Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Hit and Run Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Pedestrian)
DATE/TIME:	November 23, 2014 / 1749 hours
LOCATION:	Wooley Road at ‘G’ Street
DRIVER 1:	Johnny Cruz Romero, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 1:	Gray 1992 Acura Legend
PEDESTRIAN:	Unidentified Male
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Sunday, November 23, 2014, at about 5:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Wooley Road and ‘G’ Street in reference to an injury hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Immediately following the collision, a witness who observed the collision called 911 to report that the vehicle involved had fled the scene.

When officers arrived at the collision scene, they found an unconscious male lying in the roadway. The unidentified pedestrian was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is currently listed in critical condition. He sustained significant head trauma, two broken legs and extensive internal injuries as a result of the collision.

According to witnesses at the scene, two additional vehicles were observed colliding with the pedestrian just prior to the arrival of emergency responders. These two vehicles also fled the scene without rendering aid. At approximately 7:00 p.m., the driver of an Acura Legend, Johnny Romero, arrived at the Oxnard Police Department to surrender himself and identify his involvement in the collision. During the investigation, officers located the Acura parked in the 700 block of South ‘B’ Street in the City of Oxnard. It had sustained damage consistent with the collision. Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian was crossing Wooley Road outside of a marked crosswalk when he was struck by the Acura and the other vehicles.

Driver Romero was arrested and charged with felonious hit and run causing great bodily injury. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

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

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

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary and Child Molestation
DATE/TIME:	January 9, 2015 4:20 a.m.
LOCATION:	1300 Block of Bluebell Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld – 12 year old male
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male/Dark Complexion, 6’, thin build, early 20’s Wearing a black hat, black long sleeve shirt or jacket
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-7620, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Dale McAlpine, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-3921, [email protected]

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif) – On January 9, 2015 at 4:20 a.m. hours, officers responded to the 1300 Block of Bluebell Street, regarding a prowler. Officers learned a male suspect had entered a home through an unlocked back door. The suspect entered the bedroom belonging to a 12 year old boy. The boy was asleep in his bed when the suspect approached him and sexually assaulted him. The child alerted his parents of the intruder inside the home. The parents confronted the suspect outside of the bedroom and ordered him to leave the residence.

Upon further examination of the residence it was discovered that all the screens to the windows on the back of the residence had been cut and entry was attempted. The scene was processed for further evidence.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are still investigating this case and request that if anyone has information about this incident they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-3921, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 9, 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery Victim Stabbed
DATE/TIME:	1/19/15 at approximately 1723 hours
LOCATION:	600 block of Teresa Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Saul Anchando, 26 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 30 years old
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 1/19/15 at approximately 1723 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a stabbing victim in the 600 block of Teresa Street. The victim, 26 year old Saul Anchando, was stabbed in the chest and transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center in grave condition. Anchando underwent emergency surgery and is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) listed in critical condition.

According to witnesses, Anchando was riding his bike with his brother when the suspect, a Hispanic male in his 30’s, approached them. The suspect grabbed a laptop computer Anchando was holding and fled on foot. Anchando ran after the suspect to retrieve his property. The suspect turned and stabbed the Anchando in the chest. The suspect fled the area with the computer.

Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the case.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Jonathan Ballow at 385-7600. 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/19/15 2236 Hours

—
Sergeant Alex Arnett
Oxnard Police Department
Violent Crimes Unit
Gangs ~ Graffiti ~ Robbery ~ Violent Assaults
(805) 486-6211
[email protected]

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI Injury Collision and Arrest
DATE/TIME:	2-15-15 / 1309 hours
LOCATION:	Oxnard Boulevard at Gonzales Road
VICTIM(S):	Names withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Michael Sexton, 29 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	Minor injuries
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 2-15-15, at 1309 hours, officers responded to a multiple vehicle collision at Oxnard Boulevard and Vineyard Avenue. Officers found four vehicles were involved. Southbound Oxnard Boulevard and eastbound Vineyard Avenue traffic was blocked for a period of time.

One of the drivers was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and drugs. A Driving while under the influence (DUI) investigation was conducted and the driver arrested. Michael Sexton, 29 years, Oxnard resident, was charged with felony DUI – alcohol and drugs.

Three other motorists and passengers involved in the collision sustained minor injuries and were treated at local hospitals.

The Oxnard Police Department conducts regular DUI checkpoints funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help reduce drunk driving and related collisions. The public is reminded to immediately report suspected drunk, or otherwise impaired, drivers.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:2-15-15 / 1430 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:	March 14, 2015 / 2234 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road south of Devonshire Drive
DRIVER 1:	Unidentified Female
VEHICLE 1:	Black, 1998 Isuzu Rodeo
DRIVER 2:	Gerald Zarate, 54 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 2:	Blue, 2015 Hyundai Accent
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Saturday, March 14, 2015, at about 10:34 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to Ventura Road, between Doris Avenue and Devonshire Drive, in reference to an injury traffic collision.

When officers arrived at the collision scene, they found that a black Isuzu Rodeo had collided into a large tree located in the center median of Ventura Road. An unresponsive female was seated in the driver’s seat. Soon after medical personnel arrived, the female was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Isuzu and a blue Hyundai Accent, driven by Gerald Zarate, were traveling side by side southbound on Ventura Road from Devonshire Drive. For an unknown reason, the two vehicles collided. Following the impact between the two vehicles, the Isuzu collided with the center median and then struck the tree. Driver Zarate remained at the scene of the collision and was uninjured.
It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in this 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].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 15, 2015 at 0300 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 collaborating with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to provide translation services for the Mixteco community
DATE/TIME:	April 14, 2015
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

DETAILS: In our continuing efforts to better serve our diverse community, the Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce a partnership with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to provide translation services for the Mixteco community. Based on information provided by our current telephonic language translation service, the Oxnard Police Department uses translation services for the Mixteco/Zapateco language more than any other police agency in the State of California.

The Mixteco/Zapoteco are indigenous languages to the Mexican state of Oaxaca. There are approximately 20,000 Mixtecs who reside in the County of Ventura with a majority of that population in the City of Oxnard. The majority are strawberry and agricultural farm workers, and many primarily speak their indigenous language. These indigenous languages do not resemble nor are in any way similar to the Spanish language.

While current language line interpreters can assist with obtaining information quickly over the phone, MICOP can respond to the scene or to the station to assist with more complicated or lengthy investigations.

MICOP has 22 trained interpreters who can help our employees overcome barriers, both linguistically and culturally. Most interpreters are bilingual and can translate from Mixteco/Zapateco to Spanish. If this occurs, a Spanish to English interpreter would also be needed. Trilingual interpreters (Mixteco-Spanish-English) are available on a very limited basis.

“We saw this as a gap in our mission to provide exceptional service to everyone in our community. We began meeting with MICOP representatives a couple of months ago with the goal of forming this partnership. It is exciting to know we will be enhancing our level of service to the Mixteco community,” said Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard.

“We believe that translators that respond to incidents on location will help with making the victims/witnesses feel more at ease and help bridge any cultural differences or barriers,” said Police Chief Williams Jeri Williams.

During the month of April, MICOP will be attending briefings to further outline their services and to share the wonderful culture that is Oaxaca, as a part of the Department’s ongoing cultural proficiency efforts.

Last week, Oxnard Police launched a new initiative, that places neighbors and community members at the center as partners in public safety, Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP). The collaboration with MICOP is an excellent example of a community-based organization and local non-profit supporting police in our efforts to serve our community with exceptional service.

This partnership is an extension of the Oxnard Police Department’s work with MICOP the past six years. Oxnard Police started a monthly “Charlas Comunitarias” series, an open monthly forum where officers and Mixteco community members would gather for general public safety informational sessions that would be translated by Elia Vazquez from MICOP. In addition, last year the Oxnard Police and Fire Departments partnered with Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza’s Office and FEMA on a LISTOS Program, or “ready” in Spanish, a six-week course on how to prepare and respond if an earthquake, tsunami or other emergency strikes Ventura County. The course is a culturally sensitive training program designed to teach speakers of Spanish and indigenous languages how to protect their families and lead their communities in case of a natural disaster.

DATE: 4/14/2015 1325 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Every 15 Minutes(E15M) Program at Pacifica High School, this Thursday and Friday
DATE/TIME:	April 23, 2015 at 10:30am and April 24, 2015, starting at 11:00a.m
LOCATION:	Pacifica High School 600 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard, CA 93036
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	School Resource Officer Pedro Rodriguez, [email protected]

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif)– Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be coordinating the Every 15 Minutes (E15M) Program at Pacifica High School, 600 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard, tomorrow and Friday.

Innovative in its design and powerful in its impact, the E15M Program is an educational experience that reminds us all of the dangers associated with driving while impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. This program is organized annually to coincide ahead of prom season and other end of the school year activities.

“We look for effective preventative ways to inform and educate our youth. This annual event has proven to be powerful way to drive this important message to the core of our young individuals,’ said Sergeant Luis Mancha who oversees the Oxnard Police School Resource Officer Unit. “We have seen this production spark conversations amongst friends, well after this program, demonstrating its effectiveness” Mancha added.

Every 15 minutes in the U.S., someone is killed in a crash involving an impaired driver. The E15M program includes student participants being removed from their class every 15 minutes throughout the morning by an Oxnard Police Officer who acts as the Grim Reaper. An obituary is read to the class and the student participants later return to class as the “living dead”, complete with make-up. From that point on (since the victims are “dead”), they will not speak or otherwise interact with others for the remainder of the day except to be present in their regular classes.

Starting at about 10:30 a.m. on tomorrow, April 23 the Pacifica High student body (all Juniors & Seniors) will assemble in the football stadium to witness a mock head-on crash scene and simulated rescue that will include a full emergency response by Oxnard Police, Oxnard Fire, Gold Coast EMS, Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, and McCarty & Sons Towing.

At the end of the school day, instead of returning home, student participants made into the “living dead” or those who were “killed” in the crash, together with several adult chaperones, will be transported to a local hotel for an overnight student retreat, facilitated by a support staff of counselors and police officers. The participants will continue to be out of contact with their family and friends overnight to simulate their separation/death.

The E15M program will continue on Friday, April 24, 2015 with a mock “funeral” assembly in the Pacifica High School gym starting at 11:00 a.m. where participants and their parents will share personal and often very emotional letters they wrote to one another the previous evening that begin with “Dear Mom & Dad, Every 15 minutes in the United States, someone is killed in a crash involving an impaired driver. Today I died. I never had a chance to tell you…”

This is arguably the most powerful, impactful, and emotional part of the 2- day program. While the crash was staged, the emotions of the funeral assembly are very real, and heart-wrenching.

“Every year students come to realize what an impact they could have on their parents and loved ones if something was to happen to them,” Mancha added. “This program would not be possible or successful if not for the Oxnard Police School Resource Officers and responsible businesses in our community who work hard to organize this program and production,” he added.

This powerful no cost educational program, funded by community, will challenge teenagers and others to think about the responsibility of making mature and responsible decisions when lives are involved. This year, Anheuser-Busch signed on as a major sponsor.

Oxnard Police would also like to thank the following businesses and individuals:
·         Ventura County Health Care Agency
·         Magnolia Family Medical Clinic
·         Ventura County Honorable Judge Brian Back
·         Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
·         Make- up artists – Cristina Jimenez and Antonette Penny Molina
·         Bernardo’s Flowers
·         Tactical Designs 805, Screen Printing
·         Oxnard PAL
·         Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office
·         Camino Del Sol Funeral Home
·         American Medical Response
·         Hometown Buffet
·         GrandStay Residential Suites
·         McCarthy & Sons Towing
·         Oxnard Fire
·         Oxnard Union High School District
·         Pete Ryeberg, Santa Clara Church
·         Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
·         Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 22, 2015 | 3:30 PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Child/Parental Abduction
DATE/TIME:	05/13/15 1630 hours
LOCATION:	Juan Soria Elementary School 3121 Dunkirk Drive, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Alfredo Cortes, 9 year old male juvenile
SUSPECT(S):	Jeanette Zuniga, 33 year old female
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Paul Knapp
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Tenille Chacon (805)906-0732 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5/13/15 at approximately 4:30 pm, officers responded to a call of a missing juvenile. The father reported that his 9 year old son, Alfredo Cortes, had not returned home from school. The school reported that the child was dismissed from school at 2:50 pm. Alfredo is described as a Hispanic male, 4 feet 6 inches tall, 93 pounds, and was wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans. He was last seen by classmates walking away from the school with a Hispanic female wearing a pink flowered shirt.

After further investigation, it was determined that the female was the non-custodial parent, Jeanette Zuniga. She is described as a Hispanic female, 33 years, 5 feet 2 inches tall, 110 pounds. Pursuant to a court order, Zuniga is not to have any contact with Alfredo.

It is believed that Jeanette Zuniga and Alfredo Cortes are still in the Oxnard Area. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805)385-7740.

Inline image 1 Inline image 2

Alfredo Cortes, 9 years Jeanette Zuniga, 33 years

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/13/15 @ 2145 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 Victim
DATE/TIME:	5/25/15 at 2210 hours
LOCATION:	Fuchsia Street at Mariposa Street, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	24 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jose Diaz
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant A. Arnett (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 5/25/15 at approximately 2210 hours, officers responded to a call of a shooting victim near the area of Fuchsia Street and Mariposa Street. The victim was walking on the sidewalk when he and his two friends were approached by unknown subjects in a vehicle who shot at them. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to his lower torso. The victim was transported to a hospital and is currently undergoing surgery to determine the extent of his injuries.

An investigation is continuing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or the Ventura County Crime stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip by text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/26/15 @ 0351 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 wanted gang member
DATE/TIME:	6/9/15; 1815 hours
LOCATION:	1900 Block of Solar Drive, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S):	Eric Forrest, 28 year old Ventura resident



PREPARED BY:	Jared Schmelter, 385-7644 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	[email protected] 385-8290

DETAILS:

At 1815 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were conducting gang enforcement in the North end of Oxnard. Members of the Special Enforcement Unit worked in conjunction with the Ventura Police Department in order to apprehend Eric Forrest, who had an active felony warrant for his arrest and had a violent criminal history. Forrest is also a documented member of a criminal street gang.

Forrest was contacted by members of SEU in the 1900 block of Solar Avenue, as he was attempting to get into a stolen vehicle. Upon contact, Forrest attempted to flee and was apprehended by Oxnard Police K9 “Koa,” and SEU officers.

He was booked for a felony warrant, possession of a stolen vehicle and several narcotics related charges.

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 residing in the city. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witnesses to a crime.

Persons may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visit the web site
http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
6/10/15; 1030 hours