Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Despondent/Suicidal Subject Detained for Mental Health Evaluation
DATE/TIME:	May 31, 2014, 1918 hours
LOCATION:	3300 Blk or Fournier Street
SUSPECT(S):	24-year old female Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander 805-385-7600

DETAILS:
On 5/31/14 at approximately 2225 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were driving in the 3300 block of Fournier Street when they encountered a lone female holding a large knife to her throat. Officers attempted to talk to the female, however, she became extremely irate and threatened to stab herself.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officers along with Ventura County Mental Health members attempted, for several hours, to convince the subject to surrender the knife. She was non-responsive during the negotiations. Officers using less-lethal devices were eventually able to subdue her without injury.

The subject was transported to Ventura County Mental Health for evaluation.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: CommanderMike Adair
June 4, 2014 [email protected]
(805) 385-7801

(Oxnard, CA) The Oxnard Police Department has been aggressively working to strengthen its ties with the community. Sharing crime information with the community has been an essential element of our continuing community policing effort. The Department is pleased to announce another method for the public to stay in touch with crime trends in and around their neighborhood. The police department has partnered with The Omega Group to provide public crime mapping for the residents of Oxnard. The maps can be viewed through the website crimemapping.com.

Crimemapping.com is anationwide public mapping service that allows the public to analyze interactive maps of recent crime activity. The mapping service offers an e-mail subscriptions component. Residents can receive e-mailed crime alerts when an incident is reported in their area. Users can also search for incidents by typing in an address, a crime type, and date. The data posted on the website is pulled from the Oxnard police records system once per day.

Residents can access the crime maps by going directly to the crimemapping.com website and searching for the City of Oxnard. They can also go directly to Oxnard’s crime maps by click the map link on the police department’s website, OxnardPD.org. Crimemapping.com is available on mobile devices and can be accessed via a free application called Crimemapping.com Mobile for the iPhone.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Crimemapping.com is excellent example of a tool the community can use to stay informed and help make the community safer. Other tools that residents might want to utilize is Nextdoor.com and the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook site.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	7-18 & 7-19-14, 2000 to 0300 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	See below
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	See below
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Jaime Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Same as above

DETAILS:

On Friday, 7-18-14, beginning at 2000 hours and continuing thru Saturday, 7-19-14, 0300 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI / Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard south of Esplanade Avenue. The location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol-related arrests and / or DUI collisions.

The results of tonight’s checkpoint are as follows:

857 vehicles through
804 drivers screened
4 DUI investigations
1 DUI alcohol arrests
0 DUI drug arrests
0 Criminal arrests
8 Citations issued to unlicensed drivers
2 Citations issued to drivers with suspended / revoked license
15 Total citations issued
4 Vehicles towed.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI 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 related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jaime Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Date / Time Prepared: 7-19-14, 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:	Oxnard Police and Fire announce National Night Out events across city, next Tuesday, August 5^th.
DATE/TIME:	August 5, 6:00-8:00 pm
LOCATION:	District 1: The Collection Oxnard Police Storefront 5240 Seaglass Way, Oxnard, CA 93036 District 2: Sycamore Senior Apartments 333 N. F Street, Oxnard, CA 93030 District 3: Del Sol Park 1800 Camino Del Sol Oxnard, CA 93030 District 4: Garden City Acres Park 5302 Cypress Road Oxnard, CA 93033
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, [email protected]

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police and Fire Departments and residents are partnering to bring a series of National Night Out (NNO) events to Oxnard, next Tuesday, August 5, 2014.

Last year, the event in Oxnard was hosted by the Via Marina Neighborhood, in a main-attraction citywide gathering. “This year, our staff wanted to build on the success of this National event and work in partnership with community members in each District and see this event grow” said Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams.

National Night Out is designed to: (1) heighten crime prevention awareness, (2) generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that community members are organized, vigilant, and fighting back.

“We have challenged ourselves to engage a growing number of community members and neighborhoods as partners in public safety, this year. National Night Out furthers our efforts to bring neighbors together to strengthen our partnerships in making our city a place that we are all proud to live in,” said Miguel Lopez, Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager.

“Last year, I made a promise that we would expand and grow this program and event across the City of Oxnard. I am proud that we are delivering that with events in every corner of the city. Again, a win-win for our Department, our community-based policing strategy, and the neighborhoods and community we serve,” said Police Chief Williams.

Along with traditional outside lights and front porch vigils, most cities and towns celebrate National Night Out with a variety of special citywide and neighborhood events such as block parties, cookouts, parades, festivals. Visits from local officials and law enforcement, safety fairs, and youth events.

This event will bring the District Teams who patrol and serve each District who focus on crime, traffic safety, and quality of life issues at the neighborhood level. Also accompanying the District Team will be units from the Police Department to meet with local residents and provide crime-prevention information—a great opportunity for neighbors to meet one another and the officers assigned to each District. Also participating in the event is the Oxnard Fire Department who will be joining us with fire and other public safety information.

“National night out is a great opportunity for Oxnard Fire to partner with our Police Department in supporting crime reduction efforts but also in getting the message out pertaining to community risk reduction and fire prevention strategies”, said Fire Chief James Williams.

“This is a good night to go out and get to know your neighbors, and help build a safer and stronger community. It further highlights the importance of police-community partnerships and community involvement and engagement in our fight for a safer community,” said Police Chief Williams.

NNO is a national effort of cities, law enforcement agencies, crime prevention organizations, community groups and neighborhoods.

If you have any questions regarding National Night Out events in Oxnard, please contact Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager Miguel Lopez at [email protected].

##

DATE PREPARED: July 28, 2014

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Victim and Arrest
DATE/TIME:	9-16-14 / 2314 hours
LOCATION:	400 block S. C St.
VICTIM(S):	67-year old male, Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Nunez Andrade, 58-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Jeff Long, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jose Velazquez, (805) 385-3982, [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 9-16-14, at approximately 2314 hours, the victim of a stabbing arrived in the lobby of the Oxnard Police Department. The victim sustained several stab wounds. The victim advised the stabbing occurred in the 400 block of S. C St. The victim identified the suspect as “Jose”. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The victim’s injuries were serious, but not life threatening.

Officers responded to the 400 block of S. C St. to investigate the incident. While on scene, officers contacted the suspect Jose Nunez Andrade, 58-year old Oxnard resident. Andrade was ultimately arrested for a violation of 245 PC, and later booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. An investigation is continuing.

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: 9-17-14 / 0235 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 Commercial Robbery
DATE/TIME:	August 6, 2014 / 2230 Hours
LOCATION:	490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Circle K Store
SUSPECT(S):	Suspect-1: White Male, 25-30 years, 6’0”, 185 lbs, Suspect-2: Dark-Skinned Male, 20-25 years, 6’0”, 185 lbs
VEHICLE:	Possible White Nissan Sentra
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez [email protected] 805-385-7645

DETAILS:
On August 6, 2014 at about 2230 hours, two unknown male suspects entered the Circle K Convenience Store, located at 490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard. The first suspect brandished a handgun at the store employee and demanded money. The store employee handed money from the register to the first suspect. The second suspect then took the money from the first suspect and put it in his pocket. The suspects fled the business in a white sedan.

The first suspect is described as a white male, late-twenties, approximately six feet tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds. The second suspect was described as a dark-skinned male, mid-twenty, approximately six feet tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds. Both suspects were wearing hoods to cover their faces.

The suspect vehicle is believed to be an early 1990’s white Nissan Sentra. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the location northbound onto Victoria Avenue.

If anyone has any additional information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Edgar Fernandez 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 email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/7/14/ 1100 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 of Serial Armed Robbery Suspect
DATE/TIME:	11/13/13 at 0106 11/16/13 at 0053 11/17/13 at 0359 11/19/13 at 0030 11/24/14 at 0130 3/10/14 at 0229
LOCATION:	2201 East Channel Islands Blvd, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	7-11 Convenience Store
SUSPECT(S):	Ramon Rodriguez, 35-year old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez, Violent Crimes Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez [email protected] (805) 385-7645

DETAILS: Between November 13, 2013 and March 10, 2014, there were six (6) armed robberies to the 7-11 convenience store, located at 2201 East Channel Islands Boulevard in the city of Oxnard. As the robberies continued, it became apparent to investigators based on information discovered at the scene that these robberies were committed by the same unknown suspect. Making it more difficult for investigators was the fact that the suspect used elaborate and different disguises during each robbery.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit continued to work the cases throughout 2014 in the hopes that evidence collected at the scenes would help identify a suspect. Recently, information received from community members coupled with scientific analysis conducted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory helped in identifying a possible suspect.

On October 2, 2014, Ramon Rodriguez, a thirty-five year old Oxnard Resident, was arrested and charged with all six (6) armed robberies. Once in custody, Rodriguez admitted to committing all six (6) armed robberies at the same 7-11 Store.

This nearly year-long investigation is a tremendous example of three valuable components of creating a safer and stronger community:

The tenacity and commitment of our Violent Crimes Investigators who recognized the impact that these robberies had on the Lemonwood neighborhood. Despite limited preliminary information, they continued their investigations throughout the year until Rodriguez was identified and arrested.
The value and impact of community members providing information to their local police department. We could not solve crimes such as these without the help of our local business owners and residents.
The value of law enforcement partnerships throughout Ventura County. We could not have solved these cases without the expertise and assistance of the fine men and women at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory.

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 these incidents are encouraged to contact Detective Edgar Fernandez (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: 10/03/2014, 1000 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Two Recent Investigations Result In Lengthy Prison Sentences
DATE/TIME:	October 2014
LOCATION:	100 block of North Harrison Avenue, Oxnard Bank of the West, 300 block of West Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Eric Rodriguez, 37-year old Oxnard resident Donald Fulton, 45-year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander Investigative Services Bureau
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department maintains an investigative unit titled the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) which has nine (9) investigators assigned full-time to investigate robberies, violent assaults, and all gang-related crimes. These investigators regularly work up to seven days a week to identify and arrest some of the most violent individuals in our city. Their hard work and dedication has led to hundreds of arrests over the past few years. In particular, two (2) recent cases shed a spotlight on their diligence and quest for justice.

In March of 2012, a stabbing occurred in the 100 block of North Harrison Avenue. The victim of the stabbing was rushed to Saint John’s Hospital with a serious stab wound to his abdomen. The victim survived the stabbing, but refused to cooperate with police officers and investigators. During the course of the investigation, VCU investigators obtained information from various sources that the suspect in the stabbing was Eric Rodriguez, a 37-year old Oxnard resident. However, the victim and witnesses to the stabbing refused to cooperate with the police investigation. Although investigators faced many challenges in this case, they were able to gather enough evidence to officially arrest Rodriguez. Rodriguez was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, with a special allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

A three-day jury trial took place in June of 2014. At the conclusion of the trial, it only took the jury approximately 90 minutes to return with a guilty verdict. On October 10^th, Rodriguez was sentenced to 86 years to life in state prison.

On March 20, 2014, the Bank of the West located in the 300 block of West Esplanade Drive was the victim of a robbery in which the suspect passed a note to a bank teller and asked for money or he would detonate an explosive device in his backpack. He was able to flee the bank with over $2,000 in U.S. currency. A short time later, a nearby business manager as well as a customer at In-n-Out Burger contacted officers and advised that they had found property in a parking lot which may have belonged to the robbery suspect. VCU investigators responded to the scene and began conducting an investigation. They were able to identify the suspect as Donald Fulton, a 45-year old Oxnard resident. A patrol officer familiar with Fulton started searching the area and located him walking in the area. Fulton was found with over $1,400 in U.S. currency in his pockets and was identified by several witnesses at the bank.

Earlier this month, Fulton pled guilty to the robbery and was sentenced to eleven (11) years in state prison. This was Fulton’s second bank robbery conviction.

These are just two examples of the hard work and dedication of the officers with the Oxnard Police Department. They are also continuing examples of what can be accomplished with a collaborative effort between our community members, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s office.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/20/14 at 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:	Recovered stolen vehicle and pursuit
DATE/TIME:	10-25-14 / 2154 hours
LOCATION:	200 Block of South McKinley Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Barragon, 21 years, Oxnard resident Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 10-25-14, at 2154 hours, officers saw a stolen Mitsubishi Lancer near Ivywood Drive at Lakehurst Street. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle it failed to yield and officers went in pursuit. At approximately 2157 hours, officers terminated their pursuit. The stolen vehicle continued with its lights off.

At approximately 2159 hours, a collision was reported in the 200 block of South Marquita Street. The stolen vehicle had collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle. Witnesses advised two males fled on foot.

Officers conducted a search of the immediate area and located both the driver, identified as Juan Barragon, 21 years, and passenger, Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, hiding in nearby backyards. Both had sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.

Barragon was charged stolen vehicle, felony hit-and-run, felony evading, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and possession of graffiti tools. Padilla was charged with stolen vehicle and interfering with the duties of a police officer. Both were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Persons with additional information should contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-25-14 / 2300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Weapons Seizures During Recent Operation a Part of Continuing Firearms Efforts
DATE/TIME:	November 5, 2014 8:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Eleven Locations in the City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Numerous
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2014, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit assigned to the Firearms Strike Team (F.A.S.T.), working in partnership with agents from the California Department of Justice–Bureau of Firearms Division, conducted eleven (11) compliance checks of persons who are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms due to criminal convictions, mental health prohibitions, or because of valid protective orders. All eleven compliance checks occurred at various locations in the city of Oxnard.

During the operation, four (4) firearms were seized from prohibited persons. Those four firearms consisted of a Colt AR-15 assault rifle, a long barreled rifle, and two semi-automatic handguns. Also seized were high capacity magazines and numerous rounds of ammunition (see attached picture). One of the prohibited persons was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant.

At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the F.A.S.T. led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and F.A.S.T. is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of October, the Oxnard Police Department seized nineteen (19) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, and the services of search warrants. Fourteen (14) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On October 6, 2014, Victor Aguirre, an 18-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by patrol officers in the 500 block of Thomas Avenue. He was found to be in possession of a loaded .38 caliber revolver. During a probation search of the vehicle Aguirre was in, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun was located in the back seat. Aguirre was arrested for numerous firearms violations.
On October 12, 2014, Victor De Arcos, a 31-year old Oxnard resident, fled from patrol officers when they attempted to contact him in the area of Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road. He was detained after a brief foot chase and found to be in possession of a loaded handgun. De Arcos was arrested for numerous firearms violations (He is a documented gang member).
On October 28, 2014, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) attempted to contact a group of gang members in the area of Third and Marquita Street. The subjects fled on foot but one subject, a 17-year old Oxnard resident, was later detained and found to be in possession of a loaded semi-automatic handgun. He was arrested on several firearm-related charges and lodged at juvenile hall.

Since January 1^st, Oxnard officers have made ninety (90) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department has seized two-hundred and eleven (211) firearms year-to-date.

“We are committed to focusing our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms. Unfortunately, our officers see far too often the impact that gun violence is having on our community. Every time one of our young men or women in this city is a victim of gun violence, it affects the entire community. It has to stop. I’m tired of it. Our officers are tired of it. The mothers and fathers in this community are tired of it. We will continue working towards a community where our children are safe no matter where they are. I know we can do it with the community’s help” – Commander Eric S. Sonstegard.

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 you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477. You can also provide information by going to the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website, which is www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.