Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	4th Annual Heroes & Helpers Event at Target
DATE/TIME:	December 11, 2014, 8 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Target at The Collection, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Luis Mancha, (805) 385-7653, [email protected]

DETAILS: Thirty-two well-deserving children (ages 6 to 12) – from all over the City of Oxnard, were invited to the 4th annual Heroes & Helpers event at Target at The Collection, tomorrow. The annual event will take place between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, December 11, 2014.

The children, who all attend elementary schools in Oxnard, will be paired with a uniformed Oxnard Police Officer for a $200 shopping spree at Target. The Oxnard Firefighters Association will also be on-hand to support the event, and provide free helmets. In addition to shopping, the kids will be treated to a breakfast provided by Panera Bread, photos with Santa, and holiday crafts. Presents purchased for family members will be wrapped on-site by Department civilian volunteers.

Last year, the cop & kid teams dispersed throughout the Target store to spend their $200 gift card any way they chose. “It is always touching and great to see how so many of the children shopped first for gifts for their siblings and parents before they even thought of selecting something for themselves,” said Sergeant Luis Mancha, who is coordinating the event again this year. It’s incredibly reassuring and heartwarming to witness children who live everyday with little to still find it in themselves to act so selflessly and think first of others before they think to indulge themselves.

Heroes & Helpers was originally made possible by a $1,000 grant from Target with a matching $1,000 contribution toward the event by the Oxnard Peace Officer’s Association (OPOA). This year the OPOA generously donated $2,000, the Oxnard Firefighters Association donated $1,000 and The Collection donated $1,500. The Oxnard community came together to make this year extra special through additional financial donations; these sponsors are GEM Mortgage, The Patio Restaurant, The National Latino Police Officer’s Association, Oxnard Cross Fit, DCH Lexus of Oxnard, Kiwanis Club of Oxnard, CrossFit Oxnard, and private anonymous donors.

“We are thankful for the men and women of the OPOA, Oxnard Firefighters Association, The Collection, and our community partners who have joined us to make our event that much more special this year. It shows that as a community, we can do more,” said Chief Jeri Williams. “The smiles that our volunteers and the children share is uplifting and represents what this season is all about,” Williams added.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary Suspects Arrested
DATE/TIME:	February 6, 2015 / 2335 hours
LOCATION:	100 Block of West First Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jeffrey Estrada, 22-year-old resident of Oxnard male juvenile, 17-year-old resident of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 29, 2015, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a residential burglary in the 1200 block of Briana Circle in the city of Oxnard. During the investigation, it was determined that the victim had a video surveillance system in the home. Video evidence was collected and used to identify two suspects.

A 17-year-old male juvenile suspect was arrested on January 30, 2015, and found to be in possession of property taken during the burglary. The investigation continued until a second suspect, Jeffrey Estrada, was arrested on February 6, 2015. Estrada was also found to be in possession of property from the burglary.

We believe it is still possible that there may have been additional incidents such as these that have gone unreported by potential victims. We want to encourage anyone that has information about these incidents or any related incidents to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-7600. 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.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and onNextdoor.com.

< >Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping 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 at (805) 385-7740.2/7/15 at 0215 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closure Due to Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	3-2-15 / 1037 hours
LOCATION:	Williams Drive between Holser Walk and Lockwood Street
VICTIM(S):	None
SUSPECT(S):	None
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

Williams Drive between Holser Walk and Lockwood Street is closed due to a non-injury single vehicle traffic collision occurring on 3-2-15, 1037 hours, where a semi-truck clipped a Southern California Edison pole. Repairs are underway with a 7 AM completion projected for 3-3-15.

It is not anticipated this road closure will have a significant impact to the surrounding area.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-2-15, 1415 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Pursuit/ Arrest
DATE/TIME:	April 7, 2015/ 4:30
LOCATION:	First St. and Garfield Ave. City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Gary Meza 9/26/81 James Juarez 7/19/85
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Mitsubishi Galant
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:
On April 7, 2015 at 4:30pm, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted to stop a blue Mitsubishi Galant for speeding. The vehicle failed to yield and led officers on a brief pursuit. Ultimately the vehicle collided with a parked vehicle at the intersection of First St. and Garfield Ave. The driver, Gary Meza, and passenger, James Juarez, fled from the vehicle. Juarez was quickly taken into custody and was found to be in possession of a large amount of methamphetamine. Meza fled into an occupied home shoving a pregnant homeowner in the process. Meza also simulated to the homeowner that he had a firearm. Fortunately the female homeowner was not injured. Meza eventually fled from the back door of the residence and was later located hiding in a vehicle parked in a nearby alley. Meza initially refused to exit the vehicle when ordered to do so but eventually surrendered to officers without incident. It was determined that the vehicle that Meza had been driving had been stolen in Oxnard on March 14, 2015. Meza was booked for felony evading, hit and run, possession of a stolen vehicle and, aggravated trespass. Juarez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	4-23-15 4:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue and Gary Drive
SUSPECT(S):	5 to 6, 16-18 year old male suspects
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Silver Chrysler 300
PREPARED BY:	Paul Knapp, Senior Police Officer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant, Violent Crimes Unit, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 04-28-2015 at 4:00 P.M., The Oxnard Police Department received a 911call, of an assault victim, at College Estates Park, located at Rose Avenue and Gary Drive. Upon arrival, police found that two victims had been assaulted with baseball bats, and a third victim had suffered several stab wounds. During the investigation a second stabbing victim was located a few blocks away. While at the hospital, officers contacted an additional victim of an assault which occurred shortly before the park incident. That victim gave the same description of the suspects involved. All five victims are juveniles. One victim remains hospitalized in stable condition.

The suspects were described as Hispanic male teenagers wearing dark clothing. The suspects fled in a Silver Chrysler 300. It is not known if the assault is gang related.

The investigation is continuing.

If anyone has any information related to this incident, please contact 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

Date Prepared: 4-28-15 9:20 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:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	5/10/15 @ 2038 hours
LOCATION:	MacArthur Pl at Alexander St, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Adult male in his 20’s
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant P. Cumming
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant A. Arnett 805 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:

DETAILS:
On 5/10/15 at approximately 2038 hours, officers responded to a call of a shooting victim at the intersection of MacArthur Pl and Alexander St. The victim was walking on the street when he was approached by unknown subjects in a vehicle who shot at him. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was transported to hospital in a private vehicle prior to arrival of officers. He is currently undergoing surgery. The wound is not considered life threatening.

An investigation is continuing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or the Ventura County Crime stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip by text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/10/15 @ 2300hrs

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 16, 2015/ 2:45p.m.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Rd. at Cloyne St.
SUSPECT(S):	Javier Flores (18 year old Oxnard resident)/ Adrien Apodaca (19 year old Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2011 Toyota Corolla
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:On June 16, 2015, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit stopped a black 2011 Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd. and Cloyne St. in the City of Oxnard. The driver, Javier Flores, and passenger, Adrien Apodaca, are members of an Oxnard street gang. During the course of the traffic stop officers located a .22 caliber rifle concealed in the vehicle. Both Flores and Apodaca were arrested for firearms related charges. Because both are members of a criminal street gang they are prohibited from possessing firearms in the State of California.

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 residing in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary and stolen vehicle arrest
DATE/TIME:	August, 11 2015 / 2236 hours
LOCATION:	1100 block Paseo Las Nubes, Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Esteban Guzman 18 year old, resident of Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Released to the registered owner
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez, (805) 385-7664 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On August, 11 2015 at approximately 2236 hours, Oxnard Police officers responded to a report of a residential burglary in the 1100 block of Paseo Las Nubes, in Oxnard. It was learned that during the burglary, the suspect stole the victims 2015 Honda Civic from the garage of the residence, along with several other items valued at more than $14,000. The suspect, Esteban Guzman, was later arrested by the North Las Vegas Police Department in connection with driving the stolen 2015 Honda Civic. Several items taken during the burglary were found in Guzman’s possession.

On August 13, 2015, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit obtained a warrant for the arrest of Esteban Guzman for first-degree residential burglary, unlawful taking of a vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle. Guzman is currently in custody at the North Las Vegas Detention Facility pending extradition.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 13, 2015 / 1530 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 Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	August 24, 2015, 9:25 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 block of East Front Street, Watsonville, CA
VICTIM(S):	Pedro Gaspar, 26 year old Oxnard resident (at the time of the homicide)
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Carlos Flores, 22 year old Watsonville resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, Major Crimes Supervisor, (805) 385-7763, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Robert Eckman, Major Crimes Unit, (805) 385-7760, [email protected]

DETAILS: On March 23, 2013 at approximately 12:12 a.m., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to a stabbing in the 600 block of West Hueneme Road. When officers arrived they located the stabbing victim, later identified as Pedro Gaspar, a 26 year old Oxnard resident. EMS personnel transported the subject to VCMC, where he underwent emergency surgery. Despite efforts by emergency room staff, Mr. Gaspar died as a result of his injury.

During the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect as 22 year old Jose Carlos Flores. Detectives learned that Flores fled the area and his whereabouts were unknown. On August 23, 2015, detectives learned that Flores was living and working in the Watsonville area. Detectives secured an arrest warrant for Flores and drove up to Watsonville to locate him. With the assistance of the Watsonville Police Department and the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), Flores was located and arrested for the outstanding murder warrant. Flores was transported to the Santa Cruz County Jail where he will await extradition back to Ventura County.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/25/15, 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:	Arrest of Wanted Gang Member
DATE/TIME:	9-5-15 / 2245 hours
LOCATION:	1800 Block of South “F” Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Federico Zapien, 23 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Withheld
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, (805) 385-7644 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On September 3, 2015, at approximately 1600 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit were involved in a vehicle pursuit involving a stolen vehicle. At the termination point of the pursuit the suspect fled and officers were unable to locate the male suspect.

Further investigation identified the driver as Federico Zapien. Zapien is a documented gang member and on parole.

On September 5, 2015 at approximately 1740 hours, SEU officers observed Zapien in another vehicle and were involved in second pursuit of Zapien. Due to Zapien’s erratic driving, the officers cancelled the pursuit.

At approximately 2245 hours, SEU officers were able to locate Zapien at a residence in the 1800 block of South “F” Street. Zapien was taken into custody without further incident.

Zapien was arrested for charges related to the pursuits, driving a stolen vehicle and violation of parole.

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 residing 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: September 6, 2015 / 0010 hours