Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting
DATE/TIME:	10/28/11, 11:20 a.m.
LOCATION:	Eddie’s Recycling, 1610 Pine Street
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	H,M, Black Bandana, Blue Checkered Shorts, Dark Pants, 5′ 10″ 210 lbs
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Red Mini -Van
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department Watch Commander 385-7746

DETAILS:
The victims went to the above business to sell back some recycled goods. They parked their vehicle on a driveway at the business. The above described suspect appeared in the north alley of Pine Street, displayed some gang signs with his hands, removed a firearm from his person, and discharged multiple rounds at the victims while they were inside their vehicle. The vehicle was hit multiple times however, the victims were not injured by gunfire. The suspect is believed to have entered a red mini-van and fled eastbound through the north alley of Pine Street.

An investigation is continuing. The incident is believed to be gang related. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Long at 486-6228.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Murder suspect arrested
DATE/TIME	December 16, 2011 at 3:30 p.m.
LOCATION	800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura
VICTIM(S)	Steven Proefrock, 51, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT	Dominic Pinkard, 31, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY	Detective Bakari Myers (805) 385-7686 bakarimyers@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

On January 3, 2011, Oxnard police officers responded to a call of a family dispute at 300 Lafayette Drive. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim, Steven Proefrock, who was suffering from severe head injuries. Proefrock was taken to Ventura County Medical Center where he was placed on life support. Proefrock was eventually transferred to a long-term care facility in Santa Barbara where he remained until his death in September 2011.

The Santa Barbara coroner reviewed Proefrock’s medical records and determined that he died as a result of the injuries he sustained in January. Oxnard PD investigators identified Dominic Pinkard as the suspect who was responsible for Proefrock’s injuries. On December 16 Oxnard investigators arrested Pinkard for Proefrock’s murder. Pinkard was already in custody at the Ventura County jail on unrelated charges.

No additional information related to this investigation will be released at this time as the investigation is continuing.

If anyone has any information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Bakari Myers at (805) 385-7686. 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

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DATE / TIME PREPARED:12/16/11 at 5 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	Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Campaign – Super Bowl Sunday
DATE/TIME	February 5, 2012
LOCATION	Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard, CA– The Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Campaign reminds football fans watching this year’s Super Bowl game to designate a sober driver. Law Enforcement joins with the national “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk” campaign from the National Football League (NFL), the California office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition.

The Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force will deploy special roving DUI patrols on Sunday, February 5 in Oxnard, Thousand Oaks and several other communities throughout the area looking to stop and arrest drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs.

In 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed in traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver.

“We’re reminding everyone that real Super Bowl Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk,” said Commander Andrew Salinas of the Oxnard Police Department. “We are asking all party hosts and bar owners to take extra good care of designated sober drivers this year. Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win.”

The Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk message supports the league-wide designated-driver campaign called Responsibility Has Its Rewards. Celebrating its ninth season in 2011, the campaign encourages fans to participate in designated-driver programs supported by beer and concessionaire companies at every NFL stadium nationwide. The Responsibility Has Its Rewards Super Bowl XLVI winners were randomly selected designated divers for the season from the AFC Champion and NFC Champion teams. They attend the 2012 Pro Bowl in Honolulu.

“We want everyone to make the right decision on Super Bowl Sunday,” said Chris Murphy, Director of the Californian Office of Traffic Safety. “Having a designated sober driver should be an obvious call in everyone’s play book. Making sure designated sober drivers know how much we appreciate their responsible decision is what will make this year’s celebration extra special – and extra safe.”

The Avoid DUI Patrols are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety who reminds everyone to please; Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1! More information can be found on NHTSA’s Super Bowl XLVI page; Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk; and OTS’s California Avoid DUI

If you are hosting a Super Bowl XLVI Party:

Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers
Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party
Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full
Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home
Serve plenty of food
Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like non-alcohol beers, soft drinks, juice, and water
Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age
Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert
Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away
Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired
Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant

Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink
Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas
Pick up the tab for their food and drink
Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away
Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.
Always buckle up – it’s your best defense on the road

For more information, please visit www.FansDontLetFansDriveDrunk.org or www.californiaavoid.org or http://www.nhtsa.gov/Impaired.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Sobriety / driver’s license checkpoint
DATE/TIME	February 16, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
LOCATION	Rose Avenue just north of Lindsey Drive

(Oxnard, CA) On February 16, 2012 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue just north of Lindsey Drive.

Officers screened 734 motorists who passed through the checkpoint and conducted two DUI investigations of drivers who had consumed alcohol. Of those investigations, one person was arrested for DUI.

Citations were issued to six drivers for various drivers license violations. Thirty drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and two drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Seven vehicles were towed from the checkpoint.

The Oxnard PD will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations. These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. If you see an impaired driver, call 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation 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 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Commercial robbery
DATE/TIME	February 19, 2012 at about 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION	Gold & Jewelry Emporium 714 North Ventura Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT	Dark skinned Hispanic male, 5’9”-5’11”, athletic build, black hooded sweatshirt, black pants
PREPARED BY	Officer Robert Fuller
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

On February 19, 2012, at about 9:40 a.m., the victim arrived at Gold & Jewelry Emporium to open the business. The victim heard the sound of someone following him into the business. When the victim turned around he saw a Hispanic male holding a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect pointed the gun at the victim and demanded money. The suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and jewelry. The suspect is a Hispanic male, 5’9” to 5’11” with an athletic build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD 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. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

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DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/19/12 at 1:15 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	Serious injury collision
DATE/TIME	Saturday, June 23, 2012 at about 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION	Channel Islands Boulevard & Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VEHICLE 1	Black Harley Davidson motorcycle Motorcycle driver – David Umbaugh, 51, Washington state passenger – Karlene Umbaugh, 48, Washington state
VEHICLE 2	Black SUV driver – Stephen Moreno, 30, Ventura
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On June 23, 2012 at about 9:30 a.m., a sport utility vehicle travelling westbound Channel Islands Boulevard collided into a motorcyclist who was travelling eastbound on Channel Islands Boulevard about to make a left turn onto Victoria Avenue. The motorcyclist and a passenger were ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, 51-year-old David Umbaugh of Washington and the passenger, 48-year-old Karlene Umbaugh of Washington were transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The Mr. Umbaugh suffered minor injuries; and Karlene Umbaugh was listed in critical condition with head trauma. The driver of the SUV, 30-year-old Stephen Moreno of Ventura was not injured. It was not known at the time of this release if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision.

Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Officer Scott Aaronat (805) 385-7750. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	September 6, 2012, 1340 hours (CST)
LOCATION:	Fairfield, Alabama
VICTIM(S):	Stacy Knappenberger, 15-years old (1980)
SUSPECT(S):	Thomas Young, 65 years old, Fairfield, Alabama
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief of Police Scott Whitney, (805) 385-7751 scott.whitney@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Mike Adair, Oxnard Police, (805) 385-7801 Det Bob Eckman, Oxnard Police Major Crimes, 385-7760 bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On September 6, 2012, Oxnard Police Department detectives and members of the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force arrested Thomas Young, age 65, of Fairfield, Alabama, for the murder of Stacy Knappenberger. Stacy Knappenberger was 15 years old when she was murdered in 1980. She was found dead, in her home, in the 5300 block of South J St on July 30, 1980. An autopsy at that time determined that Knappenberger had died from blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds. It is also suspected that a sexual assault occurred.

The Oxnard Police Department conducted an extensive investigation in 1980, but no suspect information was developed at the time. In 2000, due to advances in technology, the evidence in this case was re-examined by Oxnard Police Department detectives. DNA evidence that had been maintained since 1980 was submitted for testing by the Sheriff’s Crime Lab.

In 2010, a DNA hit was made on a suspect through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The suspect was identified as Thomas Young. The CODIS match was just the initial step into the investigation of Thomas Young’s involvement with the crime. Further testing and additional follow-up work still needed to be done to develop the probable cause for Young’s arrest.

CODIS is the national databank that contains the DNA profiles of arrested and convicted criminal offenders in the United States. Once an unknown offender’s DNA profile is entered into CODIS, it is compared to the other profiles in the system to see if a match can be made. If there is a match between the newly entered DNA profile and a DNA profile already in the CODIS system, the Department of Justice notifies the local crime lab which, in turn, notifies the investigating law enforcement agency of the match.

Following the CODIS match, the Knappenberger case was assigned to the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force. The Task Force consists of investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau and the District Attorney’s Office. It is a grant funded task force through the Department of Justice.

Young was located living in Fairfield, Alabama and, with the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested under the authority of a Ventura County murder warrant. Young was booked into the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham, Alabama for murder. Young is currently awaiting extradition back to Ventura County.

Police Chief Jeri Williams stated, “We know this is a very emotional day for the family and we hope that this helps in the healing process. We know that they have thought about Stacy every single day since she was killed in 1980. It’s also a very rewarding day for law enforcement and a tribute to the good work that was put into this case over the past 32 years.”

Anyone having information about the case should call Detective Bob Eckman at 385-7760. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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. Lastly, you can also call the Oxnard Police Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 6, 2012 / 1500 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Dog shot and killed
DATE/TIME:	9-6-12 / 1747 hours
LOCATION:	Single family dwelling, 600 Block of East Poplar Street
VICTIM(S):	68-year old male
PREPARED BY:	Commander Marty Meyer, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org Sergeant Alex Rangel, Public Information Officer (805) 385-7631 alex.rangel@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 9-6-12, at 1747 hours, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 600 Block of East Poplar Street re: an overdose.

As officers walked up on the residence, a dog came out of an open gate to the rear of the residence rushing a lone officer. A 68-year old male subject was near the dog and the officer directed this subject to control the dog. The dog continued to advance. The officer feared the dog would attack him (the officer), so the officer shot the dog a number of times. The male, grabbed the dog at which time the dog bit the male. The dog then died.

The subject who was bitten was treated for minor injuries at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. A female was treated at a local hospital re: the overdose.

The officer (name withheld) was not injured.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9-7-12, 0040 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:	9/29/2012, 2214 hours
LOCATION:	300 Block of Cuesta Del Mar Street
VICTIM(S):	Two unknown adult males
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Commander Mike Adair, (805) 385-7801, mike.adair@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Martin Perez, Major Crimes Unit, (805) 385-7680, Martin.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 9/29/12 at approximately 2214 hours, Oxnard police officers were dispatched to possible shots being fired in the area of the 300 block of Cuesta Del Mar Street. When officers arrived they located two adult males in the south alley of Cuesta Del Mar suffering from a gunshot wounds. The subjects were pronounced dead by emergency responders. Another gunshot victim was located nearby and was transported to the hospital for treatment of minor wounds.

Investigators are attempting to identify the victims and are still investigating several leads and motives at this time. This is the sixth homicide this year in the city.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Citizens are reminded that anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650 or Detective Martin Perez at (805) 385-7680. 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: 9/30/2012, 0240 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Family Disturbance
DATE/TIME:	10/03/12-2314 Hours
LOCATION:	300 Block of North I Street
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Police Officers
SUSPECT(S):	Gustavo Medel Meza 24 Years
PREPARED BY:	Officer Mike Thomas, Patrol Officer, (805) 385-7600, michael.thomas@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Mike Thomas, Patrol Officer, (805) 385-7600 michael.thomas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10/03/12 at approximately 2314 hours Oxnard police officers responded to the 300 block of North I Street reference a father/son dispute. It was found the son, Meza, also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest.

Upon officers arrival, suspect Meza fled into a bedroom inside his parent’s residence and refused to come out. Hostage negotiation officers spoke with Meza for over an hour attempting to get him to come out from the locked room. Meza refused and made several threats to harm officers on scene.

After less lethal devices such as the “pepperball” were deployed, Meza was taken into custody. Meza was charged with 422 P.C., criminal threats, 69 P.C., resisting a peace officer with threats, force or violence and a misdemeanor warrant.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/04/12 @ 02:00 AM