Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotics fugitive located and arrested for: Possession for Sales of a controlled substance Maintaining a place for drug use/sales Felony warrant for possession for sales of a controlled substance and possession of a high capacity magazine
DATE/TIME:	July 14, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	300 Block East Yucca Street
SUSPECT(S):	Armando Galindo Celis, 27 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective James Langford 805-385-7638 james.langford@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective James Langford 805-385-7638 james.langford@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On April 29, 2015, narcotics detectives from the West County Narcotics Street Team and Special Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted a search warrant service at a residence in the 300 block of East Yucca Street in the City of Oxnard. The search warrant was a result of a four month long investigation into the sales of methamphetamine.

During the service of the search warrant, it is believed that the suspect, Armando Celis, fled from the residence. The search at the residence yielded nearly two pounds of methamphetamine, 3 handguns, several hundred rounds of ammunition, indicia of drug sales, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.

As a result of the items located, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Celis. Celis was believed to be on the run to avoid arrest since April.

On July 14, 2015, narcotics detectives observed Celis in the front yard of the residence on Yucca Street. Members from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) assisted and apprehended Celis for the arrest warrant. Narcotics detectives served another search warrant at the residence and nearly a pound of methamphetamine and indicia of drug sales was located.

Celis was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for sales and maintaining a place for drug use/sales in addition to the arrest warrant. Celis is currently in custody at the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $250,000.00 for each case.

The West County Narcotics Street Team is made up of detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.

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: July 16, 2015, 12:00PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Weapons Arrest
DATE/TIME:	8-1-15 / 2239 hours
LOCATION:	4500 Block of Beaumont Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Three adults, names withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Christian Rodriguez, 24-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Lincoln sedan
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 8-1-15, at 2239 hours, officers responded to the 4500 Block of Beaumont Avenue re: the brandishing of a handgun. While on scene interviewing one of the three victims, the suspect vehicle, a Lincoln sedan, passed. Officers immediately followed and stopped the vehicle. The driver, Christian Rodriguez, a 24-year old Oxnard resident, was identified as the suspect who brandished a handgun. A loaded handgun was subsequently located in the vehicle.

The victims reported two or three other males were involved.

Rodriguez was charged with brandishing, 417(a)(1) PC, a misdemeanor, driving on a suspended license, 14601(a) CVC, a misdemeanor, possession of a handgun with an altered or removed serial number, 23900 PC, a felony, possession of a loaded firearm, 25850(a) PC, a felony, and prohibited person in possession of a firearm, 29800(a)(1) PC, a felony. An investigation is continuing.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for 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. They can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date Prepared: 8-2-15, 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:	Stolen vehicle pursuit leads to arrest
DATE/TIME:	August 11, 2015 / 1033
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue at Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Navarro 25 year old, resident of Oxnard.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Released to the registered owner.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7650 enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On August 11, 2015 at approximately 1033 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department located an occupied stolen vehicle in the area of Rose Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road in the city of Oxnard. Officers observed Juan Navarro driving a 1993 Ford Explorer, which had been reported stolen to the Oxnard Police Department minutes earlier. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle was involved in a non-injury traffic collision. Additionally, at the end of the pursuit, the suspect exited the vehicle while it was still in motion, causing it to collide into a parked vehicle in the 200 block of S. Roosevelt. The suspect fled from the vehicle and was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.

Suspect Navarro was arrested for operating of a stolen vehicle with a prior conviction for the same charge, felony evading, hit and run, along with various other offenses.

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 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 11, 2015/1500 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	October 13, 2015 9:05 P.M.
LOCATION:	100 Block South Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Gomez, Juan Manuel 45 years of age
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Michael Young mike.young@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7606

DETAILS:
On January 24, 1990, Juan Manuel Gomez of Oxnard, was the victim of a shooting that occurred in the 100 Block of South Rose Avenue. Mr. Gomez was shot once in the back and sustained a significant, life altering injury as a result. No suspects were ever arrested as a result of this incident.

On October 13, 2015, Mr. Gomez passed away in his home. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy examination on October 14, 2015 as part of the ongoing investigation. At the end of this procedure, Mr. Gomez’s death was tentatively ruled a homicide as a result of the complications from the gunshot wound he sustained on January 24, 1990.

The investigation into Mr. Gomez’s death is ongoing and anyone with any information regarding the 1990 shooting is urged to contact Detective Michael Young at 805-385-7606, or via e-mail at mike.young@oxnardpd.org. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 20, 2015/ 4:00 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:

Convicted Felon in possession of a loaded handgun

DATE/TIME:

October 20, 2015 / 1537 Hours

LOCATION:

500 Blk Cuesta Del Mar

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Jose Luis Ortiz, 37 years, Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

LOSS:

PREPARED BY:

Senior Officer Jose Silva

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

jose.silva@oxnardpd.org, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS: On October 20, 2015, at approximately 1537 hours, officers from the District Four Community Policing Team contacted a group of subjects in a carport where gang and narcotic activity exists.

Jose Luis Ortiz was contacted and was in possession of a loaded .32 auto caliber handgun. Ortiz had a prior felony conviction in 2006 for possession for sales of a controlled substance. Two other subjects were cited for other violations.

This is part of the District 4 Community Policing Strategy which is focused in the Southwinds Neighborhood. The Oxnard Police Department Community Policing efforts are focused on the reduction of crimes, improving the quality of life of residents and the forming of partnerships with members of the community. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity or crimes which have been witnessed.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) Introducing New Mustang to the Fleet
DATE/TIME:	10-28-15
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff Charles.woodruff@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 8300 / Sergeant Daniel Shrubb 805 200 5670

DETAILS:The DRAGG Team is at it again, working with Ford as well as several other sponsors, to assist in designing another DRAGG vehicle for the program. The theme to the 2015 Mustang is, “The Thin Blue Line”, which represents all men and women in law enforcement who work together with separating the good from the bad while creating order from chaos. The Mustang will officially be unveiled at the 2015 SEMA Show, in Las Vegas, NV on November 3^rd.

DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti), is an after school automotive program which was started by Oxnard Police Officers, in collaboration with the Oxnard Union High School District, and members from the automotive industry. Students from the district attend after school classes, field trips, and are given the opportunity to interact with experts within the industry, as well as earn school credits. Over 100 students have graduated from the DRAGG Program, and over 30 of the students have earned scholarships through the program to further their education.

DRAGG is a non-profit organization that operates solely on donations and sponsorships from the community and corporations. To learn more about the program and the build of the new Mustang please visit www.draggteam.org or visit the Facebook page at DRAGG.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/29/15

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	November 14, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, November 14, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and families will soon be gathering to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. If drinking alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving celebrations, please make plans for an alternate ride home. So far this year, Oxnard Police officers have arrested over 375 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. In addition, officers have investigated over 150 impaired driving collisions causing injuries to over 100 people.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2015 / 0830 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	December 19, 2015 / 2000-0300 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, December 19, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing while delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants everyone to be safe this holiday season and to remind all drivers to think before you drive. It’s simple; if you choose to drink, don’t drive. We also understand that there are many occasions during this time of year such as holiday gatherings with family and friends where drinking alcohol is a part of the celebration. Make the proper arrangements prior to drinking so that everyone stays safe. During this holiday season, the Oxnard Police Department will routinely deploy officers for dedicated impaired driving enforcement in an effort to keep our roadways safe.

So far this year, Oxnard Police Officers have arrested over 500 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. In addition, officers have investigated over 250 impaired driving collisions that caused injuries to over 140 people.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 16, 2015 / 1600 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Gun
DATE/TIME:	February 14, 2016 / 11:29 p.m.
LOCATION:	3200 block of Merced Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Ray Fernandez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 14, 2016, at about 11:29 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 3200 block of Merced Place when they contacted Ray Fernandez, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident. Fernandez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm was determined to be a .22 caliber zip gun. Fernandez was arrested for weapons violations, an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and providing a false name to avoid prosecution. The Oxnard Police Department previously arrested Fernandez on January 29, 2016, for possession of a loaded zip gun.

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) 222-8477.

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:	Criminal Threats, Elder Abuse and Brandishing a Deadly Weapon Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016, 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	3100 Samuel Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	78 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident, Name Witheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Soto, 55 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763; alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jon Ballow (805) 288-3289; jon.ballow@oxnardpd.org

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 has been identified as 55 year old Oxnard resident Juan Soto. Soto was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury.

While investigating the officer involved shooting (OIS), investigators learned of an incident that preceded the OIS by approximately 10 minutes, which involved Soto. An elderly male victim was walking in the 3100 block of Samuel Avenue when Soto confronted him. According to the victim and witness statements, Soto aggressively approached the elderly male while brandishing a knife and made threatening statements towards the elderly male. The elderly male expressed fear for his life, and attempted to get away from Soto. The victim was able to seek shelter from a nearby resident in the area who notified police. Another resident in the area called 911 and alerted police that it appeared that Soto was throwing rocks at passing motorists.

Oxnard police officers arrived on scene and attempted to contact Soto. While attempting to investigate the original 911 call, an officer involved shooting occurred.

On February 17, 2016 at approximately 1030 hours, Soto was arrested for the actions he committed prior to the officer involved shooting. Soto was arrested for making criminal threats, elder abuse and for brandishing a deadly weapon. Soto was booked into Ventura County Jail.

The events surrounding the officer involved shooting are still being investigated.

Persons with information about this case are asked to contact Detective Jon Ballow at (805) 288-3289.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 17, 2016; 4:10 p.m.