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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle / Narcotics Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2016 at 9:45 a.m.
LOCATION:	Edgewood and “M” St., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Theresa Moreno, 40 year old Oxnard resident Mario Sanchez, 34 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant (805) 385-7746 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Bakari Myers, Sergeant (805) 385-7746 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On January 31, 2016, at about 9:05 a.m., patrol officers received a Lojack stolen vehicle signal near the area of Second St. and “C” St. Officers tracked the stolen vehicle signal which led them to the area of Edgewood and “M” St. Two suspects were located in the vehicle and they were identified as Theresa Moreno, 40 year old Oxnard resident, and Mario Sanchez, 34 year old Oxnard resident. Moreno was arrested for stealing the vehicle and for possession of stolen property. Sanchez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and for violating parole. Moreno is on probation for vehicle theft, and Sanchez is on parole for terrorist threats.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Wanted Subject/ Warrant Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 6, 2016, 5:09 PM
LOCATION:	1400 block of West Guava Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Lopez 37 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda [email protected] (805) 385-7600

DETAILS: On February 6, 2016 at approximately 1709 hours, Oxnard Police Officers observed Salvador Lopez in the south alley of the 1400 block of West Guava. Officers had prior knowledge he was wanted for an outstanding warrant. When he saw officers, he fled into his residence.

Officers surrounded the residence and numerous announcements were made for Lopez to exit the residence. Oxnard Police Department SWAT officers responded to the location. More attempts were made for Lopez to exit and there was no response. Officers made entry into the residence and located Lopez hiding under a large pile of clothes in one of the bedrooms.

He was taken into custody without incident and arrested for the warrant.

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 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/6/16 2130 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member in possession of stolen handgun
DATE/TIME:	February 22, 2016/1430
LOCATION:	500 block of E. Poplar Ave.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Raymundo Lopez (20 years) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2016 at approximately 1430 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search in 500 block of E. Poplar Ave. The search was conducted on Raymundo Lopez who is a documented gang member.

During the search a stolen handgun was located.

Lopez was arrested on weapon and stolen property related charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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 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: February 22, 2016/1900

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	10/04/08 at 0315 hours
LOCATION:	Vagabond Motel located at 1245 North Oxnard Blvd.
VICTIM/S:	18 and 26 year-old Oxnard residents
SUSPECT/S:	21 year-old Hispanic male 23 year-old Black male
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Chris Williams

DETAILS:

On 10/4/08 at approximately 0315 hours, the victims were attending a party at the Vagabond Motel. They were approached by two subjects who demanded their money and jewelry. When one of the victims refused to hand over his jewelry he was struck in the head with a beer bottle. The other victim was struck several times with a baseball bat.

Both suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money and are still outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact detective Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7796 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	November 10, 2009 / 1749 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block E. Bard Road
PEDESTRIAN:	H/M, 73 of Oxnard (name withheld pending notification of next of kin)
DRIVER:	Michael Santoro, 44 years old of Palmdale
VEHICLE:	Black, Volkswagen Passat
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant

DETAILS:

On November 10, 2009, at approximately 1749 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the area of Bard Road and Pleasant Valley Road after receiving a call that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found that a Hispanic male, 73 years old had been struck by a Volkswagen, Passat that had been traveling eastbound on Bard Road. The pedestrian was transported to Saint Johns Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.

According to witnesses and subsequent investigation by traffic personnel, the pedestrian was crossing southbound across Bard Road outside of a marked crosswalk and away from an intersection. He stepped into the path of the oncoming vehicle and was struck. The vehicle was traveling at a normal speed at the time of the collision.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	February 8, 2010 7:35 PM
LOCATION:	3800 Block of Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Not being released at this time
SUSPECT(S):	Not being released at this time, A 25 years old male
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	Undetermined amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Commander Mike Adair
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Press Information Officer David Keith

DETAILS:

On February 8, 2010 at 7:35 PM the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a robbery at a business in the 3800 block of Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard. Upon arrival, officers discovered the business employee had suffered minor wounds inflicted during an altercation with the suspect. The employee did not require medical treatment.

The suspect had fled the scene prior to the officers arriving and a search of the area was conducted. A 25 year old male subject was later detained in the area. That subject was arrested by officers and detectives were called to the scene.

The Violent Crimes Unit detectives are currently conducting an investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the crime to contact Detective Alex Arnett at 805-486-6297 or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	ARREST OF JANE LAUT
DATE/TIME:	2-13-2010 @ 9:30 am
LOCATION:	Near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets
VICTIM(S):	David Laut, 52 of Oxnard – murdered 8/28/09
SUSPECT(S):	Jane Laut, 52 of Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	David Keith, OPD PIO
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Keith @ 385-7631

DETAILS:

This morning (2/13) at approximately 9:30 am Oxnard police arrested Mrs. Jane Laut for the homicide of her husband David Laut.

Mr. Laut, 52 years old and a former Olympic medalist, was gunned down in the backyard of his Oxnard home on August 28, 2009.

The arrest this morning of Mrs. Laut took place during a traffic stop near the intersection of 3rd and F Streets. She was taken into custody without incident.

Since the homicide of Mr. Laut the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office have been working closely together on this case. An arrest warrant was recently issued for Mrs. Laut in connection with the murder of her husband.

We will not elaborate any further on the details of the case.

Mrs. Laut is currently being held at the Oxnard Police Station and will be booked into Ventura County Jail later today. Her bail will be set at $3,000,000.