Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	“AVOID the 14” DUI Saturation patrol
DATE/TIME	Saturday, May 5, 2012 between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.
LOCATION	City of Oxnard

(Oxnard, CA) On Saturday, May 5, 2012 between the hours of 7 p.m. and 3 a.m., officers from the Ventura County “AVOID the 14” task force teamed up to conduct a DUI saturation patrol in the city of Oxnard. The task force included officers from Oxnard PD, Ventura PD, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Port Hueneme PD, and the California Highway Patrol.

Task force officers stopped 198 vehicles, conducted 36 DUI investigations, and arrested
15 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol. One driver was arrested for driving under the influence of marijuana. Officers also issued 55 citations to drivers for various vehicle code violations. Thirty-eight of those drivers did not have valid driver’s licenses.

This operation was funded through a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) though the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Please report drunk drivers by calling 911. Drive sober and drive safely!

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected].

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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 19, 2012 / 5:46 a.m.
LOCATION	SR-1 (Oxnard Boulevard) north of Wooley Road
DRIVER	Hugo Hernandez Gonzalez, 28, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

On May 19, 2012 at about 5:46 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to 1012 South Oxnard Boulevard regarding a single vehicle collision into a pole. Officers and EMS personnel found that the driver of a red Ford Mustang had sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford Mustang was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Oxnard Boulevard from Wooley Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle lost control and collided into a pole.

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

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Peña at 805-385-7750 or email at [email protected]. The investigation in ongoing.

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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 robbery suspect
DATE/TIME	June 5, 2012 at 2 p.m.
LOCATION	Ventura County Court
SUSPECT	Blas Arzabal 9/10/63, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On January 17, 2012 at about 11:08 p.m. a male suspect entered the Oxnard Donuts located in the 2500 block of Saviers Road. The suspect approached the clerk, brandished a handgun and demanded money. The clerk complied and the suspect took an unknown amount of money and fled the business.

The case was assigned to the OPD Violent Crimes Unit. During the investigation, robbery detectives were able to identify the suspect as Blas Arzabal (9/10/63), a 48-year-old Oxnard resident. Detectives learned that Arzabal was scheduled to appear at the Ventura County Superior Court on June 5, 2012 on a separate case.

At about 2:00 p.m. detectives observed Arzabal inside the courthouse and arrested him without incident. Arzabal was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

If anyone has information about the robbery, they are encouraged to call Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665. 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.

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Commercial burglary
DATE/TIME	June 7, 2012 at 1 a.m.
LOCATION	Casa Grande Cafe 760 Mountain View Avenue
SUSPECT	Salvador Maldonado 8/8/74
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On June 7, 2012, at about 1 a.m., Oxnard PD received a call of a possible burglary that had just occurred at the Casa Grande Café located at 760 Mountain View Avenue. A witness heard the sound of glass breaking, saw the suspect enter the cafe and exit a short time later. The witness provided a description of the suspect and said he was last seen riding away on a bicycle. Officers began searching the area and about 30 minutes later; saw a suspect matching the description in front of the Circle K Market at 501 S. Rose Avenue.

Salvador Maldonado (8/8/74) was detained and, after an investigation, arrested for commercial burglary. Maldonado was in possession of property that is believed was taken during the crime.

Maldonado is part of the post release offender (PRO) program. The PRO Program releases non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious offenders from prison, pursuant to Assembly Bill 109.

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.

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Homicide
DATE/TIME	Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 9:37 p.m.
LOCATION	154 E. Fifth Street, Oxnard
VICTIM	28-year-old Hispanic male / name will no be released until next-of-kin notification is made
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On Sunday June 17, 2012, at 9:37 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a 911 call from the Super Taco shop at 154 East Fifth Street regarding a person who had been shot. Officers found the victim, a 28-year-old Hispanic male, face down on the sidewalk in front of the business. He suffered a single gunshot wound. Emergency medical services personnel pronounced the victim dead at 9:55 p.m. His name will not be released until his next of kin have been notified.
Detectives questioned several persons that work at the Super Taco and businesses in the area. They also reviewed evidence from the crime scene to determine what events led up to the shooting.
At this time, the shooter has been identified by investigators but an arrest has not been made. Investigators are continuing their review of witness statements and will release more information when possible.
If anyone has information about this incident are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Bob Eckman at (805) 385-7760. 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.

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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 26, 2012 at 9:30 p.m.
LOCATION	200 East Dollie Street, Oxnard
VICTIM	27-year-old Hispanic male, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 26, 2012, at about 9:30 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a shooting victim located in the 200 block of East Dollie Street. When they arrived they observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed leaving the area. Officers tried to contact this vehicle but it failed to yield. Officers followed the vehicle from the area and eventually the driver of the vehicle pulled up to the emergency room area of St. John’s Regional Medical Center located at 1600 N. Rose Ave. The driver of the vehicle was a friend of the victim who was transporting him by personal vehicle to the hospital. The victim, a 27-year-old Hispanic male, was in critical condition and later transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim is currently listed in critical but stable condition. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or 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. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

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Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	August 03, 2012 0700 hours
LOCATION:	1300 block Gracia Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Eva Thornburg, 37 years, Oxnard resident
VICTIM VEHICLE(S):	Pink Schwinn beach cruiser with white basket on handlebars
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. D. Klug, 8-4-12, 0100 hours
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center (805) 385-7740

DETAILS:
On 08/03/2012, at about 0700 hours missing person Eva Thornburg left her home in the 1300 block of Gracia Drive, Oxnard en-route to volunteer at a convalescent home located in the 1400 block of West Gonzales Road, Oxnard. Thornburg did not arrive at that location. Concerned family members notified the Oxnard Police Department in the early evening. The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Eva Thornburg. If you have any information regarding her whereabouts please contact the Oxnard Police Department Dispatch Center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8-4-12, 0100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	(Found) Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	August 14, 2012 0600 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Boulevard at Las Posas Road, Camarillo
VICTIM(S):	Harold Rakowiecki, 60 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Steven M. Ramirez II, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police and Fire Emergency Communications Center (805) 385-7740

DETAILS:
On 08/14/12 at 6:00 a.m. missing adult Harold Rakowiecki was located by Ventura County Sheriff Deputies near the intersection of Ventura Blvd. at Las Posas Rd., in the City of Camarillo. Mr. Rakowiecki was found to be in good health and was reunited with local family members.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to thank everyone who assisted in the search for Mr. Rakowiecki. If you have any further questions, please contact the Oxnard Police Department Dispatch Center at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/14/12, 0800 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery (strong-arm)
DATE/TIME:	8-18-12, 1350 Hours
LOCATION:	100 Block of East 5^th Street, Ideal Furniture
VICTIM(S):	Employees of the business
SUSPECT(S):	Male, 20-25 years, 5-7, short black hair, tattoos
LOSS:	Gold metal necklace, $3,400 victim’s estimate
PREPARED BY:	M. Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	M. Meyer, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:
On 8-18-12, at 1350 hours, a male, 20 to 25 years, 5-7, short black hair, tattoos entered Ideal Furniture, located in the 100 block of East 5^thStreet. This subject asked an employee if he (the subject) could look at a gold metal necklace valued at $3,400 (victim’s estimate). As the employee held the necklace, the subject grabbed the necklace. A struggle ensued with the suspect ultimately taking the necklace and fleeing on foot.

Store employees gave chase but were unable to apprehend the suspect. Employees returned and notified the Oxnard PD. Officers responded and contacted the employees. A search for the suspect was unsuccessful.

An investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8-18-12, 1710 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Oxnard Police Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, September 29, 2012/ 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Oxnard Police Department – 251 South C Street, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Commander Andrew Salinas, Special Projects
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Rangel, Public Information Officer (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On September 29, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Oxnard Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Oxnard Police Department located at 251 South C Street. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Last April, Americans turned in 552,161—276 tons—of prescription drugs at nearly 5,600 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,300 state and local law enforcement partners. The Oxnard Police Department collected over 1000 pounds during this past collection.
This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—both pose potential safety and health hazards.

Four days after the first Take-Back event in September 2010, Congress passed the Secure and Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010, which amends the Controlled Substances Act to allow an “ultimate user” of controlled substance medications to dispose of them by delivering them to entities authorized by the Attorney General to accept them. The Act also allows the Attorney General to authorize long term care facilities to dispose of their residents’ controlled substances in certain instances. DEA has begun drafting regulations to implement the Act, a process that can take as long as 24 months. Until new regulations are in place, local law enforcement agencies like the Oxnard Police Department and the DEA will continue to hold prescription drug Take-Back events every few months.