest of Post Release Offender
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, October 25, 2014 / 8:15 am
LOCATION:	1400 block of South Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jeritzel Huggins, 37 years of age, transient
PREPARED BY:	Officer David Castillo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications (805) 385-7740

DETAILS:
On 10/25/14, at approximately 0815 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 1400 block of South Oxnard Boulevard for the call of a subject attempting to steal a vehicle. Officers located the subject, identified as Jeritzel Huggins, a short distance away. Huggins is a transient, who frequents the Oxnard and Santa Clara County areas. Huggins was arrested for attempting to steal a motor vehicle and resisting or delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Huggins is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/25/14 1205 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
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2014 8:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Park 1000 Block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S):	55-year old Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7801, eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7688, miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 13, 2014, at approximately 8:40 a.m., emergency medical personnel responded to Sierra Linda Park in the 1000 block of Indigo Place in Oxnard reference a report of a man down in the park. Upon their arrival, they located a 55-year old male lying in the south side of the park who had suffered fatal injuries. Officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrived a short time later and began conducting an investigation. Investigators from the Major Crimes Unit responded and determined that the victim had suffered fatal stab wounds. The victim was an Oxnard resident whose name is being withheld until his family is notified.

The location of the stabbing was adjacent to Sierra Linda Elementary School. There were no indications that any suspects entered the campus or at any time any of the students were in danger. School Resource Officers with the Oxnard Police Department remained in contact with school officials throughout the day to coordinate a smooth dismissal at the end of the school day as investigators remained on scene for several hours. The Oxnard Police Department wants to commend the faculty and staff at Sierra Linda Elementary School as well as the district personnel that responded to the school for their tremendous coordination and care they took in looking after their students on campus throughout the day.

This is the seventh homicide that has occurred in the city of Oxnard in 2014. The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators from the Major Crimes Unit are continuing their investigation and we have not yet determined a motive for this tragic incident. We are deeply concerned about the proximity to an elementary school and we believe there are people in the neighborhood that may have seen the incident take place or saw a suspect(s) fleeing the area. We want to encourage neighborhood residents or anyone that was in the area that may have information about this incident to call Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 385-7688. 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: November 13, 2014 5:00 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:	Felon in Possession of Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	November 15, 2014 8:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Norma Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Daryl Lopez, 21-year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 15, 2014, at approximately 8:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were conducting probation searches at various locations in the city of Oxnard. Officers attempted to make contact with a probationer at a residence in the 2000 block of Norma Street when a subject fled through the back of the residence and into the alley. Officers pursued the subject and caught up to him a short distance later. The subject was arrested and identified as 21-year old Oxnard resident, Daryl Lopez (See photo below).

During a search of the area where the subject had fled, a loaded handgun was recovered. The handgun was later discovered to have been reported stolen. Lopez was arrested for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. Lopez is a documented gang member and was previously served with the Colonia Chiques civil gang injunction.

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 within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 17, 0900 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Safety and DUI Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	November 21, 2014, 6 PM to 3 AM
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Withheld
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Withheld
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Brian Woolley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brian Woolley, (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Friday, November 21, 2014, between the hours of 6:00 PM and 3:00 AM, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit deployed six officers to conduct dedicated traffic safety and DUI enforcement in the City of Oxnard. The results of the operation were as follows:

· 70 traffic stops.
· 56 citations issued including two motorcyclists exceeding 90 MPH on a city roadway.
· Seven drivers cited for being unlicensed.
· Six drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license.
· Four DUI investigations were conducted.
· Four DUI arrests.
· Two drivers were found to have blood alcohol levels over twice the legal limit of .08.
· One driver was found to be under the heavy influence of marijuana while driving with an opened 25-ounce can of beer in the center console of the vehicle. He also had a suspended driver’s license.
· Five vehicles towed.

As the holiday season is approaching, the Oxnard Police Department reminds everyone to drive safe and drive sober.

Funding for these DUI enforcement operations 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: 11/22/14, 2340 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorists to Expect Delays for the 2014 Santa to the Sea Half Marathon
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, December 14, 2014 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Seventh Annual Santa to the Sea Half Marathon is scheduled for Sunday morning, December 14^th. The race starts at 8:00 a.m. in front of Santa on Ventura Boulevard and travels through the City of Oxnard where it ends at the Marine Emporium Landing located at 3600 South Harbor Boulevard. Over 3,500 runners will be participating in this year’s race.

Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be handling the traffic control along the race course and motorists should expect significant delays at several intersections throughout the city. These intersections include:

·         Rice Avenue at Sturgis Road
·         Rose Avenue at Camino Del Sol
·         Fifth Street at Hobson Way
·         Ventura Road at Ninth Street
·         Wooley Road at Patterson Road
·         Victoria Avenue at Wooley Road
·         Harbor Boulevard at Wooley Road

Motorists wishing to travel northbound and southbound in the city are encouraged to use Oxnard Boulevard as it will not be affected by the race. Rice Avenue and Rose Avenue are expected to be re-opened by 9:30 a.m. All other roadways are expected to be re-opened by 12:00 p.m.

For any questions related to the race or the traffic plan for this event, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/11/14, 1735 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
DATE/TIME:	December 16, 2014 8:08 p.m.
LOCATION:	1200 block of Felicia Court, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	David Lara, 28-year old City of Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 gordon.currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On December 16, 2014 at approximately 8:08 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 1200 block of Felicia Court. When officers arrived, they located David Lara, a 28-year old Oxnard resident, lying on the grass suffering from a single gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Personnel attended to Lara for several minutes but he ultimately died as a result of his injury.

This is Oxnard’s eleventh homicide of the year and the third in the month of December. The Oxnard Police Department has dedicated all of the investigative resources of the Violent Crimes Unit and the Major Crimes Unit into around the clock investigations of these recent incidents. 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: 12/17/14, 0100 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery
DATE/TIME:	December 26, 2014/ 1725 Hours
LOCATION:	2810 South Harbor Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Harbor Mart
SUSPECT(S):	16 year old female juvenile, name withheld
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jess Aragon Jess.aragon@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7547

DETAILS:

On December 26, 2014, at about 1725 hours, a female suspect entered the Harbor Mart Convenience Store, located at 2810 South Harbor Boulevard. The suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and demanded money from the store employee. The employee complied and handed the suspect an undisclosed amount of currency. The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Oxnard Police Department Officers obtained information regarding a possible suspect that may have been in possession of a stolen firearm in Port Hueneme. Officers conducted an investigation and located the juvenile female suspect. The firearm was recovered. The clothes worn by the suspect during the robbery were later located at another residence. The money remains outstanding. The female suspect was taken into custody without incident and later transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Detention Center.

If anyone has any additional information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Jess Aragon at (805) 385-7547. 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: 12/27/14- 0445 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police pursue and recover stolen vehicle
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, January 4, 2015, 12:28 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 Block of south “D” Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Ramirez, 38 years, from Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746

(OXNARD, Calif) – A man whose vehicle was stolen from Ventura called the Oxnard Police Department just after 12 p.m. today when he saw it being driven in the area of Gonzales Road and Rose Avenue in Oxnard.

Officers spotted the stolen Dodge pickup truck travelling westbound on Fifth Street near “A” Street. The driver refused to stop and led officers in a brief pursuit through downtown streets until reaching the 400 block of west First Street. The suspect then abandoned the truck, hopped fences and entered private yards. Officers set up a parameter in the neighborhood and found the suspect hiding in the backyard of a home in the 100 block of south “D” Street, which was less than a block away from the Oxnard Police Station.

The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Oxnard resident Carlos Ramirez who was booked into Ventura County Main Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft and reckless driving. His bail was set at $70,000. Police officers spoke with residents at homes in the search area to notify them of the incident. The truck was processed for evidence and returned to its legal owner.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 4, 2015, 7:15 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:	Arrest of subject in possession of a sawed off / stolen shotgun
DATE/TIME:	January 7, 2015 / 1707 Hours
LOCATION:	Wilson Ave. @ Third St
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Rodriguez, 18 year old Oxnard resident 14 year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident (name withheld) 16 year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident (name withheld) 17 year old male juvenile Oxnard resident (name withheld)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Mike Johnson
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet cody.collett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On January 8, 2015, at approximately 5:07 p.m. an Oxnard Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of First St. and Juanita Ave. The vehicle initially failed to yield but finally stopped in the area of Wilson Ave. and Third St.

A high risk stop was conducted and four occupants were detained. One of the occupants of the vehicle was 29-year-old Oxnard resident Victor Rodriguez. A search was conducted of the vehicle due to Rodriguez’ probation status. Officers searched Rodriguez’ vehicle and located a sawed off shotgun that had previously been reported stolen. Rodriguez was arrested for possession of the stolen shotgun along with additional weapons violations. The three remaining occupants; a 16-year- old Oxnard resident, a 17-year-old Oxnard resident, and a 14-year-old Oxnard resident were arrested for various misdemeanor charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/8/15- 0042 hours