Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hot Prowl into a residence
DATE/TIME:	3/18/14 0320 hours
LOCATION:	2400 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	8 year old female
SUSPECT(S):	Male subject – no further description provided
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7620, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit 805-385-7620

DETAILS: On March 18, 2014 at 0332 hours, officers responded to the Colony Mobile Home Park located in the 2400 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road regarding a prowler.

Officers learned a male suspect had entered a mobile home through an open bedroom window. The screen to the window was cut to gain entrance. Once inside the bedroom, the suspect placed a rag over an eight-year old female’s mouth. The female woke up and began to scream for her parents. The suspect fled out the opened bedroom window. The victim was not injured.

Oxnard Police continue to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing this year. These tips have been shared weekly as a part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, via news release, on our Department website, Facebook Page, and on Nextdoor.com.

• Lock all windows and doors at night and when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
• Close all of the windows – thieves can open vehicle and access homes through the smallest of openings.
• Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.
• To avoid obstruction, keep landscape trimmed.
• The best crime prevention tool ever invented is A GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity
• Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department, 805-385-7740.

Especially as the weather continues to be warmer, Oxnard Police encourage residents to secure doors and windows at night and when one is away from home.

Detectives are still investigating the case and request that if anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. at (805) 385-7620. 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: March 18, 2014.

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 / Weapons (Gun) Arrest
DATE/TIME:	3-30-14, 2019 hours
LOCATION:	“J” Street at Wooley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Manuel Tejeda, 21 years old, Oxnard resident Raymond Suarez, 22 years old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Blue 2005 Nissan Sentra
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant, (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 3-30-14, at 2019 hours, members of the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were working in the area of “J” Street and Wooley Road. SEU officers attempted to stop a blue Nissan Sentra when they observed a wanted subject, identified as Manuel Tejeda. After attempting to stop the vehicle a short pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, a passenger identified as Raymond Suarez, discarded a loaded .22 caliber handgun from the vehicle which was immediately recovered by officers. Suarez and Tejeda were apprehended after they fled from the vehicle on foot. A third unidentified subject also fled from the vehicle but was never located.

Suarez was arrested for several weapons charges and gang injunction violations. Tejeda was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, gang injunction violations, and vehicle evading.

If anyone has information regarding this incident, contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740, or if you wish to remain anonymous, the Violent Crimes Hotline, (805) 982-7070, or Ventura County Crime Stoppers, (800) 222-8477, www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

Date / Time Prepared: 3-31-14 / 0123 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Street Racer Enforcement Detail
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, April 3, 2014 8:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Daniel Shrubb, Traffic Sergeant (805) 200-5670 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Senior Officer (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On April 3, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted its third enforcement detail targeting street racing within a 3 week period. During recent months, the Oxnard Police Department has received several complaints regarding motorists and their vehicles creating nuisances related to “street racing” at selected locations throughout the city. The focus is to not only reduce collisions as a result of this behavior, but to discourage this type of activity amongst motorists and keep our city streets safe.

In addition to today’s detail, the first enforcement detail was held on March 13^th, and the second on March 27^th, 2014 – both between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 12:00 A.M. During these enforcement dates, drivers were stopped for various vehicle code violations and citations were issued to 44 drivers. Officers arrested a total of eight drivers related to “speed contest” violations where in most cases, vehicles were observed racing in excess of 80 miles per hour on city streets. A total of 10 vehicles were towed and these driver’s vehicles will be impounded for a period of 30 days for their involvement in street racing.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these enforcement operations during the year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of speed related crashes and make our roadways and community safer. We remind people that if they see this type of activity to call 911. These enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For any questions about this enforcement detail, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	May 24, 2014 / 10:12 P.M.
LOCATION:	900 block of Cooper Road
VICTIM(S):	Male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	#1 Hispanic male, 20s, wearing a gray sweatshirt, black shorts, armed with a handgun #2 Hispanic male 20s, bald, wearing a black sweatshirt
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Mazda Van 4PJH482 (recovered)
PREPARED BY:	Denise Shadinger, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications 385-7740

DETAILS:
On May 24, 2014, at about 2212 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 900 block of Cooper Road to contact a carjacking victim. The victim told officers he was sitting in his vehicle, a green, 1997, Mazda van, when he was approached by the above-listed suspects. The suspects ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint. The suspects then fled in the victim’s vehicle. The victim was not injured during the incident.

The victim’s vehicle was located, unoccupied, by officers a short time later in the area of Gisler Avenue and Olive Street, Oxnard. Both suspects are still outstanding.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. 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. If you happen to find the vehicle, call 911 immediately.

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 [email protected] 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 – [email protected] – 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 [email protected]

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).

***************************************************************************************************

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 [email protected]

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.