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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closures for the 2015 Ventura Pier to Pier Marathon
DATE/TIME:	September 13, 2015 / 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
The 3rd Annual Ventura Pier to Pier Marathon will be held this Sunday, September 13^th. The event starts at the Ventura Pier at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m. The marathon will travel through the cities of Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The marathon is expected to have approximately 3,000 runners which may cause some traffic delays along the marathon route.

The marathon route from Ventura will be southbound on Harbor Boulevard to Channel Islands Boulevard, eastbound Channel Islands Boulevard to Ventura Road and southbound Ventura Road to the Port Hueneme Pier. Runners will make a U-turn at the Port Hueneme Pier and return to the Ventura Pier following the same route.

The only road closures in the City of Oxnard will be on Harbor Boulevard between Fifth Street and Spinnaker Drive in Ventura and Gonzales Road between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. All other streets along the marathon route will remain open. As this is a competitive race, priority right-of-way will be provided to the participants. Local residents are encouraged to use alternate routes for trips in and out of the city.

In an attempt to accommodate local residents traveling along the marathon route, the Oxnard Police Traffic Unit will have officers and additional traffic control personnel assigned to several intersections along the marathon route to assist with traffic control.

For Further Information regarding road closures contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 385-7749 or [email protected]. For further information regarding the marathon go to: www.venturamarathon.com

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/10/15, 0950 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle theft suspect and wanted felon arrested after fleeing from stolen vehicle
DATE/TIME:	September 23, 2015 / 07:40 am
LOCATION:	Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Emmanuel Candido 32 years old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Released to the registered owner.
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7639 [email protected]

DETAILS:On September 23, 2015 at approximately 07:40 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force observed a 2010 Ford Escape which had recently been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department. The suspect, Emmanuel Candido abandoned the vehicle as uniformed officers approached. Candido fled on foot and was subsequently apprehended by responding officers.

Emmanuel Candido is a Post Release Offender (PRO) and was found to have three outstanding felony warrants, including one related to a previous vehicle theft. Candido was found to be in possession of a large amount of narcotics packaged for sales. Candido was subsequently booked for the outstanding felony arrest warrants, unlawful driving of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possession of narcotics for sales.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force, asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your keys in your vehicle.

The Post Release Offender program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered

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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm/ Narcotics arrests
DATE/TIME:	October 6, 2015 / 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Arcturus Ave. and Hueneme Rd.
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Amezcua 22 years of age (Moorpark resident) Frank Morales 30 years of age (Port Hueneme resident) Erik Cortez 27 years of age (Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Chevrolet Impala
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley

DETAILS:
On October 6, 2015 officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit were conducting gang enforcement in the south end of the city in response to a recent shooting. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Officers observed a black Chevrolet Impala driving in the area of Hueneme Rd. and Arcturus Ave. The officers observed the vehicle make a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle. Officers contacted the driver, 30 year old Frank Morales, and learned that Morales’ driver’s license was suspended. The officers also contacted the passengers of the vehicle, 27 year old Erik Cortez and 22 year old Jesus Amezcua. It was determined that Amezcua was on probation. During the investigation, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a loaded .22 caliber handgun concealed inside. Officers determined that the handgun belonged to Cortez. Cortez is a documented member of an Oxnard street gang and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Cortez was arrested for several firearms related charges. In addition to the handgun, officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Morales and Amezcua were both arrested for various narcotics related offenses. Cortez was additionally charged with possession for sales of methamphetamine.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun 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: October 6, 2015 / 1900

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in possession of handgun
DATE/TIME:	10-9-15, 1535 hours
LOCATION:	4800 Block of Terrace Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Antonio Ayala, 32 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7600, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 10-9-15, at approximately 1530 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were conducting a foot patrol in the area of the 4800 block of Terrace Avenue. Officers observed a Hispanic male standing between vehicles. As officers attempted to contact the subject, the subject discarded a handgun and threw the handgun into a nearby dumpster enclosure. The subject was arrested and transported to the Oxnard Police Department. The handgun was recovered.

A records check revealed that the subject was a convicted felon. The subject, who was identified as Jose Antonio Ayala, a 32-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for felon in possession of a handgun.

The investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-9-15, 1830 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Enhanced DUI Enforcement for Halloween
DATE/TIME:	October 31, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
This Halloween, the Oxnard Police Department is reminding Halloween partiers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If your Halloween party involves alcohol then you have to make a plan to get home without getting behind the wheel.

The Oxnard Police Department is deploying extra DUI enforcement officers Halloween night to supplement routine patrol officers on one of the most deadly nights of the year. Officers will be looking for the tell-tale signs of alcohol and or drug impairment during each enforcement contact all weekend long, as many will be attending parties where alcohol is served.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 43 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31st – 5:59 a.m. November 1st) from 2009 to 2013 were in crashes involving a drunk driver. On Halloween night alone, 119 people lost their lives over that same period. Children out trick-or-treating and the parents accompanying them are also at risk, as 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night (2009-2013) involved drunk drivers. In 2013, one-fifth (21%) of the children who died in traffic were pedestrians.

Trick or Treaters are also reminded to take the necessary precautions while out going door to door. If your little one is headed out this Halloween, remember these helpful tips:
•                     Do not walk in the roadway unless crossing at intersections or in crosswalks
•                     Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
•                     Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
•                     Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
•                     Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.

But even if you don’t have a child heading out this Halloween, you have little neighbors out there — and it’s up to all of us to look out for them. We’re already adjusting to evening commutes with less sunlight, so it’s important to:
•                     Use caution while behind the wheel.
•                     Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
•                     Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
•                     Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Of course, you don’t have to be a kid to love Halloween and if you’re an adult reveler, who might celebrate with alcohol, make a plan to stay safe and keep an eye out for the safety of others. If you can plan your costume then you can certainly make a plan for a sober ride home. Before you go out, designate a sober driver and plan a way to get home safely. Consider using a taxi or car service, or use public transit. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. And if a friend has been drinking, take the keys and put them in a sober ride home. They’ll thank you later.

The Oxnard Police Department along with other agencies from around the county will be conducting DUI enforcement operations all year long as part of the county’s DUI taskforce. Funding for these special operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 30, 2015 / 1130 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closures for the 2015 Downtown Oxnard Holiday Parade
DATE/TIME:	December 5, 2015 / 1000 to 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Downtown Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On December 5, 2015, the Oxnard Downtowners’ Association will be hosting its annual Downtown Holiday Parade themed “Celebrating an All Star Christmas.” The event will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 12:00 p.m. This will be followed by the 2015 Oxnard Tamale Festival to be held in Plaza Park.

These events are expected to draw large crowds and traffic delays should be expected. The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site. Starting at 9:00 a.m., the following streets will be closed to commuter vehicular traffic:

·         ‘A’ Street from Wooley Road to Fifth Street
·         Fifth Street from ‘A’ Street to ‘C’ Street
·         ‘C’ Street from Sixth Street to Second Street
·         Second Street from ‘D’ Street to ‘A’ Street
·         ‘B’ Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street

Parking will be restricted along the parade route and some surrounding streets. The recommended parking area for persons attending the parade and other downtown events is the multi-level parking structure located at Third Street and ‘B’ Street.

These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.

For any questions related to the parade, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via email at [email protected].

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Bicyclist)
DATE/TIME:	January 12, 2016 / 9:00 p.m. Date of Collision: January 10, 2016 / 5:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue at Bard Road
DRIVER:	Christina Fisher, Oxnard Resident
BICYCLIST:	Miguel Angel Serrato, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE:	Black 2014 Chevrolet Cruz
BICYCLE:	Black and Silver Men’s Huffy Falcon
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, (805) 385-7750 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

UPDATE:

On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, the Oxnard Police Department was contacted by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office and advised that the bicyclist, Miguel Angel Serrato, succumbed to the injuries sustained from the collision which occurred on January 10, 2016.

Traffic investigators are still conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at 805-385-7750 or via email at [email protected].

On Sunday, January 10, 2016, at about 5:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Rose Avenue and Bard Road in reference to an injury collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Chevrolet was traveling southbound on Rose Avenue approaching a green light at the intersection of Bard Road. The bicyclist was traveling westbound on Bard Road at the intersection of Rose Avenue. While crossing Rose Avenue, the Chevrolet broadsided the bicyclist.

The male bicyclist was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical but stable condition with major injuries.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the collision. The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. 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 / TIME PREPARED: January 10, 2016 at 10:20 p.m.