Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery (Knife)
DATE/TIME:	12/09/2012-1915 hours
LOCATION:	Marina West Park 1376 El Portal Way
VICTIM(S):	Julian Lopez, 34 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	10-Hispanic males, approximately 15-18 years, all but two were wearing bandanas over their faces
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk, 805-385-7796 steven.funk@oxnardpd .org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, 805-385-7796 steven.funk@oxnardpd .org

DETAILS:
On 12/09/2012, at approximately 1915 hours, victim Lopez responded to the Oxnard Police Department to report a robbery that occurred at Marina West Park. Lopez advised that he is a City of Oxnard, Parks and Recreation employee and had just locked the bathrooms to the park when he was confronted and surrounded by approximately 10 subjects, 8 of them had bandanas covering the bottom portion of their faces. Two other suspects threatened and assaulted victim Lopez while holding knives. These two subjects obtained victim Lopez’s wallet with an unknown amount of cash. Prior to fleeing the area one of the suspects took property from victim Lopez’s city work truck and also vandalized the tires which was parked in area.

All suspects were last seen fleeing towards Novato Dr.

Anyone with information about this investigation should contact the Oxnard Police Department and Detective Steven Funk at (805) 385-7796.

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: December 09, 2012 / 2340 SF

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Murder
DATE/TIME:	12/22/12, 1611 Hours
LOCATION:	500 Block West Channel Islands Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	30-year old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Several male subjects in their 20’s
PREPARED BY:	Detective John Sunia
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective John Sunia (805) 486-7386 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On December 22, 2012, at approximately 1611 hours, Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to the 500 Block of W. Channel Islands Blvd reference two shots heard in the alley. Subjects were also heard arguing.

Upon arrival, officers located a male victim with stabs wounds to his upper torso. He was transported to VCMC and was taken immediately into surgery. He was listed in critical but stable condition.

Two additional victims involved in the incident were contacted and stated they were assaulted by several male subjects who appeared to be in their 20’s. These subjects were not seriously injured.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective John Sunia at (805) 486-7386. 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: 12/22/12, 2115 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 Homicide Suspect
DATE/TIME:	5-27-11 at 10:07 PM
LOCATION:	300 Block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive
SUSPECT(S):	Mauricio Guzman, 31 years
PREPARED BY:	Detective Mike Young
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Young (805) 385-7606 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On May 27, 2011 at approximately 10:07 PM officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 300 block of Cuesta Del Mar, Oxnard. Police units arrived minutes later and found the victim, later identified as City of Oxnard resident Jesus Valentin, on the sidewalk. Valentin was suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

Witnesses told responding officers that the suspect drove up in a black full-sized extra cab pick-up truck; the passenger exited the truck and started arguing with several subjects standing on the sidewalk, including the victim. During the argument the suspect pulled out a weapon and shot the victim. As the investigation into the murder of victim Valentin progressed, information was developed which identified 31-year old, then Oxnard resident, Mauricio Guzman, as being the suspect in this incident. In January of 2012, a warrant was obtained for Guzman’s arrest for the murder of victim Valentin. Mauricio Guzman is an admitted member of the Southside Chiques Street gang.

The investigation also revealed that Guzman fled to Mexico in the days following the murder with the intent of avoiding being held responsible for this crime. Homicide investigators worked with the Los Angeles branch of the United States Marshall Service and the United States Department of Justice, to facilitate the apprehension of Guzman in Mexico. In August of 2012, the Mexican government issued an arrest warrant for Guzman related to the Jesus Valentin Murder. Guzman was located a short time later in Tijuana, Mexico and taken into custody for this warrant. Guzman was then transported to Mexico City, Mexico where he faced extradition proceedings.

On December 31, 2012, investigators were informed that Guzman was to be extradited to the United States. On January 9, 2013, with the assistance of the United States Marshall Service, Guzman was returned to the United States and booked into the Ventura County Jail for the outstanding murder warrant. His bail is currently set to $2.5 million.

This arrest is the result of an exhaustive investigation which included countless investigative man-hours and a cooperative effort involving multiple local and federal law enforcement agencies. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department; Ventura County District Attorney’s Office; United States Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs; and the United States Marshall Service all played key roles in this successful investigation.

The investigation into the murder of Jesus Valentin is ongoing and members of the public are asked to contact Detective Mike Young at (805) 385-7606 or [email protected] if they have any information about this incident.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint Planned this Weekend
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2013 between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Undisclosed location
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:
Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, January 18^th at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often enough.

Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.

In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. “Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 6 lives and resulted in 600 injury crashes harming 348 of our friends and neighbors,” said Senior Officer Jamie Brown.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies. If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple Robberies
DATE/TIME:	January 31, 2013 between 9:00 and 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Multiple locations in the City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Male, 22yrs, Oxnard Resident Male, 17yrs, Oxnard Resident Male, 39yrs, Oxnard Resident Male, 42yrs, Oxnard Resident Male, 40yrs, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Johnny Jimenez, 18 yrs of age Ezequiel Mendez, 21 yrs of age
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green 1996 Dodge Caravan
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda, Robbery/Violent Assaults Unit (805)385-7665, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda, Robbery/Violent Assaults Unit (805)385-7665, [email protected]

DETAILS:
On Thursday, January 31, 2013 starting at about 9:00 p.m. Oxnard Police Officers responded to four separate robbery incidents throughout the city. In each robbery the suspects were described as driving a dark colored older model van.

Just after midnight Officers located a van with a similar description parked in the north alley of the 1300 block of Althea Court. The van was occupied by two males identified as Johnny Jimenez, 18 years of age and Ezequiel Mendez 21 years of age. These two subjects matched the description of the suspects in the robbery incidents. They were both found to be in possession of stolen property that was taken during some of the robbery incidents. Both Jimenez and Mendez were arrested and charged with multiple robberies.

If anyone has information about this incident, 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 1, 2013, 6:00 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Suspicious Death
DATE/TIME:	03/09/13, 1936 hours
LOCATION:	1300 block South “E” Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld Pending Notification of Next of Kin
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, 805-385-7763 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Martin Perez, 805-385-7680 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 3/9/13 at approximately 1936 hours, officers and EMS were dispatched to the 1300 block of South “E” Street to check the well-being of a person lying in the alley. When officers and EMS arrived they located a female in her 40’s, who was not breathing. She was pronounced dead by emergency responders. The cause of death is unknown at this time.

The victim’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Martin Perez at (805) 385-7680. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 03/10/13, 0145 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:
DATE/TIME:	April 11, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	Topa Tower Club – 300 Esplanade Dr., 22^nd Floor
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Scott Hebert, Commander Oxnard Police Department
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sandra Jacinto at (805) 385-7624 or email her at [email protected]

DETAILS:
The Kiwanis Club of Oxnard is pleased to once again host the Oxnard Police Department Employee Recognition Awards Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013. The public is invited but reservations for the event are required. Tickets are $35 per person and can be paid for at the door. Space is limited!
To reserve your seat, please call Sandra Jacinto at (805) 385-7624 or email her at [email protected].
During this ceremony, Oxnard’s 45^thPolice Officer of the Year will be announced. The nominees are:

Officer Miguel Angel Serrato
Officer Hannah Estrada
Officer Carey Everhart
Officer Ryan Carey

The criteria for Oxnard Police Officer of the Year are:

Rank of Police Officer II or Senior Police Officer.
Performance of duties in an exemplary fashion.
Strong academic credentials or evidence of an earnest effort to obtain a higher degree.
Activity beyond the normal scope of duty; voluntarily engaging in the community affairs of Oxnard is a significant way.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
In addition to naming Oxnard’s Police Officer of the Year for 2012, Oxnard police Chief Jeri Williams will present the following awards to police department employees for exemplary service:

2012 Civilian Employee of the Year
2012 Supervisor of the Year
2012 Dispatcher of the Year
2012 Chief’s Award of Excellence
2012 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) Award
10851 Award (in recognition of stolen vehicle recovery efforts in 2012, presented by the California Highway Patrol)
Medal of Merit

PRESS NOTE: The Kiwanis Club will host one representative from each media outlet for lunch during the awards ceremony. Please contact Scott Hebert to RSVP.

Questions regarding the awards luncheon should be directed to Commander Scott Hebert at [email protected]or (805) 385-7619.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	Friday, April 12th, 2013 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

On April 12^th, 2013, between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 3:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Victoria Ave just south of Wooley Rd and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound and northbound lanes of “C “ Street just south of Hill Street.

Officers screened 623 motorists who passed through the checkpoints and conducted five DUI investigations on drivers who had been drinking alcohol. Of those investigations, one driver was arrested for DUI alcohol.

Citations were issued to 11 drivers for various Vehicle Code violations. 12 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license, three drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license, and eight vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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]

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 04/13/13, 0340 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon (handgun)
DATE/TIME:	1305 hours, 5/7/13
LOCATION:	Second Street and Ventura Road
VICTIM(S):	17 year old male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown



PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk, 385-7796, [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 5/7/13 at approximately 1305 hours, officers responded to the area of Second Street and Ventura Road reference a shooting victim.

Officers learned from the 17-year old male victim that he was involved in an apparent altercation with an unknown number of subjects. During the altercation, the suspect removed a handgun and shot the victim at least once. The victim went to a nearby business and asked to call the police.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition.

Persons with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Violent Crimes Hotline where you can remain anonymous at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Use http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspxto submit a tip via text or e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/7/13, 1615 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Road Closures for the 30^th Anniversary of the California Strawberry Festival
DATE/TIME:	May 18^th and 19^th *Rose Avenue Closure May 17^th through May 20^th
LOCATION:	College Park, Oxnard






CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847

DETAILS:
The California Strawberry Festival will be held this weekend, May 18th and 19th, at College Park. Over the past several years, the festival has experienced crowds totaling 70,000 over the two day event.

In an attempt to accommodate the anticipated heavy attendance at this year’s Strawberry Festival, the Oxnard Police Traffic Unit will have officers and additional traffic control personnel assigned to several intersections surrounding the festival site. There will be road closures and detours to allow for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian travel to and from the festival.

The recommended method of transportation to the Strawberry Festival is via the shuttle bus service. Shuttle buses will be picking up festival goers at the following locations:

Camarillo Premium Outlets, 740 E. Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo
Channel Islands Harbor, 3400 block South Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
The Collection at Riverpark, Oxnard Bl @ Town Center Drive
Oxnard Transportation Center, 201 E. Fourth Street, Oxnard
Santa Clara High School, 2121 Saviers Rd, Oxnard
The Palms (Oxnard Outlet Mall), 2000 Outlet Center Drive, Oxnard

The following roadways will be affected by this weekend’s festival:

Rose Avenue
Rose Avenue between Channel Islands Boulevard and Gary Drive will close on Friday, May 17^th at 5:00 a.m. and will remain closed until Monday, May 20^th at noon.

Rose Avenue south of Bard Road will be closed to all non-festival traffic from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both festival days.

Pleasant Valley Road between Butler Road and Bard Road
Pleasant Valley Road, between Butler Road and Bard Road will be affected by heavy traffic from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both festival days.

Bard Road between Pleasant Valley Road and Rose Avenue
Bard Road, between Pleasant Valley Road and Rose Avenue, will be affected by heavy traffic from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both festival days.

Gary Drive
Gary Drive, between Boston Way and Rose Avenue, will be closed to all traffic from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on both festival days.

In addition to these closures, traffic near the festival site will be heavy. Local residents are encouraged to use alternate routes for trips in and out of the city.

For Further Information regarding road closures contact Sergeant Randy Latimer at 385-7847 or [email protected]. For further information regarding the festival go to: www.strawberry-fest.org

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
5-16-13 / 2000 hours