NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2023

SUBJECT: Oxnard Store Clerk Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

LOCATION: Oxnard, California

CONTACT: Corporal Steven Ramirez II, F.A.C.T. Compliance Officer

(805) 385-3920 (Mon-Thurs 8am-5pm) | [email protected]

Store Clerk in the City of Oxnard Cited for Selling Alcohol to Minors

The Oxnard Police Department with assistance from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, cited a store clerk in the City of Oxnard for selling alcohol to a minor on July 21, 2023. The actions were the result of a minor decoy operation in which a minor, under the direct supervision of police officers, attempted to purchase alcohol from 13 retail licensees in the City of Oxnard.

The clerk who sold alcohol to the minor could face a minimum fine of $250, and/or 24 to 32 hours of community service for a first violation. In addition, ABC will take administrative action against the alcoholic beverage license of the business where alcohol was sold to a minor. That may include a fine, a suspension of the license, or the permanent revocation of the license.

Compliance checks are being conducted statewide to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors. Statistics have shown that young people under the age of 21 have a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities than the general adult population. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the availability of alcohol to minors.

Minor Decoy operations have been conducted by local law enforcement throughout the state since the 1980s. When the program first began, the violation rate of retail establishments selling to minors was as high as 40 to 50 percent. When conducted on a routine basis, the rate has dropped in some cities as low as 10 percent or even below.

In 1994, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the use of underage decoys is a valid tool of law enforcement to ensure that licensees are complying with the law.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through the department’s Grant Assistance Program. ABC is a Department of the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 21, 2023

SUBJECT: Narcotic Sales / Illegal Assault Weapon Arrest

SUSPECTS: Salvador Perez, 28 year-old Oxnard Resident

Maurisio Perez, 24 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2600 block of Wagon Wheel Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7623 (Tue-Fri 10AM-8PM) [email protected]

On July 20, 2023, the Ventura County Probation Agency contacted the Oxnard Police Department after suspected illegal narcotics were located during a routine probation search at the residence of Salvador Perez. Also present during the probation search was Maurisio Perez who is currently out on bail from an unrelated arrest.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit was consulted and took control of the narcotic investigation. The investigation allowed narcotic detectives to secure a search warrant of the residence through the Ventura County Superior Court. This permitted detectives to conduct a more extensive search.

The search warrant resulted in the seizure of over one and a half pounds of suspected fentanyl, over two ounces of suspected cocaine, U.S. currency, and indicia of narcotic sales. Additionally, detectives located a short-barreled assault weapon, a second illegal assault weapon, an unregistered handgun, and ammunition.

The amount of suspected fentanyl seized allows for the consumption of over 13,000 doses. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, “Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine, and 50 times more potent than heroin as a painkiller. Twenty-six percent of tablets tested in a DEA laboratory contained a lethal dose of fentanyl.”

Salvador and Maurisio were arrested for narcotic related charges. Maurisio was arrested for gun related charges. They were both booked at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Pre-Trial Detention Facility.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit is comprised of detectives who have been federally deputized as Task Force Officer(s) by the Federal of Bureau of Investigation. These Task Force Officer(s) are assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Investigation Division and are charged with the duties of investigating violations of the drug and criminal laws of the United States of America.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the city of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Salvador and Mauricio Perez.jpg

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 19, 2023, 6:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Assistance Locating an Assault Victim

LOCATION: Johnson Creek Park, Oxnard

VICTIM: Unknown Hispanic Female, 16-17 years old

SUSPECT: Nikolas William Quijada, 28 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

On July 19, 2023, at about 4:30 P.M., Oxnard police officers responded to an assault that occurred at Johnson Creek Park, located at 501 Johnson Road. When officers arrived, they spoke to several bystanders that witnessed the assault.

Officers learned the suspect of the assault, a Hispanic male approximately 28 years old, approached a Hispanic female approximately 16-17 years of age. The suspect physically assault the female; however, bystanders interceded, stopping the assault. The suspect remained at the scene until police arrived. The female victim ran from the scene before police officers had the opportunity to interview her. The victim was last seen running towards Bard Road.

The suspect was arrested on charges unrelated to the assault. Police hope to locate and identify the female so she can be interviewed.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating and identifying the female assault victim. If you have any information about the assault victim or witnessed the physical assault, you are asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 19, 2023, 6:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Assistance Locating an Assault Victim

LOCATION: Johnson Creek Park, Oxnard

VICTIM: Unknown Hispanic Female, 16-17 years old

SUSPECT: Nikolas William Quijada, 28 years old

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | [email protected]

The suspect was arrested on charges unrelated to the assault. Police hope to locate and identify the female so she can be interviewed.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE/TIME: July 19, 2023 / 4:00 AM

SUBJECT: Firearm Arrest

SUSPECT: Mark Ayad, 18 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 300 block W Gonzales Rd, Oxnard

CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Sergeant

[email protected]

(805) 385-7746

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers were investigating a fight in the 700 block of Aster Street. When officers arrived, several subjects fled the area on foot. Officers located two of the subjects who fled in the 300 block of W Gonzales Rd. Mark Ayad, an 18-year-old male, was one of the subjects contacted. During a search of his person a 9mm Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handgun was found in his possession. Ayad was arrested for several firearms violations. Ayad was booked at Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 13th, 2023 (6:29 p.m.)

SUBJECT: Two passengers arrested for carrying concealed P80, un-serialized, semi-automatic firearms

SUSPECTS: Jesse Avila, 18-year-old Oxnard resident

14-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Hueneme Rd. at Perkins Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On July 13^th, at 6:29 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Hueneme Rd. at Perkins Rd for several suspected traffic violations. Officers made contact with four occupants in the vehicle. During the contact a search was conducted of the vehicle. Two of the occupants that were removed from the vehicle, Jesse Avila, and a 14-year-old juvenile, were found to be in possession of concealed handguns. Once Avila and the juvenile were taken into custody, further inspection of the firearms revealed they were both loaded, 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, semi-automatic handguns with laser / light mounts. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Avila was searched incident to his arrest and found to be in possession of cocaine. Avila and the juvenile were both arrested for felony firearms violations. Avila was also arrested for felony narcotics violations. Avila was booked into Ventura County Jail, and the juvenile was transported to the Oxnard Juvenile Justice Center.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

*** NEWS RELEASE UPDATE ***

DATE: July 14, 2023

SUBJECT: Male Driver Dies as Result of Serious Vehicle Collision

LOCATION: Ventura Road and Ivywood Drive

DRIVER: Jose Romero, 38 year-old male, Oxnard Resident

VICTIM: Lloraine Staci Torres, 37 year-old female, Oxnard Resident

VEHICLE: 1998 Ford Escort Sedan

CONTACT: Jay Benson, Traffic Investigator

(805) 385-7500 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | [email protected]

On July 13, 2023, at 11:59 am, the driver of the single vehicle traffic collision who was identified as Jose Romero (38 years) succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

On July 3, 2023, at 10:30 am, the Oxnard Police Department was advised that the female passenger who was identified as Lloraine Staci Torres (37 years) involved in the previously reported single vehicle traffic collision had succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Torres was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle before the collision.

On July 3, 2023, at approximately 1:54 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of an injury traffic collision involving a single vehicle at the intersection of Ventura Road and Ivywood Drive.

Upon arrival, officers located a 1998 Ford Escort sedan that collided into an electrical pole on Ventura Road south of Devonshire Drive. The driver, later identified as Jose Romero, and the front passenger, Lloraine Staci Torres, were both ejected from the vehicle. They were both located and were transported by EMS to VCMC and are both in critical condition.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver, Jose Romero, was travelling southbound on Ventura Road approaching Ivywood Drive at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with the electrical pole. Traffic Investigators are currently investigating the cause of the traffic collision. Investigators believe speed/reckless driving were contributing factors to the collision and continue to investigate other possible contributing factors such as alcohol. Witnesses, or anyone with information regarding this collision, are urged to contact Traffic Investigator Jay Benson at (805) 385-7500 or via email at [email protected].

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 15, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and Saturation Patrol Results

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

Eleven impaired drivers were arrested during simultaneous DUI checkpoint and saturation patrol.

On July 14, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a simultaneous DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Saviers Road south of Bryce Canyon Avenue and a city-wide DUI saturation patrol. The operations resulted in 11 arrests for impaired driving, 4 misdemeanor arrests, and twenty-four citations.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 12, 2023

SUBJECT: Distracted Driving Enforcement

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Mon-Thu 7pm-5pm) | [email protected]

On July 12, 2023, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

The Oxnard Police Department will hold another distracted driving enforcement operation on August 2, 2023.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 12, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on Friday, July 14, 2023, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.