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 Task Force Plans Holiday Crackdown To Stop Impaired Driving and Save Lives
DATE/TIME:	December 14, 2012 through January 1, 2013
LOCATION:	County-Wide
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant, Oxnard Police Department
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant, Oxnard Police Department (805-385-7847) randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org Maria Pena, Traffic Investigator, Oxnard Police Department (805-385-7750) maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Avoid the 14 Ventura County
DUI Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                                     December 12, 2012

Contact: Officer Sergeant Randy Latimer     (805) 385-7847, randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Task Force Plans Holiday Crackdown
To Stop Impaired Driving and Save Lives

Oxnard, CA– Heads up to holiday party-goers! To help save lives this holiday season, law enforcement from 14 agencies are launching a special “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown to stop impaired drivers and to save lives on our roadways.

The Ventura County DUI Avoid the 14 Task Force is announcing that officers and deputieswill be aggressively looking forimpaired drivers and will arrest anyone caught driving under the influence. Enforcement efforts will include: 4 DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints, 15 local DUI saturation patrols, a Multi-Agency DUI Taskforce strike team patrol, and a DUI Warrant/Probation sweep. The CHP will deploy all available officers during two Maximum Enforcement Periods – Christmas and New Years Weekends. The special enforcement crackdown will run from December 14, 2012, through January 1, 2013. (See attached Enforcement Schedule of Operations)

“Lots of folks will be out during this busy holiday season, enjoying themselves and the holiday festivities, and we want everyone to be safe on our roadways.” said Avoid the 14 Task force Coordinator, Sergeant Randy Latimer of the Oxnard Police Department. “That’s why we will be stepping up enforcement to catch and arrest impaired drivers. Please be forewarned. If you are caught driving impaired, you will be arrested. No warnings. No excuses.”

During 2010, more than 10,000 people were killed nationwide in motor vehicle traffic crashes involving an impaired driver and in Californian 791 people died on our state’s streets and highways. There were 14 individuals killed in Ventura County that year.

The holiday season is a particularly dangerous time. During December 2010, 30 percent of all fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crash involved alcohol-impaired drivers. Data also shows that among those alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, 71 percent occurred when drivers had nearly twice the legal limit blood alcohol concentration of .15 % BAC or higher.

“No one ever thinks that their holiday celebration will end in jail, or worse, in a hospital or the morgue,” said Sergeant Rick Harwood, Thousand Oaks Police Traffic Sergeant. “But for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is too often the case.”

Heads Up –violators face jail time, loss of driver license, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job.

The Avoid the 14 Coalition said there are three simple steps people can take to stay safe and out of trouble:
1.      Plan ahead. If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Designate a sober driver or find another safe way home. Even one too many drinks increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle.
2.      If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, use public transportation. Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, Report Them – Call 911! Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays, but we also want our roadways to be safe,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety. “Police, Sheriffs and the CHP will be out in force to help save lives, and they are not going to tolerate impaired driving. So remember, ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’ They will be watching.”

The nationalDriver Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown is led by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and NHTSA, with the California Avoid DUI Task Force Campaign combining high-visibility enforcement and heightened public awareness through publicity. The program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Media Notes:To schedule an interview regarding Anti Drunk-Driving efforts, or request a ride-along with law enforcement during the holiday period, please contact Sergeant Randy Latimer at 805-385-7847 or via email at randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org.

# # #

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possible Kidnapping
DATE/TIME:	1-19-13, 2308 hours
LOCATION:	McDonald’s-400 Block of South Ventura Road
VICTIM(S):	Female, early 30’s, 5′ 6″, average build, black hair, wearing a black T-shirt, white undershirt, blue jeans, and carrying a brown purse
SUSPECT(S):	Male, 30’s, 6′, 170 pounds, black hair, short beard, wearing an orange polo shirt with white horizontal stripes, and blue jeans
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Late 90’s to early 2000’s white Ford Explorer SUV with tan fenders and lower door panels, stock chrome rims, and tinted windows
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda, (805) 385-7665 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 1-19-13 at about 2326 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to the McDonalds located in the 400 block of South Ventura Road reference a possible kidnapping that had just occurred.

When officers arrived they learned from several witnesses that a male in his 30s appeared to be arguing with a female in her 30s just outside the McDonalds. At some point witnesses saw the male grab the female and force her into a white SUV.

The SUV was described as a late 1990s to early 2000s white Ford Explorer with tan fenders and lower door panels, stock chrome rims and tinted windows. At this time it is unknown if this was a domestic violence incident or whether this was an actual kidnapping. Video surveillance footage was obtained. Attached are still photographs of the suspect vehicle and the male suspect. The investigation is on-going.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665. 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: 1-22-13, 1746 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Juvenile Update
DATE/TIME:	2/9/13 1:28 a.m.
LOCATION:	2100 Block Posada Drive
MISSING CHILD:	John Carlo Marquez, 11 years
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda (805) 385-7600 eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org

Update: John was found at his friend’s house at about 5:30 a.m. He is safe and has been returned to his family.

Text of original news release

On 2/9/13 at 0128 hours, the Oxnard Police Department was notified regarding a critical missing; John Carlo Marquez. He was last seen on February 8, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. in the 2100 block of Posada Drive in Oxnard.

John is a Hispanic male, 5 feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. John was last seen wearing a white buttoned shirt and black athletic shorts.

Oxnard PD officers are checking possible known locations where John has been in the past.

Anyone with information regarding the missing juvenile is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department (805) 385-7600

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	February 19, 2013 at 7:04 p.m.
LOCATION:	Ego Joyeria Moda, 500 Block of South “C” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Store employee
SUSPECT(S):	#1: Male, 20-26 years, 160 pounds, dark clothing #2: Male, 20-26 years, 160 pounds, dark clothing
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Possible black Dodge Magnum
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
At 7:04 p.m., officers responded to Ego Joyeria Moda (a clothing store) in the 500 Block of South “C” Street, Oxnard, regarding an armed robbery. Two males, both 20 to 26 years old, both described as a having a thin build, approximately 160 pounds, entered the business with handguns. The suspects demanded money, took an undisclosed amount of cash and currency, and fled in a black Dodger Magnum eastbound on 5^th Street.

Persons with information regarding the robbery should contact the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Or, contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Visit the web site http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: Feb 19, 2013 7:52 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:	DUI/Drivers License checkpoints Planned this Weekend
DATE/TIME:	Friday, March 15, 2013 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	CIty of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-77549 randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

DUI/Drivers License checkpoints Planned this Weekend

Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting DUI/Drivers License Checkpoints on Friday, March 15th at undisclosed locations within the city limits between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle 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. “Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 6 lives and resulted in 604 injury crashes harming 355 of our friends and neighbors,” said Senior Officer Jamie Brown.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

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 continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

MEDIA NOTES: To schedule an interview regarding the Oxnard Traffic Safety Operations, please contact Jamie Brown at 805-385-7749 or at Jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Juvenile
DATE/TIME:	3/23/13 9:29 p.m.
LOCATION:	240 North Bonita
VICTIM(S):	Zayra Rosales, 12 years old
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda (805) 385-7600 eduardo.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 3/23/13 at 2129 hours, the Oxnard Police Department was notified regarding a critical missing; Zayra Rosales. She was last seen on March 23, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the 200 Block of South Bonita Ave in Oxnard.

Zayra is a Hispanic female, 5 feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes. Zayra was last seen wearing blue sweatshirt and blue jeans and white shoes.

Oxnard PD officers are checking possible known locations where Zayra has been in the past.

Anyone with information regarding the missing juvenile is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department (805) 385-7600.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/23/2013 / 2310 hours

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 – Shooting
DATE/TIME:	04/22/13 Approximately 2000 Hours
LOCATION:	600 Block of Devonshire Drive
VICTIM(S):	18-year old female, Oxnard resident 19-year old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	3 to 4 Hispanic males
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Long, (805) 486-6506 jeff.long@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 4/22/13 at approximately 2000 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to shooting victims in the 600 block of Devonshire Drive.

When officers arrived on scene, they located a female shooting victim laying in the street in the 600 block of Devonshire Drive. The female was treated at the scene and transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center with a minor gunshot wound to her back. The female was listed in stable condition and the wound was not life threatening.

Officers located another gunshot victim several blocks away. This victim was identified as a 19-year old male with several gunshot wounds. The male victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and listed in stable but serious condition. The injuries are not life threatening.

According to witnesses, the male and female were walking in the area of Devonshire Drive and F Street when they were confronted by 3 to 4 Hispanic males. Words were exchanged between the two groups. A Hispanic male produced a gun and fired at the victims. The Hispanic males fled the area after the shooting.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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: 4/22/13 0026 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:	05/30/13 2203 hours
LOCATION:	1900 block of Napoleon Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Aaron Gomez, 18 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay, (805) 385-8174 jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 5/30/13 at approximately 2203 hours, officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Napoleon Avenue regarding a fight involving a possible traffic collision. When officers arrived they located a male subject who had suffered several stab wounds. Despite emergency responders’ efforts to save the subject, he died as a result of his injuries.

The victim was identified as Aaron Gomez, an 18 year old Oxnard resident. Investigators are following up on several leads and motives at this time. The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174. 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: 5/31/13, 0830 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	16^th Annual Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor
DATE/TIME:	July 4^th, 2013 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Harbor, City of Oxnard






CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

On July 4th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 16th annual 4th of July event. The event will begin at 8:00 A.M. with a 10K & 5K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road. This will be followed by the July 4th Children’s Parade on Harbor Boulevard. The parade will begin at 10:30 A.M. and take place on south Harbor Boulevard between Cabezone Circle and Albacore Way. Harbor Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parade. Motorists can use Sunset Lane or Ocean Drive as an alternate route.

Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at the Marina. Marine Emporium Landing will have activities between 10:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M., including live music, face painting, petting zoo, inflatable fun zone and a rock climbing wall. There will also be vendors with booths as well as a farmer’s market. This will be a family oriented event with fun for all. The event will end with a fireworks show that begins at 9:00 P.M.

No alcohol, fireworks, including safe and sane fireworks, or flare ignition will be tolerated. All of the involved law enforcement agencies will be conducting strict enforcement of all related offenses.

This event is expected to draw a large crowd and traffic delays are expected following the fireworks show. The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site. Starting at 7:00 P.M., all intersections on Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard from Fifth St. to the harbor area will be controlled by traffic officers. The Channel Islands Bridge is subject to closure prior to the Fireworks Display and will be closed after the Fireworks Display to facilitate the high traffic volume leaving the event.

In addition, the Oxnard Police Department would also like to notify the public that driving on any beach in the City of Oxnard is strictly prohibited. From 5:00 PM on July 3rd to Noon on July 5th, Arnold Road south of Hueneme Road will be closed to all vehicles with the exception of those who have legitimate business in that area or who are traveling to and from work. Parking violations on Arnold Road will also be strictly enforced.

If you live in the area of these roadways or intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience. The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible. 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.

Please have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday.

For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4th, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Independence Day Weekend Avoid DUI Campaign-Friday Update 2
DATE:	July 5, 2013
LOCATION:	Ventura County
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Pena
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Pena, (805) 385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Avoid the 14 – Ventura County
DUI Campaign

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release July 5, 2013

CONTACT: Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

Independence Day Weekend AVOID DUI campaign – FRIDAY update 2

DUI Arrests Up & DUI Fatalities are the Same

The Independence Day Weekend Anti DUI crackdown is reporting a significant number of DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments in Ventura County.

From 12:01 AM Wednesday July 3, 2013 through Midnight Wednesday 4, 2013 officers representing 14 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 26 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Last year, 23 individuals were arrested during same the 48 hours. Last year there were no DUI deaths reported.
(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

DUI arrest data collection will continue through midnight Sunday July 7, 2013. Law enforcement officials are continuing DUI efforts throughout the county and region. Additionally, CHP throughout the state have all available officers patrolling freeways and county roads throughout the weekend for their Maximum Enforcement period (MEP).

For Friday July 5^th, extra DUI Saturation Patrols will be deployed in the cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks. Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911. Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

MEDIA NOTE: Statistical data on the number of DUI arrests and DUI fatal crashes will be released from the previous day’s activities. The checkpoint locations will be available for media opportunities or ride-alongs each night.

Avoid programs, named for the number of police agencies in each county, also will concentrate crackdowns during the 18-Day August/Labor Day period. In recognition that summer season is among the deadliest time of the year, law enforcement agencies throughout the county will be making every effort to arrest drunk drivers before another life is lost.