John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon (handgun), felon in possession of a deadly weapon, corporal injury (domestic violence)
DATE/TIME:	April 22, 2010 10:20 PM
LOCATION:	Ventura Road at Elm St, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	29 year old female resident of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Gabriel Marquez, 46 years, of Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Ron Whitney, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

On April 22, 2010 at 10:20 PM, Gabriel Marquez and the victim, became involved in an argument in an automobile in the area of Ventura Road and Elm St. Marquez struck the victim in the face with a loaded handgun, causing an injury to the victims face. The victim came into the lobby of the Oxnard Police Department to report the incident.

Officers responded to Ventura Road and Elm St, and began a search utilizing both officers and an Oxnard Police Department K-9. At 11:15 PM the K-9 alerted, and Marquez was located hiding under a bush in a yard in the area. He was still in possession of the loaded firearm. Marquez was taken into custody without incident. Marquez has prior convictions for corporal injury and assault with a deadly weapon, and as such is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Any witnesses to the incident are urged to contact Domestic Violence Detectives at (805)385-7760, or the violent crimes hot line 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:	Assault with a deadly weapon/Baseball Bat
DATE/TIME:	5-17-2010 1115 Hours
LOCATION:	1400 Block of Beverly Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Ector Rodriguez 24 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Phillip Ortiz 25 year old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Mike Marostica
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Paul Knapp 385-7796

DETAILS:

On 5-17-10 at around 1115 hours, an Oxnard Police Department plain clothes officer observed subjects arguing in the 1400 block of Beverly Dr., in Oxnard. The officer observed the subjects get into separate vehicles and drive a short distance. The officer was in constant communication with Oxnard Police Dispatch, and uniformed officers were being sent to assist.

The officer then observed suspect Phillip Ortiz exit the vehicle he was in, and retrieve a baseball bat from the trunk. Ortiz then approached the victim with the bat in an attempt to assault the victim. Uniformed officers arrived prior to the suspect being able to assault the victim and took the suspect into custody. The suspect was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and transported to county jail.

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:	Vehicle Pursuit
DATE/TIME:	6/23/10 / 2322 hours
LOCATION:	“C” Street @ Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gustavo Meza, 22 years, City of Oxnard Resident Jose Cancino, 18 years, City of Oxnard Resident Three Oxnard Juveniles
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1991 Green, Cadillac El Dorado /5YYC131 CA
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jim Evans
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	[email protected]

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police Officers attempted to stop Suspect Meza for failing to stop at a stop sign. Meza led officers on a thirty minute vehicle pursuit from South Oxnard to Thousand Oaks. Meza’s vehicle ran out of gas and he was apprehended along with Jose Cancino and three juveniles. Meza was charged with felony evading (2800.2(a) CVC) and felony child endangerment (273a(a) PC). Cancino was not charged and released at the Oxnard Police Department. The three juveniles were arrested for violating their probation and released to their parents.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/24/10, 0445 hours.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Domestic Related) Child Endangerment Felony Vandalism
DATE/TIME:	08/28/10, 0225 hrs
LOCATION:	Ego Joyeria Moda, 500 block S. ‘C’ Street
VICTIM(S):	(3) Teenaged Children (names withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Padilla, 48 years old
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White Chevrolet Express Van
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ricardo Vazquez

DETAILS:

On 08/28/10, at approximately 0225 hrs, Officers were dispatched to the above location reference a subject ramming a vehicle into the building. Upon arrival, officers detained the suspect.

Officers interviewed the suspect’s estranged wife and (3) teenaged children and determined the following: The suspect arrived at the above location, began yelling and banging on the windows, as the family slept inside. The children heard their father get into a vehicle and start it up. The children were in fear for their safety and quickly climbed out of their beds. Just as the children were exiting their bedroom, their father backed his van through the wall several times. The children’s beds were positioned directly behind the wall where the suspect rammed his vehicle through. The force of the impact pushed the beds inward and caused glass to come crashing down in the bedroom. Due to the children’s quick actions, they narrowly avoided being seriously injured.

The suspect was arrested for the above listed charges.

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:	Shooting / Homicide
DATE/TIME:	August 29, 2010 6:42 PM
LOCATION:	1309 Saviers Rd (Mr Kwicks)
VICTIM(S):	Rudy Rivas 20 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	3 Hispanic Males, dressed in dark clothing. 1 Hispanic Female (Driver)
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	In Custody
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Major Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 8-29-10 at 6:42 PM officers received a call of a shooting at 1309 Saviers Rd (Mr Kwiks). When they arrived they located the victim inside the business where he died from his injuries. Witnesses told officers that the victim was involved in a fight with the suspects and during the fight he was shot. The victim then staggered into the business and collapsed. No employees inside the business were injured during the incident.

The suspects re-entered their vehicle and fled the area. Officers located the vehicle abandoned and impounded it for evidence. Investigators do not know the motive for the shooting; it does not to appear to be gang related. Investigators are asking for your assistance. If you know anything or had witnessed the shooting or fight please call Det. Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174 or remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-TIPS.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Vehicle vs. Pedestrian Collision
DATE/TIME:	October 12, 2010 / 1905 hours
LOCATION:	Wooley Rd. East of Mercantile Av
PEDESTRIAN:	Male,75 years of Port Hueneme (name withheld pending notification of next of kin)
DRIVER:	Victor Ultreras, 34 years of Ventura
VEHICLE(S):	Blue, Dodge Pickup
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Traffic Investigator 385-7750

DETAILS:

On October 12, 2010, at approximately 1905 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Wooley Road east of Mercantile Avenue after receiving a call of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a 75 year old male pedestrian had been struck by a pickup that was driven by Victor Ulteras of Ventura. The pedestrian sustained major injuries as a result of being hit by the pickup and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian was crossing northbound across Wooley Road just east of Mercantile Avenue and was not in a crosswalk. While crossing, he suddenly stepped into the path of the Ulteras’ vehicle which was traveling westbound on Wooley Road and was struck.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factor in this collision nor was excessive speed a factor.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Maria Pena at 805-385-7750.

An investigation is continuing.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	11/13/10, 1848 hrs
LOCATION:	Ventura Rd. at Hemlock St.
BICYCLIST:	Rene Ambriz, 20 years of Oxnard
DRIVER:	Paul Castaneda, 42 of Oxnard
VEHICLE(S):	Blue Bicycle
VEHICLE(S):	Blue, Dodge Van
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Randy Latimer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Brian Woolley, Traffic Unit, 385-7749

DETAILS:

On November 13, 2010, at approximately 1848 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Ventura Road and Hemlock Street after receiving a call of a traffic collision involving a mini van and a bicyclist. Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a bicyclist, Rene Ambriz, 20 years old of Oxnard, had been struck by a van that was driven by Paul Castaneda, 42 years old of Oxnard. As a result of being hit by the van, Ambriz was thrown several feet and landed in the drainage canal that parallels Ventura Road. Ambriz sustained major injuries as a result of being hit and landing in the drainage canal. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Ambriz was riding his bicycle westbound in the eastbound lane of Hemlock Street against traffic. It was dark and his bicycle was not equipped with a headlight. He proceeded to cross Ventura Road against a red signal and was struck by the van driven by Castaneda who was traveling southbound on Ventura Road. Castaneda was proceeding through the intersection on a green signal and at normal speed.

It has not been determined whether or not alcohol was a factor.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at 385-7749.

An investigation is ongoing

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting Update
DATE/TIME:	12/19/2010 @ 1524 hours – Sunday
LOCATION:	1200 Block Domingo Place, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Officer’s Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Bonifasio Victor Tafolla, 7/29/1985, Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Major Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Sonia Sanchez (385-7663) [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of possible shots fired inside a residence in the 1200 Block Domingo Place, Oxnard. Responding Officers encountered family members of Bonifasio Victor Tafolla outside the home. Bonifasio was inside the home with a firearm. He fired the weapon and was confronted by Officers who were standing outside the home. Shots were fired.

Bonifasio exited the home from a second floor window and was taken into custody by Officers without further incident. It appears that Bonifasio had sustained an injury to one of his hands from the shooting. The suspect was arrested and booked for assault with a deadly weapon and exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner in the presence of a police officer. Investigators recovered several weapons from the residence.

The officer will be placed on administrative leave which is normal for such incidents.

An investigation is continuing.

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	1/11/11, 1930 hours
LOCATION:	2600 block Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	24 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown Hispanic Male
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297 or email: [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett (805) 486-6297

DETAILS:

On 1/11/11 at approximately 1930 hours, officers were dispatched to a stabbing victim in the 2600 block of Saviers Road. When the officers arrived, they found the victim had been stabbed multiple times in his left forearm. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment. The victim is listed in stable condition.

A witness stated the victim was involved in a fight with another Hispanic male. During the fight the victim was stabbed. It’s unclear what the argument was about and there is no immediate confirmation the incident was gang related.

Investigators are requesting that anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6297 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	2/8/2011 @ 0718 hours
LOCATION:	C Street at Fifth Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Robert Cox, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Randey Latimer, Oxnard PD Traffic Unit, 805-385-7847

DETAILS:

On 2/8/2011, at about 0718 hours, the Oxnard Police Department responded to a report of a traffic collision involving a SCAT Bus. The collision occurred in the intersection of C Street and Fifth Street, Oxnard. The vehicles involved were a silver sedan and a SCAT Bus. There were no fatalities. The intersection will be closed for about two hours. Traffic will be diverted from the intersection during that time.

A more detailed press release will follow as more facts from the investigation unfold.