Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	*Operation Safer and Stronger*-Firearms Strike Team (FAST) and Directed Patrol Efforts
DATE/TIME:	July-2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, (805) 385-7801, [email protected]

DETAILS: At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of July, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-one (21) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On July 4, 2014, Genaro Cortes, a 28-year old Oxnard resident, fled from Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers. Cortes was quickly apprehended and found in possession of a loaded handgun in his waistband. Cortes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a person not registered as the owner in possession of a firearm.
On July 20, 2014, Arthur Chavira, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop. He was apprehended a short time later and found to be in possession of a .38 caliber handgun. Chavira was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 24, 2014, Christopher Russell, a 27-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop with a loaded handgun in his hand and was apprehended a short time later. Russell was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 31, 2014, Paul Perez, a 31-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers at the scene of a disturbance at the Sea Rounders bar and found to have been in possession of a loaded handgun. Perez was arrested for numerous violations including a probationer in possession of a firearm.

Since January 1^st, Oxnard officers have made sixty-four (64) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department has seized one-hundred and fifty-five (155) firearms year-to-date and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

As an additional component of the Oxnard Police Department’s Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, the Department continued to increase its special patrols in the month of July. These additional patrols augmented our normal patrol staffing and were focused on contacting individuals that may be responsible for committing a high number of crimes.

On July 11, 2014, a series of warrant services and directed contacts led to the following arrests:

Sergio Zendejas, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. During a probation search of his bedroom, a .380 caliber handgun was recovered. Zendejas was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
Rafael Madera, a 25-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Madera was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Omar Chavez, a 21-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by officers during a warrant service and barricaded himself in a bedroom with his 7-year old brother. Officers were forced to breach a door to rescue the child and take Chavez into custody. Chavez was arrested for several felonies including false imprisonment and child endangerment in addition to his outstanding felony warrants.

Officers will continue these focused enforcement efforts throughout the coming months as we know a small number of offenders are responsible for a disproportionately high amount of the city’s criminal activity.

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 7, 2014 1000 hrs.

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 Labor Day Mobilization Anti-DUI Crackdown Update
DATE/TIME:	August 15 through September 1, 2014
LOCATION:	County of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
The National Summer/Labor Day Anti-DUI crackdown arrest update over the past two weeks: From 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 15, 2014, through midnight on Thursday, August 28, 2014, officers representing Ventura County law enforcement agencies have arrested 114 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In 2013, 180 DUI arrests occurred during the same 14 day time period.

(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

Tonight, a multi-agency DUI Task Force Saturation is scheduled for the City of Moorpark. Officers working this operation will also be patrolling the areas of Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. Officers from the Moorpark Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Cal State University Channel Islands Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department and Camarillo Police Department will join forces to remove impaired drivers from local roadways.

Tomorrow night, August 30th, the City of Ojai will be hosting a multi-agency DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Ojai. Officers and deputies from throughout Ventura County will also participate in this operation.

Over this Labor Day weekend, all regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts.

Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI arrest data collection will continue through Labor Day midnight Monday, September 1, 2014.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 29, 2014 / 1540 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Grand Theft
DATE/TIME:	09-24-14 / 1349 hours
LOCATION:	323 S. “E” Street, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Santa Clara Church
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male
LOSS:	Crucifix
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell [email protected]

DETAILS: On 09/24/14 at approximately 1:45 pm, a male subject entered Santa Clara Catholic Church located in the 300 Block of South “E” Street and stole a crucifix. A photo is attached. The crucifix has significant sentimental value to the Church and the parishioners that worship there.

The suspect is described a Hispanic male, 30’s, 5-9, 170, shaved head, dark eyes with a very large, bushy mustache. A surveillance photo of the suspect is attached, but is grainy.

Santa Clara Church and the Oxnard Police Department are working closely together and asking for assistance from the public to locate the crucifix and information on the suspect. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7740.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Residential Burglary/ Hot Prowl
DATE/TIME:	10/23/2014 0200-0500 hours 09/19/2014 0545 hours
LOCATION:	400 block of North “G” Street, Oxnard 300 block of North “G” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Coleman, Dennis 18 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Nathan Martin 805-385-7755 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 10/23/2014, Oxnard Police Officers arrested Dennis Coleman, an 18 year old Oxnard resident for two counts of residential burglary. These burglaries occurred while the victims were sleeping in their homes. These types of burglary are known as “hot prowls” and are inherently dangerous.

Coleman was arrested this morning shortly after officers received the call and was still in possession of the victim’s property, including a heart monitor. Detectives responded and were able to identify Coleman from a previous residential burglary on 09/19/2014. Coleman is being held on $500,000 bail.

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 on Nextdoor.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.

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) 385-3921. 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: October 23, 2014, 1000 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Infant Death
DATE/TIME:	October 27, 2014
LOCATION:	1200 Block of W. Kamala Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	3-month Old Male
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Monday, October 27^th, Oxnard Police Officers along with EMS personnel responded to a residence in the 1200 block of West Kamala Street reference a baby not breathing. Upon their arrival, they were directed to a 3-month old infant boy that was found not breathing in his crib during a nap. The infant was quickly transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Investigators from the Family Protection Unit (FPU) responded to the residence and determined that there was no foul play involved. Besides the tremendous impact on the infant’s family, these types of calls for service take a tremendous emotional toll on the first responders that handle these types of tragedies. A Police Chaplain responded to provide services to the infant’s family and Trauma Support personnel were made available for the officers and investigators that responded to the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department responds to several calls each year of infants not breathing and often times they have occurred while an infant is sleeping in a bed or crib. We would like to take this opportunity to remind parents of all ages that there are steps that can be taken to lower the risk of these tragic events. The following are recommendations from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD):

Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps, and at night. The back sleep position is the safest, and every sleep time counts.
Place your baby on a firm sleep surface, such as on a safety-approved crib mattress, covered by a fitted sheet. Never place your baby to sleep on pillow, quilts, sheepskins, or other soft surfaces.
Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area. Don’t use pillows, blankets, quilts, sheepskins, or pillow-like crib bumpers in your baby’s sleep area, and keep all objects away from your baby’s face.
Do not allow smoking around your baby. Don’t smoke before or after the birth of your baby, and don’t let others smoke around your baby.
Keep your baby’s sleep area close to, but separate from, where you and others sleep. Your baby should not sleep in a bed or on a couch or armchair with adults or other children, but he or she can sleep in the same room as you. If you bring your baby into bed with you to breastfeed, put him or her back in a separate sleep area, such as a bassinet, crib, cradle, or a bedside co-sleeper when finished.
Think about using a clean, dry pacifier when placing the infant down to sleep, but don’t force the baby to take it.(If you are breastfeeding your baby, wait until your child is one month old or is used to breastfeeding before using a pacifier.
Do not let your baby overheat during sleep. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing, and keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for an adult.

For further information about this and other baby safety topics, you may visit www.nichd.nih.gov/sids.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 8 p.m.
LOCATION:	500 Block of North McKinley Ave
VICTIM(S):	23 year old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Suarez, Eric, 18 year old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Daniel Whitmer, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 486-6211

DETAILS:

On November 18, 2014, at about 8:00 p.m. Oxnard Police responded to a robbery call in the 300 block of North McKinley Ave. Officers contacted the victim who advised he had his money stolen by a lone suspect who mentioned having a gun on him. The victim gave a description of the suspect and his last known location.

Officers surrounded a house in the 500 block of North McKinley Ave and made verbal announcements to the residents. All of the residents and the suspect, Eric Suarez, came out of the house. Suarez, who is currently on probation for robbery, was positively identified as the suspect. No gun was located.

If anyone has further information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Sergeant Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6211. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 18, 2014 at 11:20 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:	Street Robbery
DATE/TIME:	12/24/2014 @ 8:35 pm
LOCATION:	2300 Block No. Oxnard Blvd.
SUSPECT(S):	Calderon, Christian 26 year old Oxnard resident
LOSS:	Cell phone, wallet, “Vape pen” and car keys.
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. D. Klug
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Eduardo M. Miranda, Commander [email protected] (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On December 24, 2014 at 8:35 pm, Oxnard Police officers responded to a call of an armed robbery by a suspect with a tire iron. When the officers arrived they located a subject who fit the suspect’s description entering a car. The car was stopped and the suspect was identified by the victim. The victim’s property was located inside the car. The suspect was identified as Christian Calderon, a Post Release Offender. (P.R.O.)Calderon was arrested for 1 count of armed robbery 211 PC.

The Post Release Offender (PRO) 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.

Christian Calderon

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/24/2014 @ 2350 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	12-25-14 / 2300 hours
LOCATION:	1000 block Colonia Road Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard resident, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Contreras, age 18 17 year old male juvenile, names withheld
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett, Violent Crimes Unit, 385-7600

DETAILS: On 12-25-14 about 2149 hours, Oxnard Police received a call regarding a suspect brandishing a handgun and challenging people in the 200 block of Wilson Avenue. Several witnesses were interviewed who provided descriptions of the suspects and a vehicle description. The suspects fled the area in a grey Chrysler 300 sedan prior to the arrival of police units.

About an hour later, at 2249 hours, a patrol unit spotted the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Colonia Road. Four occupants were detained and the vehicle was searched. During the vehicle search a stolen semi-automatic handgun was found concealed in the vehicle along with other evidence connecting the suspect(s) to the crime.

Juan Contreras was identified by witnesses as the person who brandished the handgun and was arrested without incident. Further investigation revealed that Contreras is a documented criminal street gang member. He was booked into the Ventura County jail for several firearms-related violations. The violations include brandishing a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, and a gang enhancement alleging that his actions were for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

A juvenile in the car was also arrested for a violation of probation and was lodged into the Juvenile Justice Center.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, Oxnard Police launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement. Persons with additional information are encouraged to call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx to leave an anonymous tip.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-26-14/ 0800hrs.

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:	12-27-14 / 0122 hours
LOCATION:	1900 Block of McArthur Place
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Arciga, 19 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 12-27-14, at 0122 hours, an officer drove up on a group of subjects. The subjects immediately fled. 19-year old Daniel Arciga threw an object over the fence and was quickly detained. Officers retrieved the object discovering it was a loaded .25 caliber handgun. Arciga was found in possession of a holster. Arciga was charged with 29800(a)(1) PC, felon in possession of a firearm, a felony.

In an effort to address the increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crime Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of this initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

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. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-27-14 / 0122 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Advisory – Street Closure for Criminal Investigation
DATE/TIME:	January 14, 2015, 5:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	5200 block of Perkins Road, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Commander Andrew Salinas, (805) 385-7756 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Martin Perez, (805) 385-7680 [email protected]

DETAILS: On January 14, 2015, at approximately 5:30 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a shots fired call in the 5200 block of Perkins Road. Upon arrival, officers located a male shooting victim in a vehicle. Fire and ambulance personnel attended to the victim who would ultimately succumb to his injuries. Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit are on scene and have shutdown down Perkins Road between Pleasant Valley Road and Clara Street. Investigators estimate the roadway should be open before 2:30 p.m. today. A press release with additional details will be made available later in the day.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Perkins Road between Pleasant Valley and Clara Street will be closed for the next 4-6 hours for a criminal investigation. The roadway is estimated to be opened at approximately 2:30 p.m.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
January 14, 2015, 0945 hours