Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Rooftop burglary cases – suspect arrested
DATE/TIME	July 5, 2012 at 1 a.m.
LOCATION	Channel Islands Dairy 1420 W. Channel Islands Boulevard
SUSPECT	Omar Barrera 3/2/76
PREPARED BY	Detective Nathan Martin
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On July 5, 2012 at about 1 a.m. Oxnard PD officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Channel Islands Dairy located at 1420 W. Channel Islands Boulevard. As the first officer arrived he saw a white, 1996 Dodge Caravan leaving the rear of the building. The officer stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Omar Uribe Barrera 3/2/76. Barrera was sweating profusely and didn’t have a good reason as to why he was in the area.

When additional officers arrived, they confirmed that the store had been broken into, with the suspect gaining access to the business through a hole that had been made in the roof. Officers reviewed surveillance video from the store and identified Barrera as the suspect who broke into the business. Cash from the register was the loss in this case.

Barrera is also charged with two additional rooftop burglaries where he made holes in the roofs of the businesses to gain access and stole money from the cash registers. These two additional incidents were also captured on surveillance video. The other two businesses were Fierro’s Meat Market at 1355 S. “C” Street (occurred on 6/9/12 at 10:50 p.m.) and Cindy’s Minimart at 156 E. Channel Islands Boulevard (occurred on 3/28/12 at 10 p.m.).

Anyone with information about these cases is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Nathan Martin at (805) 385-7755. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.

###

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	July 7, 2012 a few minutes before 1 a.m.
LOCATION	1200 Mercantile Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM	22-year-old white male, Ojai resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE	Possibly a green Ford Expedition
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On July 7, 2012 shortly before 1 a.m. Oxnard PD officers received a call of shots fired in the area of the Hideaway Bar located at 1255 Mercantile Avenue. Officers located a victim of a shooting on Commercial Avenue north of Wooley Road. The victim, a 22-year-old male from Ojai, suffered one gunshot wound to his left lower torso and left upper leg.

The victim was uncooperative would not provide information regarding the shooting. However, officers did locate a witness who directed officers to the crime scene in the 1200 block of Mercantile Avenue. Officers were able to collect evidence from the scene but no additional witnesses were located.

The only detail about this case is that the suspect vehicle is possibly a green, Ford Expedition.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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.

###

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Homicide and attempted homicide
DATE/TIME	July 9, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.
LOCATION	1800 Oneill Place near Greenbrook
VICTIM	Hispanic male, 19 Hispanic male, 22
SUSPECT	Unknown
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On Monday July 9, 2012, at 8:52 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a 9-1-1 calls regarding several gunshots and two people who had been shot in the 1800 block of Oneill Place. Officers located a 19-year old man deceased and a 22-year old man suffering from several gunshot wounds to his body. The 22-year old victim was transported to a local hospital where he was taken into emergency surgery and he is currently listed in critical condition. The name of the homicide victim will not be released until his next of kin have been notified.
Preliminary reports were that the two victims were assailed by multiple individuals when the shots were fired. It is suspected that this was a gang-related offense, and investigators are trying to piece together which parties are gang affiliates and the motive for the attack.
If anyone has information about this case are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650 or Detective Roger Garcia at (805) 385-7688. 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.

###

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Narcotics search warrant
DATE/TIME	Friday, July 13, 2012 at 5 p.m.
LOCATION	400 block of Helsam Avenue
SUSPECT(S)	Francisco Arias Blanco, 8/4/78 Oxnard resident Luis Alberto Gonzales, 10/8/92 Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On July 13, 2012, at about 5 p.m., members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and Special Enforcement Unit served a narcotics search warrant in the 400 block of Helsam Avenue, in the unincorporated area of Oxnard. The search warrant was the result of a three-month investigation into the sales of methamphetamine at the residence.

During the search of the residence and a secondary location, detectives located paraphernalia related to the sales of drugs, more than 54 grams of methamphetamine, 24 grams of cocaine, three shotguns, five rifles, ten handguns and seized thousands of dollars in cash. One of the handguns seized was a Tec-9 assault weapon. The estimated street value of the drugs seized is more than three thousand dollars.

Francisco Arias Blanco 8/4/78 was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for sale as well as possession of an assault weapon and possession of a stolen firearm. Also arrested during the search warrant was Luis Alberto Gonzales 10/8/92 for possession of methamphetamine and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Miguel Serrato at (805) 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 this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

###

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Report of explosive device in a truck
DATE/TIME	July 20, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION	720 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard
VICTIM	Adult female
SUSPECT	Dewayne Edwards, 51, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On July 20, 2012 at about 1:30 p.m., Oxnard PD received a call of a grenade in a vehicle in the parking lot of the strip mall located at 720 North Ventura Road. Officers were dispatched and were advised that the suspect vehicle, a silver Chevy 2500 pickup truck was last seen northbound on Ventura Road. The female reporting party/victim said that her ex-boyfriend had threatened her and showed her what appeared to be an explosive device or grenade.

Moments later, an Oxnard PD traffic unit located the vehicle in the area of Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. The vehicle yielded and the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Dewayne Edwards, surrendered to officers.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad was dispatched. The surrounding commercial area was evacuated. Portions of Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard were closed for about two hours. The bomb squad deployed its robot to view inside the vehicle. Deputies determined that the device was not an explosive or grenade as had been reported. The device did contain either gasoline or oil or both, but did not pose a significant threat.

Edwards was arrested for violation of 422 PC (criminal threats) and 11364 H&S (possession of narcotic paraphernalia-a narcotics pipe).

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.

###

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 collision
DATE/TIME	July 20, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
LOCATION	Fifth Street and Ventura Road, Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On July 20, 2012 at about 7:30 p.m., a pick-up travelling eastbound Fifth Street on a green light collided with a pedestrian running southbound in the west crosswalk of Ventura Road against a red light. The pedestrian was knocked to the ground after colliding with the pick-up. The driver of the pick-up stopped at the scene. The pedestrian was transported to VCMC where he is listed in stable condition with possible broken bones and facial injuries. The driver of the pick-up was not injured nor was there evidence at the scene of him being under the influence of alcohol or any drug.

The pedestrian was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. The investigation into this collision is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Officer Scott Aaron at 805-385-7750 or scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.

###

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Victim
DATE/TIME:	August 01, 2012 08:25 P.M.
LOCATION:	4700 Block Terrace Ave, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	30 Year Old Black Male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	3 Unknown Subjects
WITNESS(ES):	Detective Cody Collet
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet Cody.collet@oxnardpd.org 805-486-6228

DETAILS:
On August 1, 2012 at about 2025 hours Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a stabbing victim located in the 4700 block of Terrace Avenue. The victim, a 30 year old male Oxnard resident, was taken to Ventura County Medical Center for his injuries. During the investigation it was learned that the victim was standing with several subjects in the alley of Terrace Ave in the south end of Oxnard. The victim was approached by 3 unknown subjects. The subjects began arguing with the victim. The subjects charged at the victim and beat him for several minutes and then fled the area. The victim was able to call 9-1-1 and Fire and EMS responded. The victim was transported to the hospital for his non-life threatening injuries. The motive for the stabbing is unknown at this time.
If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6228. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/1/12 / 23:38 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	09/17/12 / 1027 hours
LOCATION:	1900 block Dunsmuir Street
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Gonzales, 26 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Rangel, Public Information Officer, (805) 385-7631, alex.rangel@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, (805) 385-7796, steven.funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 09/17/12 at approximately 1027 hours Oxnard police officers responded to the 1900 block of Dunsmuir Street reference a family disturbance. Officers learned the victim and his cousin, Daniel Gonzales, were involved in an argument when the stabbing occurred. Gonzales left the residence prior to officers’ arrival.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with injuries described as “non-life threatening.”

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Steven Funk at (805) 385-7796 or Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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.venturacounty crimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 09/17/12 / 1350 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bank Robbery Suspect Sought
DATE/TIME:	October 30, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	371 W. Esplanade Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Bank of the West
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Lopez Jr., 49 years of age Hispanic male, date of birth July 24, 1963, five foot ten inches tall, one hundred and eighty five pounds, black shaved hair, and brown eyes.
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of money
PREPARED BY:	Sr. Officer Luis McArthur, Public Information Officer (805) 385-7631, luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit (805) 385-7796, steven.funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
(OXNARD, Calif) Investigators with the Oxnard and Ventura Police Departments, along with agents from the local FBI office, have identified the bank robbery suspect known as the ‘Wig-Out Bandit’. The suspect has been identified as Daniel Lopez Jr., 49 years of age. Lopez is suspected of robbing:

Bank of the West in Oxnard on August 13, 2012,
US Bank inside of Vons in Ventura on August 16, 2012 and
Chase Bank in Ventura on August 23, 2012.

He is also believed to be linked to other bank robberies in Oxnard and within the city of Ventura. Law enforcement has not yet located Lopez, but warrants have been issued for his arrest. There is a felony warrant for bank robbery and a felony post release offender warrant out for his arrest.

Lopez is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to call the Oxnard Police Department. Residents may either call 911 to report his location or the non-emergency number at (805) 385-7740. Law enforcement always encourages our residents to call police rather than attempting to contact dangerous persons.

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.

You can also contact the FBI, attention Special Agent Bernard Riedel at 1-310-477-6565 or bernard.riedel@ic.fbi.gov

Police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a suspected bank robber in Oxnard and Ventura.
Police have identified Daniel Lopez Jr., 49, as the ‘Wig-Out Bandit’.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 30, 2012, 4:00 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:	Homicide Suspect Extradited
DATE/TIME:	November 18, 2012
LOCATION:	Fairfield, Alabama to Ventura County, California
VICTIM(S):	Stacy Knappenberger, 15-years old (1980)
SUSPECT(S):	Thomas Young, 65 years old, Fairfield, Alabama
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant David Villanueva, (805) 385-7763, david.villanueva@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det Bob Eckman, Oxnard Police Major Crimes, 385-7760, bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 6, 2012, Oxnard Police Department detectives and members of the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force arrested Thomas Young, age 65, of Fairfield, Alabama, for the murder of Stacy Knappenberger. Stacy Knappenberger was 15 years old when she was murdered on July 30, 1980, in her Oxnard home. An autopsy at that time determined that Knappenberger had died from blunt force trauma and multiple stab wounds. It is also suspected that a sexual assault occurred.

After his arrest in Alabama, Young declined to voluntarily waive extradition proceedings to Ventura County. The Ventura County DA’s Office applied for a Governor’s Warrant which was approved and sent to the Alabama Governor’s Office. The extradition was approved through the Jefferson County Superior Court, and Young’s extradition was ordered.

Members of the Ventura County Cold Case Task Force proceeded to Alabama and have returned to Ventura County, November 18, 2012, with Young in custody. He has been booked late last night into Ventura County Main Jail with no bail. Young’s first court appearance in Ventura County is scheduled at 9:00 AM, Monday, November 19, 2012, in Division 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

Anyone having information about the case should call Detective Bob Eckman at 385-7760. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspxto submit a tip via text or email. Lastly, you can also call the Oxnard Police Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 19, 2012 / 0807 hours, DV