Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Kiwanis Club of Oxnard and the Oxnard Police Department recognize Officer Mike Wood as Officer of the Year, and other award recipients
DATE/TIME:	4-24-14 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Tower Club, 500 Esplanade Road
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager [email protected] 805-385-7631

DETAILS: The Kiwanis Club of Oxnard presented the 46th Annual Police Officer of the Year and Employee Awards Luncheon this afternoon at the Tower Club in Oxnard.

During the ceremony, Officer Mike Wood was recognized as the Oxnard Police Officer of the Year for his extraordinary and exemplary service to our department and community. Since given the position as the POII assigned to District 4, spanning south Oxnard, Officer Wood has demonstrated full-confidence in his approach to make sound decisions and in his leadership ability – a great asset to any organization.

Aside from his duties as a District Officer, Officer Wood is a member of the Oxnard Police Hostage Negotiation Team, a Field Training Officer, First Aid Instructor, and an Associate Oxnard Police Explorer Advisor. He was a catalyst and co-writer for the Oxnard Police Explorer Academy, which was recognized as one of the best Academies with the Boys Scouts of America. He is not only a great leader, but also a great role model.

Also recognized at the event were Senior Officer and Detective Juanita Suarez, Officer Scott Matalon, and Senior Officer and Detective Dale McAlpine who were Officer of the Year Nominees and received Community Service Awards from Kiwanis of Oxnard.

Other officers and civilian staff recognized at the Awards Luncheon include:

Nephthys Evans, Civilian Employee of the Year
Sergeant Sharon Giles, Supervisor of the Year
Lori Shank, Dispatcher of the Year
Bev Cripps, Volunteer of the Year /Clancy Nieland Award
Sergeant Brett Smith and Detective Terrance S. Dobrosky, both recipients of the Chief’s Award of Excellence
Officer Derek Miller, MADD/DUI Award
Officer Steve Eckman, Officer Jared Battles, Officer Matthew Ross, Officer Michael Gens, Officer Roque Rivera, Officer Derek Stephens, Officer Charles Buttell, and Officer Patrick Blanche with the 10851 (Stolen Vehicle) Award
Officers Edward Baldwin, Officer Moses Martinez, Officer Martin Perez, and Officer Roque Rivera, Medals of Merit

“Our community is safer and stronger because of these extraordinary individuals who have chosen careers in public safety. I want to thank the men and women of the Oxnard Police Department – our sworn and civilian staff – who recognize that what they do is more than a job, it is public service,” said Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4-24-14 1830 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Marijuana cultivation Marijuana Extraction Lab Child endangerment Evidence of Methamphetamine Sales Stolen Property
DATE/TIME:	4-24-14, 1100 hours
LOCATION:	4300 Block Beaumont Ave.
SUSPECT(S):	Duane Fowler 42 years of age Jackie Wagner 33 years of age
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective James Langford 805 385 7638 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 4-24-14, at about 1100 hours, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Narcotic Street Team served a search warrant at a residence in the 4300 block of Beaumont Avenue after detectives received tips of marijuana being grown at the location.

Detectives contacted suspects Duane Fowler and Jackie Wagner; owners of the home. Detectives located what is referred to as a “marijuana grow” in the residence. Detectives also located evidence of a marijuana extraction lab which is utilized in removing THC (the active ingredient in marijuana) from the marijuana plants and into “wax” form. This process is highly flammable and at times has been known to cause explosions. Detectives also located evidence of sales of methamphetamine and stolen property.

Detectives learned that the couple’s two-year old child was also living in the home under these conditions. Child Family Services responded to the scene.

Detectives also seized numerous rifles, handguns, narcotics and a large amount of cash. Both suspects were arrested and later booked at the Ventura County Jail for numerous felony charges.
In an effort to address the recent 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 Crimes Unit to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. We are encouraging residents to report crime. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the narcotic hotline at (805) 982-7084. You may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 or http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 4-25-14 1800 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	May 1, 2014 / 1844 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road south of Vineyard Avenue
PARTY 1:	Male, 45 Years Old (Name withheld pending notification of next of kin)
VEHICLE(S):	Grey, 2006 Nissan Platina
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator [email protected]

DETAILS:
On May 1, 2014, at about 6:44 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to Ventura Road south of Vineyard Avenue after receiving a call of a single-vehicle traffic collision. Emergency personnel found that the vehicle, a 2006, Nissan Platina had struck a tree and found the driver, the sole occupant, suffering from major injuries.    The driver was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries

Responding officers conducted the preliminary investigation and determined that the Nissan was traveling southbound on Ventura Road and, for unknown reasons, veered to the left, drove onto the center median, and collided into a palm tree.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749.

The investigation is continuing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery
DATE/TIME:	05/15/2014, 2300 hours
LOCATION:	2850 South Rose Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Arco Gas
SUSPECT(S):	Male, 5’08” to 5’10”, 180-200 lbs, wearing a white mask, grey hooded sweatshirt, blue pants, white shoes and armed with a handgun
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Scott Coe
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Scott Coe, Violent Crimes Unit (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:
On May 15, 2014 at approximately 2300 hours, a male subject, 5’-08” to 5’-10”, 180-200 lbs, wearing a white mask, grey hooded sweatshirt, blue pants and white shoes, entered the Arco Gas business at 2850 South Rose Avenue carrying a handgun and demanded money from the employees. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the business on foot eastbound towards Oxnard Boulevard/SR-1.

Oxnard Police Officers arrived on scene and with assistance from the Ventura County Sherif’s Department’s Air Unit conducted an extensive search. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. You may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2014, 0300 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved DUI Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	May 16, 2014 / 0218 hours
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue @ Ives Avenue
PARTY 1:	Anthony A. Reagan, 25 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 1:	Silver, 2012 Lexus IS250
PARTY 2:	On Duty Peace Officer
VEHICLE 2:	Marked black and white police unit
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On May 16, 2014, at about 2:18 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Rose Avenue and Ives Avenue reference an injury collision involving a police unit and a silver Lexus IS250.

The preliminary investigation indicated that the police vehicle, driven by an on duty peace officer, was traveling northbound on Rose Avenue towards Ives Avenue in a marked black and white police unit. The silver Lexus IS250, driven by Anthony A. Reagan, was traveling southbound on Rose Avenue in the left turn lane to Ives Avenue. As the police unit neared the intersection of Rose Avenue and Ives Avenue, the Lexus made the left turn directly in front of the police unit causing the unit to broadside the Lexus.

Upon contacting Driver Reagan, officers noticed signs and symptoms of impairment. Officers conducted a DUI investigation on Driver Reagan and subsequently arrested him on suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Driver Reagan suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision. The officer driving the police unit suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision and is in stable condition. An on duty officer that was a passenger in the police unit was not injured as a result of the collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750. The investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2014 at 0650 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Life Saving Click It or Ticket Mobilization Begins *Oxnard Police Department Kicks Off High Visibility Enforcement*
DATE/TIME:	May 19 through June 1, 2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind motorists, Click It or Ticket. In order to enforce this reminder, beginning Monday, May 19th, officers will bejoining in the 2014 national seat belt enforcement mobilization and cracking down on motorists who are not belted.

Even with a seatbelt usage rate of 97.4 percent, California still has 800,000 or more who aren’t buckling up. In a crash, they stand a 50 percent greater chance of being killed than those who have taken the two seconds to buckle in. In an on-going effort to reach those remaining safety hold-outs, police, sheriff and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) departments across the state will be taking part in Click It or Ticket from May 19 through June 1.

“The approaching Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer vacation season and we want to ensure that everyone arrives at their destination safe and sound,” said Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant for the Oxnard Police Department. “If motorists fail to follow the rules of the road, including not buckling up, they will be ticketed. Seat belts save lives!”

According to new data released from the Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities are up nationwide for the first time in five years. In 2012, 10,335 people who were killed in motor vehicle crashes were not wearing their seat belts. NHTSA data also details how more traffic vehicle deaths occur at night. In 2012, 61 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed during the nighttime hours of 6:00 p.m. – 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts.

“Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest and best things you can do to protect yourself in the event of a car crash,” said Rhonda Craft, Director of the California Office of Traffics Safety. “Taking a few moments to properly secure yourself and all your passengers before going on your way could mean the difference between life and death.”

The cost for a seat belt violation in California for unbuckled vehicle occupants over age 16 is a minimum of $161 for a first offense. The penalty fees for failing to properly buckle up any child under the age of 16 is a minimum $490 per child for a first offense, plus a violation point will be added to the driver’s record. If the parent is not in the car, the driver gets the ticket.

For more traffic safety information, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety at www.ots.ca.gov or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Click It or Ticket mobilization, www.nhtsa.gov/ciot.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 17, 2014 / 1030 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of Felon in Possession of Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	5-19-14 / 0135 hours
LOCATION:	500 Block of Morado Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Samuel Garcia, 24-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Sedan
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander, [email protected], (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

On 5-19-14, at 0135 hours, officers conducted a traffic stop in the 500 block of Morado Place and made contact with the driver, 24-year old Oxnard resident Samuel Garcia. Garcia was found to be driving on a suspended California Driver’s License and was arrested.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm machine pistol with a high-capacity magazine was recovered from under the front passenger seat. Garcia, who has been previously served with the Civil Gang Injunction, was subsequently booked for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

In an effort to address the recent 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 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 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.venturacountycrimestoppper.org/contact/aspx.

Date / Time Prepared: 5-19-14 / 0530 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
DATE/TIME:	5/20/14; 1406 hours
LOCATION:	The Christian Store, 1800 Block of Ventura Blvd

SUSPECT(S):	Male, 25 years


LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of cash
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications, 385-7740

DETAILS:

At 1406 hours, officers responded to The Christian Store, 1800 Block of Ventura Boulevard, regarding a robbery that had just occurred. Officers learned a male, 25 years, entered the store, simulated a handgun, and demanded money. Store employees complied and the suspect fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

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: 5-20-14 / 1406 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Prohibited person in possession of a handgun
DATE/TIME:	5-28-14 4:30PM
LOCATION:	400 block South G St, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Paul Francisco Torres, 34 years of age Jose Petris, 33 years of age 15 year old female juvenile
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edward Kasaba, 805-385-7641

DETAILS:
On 5-28-14, at about 4:30PM, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Street Narcotic Team along with the Probation Department responded to a residence in the 400 block of South G Street. As they proceeded to the residence from the alley, they recognized one of the occupants in the rear yard as Paul Torres and knew that he had an outstanding felony warrant. The officers attempted to contact Torres who then ran into the garage of the residence. Moments later, Torres emerged from the garage and was taken into custody. The officers also contacted suspect Jose Petris who was hiding in the garage along with a 15 year old female juvenile who was a reported runaway from Camarillo.

Officers searched the garage and located a discarded semi-automatic handgun. Torres was later arrested for being a prohibited person in possession of that firearm. Petris was arrested for narcotic violations and the female was later returned to a responsible party.

Torres is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, 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 (irrespective of priors) 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 committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

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 websitehttp://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx to leave an anonymous tip.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	7-12-14 / 2050 Hours
LOCATION:	Hill Street near Saviers Road
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two males and one female, 16 to 18 years
WITNESS(ES):	None
VEHICLE(S):	Gray ’99 Nissan Maxima
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 7-12-14, at 2050 hours, officers contacted the victim of a carjacking. The male victim said he was approached by two males and one female, 16 to 18 years, near Hill Street and Saviers Road. One of the male subjects produced a handgun and forced the victim to drive the victim’s gray ’99 Nissan Maxima to the 3500 Block of Isle Way. The suspects forced the victim out and fled in the vehicle.

In an effort to address the recent increases 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 Crime Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

Date / Time Prepared: 7-12-14 / 2300 hours