Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Homicide and Several Armed Robberies
DATE/TIME:	August 2014 through November 2014
LOCATION:	Southwinds Neighborhood, Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org(805)385-7645

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with information leading to the identification and arrest of suspects involved in several recent armed robberies and a shooting that left a victim fighting for his life. All these recent crimes have occurred in the Southwinds Neighborhood of Oxnard.

Between August 2014 and November 2014, there has been an increase in robberies in the neighborhood known as the Southwinds Neighborhood. There have been sixteen (16) reported street robberies and one near fatal shooting in this the small geographic area. This neighborhood is located south of Pleasant Valley Road, north of Hueneme Road, east of J Street and west of Saviers Road.

There have been many vague descriptions of robbery suspects and very little information for detectives to follow-up on. The descriptions in the majority of the robberies have been a lone Hispanic male, 20-27 years old, 5’-7” in height, some facial hair, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and dark pants.

On October 22, 2014 at 9:45 PM, Oxnard Police officers responded to Charles Street and Campbell Way regarding a shooting victim. The initial investigation indicated that the victim was outside his home talking on his phone when he was approached by two men. The men attempted to rob him by demanding he give them his personal belongings. The victim refused and at some point, two additional suspects approached the victim. One of the suspects produced a handgun and shot the victim. The four suspects fled on foot and the victim ran inside his home to get help. The victim was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of a life threatening gunshot wound. The victim underwent emergency surgery and is expected to survive.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with information regarding these incidents are encouraged to call Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645. 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/13/2014, 0930 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Update on 2012 Homicide
DATE/TIME:	June 3, 2012, 10:01 p.m.
LOCATION:	3500 block of Samuel Avenue, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Jorge Rodriguez, 26 years old City of Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 385-7763 Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie (805) 200-5682 Gordon.currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On June 3, 2012, officers were dispatched to the area of Samuel Avenue and La Canada Avenue in reference to a shooting victim in the alley. The victim was located lying in the east alley of 3530 Samuel Avenue. The victim, identified as 26-year old Jorge Luis Rodriguez, had been shot in the throat. Rodriguez was immediately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment but was pronounced dead a short time later.

During the course of this lengthy investigation, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit spoke to numerous citizens and analyzed hundreds of pieces of evidence. This summer, investigators submitted the facts of the case to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for consideration.

Earlier today, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office unsealed the findings from a Grand Jury proceeding resulting in the indictments of:

· Daniel Christopher Alvarez (Date of Birth 3/25/93), City of Oxnard resident:

o One Count of 187 P.C. Murder with Special Allegations;

· 190.2 (a)(17) P.C. Felony Murder Enhancement

· 190.2 (a)(22) P.C. Gang Enhancement

o One Count of 664/211PC Attempted Robbery with Special Allegation;

· 12022.5 (3)(b) P.C. Use of a Firearm Enhancement

· Justin Desantiago (Date of Birth 9/4/88), City of Oxnard resident:

o One Count of 32 P.C. Accessory (to Murder) with Special Allegation;

· 186.22 P.C. Gang Enhancement

This afternoon, Alvarez was served the indictment while in custody at the Ventura County Jail on a different matter and is not eligible for bail. Desantiago was also served his indictment at the Ventura County Jail while in custody on a different matter and his bail was set at $120,000.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to thank the many concerned members of the public who came forward with information. These indictments would not have been possible without the considerable contributions made by the men and women of the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Ventura County Crime Laboratory, and other Law Enforcement agencies. If anyone has any further information about this case, please contact Major Crimes Investigator Gordon Currie at (805) 200-5682.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/10/14 1700 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Member Convicted of Shooting Store Clerk During Robbery
DATE/TIME:	December 9, 2014
LOCATION:	2195 East Channel Islands Boulevard, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Espinoza, 18-year old City of Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2012, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to Doc’s Liquor Store, located at 2195 East Channel Islands Boulevard, reference a gunshot victim. Officers learned that the gunshot victim was an employee of the liquor store, and that he was shot during the commission of a robbery to the business. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) with a life-threatening gunshot wound to his upper chest. It was through the extraordinary live saving efforts of emergency room doctors, surgeons and nurses that the victim was able to survive this devastating injury.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) responded to the scene and immediately started investigating the case. Physical evidence was collected at the crime scene, along with video surveillance of the shooting and robbery. The physical evidence and video surveillance helped investigators identify the robbery suspect that shot the store employee. The suspect was identified as Daniel Espinoza, a documented member of the Colonia Chiques criminal street gang.

VCU Investigators and officers assigned to the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU/SWAT) served a search warrant at Espinoza’s residence, and arrested Espinoza for robbery and attempted murder.

A jury trial to determine Espinoza’s guilt or innocence began last week. During the weeklong trial, the jury heard testimony from the victim, witnesses, and a gang expert. The jury also reviewed physical evidence including the surveillance video of the robbery and shooting.

On December 9, 2014, the jury deliberated for approximately 2 ½ hours and returned with a guilty verdict on all charges. The charges consisted of robbery, attempt homicide, and an allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

Espinoza was a juvenile when he committed the crime. He is currently an adult and is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for early in February 2015. Espinoza is facing a minimum sentence of 40 years to life in prison.

This is another example of the hard work and dedication of the officers and investigators of the Oxnard Police Department, and a collaborative effort between community members and the District Attorney’s Office.

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 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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested with a firearm
DATE/TIME:	February 8, 2015 – 9 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 block Bernarda Ct. Oxnard, Ca
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Juvenile Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8290

DETAILS:On Sunday, February 8, 2015, at approximately 9pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit contacted a juvenile suspect in the 100 block of Bernarda Ct. The juvenile suspect is an Oxnard resident and a documented gang member. The suspect has previously been served with the Colonia civil gang injunction and is currently on juvenile probation. When officers initially contacted the suspect, the suspect removed a sawed-off shotgun that was concealed in his pants and discarded the weapon in the front yard of a nearby residence. The shotgun was recovered and found to be loaded. The juvenile was taken into custody for several weapons violations, violation of the civil gang injunction and, violation of probation.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang and firearms 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 witness to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/8/15 10:30pm

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Train Collision/Derailment – City of Oxnard Road Closures Update
DATE/TIME:	2/24/15, 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Fifth Street at Rice Avenue, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Commander Andrew Salinas
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander (805) 797-5669, andrewsalinas@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Persons Prohibited From Possessing Firearms Arrested for Weapons Violations
DATE/TIME:	2/26/15 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Motel in the City of Ventura
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Enrique Castellanos, 22 year old Oxnard Resident David Varela, 28 year old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet (805) 486-6228 cody.collet@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: Investigators assigned to the Oxnard Police Department’s Firearms Task Force(FAST) concluded an investigation today on a person who was identified as being prohibited from owning or possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction. The prohibited person, 22 year old Enrique Castellanos, was located at a motel in Ventura. The investigation was a joint operation, which involved investigators from the Ventura Police Department and Oxnard Police Officers assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

At approximately noon today, Oxnard SWAT officers served a search warrant at a motel room in the City of Ventura, which was occupied by Castellanos. Castellanos was found in the room along with a loaded firearm, firearm parts, and approximately 400 rounds of ammunition. Castellanos was arrested for weapons violations, which included felon in possession of a firearm and felon in possession of ammunition. Also inside the motel room was 28 year old David Varela. Varela was found to be in possession of a concealed firearm when officers contacted him. Varela, himself a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested for weapons violations. Both Castellanos and Varela are documented Oxnard gang members.

In an effort to address 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 Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention and enforcement.

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 criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477. You can also provide information by going to the Ventura County Crimes Stoppers website, which is www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary with Arrest
DATE/TIME:	March 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block South G Street
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Edmundo Velasco, 25 years, Oxnard resident Jose Hernandez, 37 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer David Ford
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer David Ford, (805) 385-7600, david.ford@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On March 23, 2015, at approximately 2:00 p.m. a concerned citizen called police reference a suspicious person in the alley of the 200 block of South G Street. The person was described as a Hispanic male, 20’s, wearing an orange construction vest.

Upon officers’ arrival, they contacted two people sitting in the front seats of a silver color van. The person matching the description was sitting in the front passenger seat. He was identified as Edmundo Velasco. The person sitting in the driver seat was identified as Jose Hernandez. Initially, Hernandez was arrested for misappropriation of found property and Velasco was arrested for warrants.

As officers continued their investigation they found Velasco had burglarized a residence next to where the van was parked. The stolen property was still in the van and was later positively identified by the victim. Further investigation revealed the two were working in concert to burglarize the residence. The added charges were burglary and conspiracy.

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 criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477.

You can also provide information by going to the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website, which is http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus

Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended. Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings. Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one. To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping trimmed. The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a good neighbor! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department and reporting all suspicious activity. Report any suspicious activity or person to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 03/23/15 at 11:40 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:	Possession of Child Pornography Oral Copulation of a minor Sexual Penetration of a minor
DATE/TIME:	04/01/15 1:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	3200 Block of Lanier Place, Thousand Oaks
VICTIM(S):	State of California 17 year old female – name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	George Burditt, 63 year old male
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit (FPU) Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7620
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Kevin Adair, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit (FPU) Kevin.Adair@Oxnardpd.org 805-385-7663

DETAILS: On 4/1/15, after a month long investigation, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU) arrested George Burditt. He was identified as allegedly being in possession of child pornography as well as engaging in sexual acts with a minor. These acts were committed in the City of Oxnard with a 17 year old female that he met on-line. Burditt was booked into Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that the possession of child pornography is a felony and can be punishable with imprisonment in State Prison. In addition to being captured in images and videos, many children depicted are often the victims of sexual assault, exploitation, or human trafficking.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to protecting the safety of our youth and the continuing investigation of these crimes against children will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.

Anyone with information regarding George Burditt or the possession of child pornography is encouraged to contact Detective Kevin Adair with the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7663. For additional information on how to report child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com.
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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 04/01/15 9:00 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:	Oxnard Police Warns of U.S. Treasury Scam Targeting Oxnard Residents
DATE/TIME:	May 22, 2015
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Crystal Walker
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Crystal Walker (805) 385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:The Oxnard Police Department has been informed that residents are receiving scam phone calls involving the Department of the Treasury. Individuals are being told that they have won a grant or similar award but have to provide personal information or send a sum of money for the “award” to be released. In some cases, the caller has become aggressive and threatening.

This is a scam. The Department of the Treasury does not have this type of program nor would they threaten a member of the public if they are not provided with money or information. Similarly, any person calling and claiming to be from a government agency would not demand or threaten a member of the public.

Scams such as this have been circulating for some time and on previous occasions, the Oxnard Police Department has received reports of the callers purporting to be from Southern California Edison, the IRS, the Sheriff’s Department and miscellaneous law offices. Remember, there are many variations of these scams but all end with the victim losing their money or property with the promise of gain. Below are some tips to avoid becoming a victim.

·         Do not give your personal identifying information to anyone that you do not know or did not solicit their services.
·         Do not respond to any request that you send money or information to someone because you “won” a prize or a lottery.
·         Do not respond to anyone asking you to send money by “wire” transfer (you are sending cash – you won’t get it back), “Western Union” or “Green Dot”, etc.

What to do if you are a victim of a scam or identity theft:

·Accumulate all of the paperwork showing that you have been a victim and contact your local police agency to initiate a report.

·If the scam was not completed, you are not a victim. However, if you would like to report the scam to authorities, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at www.ftc.gov, https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov or call (202) 326-2222.

Other informational links:

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 Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	June 27, 2015 / 0610 hours
LOCATION:	Vineyard Avenue @ Walnut Drive
DRIVER 1:	Young Ok Yi, 53 years, Fillmore Resident
VEHICLE 1:	White, 2004 Lexus RX300
DRIVER 2:	Manuel Martinez Hernandez, 42 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 2 (motorcycle):	Burgundy, 2001 Suzuki SVS650
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Officer Manuel Perez (805) 385-7749 manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, June 27, 2015, at about 6:10 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Vineyard Avenue and Walnut Drive in reference to an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles, one being a motorcycle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Lexus RX300, driven by Young Yi, was traveling southbound on Vineyard Avenue in the left turn pocket at Walnut Drive. The motorcyclist, Manuel Hernandez, was traveling northbound on Vineyard Avenue approaching the intersection. The collision occurred when the Lexus turned left in the path of the motorcycle.

Driver Hernandez, who was wearing a motorcycle helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained serious injuries including a broken leg. He was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is currently listed in serious condition. Driver Yi was not injured during the collision.

Alcohol, drugs and excessive speed do not appear to be factors in this collision. The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has additional information about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer Manuel Perez at 805-385-7749 or via email at manuel.perez@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 27, 2015 at 1215 hours