Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	November 7, 2014 at 12:35 AM
LOCATION:	2000 block East Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	36-year-old, male Oxnard Resident, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Andrew Juarez Cortez, 22-year-old, Oxnard Resident Cesar Sanchez, 21-year-old, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green 2000 Toyota Tundra
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda, 805-385-7665 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11-7-14 at 0030 hours, officers responded to St. John’s Regional Medical Center re: a shooting victim driving to the hospital. Within moments the 36-year old Oxnard resident arrived.

The victim told officers he was with his girlfriend parked at a convenience market located in the 2000 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road. A green or dark pickup, possibly with an extra cab, parked nearby. The victim got out of his vehicle and one subject exited the pickup. An argument ensued. A second subject got out and fired a handgun striking the victim. The victim got back into his car and his girlfriend drove him to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. The suspects are described as two males, 25 to 30 years. The victim was later transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.

UPDATE

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit were able to identify the two suspects in this shooting as 22-year-old Oxnard resident, Andrew Juarez Cortez and 21-year-old Oxnard resident Cesar Sanchez. On 11-13-14 members of the Oxnard Police Department SWAT team served search warrants at both of the suspects’ homes. Sanchez was arrested at his home without incident and charged with being an accessory to a crime. Cortez was not located.

On 11-21-14, Cortez arrived at the Oxnard Police Department and turned himself in. He was charged with assault with a deadly weapon and booked into Ventura County Jail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/21/14, 2306 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	2014 Downtown Holiday Parade
DATE/TIME:	December 6, 2014 1000 hours through 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Downtown Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Officer Tom Martin (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On Saturday, 12-6-14, the Downtown Oxnard Merchant’s Association will be hosting its annual Downtown Holiday Parade. The event will begin at 10:00 am and conclude at 12:00 pm. This will be followed by the 2014 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 am, the following streets will be closed to through traffic:

·         “A” Street from Wooley Road to Fifth Street
·         Fifth Street from “A” Street to “C” Street
·         “C” St from Fifth Street to Second Street
·         Second Street from “C” Street to “A” Street
·         “B” Street from Fourth Street to Fifth Street

There will be “NO PARKING” signs posted on and around the parade route. The recommended parking area for persons attending the parade and other downtown events is the downtown parking structure located at Third Street @ ‘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.

Please have a safe holiday season and enjoy watching the parade.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 5, 2014 at 1400 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department to Conduct Dedicated DUI Enforcement on Super Bowl Sunday
DATE/TIME:	February 1, 2015 / 1200 hours to 2300 hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
Game Plan for Super Bowl Sunday: Are You Drinking or Driving?
Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk
On Sunday, February 1^st, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will deploy officers who will conduct dedicated DUI enforcement before, during and following Sunday’s Super Bowl matchup. These patrols will include efforts to target those who choose to ride a motorcycle while intoxicated. Officers will patrol areas within the city where collision data reveals high incidents of DUI crashes and arrests.

In 2014, Oxnard Police investigated two fatal motorcycle collisions with one of them resulting in the death of a motorcycle rider who was under the influence of alcohol. Motorcycle collisions occur for many different reasons and collision factors include unsafe driving violations committed by both motorcyclists and the drivers of the other vehicles around them. During Sunday’s operation, officers will be looking for motorcycle safety violations and DUI offenders.

According to data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 867 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in California in 2013–29 percent of all crash fatalities in the state. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit.

“Everyone can be a winner on game day if you choose to drive safe and sober,” said Oxnard Police Traffic Sergeant Brian Woolley. “Enjoy the game but don’t jeopardize your safety or the safety of other drivers by drinking then driving. Drunk driving is completely preventable.”

Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. OTS is offering a free mobile app – DDVIP – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants. Available for iPhone and Android. Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink. Stay connected with OTS via: http://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS, http://twitter.com/#!/OTS_CA, www.ots.ca.gov.

This Super Bowl Sunday, be a team player: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk. For more information, visit www.TrafficSafetyMarketing.com.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:January 30, 2015 / 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:	Shooting
DATE/TIME:	01-31-2015 9:07 PM
LOCATION:	1300 Block of Friedrich Lane
VICTIM(S):	28 Year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Robert Flinn

DETAILS:

On 01-31-2015, at approximately 9:07 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1300 block of Friedrich Lane reference reports of gunfire in the area. Officers located shell casings and additional evidence at the scene. A short time later, a victim of a shooting arrived at St. Johns Regional Medical Center with a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his neck. No suspects were located and the investigation is continuing.

Persons with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department. 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.

Use http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 02-01-2015 3:30 AM

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 Arrest
DATE/TIME:	2-11-14/3:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	300 block of W. First Street
SUSPECT(S):	Angel Duarte, 24 year old Oxnard resident Gerardo Garcia, 42 year old Oxnard resident Ernesto Fermin, 26 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Honda Accord Black Honda Accord
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Charles Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez Oxnard Police Department 805-385-7664

DETAILS:

Members of the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force observed a stolen Honda Accord in the 300 block of West First Street which pulled into the backyard of a residence. The residents where the Honda was located were contacted and the residence was searched. Jesus Pantoja was contacted at the residence and identified as the person driving the stolen vehicle.

During the search of the residence, Gerardo Garcia was contacted and arrested for a pending case involving auto theft. Ernesto Fermin was also contacted at the residence and arrested for an outstanding warrant and narcotics related charges. A second stolen vehicle was also located during the search of the residence.

Garcia was booked for auto theft charges and an outstanding warrant. Duarte was also booked for auto theft related charges stemming from the two stolen vehicles located at the residence. Fermin was booked for narcotics charges and his outstanding warrant. All three subjects were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department advises citizens to park their vehicles in well lit areas, lock their vehicles and use anti-theft devices to secure their vehicles.

Anyone with information regarding auto theft in Oxnard is advised to contact auto theft detectives at 805-385-7650.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2-11-15/5:30 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:	Shooting, two victims
DATE/TIME:	2/28/2015 @ 10:57 am
LOCATION:	700 Berkshire Place, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	23-year-old male Oxnard resident 39-year old female Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Two Hispanic males, 20s, dark clothing
WITNESS(ES):	–
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	–
LOSS:	–
PREPARED BY:	Chris Inglehart, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Chris Inglehart, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 2/28/2015 at 10:57 am officers responded to the area of 700 Berkshire Place, Oxnard, reference the report of a shooting victim. As officers arrived on scene, a 23-year-old male with a gunshot wound was being transported to St. John’s Hospital by family members. Officers then located a crime scene and evidence of several shots being fired.

While officers were at the hospital they learned that a 39-year-old female was also struck by gunfire in the same area.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a confrontation developed between the suspects and the 23-year-old male. The suspects then shot at the male as he fled on foot. While this occurred, the 39-year-old female was walking in the area and hit by what is believed to be a stray bullet. Both victims had non-life-threatening injuries and were released from the hospital.

Anyone with any information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7600 or anonymously at Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/28/2015 @ 1557

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police launch Operation Safer and Stronger 2.0: ON UP
DATE/TIME:	April 8, 2015
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager 805-385-7631 [email protected]

DETAILS: Last year, after a second year increase in reported crime, Oxnard Police statistics showed that the increase was primarily driven by a 25% increase in property crimes, predominantly thefts and burglaries. To combat this, Oxnard Police launched a comprehensive crime prevention initiative, Operation Safer and Stronger.

The innovative yearlong initiative was aimed to inform, educate, and empower residents as partners in public safety.  A central part of the initiative was public safety and crime prevention seminars that were organized throughout the city, addressing current and evolving trends and focused on Identifying and Reporting Suspicious Activity, Burglary and Theft Prevention, Target Hardening, Youth Safety, Crime Prevention for Businesses, Safety and Security Tips for Seniors, and Neighborhood Watch Training.

Oxnard Police aimed to target and engage every demographic in our community: youth, adults, parents, and seniors in our community. Hundreds of neighbors and community members answered our call and took the time to register, attend, and participate in our crime prevention events.  To reach a larger audience, the community-police seminars were coordinated in every district in the city, recorded, translated, aired on the city’s public access channel and remain available on our website today in English and Spanish.

Building on our long history and tradition of community engagement, as well as the success of our Safer and Stronger initiative, the Oxnard Police is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative that places neighbors and neighborhoods at the center, Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP).

“We continue to recognize and appreciate the importance of enhanced community engagement, in our work towards improving public safety,” said Chief Jeri Williams.  “We will continue to take every opportunity to meet with, and work with, the community to address our evolving challenges,” added Williams.

Oxnard Police and the City of Oxnard hope that heightened awareness brought by this program compels community members to take small steps to make our city and their homes safer by minimizing opportunities for crime.  Of the reported increase in burglaries and thefts in the past year, we discovered that 40% were not because of forcible entry, but instead was driven by unsecured and unlocked garages, doors, windows, and cars.

There are small steps we can all take to make our city safer, chiefly securing your homes, cars, and property. “Public awareness, crime prevention, and community engagement will be central to our efforts this year,” said Miguel Lopez, Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager.   “We will be working with neighborhoods and community leaders, faith-based and community-based organizations, businesses partners, city departments and Oxnard Police District teams, to create opportunities and challenges for neighbors and entire neighborhoods to help build a stronger sense community and more active neighborhoods,” added Lopez

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that crime prevention begins at home – and with each individual person in our community. This philosophy and approach embraces the idea of empowering community members and does not solely depend on police for crime prevention. In most cases, people only call the police after an incident has occurred. Community members should not shy away from calling prior to an incident to ask about crime prevention tips or to report any and all suspicious activity.

“There are small steps we can all take to make our city safer and minimize these opportunities for crime – securing our homes and property can make a big difference,” said Williams.  “Together, let’s build on our efforts to create a safer community,” added Williams.

Oxnard Police encourage our community to always remain vigilant and immediately report any and all suspicious activity. As neighbors, we are the first to recognize activity that does not look or sound right in our neighborhoods and in our community. The public can report any suspicious activity by calling (805) 385-7740 from any phone, or 911. Spanish translators are available, and callers can remain anonymous.

“We can do better. We must do better. We will do better, together,” said Lopez.

For more information, contact Crime Prevention Detective Crystal Walker at the Oxnard Police Department(805)385-7668 or [email protected]

DATE/TIME PREPARED: 4/8/15 -1400 hours

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:	4-26-15 / 1207 hours
LOCATION:	Longfellow Way at Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Sean Ryan, 35-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 4-26-15, at 1207 hours, at 1207 hours, officers were dispatched to a robbery suspect in the area of Squires Drive and Pleasant Valley Road. The victim had advised that on 4-2-15, the suspect had robbed the victim using a knife. The victim was not injured. Officers located Sean Ryan, a 35-year old Oxnard resident, walking on Longfellow Way just south of Pleasant Valley Road. Ryan was arrested without incident.

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 this robbery or other 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 Prepared: 4-26-15, 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:	May 16, 2015 6:57 a.m.
LOCATION:	1000 block of Inlet Drive
VICTIM(S):	59 year old male, Oxnard resident, name withheld pending notification of next of kin
SUSPECT(S):	Name withheld
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On May 16, 2015 at approximately 6:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to check the well-being of the resident in the 1000 block of Inlet Drive. When officers arrived they located a male subject inside the residence unresponsive. Fire and EMS arrived to provide aid to the victim but unfortunately he was deceased.

The victim was a 59 year old Oxnard resident. His name is being withheld until his family is notified. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and a person of interest in this case. The motive and cause of death is unknown at this time. Investigators don’t believe this is a random act nor do they believe there is a threat to public safety. This is Oxnard’s sixth homicide of the year. The City of Oxnard offers up to $10,000 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 Gordon Currie at (805) 200-5682. 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: 5/16/15, 2:00 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:	18^th Annual Fireworks by the Sea at Channel Islands Harbor
DATE/TIME:	July 4^th, 2015 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Harbor, City of Oxnard
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:
Oxnard, CA– This Saturday, July 4th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 18th annual 4th of July event. The event will begin at 8:00 A.M. with a 5K & 10K Fun Run/Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road. This will be followed by the July 4^th 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 Channel Islands Harbor. Marine Emporium Landing will have activities between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., including live music, face painting, an 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. and can best be seen near the intersection of Victoria Avenue and Channel Islands Boulevard.

Public consumption of alcohol, possession and use of fireworks, including those described as “safe and sane” and use of flare ignition devices will not 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 Street to the harbor area will be controlled by traffic officers. The Channel Islands Bridge, between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard, 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 p.m. 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 4^th of July holiday.

For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4^th, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 7/1/15, 1930 hours