OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation
DATE/TIME:	January 25, 2016 / 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Monday, January 25, 2016, between 7:00 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department conducted a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation throughout the city limits. During the operation, officers issued 54 citations related to jaywalking, impeding traffic, riding a bicycle against traffic and on the sidewalk, not wearing a bicycle helmet along with various other violations.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of the precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Pedestrians are reminded to obey regulatory traffic signs and only travel in areas where it is permitted and safe to walk. Bicyclists should follow all traffic laws and wear an appropriate helmet at all times to minimize injuries in the case of a collision or fall.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these types of enforcement operations this year make our roadways and community safer. These operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 26, 2016 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics and Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 14, 2016 / 9:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Maulhardt Road at Dodge Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California Female Juvenile – name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Medrano, 31-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	James Langford, Detective
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	James Langford, Detective (805) 383-8700

DETAILS:

On February 14, 2016, at about 9:00 a.m., Oxnard Police Officers were on patrol in the area of Maulhardt and Dodge Roads in the city of Oxnard. Officers observed Luis Medrano, a 31-year-old Oxnard resident, passed out in a parked vehicle with the engine running. When Officers approached Medrano to check on his well-being, they immediately noticed narcotics paraphernalia in plain view. They also discovered that a 7-year-old child was in the backseat of the vehicle.

Officers evaluated Medrano and determined that he was currently under the influence of a controlled substance. Further investigation determined that Medrano was in possession of various controlled substances for the purpose of sales. Approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce of heroin, two ounces of hashish, pharmaceutical drugs, a Taser, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency were located in the vehicle.

Medrano was arrested at the scene. The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU) and Child Protective Services (CPS) responded to care for the child. Due to the age of the child, the name is being withheld.

Detectives from the West County Narcotics Street Team and members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team later served a search warrant at Medrano’s residence in the 500 block of Shasta Avenue in the city of Oxnard. Two loaded handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, narcotics paraphernalia, pharmaceutical drugs, approximately one ounce of heroin and indicia of narcotics sales were found at the residence.

Medrano was charged with possession of methamphetamine for sales, possession of marijuana for sales, possession of heroin for sales, under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, being an addict in possession of a Taser, destruction of evidence, child endangerment, possession of pharmaceutical drugs for sales, and possession of narcotics for sales with a loaded firearm. Medrano was booked at the Ventura County Jail with his bail set at one-million dollars.

The West County Narcotics Street Team is comprised of detectives from the Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Paula Police Department working in conjunction with each other to investigate narcotics related offenses in the western portion of Ventura County.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. 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-TIPS (8477).

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Release of Names; Oxnard Police Officers Involved in Shooting
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016, 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	3100 block of Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Senior Officer Jose Silva, 15 Year Veteran Officer Brandon Rodriguez, 8 Year Veteran
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Soto, 55 Year Old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763; [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7680; [email protected]

DETAILS:On February 16, 2016 at approximately 9:40 a.m., an officer involved shooting incident occurred in the 3100 block of Saviers Road. The suspect in that case was identified as 55 year old Oxnard resident Juan Soto. Soto was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury.

The police officers involved in the shooting have been identified as Senior Officer Jose Silva and Officer Brandon Rodriguez. Both officers are assigned to the patrol division. Senior Officer Silva is a 15 year veteran, and Officer Brandon Rodriguez is an 8 year veteran. Senior Officer Silva and Officer Rodriguez make up the District Four Community Policing Team. Their assignment is to work closely with members of the community to enhance the quality of life, crime prevention, and build community partnerships.

Senior Officer Silva and Officer Rodriguez are currently on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following an officer involved shooting incident.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Soto for his actions that led to the officer involved shooting incident. Soto remains in custody at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Main Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 19, 2016; 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, February 19, 2016 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS: On Friday, February 19, 2016, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Blvd west of Victoria Ave. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

668 vehicles through
668 drivers screened
Four DUI investigations
One DUI alcohol arrest
Six citations issued to unlicensed drivers
Three citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
29 total citations issued
Five 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 Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession of methamphetamine for sales
DATE/TIME:	Possession of methamphetamine for sales
LOCATION:	2400 block of Statham Ave
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Lorenzo Garcia (37 years old) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2016 at approximately 1500 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in 2400 block of Statham Ave.

Officers made contact with the driver Lorenzo Garcia who is on probation. A probation search was conducted during which over 100 grams of methamphetamine was located. Garcia was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 22, 2016/1745

Last night (Feb 24) at about 6:00 pm members of the Oxnard PD Violent Crime Unit, assisted by OPD SWAT officers, arrested 24 year old Oxnard resident Hector Barragan in connection with the shooting that took place on February 24 at 2:20 am in the 1800 block of Gaucho Way.

Mr. Barragan will be charged with attempted murder.

The victim in that shooting was Sergio Cupa, 26 of Oxnard.

Mr. Cupa remains in St Johns Medical Center and at last report he was listed in critical condition.

We believe that the motive in this shooting was gang related, but cannot offer any additional information about the motive at this time.

David Keith, Spokesperson

Oxnard PD

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

At 8:24 this morning Oxnard police/fire dispatchers received a 911 call from an individual who stated that there was a bomb on the campus of Fremont Junior High School. Officers responded to the scene and the campus was locked down while a search was conducted for the bomb. No bomb was found and the students returned to their normal schedule. The lockdown lasted for approximately one hour.

Officers did make an arrest – a male juvenile, age 14, who is a student at the school. He will be charged with making a false report of a destructive device. No further information about this arrest or details on what led officers to the suspect will be given out due to his age, and due to an ongoing investigation.

David Keith

Oxnard PD PIO

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Crash Results in Long Term Road Closure and Driver Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10-11-2009 at 0822 hours
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road and Patricia Street
VICTIM/S:	11 year-old female of Oxnard, minor injuries
SUSPECT/S:	17 year-old male of Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Red Honda Civic 2-door
LOSS:	Power pole owned by Edison Power and communications lines owned by various entities Minor injuries to 11 year-old passenger
PREPARED BY:	Officer Roslynn Wilfert

DETAILS:

A vehicle versus power pole collision resulted in the arrest of 17 year-old Oxnard driver, injury to his passenger and the closure of a major Oxnard roadway throughout Sunday and possibly into the evening hours.

On 10-11-2009 at 0822 hours, Oxnard police received a call of an injury crash at the intersection of Gonzales Road and Patricia Street. A vehicle collided with a major utility pole that supports both power and communications lines across Gonzales Road. The damage to the pole was such that replacement was necessary.

Traffic along Gonzales Road was closed in both directions between Ventura Road and Patricia Street. Electronic message boards were deployed to warn motorists of the road closure in effect. The closure may extend into the evening due to the complexity of the pole replacement.

The 17 year-old male driver was arrested by Oxnard officers for suspicion of felony driving under the influence of drugs. An 11 year-old female passenger received minor injuries in the collision. Neither occupant required hospitalization. The driver was cited and released to his parents.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting, Vehicle Pursuit, Assault with a Deadly Weapon against a Police Officer
DATE/TIME:	12/23/2009 1300 hours
LOCATION:	300 Block South Ventura Rd
SUSPECT/S:	46 year old male, Oxnard Resident, Name with-held
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Large Commercial Propane Truck
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor

DETAILS:

A 46 year old Oxnard man was shot and killed by officers following a lengthy vehicle pursuit and crashing into several police cars. The driver of the vehicle was employed by a local propane company. He was driving a large commercial truck loaded with approximately 70 propane canisters.

The incident began after the owner of the company began receiving telephone calls from several people throughout Ventura County who were reporting that the driver of the truck was driving erratically, including driving on the wrong side of the road at high rates of speed. The owner tried to contact the driver multiple times by telephone however the calls were not answered. The owner concerned for the public’s safety notified law enforcement and asked for help in locating the vehicle.

At approximately 1245 hours, the vehicle was spotted in the west end of Oxnard. As officers attempted to pull the truck over, the driver ignored the officers and a pursuit ensued that lasted for about 15 minutes. During the pursuit, the driver was involved in a minor collision with another vehicle. A motorcycle officer was stopping traffic in an effort to prevent further collisions. As the suspect approached the motor officer, he swerved the truck towards the officer causing the officer to dive away to avoid being hit.

The truck then pulled into a busy strip mall and entered a McDonald’s parking lot located in the 300 block of South Ventura Rd where he intentionally crashed into an occupied truck in the parking lot. The driver then continued to drive erratically in the parking lot and was heading towards several police cars in the lot while continuing to accelerate. Officers fearing for their lives and the lives of the customers in the lot shot and killed the driver after he crashed into several police cars.

The name of the driver is being with-held pending the notification of next-of-kin. One Oxnard Police Officer suffered a broken arm while diving out of the way to avoid injury.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Murder
DATE/TIME:	03/09/2010 3:55 PM
LOCATION:	1200 Block Commercial Ave
VICTIM(S):	22 year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Trujillo, Jorge Amaro 33 year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Paul Knapp
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Charles Buttell 805-385-7665

DETAILS:

On 3/9/10, at 0957 hours, officers responded to a call of a stabbing that occurred in the 1200 block of Commercial Ave. Upon arrival, they located a victim that had sustained a stab wound to his chest.

The suspect, Jorge Trujillo, had been disarmed and detained by witnesses in the area. The victim told officers that he was inside the business on Commercial Ave when the suspect entered and approached him. The suspect was armed with a folding knife and stabbed him one time in the chest. The victim and several witnesses began to struggle with the suspect. They were able to disarm him and detain the suspect until police arrived.

The suspect, Jorge Trujillo, was arrested at the scene.

The victim is currently at St. John’s Hospital in serious but stable condition.