OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	At Risk Missing Person
DATE/TIME:	Last Seen on January 5, 2016
LOCATION:	Department of Motor Vehicles Parking Lot, 4050 Saviers Road, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Harry “Don” Donald Pitcher – 85 years
MISSING VEHICLE:	Teal Green, 2000 Dodge Caravan 4KXS088
PREPARED BY:	Officer Martin Garcia (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Lynette Fenton, Missing Person Specialist (805)385-7646, [email protected]

DETAILS:
(Oxnard, Ca.) – The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Harry “Don” Donald Pitcher. Mr. Pitcher was last seen in his vehicle in the parking lot of the DMV office located at 4030 Saviers Road in the City of Oxnard. He is described as a white male, 6 feet tall, weighing 180 pounds with grey hair and hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, a grey shirt and dark colored pants. Mr. Pitcher suffers from dementia.

If Mr. Pitcher is located, you are urged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 5 / 1900 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hit and Run Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Pedestrian)
DATE/TIME:	January 12, 2016 / 12:39 p.m.
LOCATION:	Vineyard Plaza (2300 Block of North Oxnard Blvd)
DRIVER:	Unknown
PEDESTRIAN:	Ursulo Rodriguez, 95 years old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On January 12, 2016, at about 12:39 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS responded to a hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and a 95-year-old pedestrian identified as Ursulo Rodriguez. The collision occurred in the Vineyard Plaza located in the 2300 block of North Oxnard Blvd.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an unknown vehicle collided into the pedestrian in a parking lot. After the collision, the driver fled in the vehicle in an unknown direction. The pedestrian was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and is listed in critical condition.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the collision. The collision is still under investigation.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 12, 2015 / 9:15 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Home Invasion Robbery
DATE/TIME: January 28, 2016
LOCATION: La Colonia Neighborhood
VICTIM(S): Female Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S): Ernie Duran, 35 year old Oxnard Resident Frankie Duran, 29 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY: Det. Edgar Fernandez, (805) 385-7600, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: Det. James Crilly, (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS: On January 28, 2016, at about 1000 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of a burglary to a residence. Upon arrival it was determined that two suspects had gained entry into a residence through an unlocked window. Female victim was inside the residence and confronted the suspects. She was physically assaulted and restrained by the suspects prior to leaving the residence with stolen property.

The female was able to break free from her restraints and contacted a neighbor who subsequently contacted the Oxnard Police Department for assistance. Members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit responded to the residence and were able to quickly identify two possible suspects. The suspects were positively identified by the victim. Investigators, along with the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit, were able to locate the suspects and take them into custody.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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: January 28, 2015 / 7:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	February 07, 2016 / 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 [email protected]

DETAILS:

Improving Motorcycle Safety Aim of Oxnard Police Department Operation

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, February 7, 2016, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a 5 year high. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions within the City of Oxnard have resulted in five fatal collisions and 102 injury collisions.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists and drivers are reminded to be safe and follow these safety tips:

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:
·         Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
·         Match your speed to surrounding traffic
·         Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
·         Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:
·         Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
·         Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 05, 2016 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer-Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016 / Approx. 9:40 am
LOCATION:	3000 block of Saviers Road
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, (805) 385-7631 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

DETAILS: On February 16, 2016, at approximately 9:40 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a report of a suspect threatening the public in the 3000 block of Saviers Road. Officers made contact with the subject, and an officer involved shooting took place. Preliminary reports indicate the subject received a non-fatal injury and was transported to a local hospital.

At the time of this release, the investigation is still ongoing and investigators are on scene. An updated news release will be forthcoming when additional information is gathered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/16/16 10:40 hrs.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felony Vandalism
DATE/TIME:	01/26/08 at 1910 hours
LOCATION:
VICTIM/S:	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT/S:	15 year-old Oxnard resident
WITNESS/ES:
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
LOSS:	In excess of $1,000
PREPARED BY:	Officer Bakari Myers

DETAILS:

On 1/26/08, at 7:10PM a 15-year-old Oxnard juvenile was arrested for felony graffiti vandalism. The vandalism occurred in the Garden City Acres Park located at 5302 Cypress Rd. in Oxnard. The park is relatively new and has been clean of graffiti. The juvenile spray-painted the name of an Oxnard street gang on the wall. The juvenile also spray painted his “street name” as well as a companions “street name.” Graffiti Detective Sandra Kujawa determined the amount of graffiti on the wall qualified the crime as a felony and the clean up would cost the city in excess of 1,000 dollars. An on-duty Oxnard Police officer was patrolling the area and observed the graffiti as it was in progress. The juvenile was arrested without incident.

An investigation is continuing.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking/ Attempt Murder
DATE/TIME:	01/31/08
LOCATION:	900 block of Cedar Ct., Oxnard
VICTIM/S:	Marceleno R. Vasquez, 23 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT/S:	Two Hispanic males armed with a knife, no further description
WITNESS/ES:
SUSPECT VEHICLE:	Unknown
LOSS:	Multiple stab wounds wound to the upper body
PREPARED BY:	Fred Sedillos, Sergeant, Violent Crimes Unit

DETAILS:

On 01/31/08 Patrol officers received a call of an injury accident in the 900 block of Elm Ct. Upon their arrival they discover the victim’s vehicle abandoned in the front yard of a private residence. The vehicle had collided with a chain link fence. An additional call was received of a battery victim at 920 Cedar Ct. Patrol officers discovered the victim suffering from stab wounds. He was transported to SJRMC by ambulance. The subsequent investigation revealed that the victim was assaulted in the 900 block of Cedar Ct while attempting to park his vehicle. The victim stated he was approached by two suspects. The suspects stabbed the victim and then stole his vehicle. For reasons unknown the suspects drove around the block to Elm Ct. where they crashed the vehicle and then fled. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds and his condition was described as serious.

ANYONE WITH INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT DET. Ken Peeples @ 486-6297. CALLERS CAN ALSO REMAIN ANONYMOUS BY CALLING 982-7043

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

At 5:30 this morning seven Oxnard traffic officers set out to find people who had left their vehicles running and unattended. This continues to be an on-going problem in the city of Oxnard. In fact, approximately 1/3 of all cars reported stolen in Oxnard are stolen when left running and unattended.

Between 5:30 and 8:00 am these seven officers wrote 28 citations – each costing the perpetrator a fine of $65.

We have done these types of sweeps in the past and will continue to do them in the future. The last two such operations yielded more than 60 citations each so we are hopeful that Oxnard residents are getting the message that this type of behavior is unacceptable.

David Keith, Spokesperson

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fight Involving Gun – Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	01/18/2009 @ 2127 hours
LOCATION:	1300 block of Commercial Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM/S:	Leonel Madrigal, 26 years, of Oxnard
SUSPECT/S:	Filiberto Mata, 19 years, of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Officer Edward Idukas

DETAILS:

Oxnard police received a call of a large fight involving a knife in the 1300 block of Commercial Avenue on Sunday (January 18) night at 9:27 p.m. A total of ten Oxnard officers responded to this incident. Upon arrival, officers located a large group standing around an injured subject in the roadway with several unspent rounds of ammunition strewn about him. What officers quickly determined was that the injured party was the suspect in an assault with a deadly weapon, not the victim.

According to statements obtained by officers from parties on scene, Victim Madrigal and Suspect Mata have had an ongoing feud of some type. Tonight, Suspect Mata walked to the residence of Victim Madrigal and pulled out a small caliber handgun.

Due to either his inability to properly handle the weapon or his obviously drunken state, Suspect Mata pulled the loaded handgun from his waistband and pointed it at his intended victim, but Mata was unable to effectively deal with an apparent malfunction of the handgun and ejected several live rounds from the weapon onto the ground. Victim Madrigal quickly disarmed Mata of his handgun.

Mata then pulled out a knife but Madrigal was also able to wrestle the knife away. During the knife disarming, Madrigal sustained a superficial cut to his hand from the knife blade. After this confrontation, Mata was restrained by a crowd of nearby residents who held the suspect until the arrival of police. Police quickly recovered the loaded handgun and knife used by Mata without incident.

During his detention by bystanders, Mata suffered several contusions to his face and head. He was treated for his injuries at Ventura County Medical Center and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a loaded firearm and drawing/exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner. His bail was set at $25,000.

Victim Madrigal did not require medical treatment for his injury. An investigation is continuing.

DATE: 01/19/2009 at 0340 hours.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Last night (4/13/09) at the Knights of Columbus annual “Public Safety Night Dinner” Oxnard officers made an arrest in a felony battery.

At approximately 9:00 pm last night several Oxnard officers attending dinner at the Knights of Columbus Hall (at 6th and D St) were alerted by someone in the back of the hall about an assault taking place in an alley adjacent to the building. Two Oxnard officers, Assistant Chief Jason Benites and Commander Eric Sonstegard immediately ran outside to offer assistance.

As they arrived outside a few seconds later they saw a victim down on the ground and an individual running from the scene. The individual running was identified by witnesses as the perpetrator of the assault. Assistant Chief Benites and Commander Sonstegard, who were both in uniform, gave chase and quickly scaled a fence in the area. The chase went for approximately two blocks and lasted approximately two minutes. At that point Commander Sonstegard caught up with the suspect near the intersection of 5th and C Streets. The suspect was taken into custody by Commander Sonstegard at that location.

The suspect has been identified as Aaron Lee Hart (age 41, transient). He was arrested and is facing felony battery charges.

The victim, identified as Alex George Urratio (age 46, transient), received numerous cuts to his face, and lost at least one tooth in the battery.

It is unclear at this time what motivated the battery.