Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bank Robbery Suspect Sought
DATE/TIME:	October 30, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	371 W. Esplanade Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Bank of the West
SUSPECT(S):	Daniel Lopez Jr., 49 years of age Hispanic male, date of birth July 24, 1963, five foot ten inches tall, one hundred and eighty five pounds, black shaved hair, and brown eyes.
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of money
PREPARED BY:	Sr. Officer Luis McArthur, Public Information Officer (805) 385-7631, luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit (805) 385-7796, steven.funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
(OXNARD, Calif) Investigators with the Oxnard and Ventura Police Departments, along with agents from the local FBI office, have identified the bank robbery suspect known as the ‘Wig-Out Bandit’. The suspect has been identified as Daniel Lopez Jr., 49 years of age. Lopez is suspected of robbing:
 

1. Bank of the West in Oxnard on August 13, 2012,
2. US Bank inside of Vons in Ventura on August 16, 2012 and
3. Chase Bank in Ventura on August 23, 2012. 

 
He is also believed to be linked to other bank robberies in Oxnard and within the city of Ventura.  Law enforcement has not yet located Lopez, but warrants have been issued for his arrest. There is a felony warrant for bank robbery and a felony post release offender warrant out for his arrest. 
 
Lopez is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is urged to call the Oxnard Police Department. Residents may either call 911 to report his location or the non-emergency number at (805) 385-7740. Law enforcement always encourages our residents to call police rather than attempting to contact dangerous persons.    
 
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.
 
You can also contact the FBI, attention Special Agent Bernard Riedel at 1-310-477-6565 or bernard.riedel@ic.fbi.gov 

 

Police are asking for the public's help in tracking down a suspected bank robber in Oxnard and Ventura.
Police have identified Daniel Lopez Jr., 49, as the 'Wig-Out Bandit'.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  October 30, 2012, 4:00 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:	Stolen Vehicle/Weapons/Narcotic Arrests
DATE/TIME:	10/28/12   5:30 pm
LOCATION:	400 Block of South “E” Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Cervantes, 18 years Oxnard resident  17 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green 1995 Toyota Tercel, reported stolen
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Officer Vega 5023
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Vega (805) 385-7600  ricardovega@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle in the area of Deodar Ave and “C” St. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Officers located the vehicle moments later in the 400 block of South “E” St. Officers located the two suspects that were in the vehicle in a nearby residence. The subjects were found to be on probation with gang terms. The two subjects were also found to be in possession of firearms and ammunition. One of the firearms located was found to be stolen. Suspect Cervantes was booked into the Ventura County Jail for weapon charges.   The juvenile was booked into Juvenile Hall for various weapon and narcotic charges.  The juvenile was also charged with driving the stolen vehicle. 
 
 DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/29/12 0020 hours 
 

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:	Saturday, 10/27/12, 2103 Hours
LOCATION:	4300 block Dallas Dr.
VICTIM(S):	Male (NFD)
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black SUV
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Jose Velazquez, Detective
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	John Sunia, Detective john.sunia@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10/27/12, at approximately 2103 hours, officers responded to a call of a shooting victim in the 4300 block of Dallas Dr. Officers located two shooting victims, one of which sustained significant injuries.  Preliminary information shows that an argument occurred prior to the shooting.  The suspects were seen fleeing the area in a black colored SUV.  One victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was admitted. The investigation is ongoing.  No further information is available at this time.  
 
Residents with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Violent Crime Hotline at (8050 982-707 or VenturaCounty Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contact.aspxto submit a tip.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10-28-12, 0714 hours 
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	October 26, 2012  9:00 P.M.- 3:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	Seventh Street at Ventura Road, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on October 26, 2012, from 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.   
 
The checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Ventura Road at Seventh Street.
 
Officers screened 580 motorists who passed through the checkpoint. Officers conducted four DUI investigations that lead to the arrest of four drivers for DUI. One of those drivers was also arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor DUI warrant.
 
Six drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations.  Six vehicles were towed and the owners of those vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of 241.00.  Six drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and 1 driver was cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
 
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. The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation 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 jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org.
 
  
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bank Armed Robbery
DATE/TIME:	October 25, 2012 at 12:11 p.m.
LOCATION:	371 W. Esplanade Dr., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Bank of the West
SUSPECT(S):	Dark skinned Hispanic male, 5’-8”, 175-185 lbs., late 40’s to early 50’s, black baseball cap with the letter “B” on the front of the cap, black colored pullover style sweatshirt with “Lakers” logo on front, tan colored pants, and sunglasses.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White compact
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of money
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit, (805) 385-7796, steven.funk@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit, (805) 385-7796, steven.funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On October 25, 2012, at about 12:11 p.m. the Oxnard Police Department responded to a bank robbery at Bank of the West located at 371 West Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.  The suspect entered the bank and approached a teller window.  The suspect pointed a black handgun at the female teller and demanded money.  Fearing for her safety, the teller complied with the suspect’s demands and handed an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect.  The suspect fled south from the entrance to the bank and entered a compact white vehicle which was parked in the immediate area. The vehicle was last seen fleeing southbound on Hwy 101.       
 
The Oxnard Police Department and the FBI are investigating this crime.  The suspect is believed to be the “Wigged Out Bandit” that committed a previous bank robbery at this same bank on August 13, 2012.  He is also believed to have committed three other bank robberies in the City of Ventura.  
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Steven Funk 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.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.
 
You can also contact the FBI, attention Special Agent Bernard Riedel at 1-310-477-6565 or bernard.riedel@ic.fbi.gov 

Bank of the West robbery suspect 10/25/12
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/25/12, 5:13 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:	Communications Center Phone Upgrade
DATE/TIME:	10/25/12 0846
LOCATION:	Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Danah Palmer, Communications Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Danah Palmer (805) 385-7784

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department has completed a phone system upgrade in its Emergency Communications Center. Oxnard’s Emergency Communications center is a facility that handles both police and fire related calls.  The project was completed in conjunction with Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Simi Valley Police Department. This project allowed for a regional, interoperable system designed to enhance service to the communities and citizens in those response areas.
 
The new phone system allows public safety dispatchers to answer 911 calls from alternate locations in the event of an evacuation due to a natural or manmade disaster. If necessary, dispatchers can now relocate and handle Oxnard’s emergency calls from communications centers located in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, or Ventura.
 
This project was funded by the State 911 Office as it is one of five pilot projects in the State of California. The new phone system prepares the departments for Next Generation 911 which, when the technology is available, will allow for public safety communications centers to receive text messages, video feeds, and photographs.
 
The phone system also enhances everyday call taking functionality, especially relating to wireless callers. This is especially important as the Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is one of the busiest centers in Ventura County. In 2010, the center handled 330,404 phone calls, averaging approximately 900-1,000 phone calls per day. In 2011, 72% of the 911 calls to Oxnard’s center were from wireless callers.
 
The Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is the only combined center in Ventura County, which means that it dispatches for both police and fire services for the City of Oxnard. The Dispatchers are also responsible for providing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions, such as how to give CPR or how to deliver a child, over the phone. They also dispatch for Animal Control and Code Compliance within the City of Oxnard.  
 

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 Collision
DATE/TIME:	October 21, 2012 / 5:25 PM
LOCATION:	Beaumont Avenue and Abbott Street
DRIVER 1:	Male, 13, Oxnard resident (name withheld)
DRIVER 2:	Joel Jay Dualan, 33, Oxnard resident
VEHICLE 1:	Black, purple & yellow bicycle
VEHCLE 2:	Black 2012 Mazda Master Touring 5
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Investigator, (805) 385-7750, Maria.pena@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Investigator, (805) 385-7750, Maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On October 21, 2012, at about 3:25 PM., Oxnard PD officers responded to Beaumont Avenue and Abbott Street after receiving a call of an injury traffic collision involving a bicyclist.  Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a Mazda had collided with a juvenile bicyclist in the intersection of Beaumont Avenue and Abbott Street.  The bicyclist, a 13 year old male (name withheld) was injured.  The bicyclist was transported to Ventura County Medical Center with serious head injuries.
 
Preliminary investigation indicates that the bicyclist was traveling southbound on Beaumont Avenue on the west side of the street towards Abbott Street. The black Mazda Master Touring 5 was traveling southbound on Beaumont Avenue towards Abbott Street behind the bicyclist.  For unknown reasons when the bicyclist reached Abbott Street, the juvenile rider turned directly into the path of the Mazda. Unable to avoid a collision, the Mazda struck the bicyclist. The impact caused the bicyclist to fall to the ground. It should be noted that the injuries of the bicyclist indicate that he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
 
The occupants of the Mazda were not injured. The bicyclist is listed under critical condition.
 
If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at
805-385-7750. The investigation is ongoing.
 
 DATE / TIME PREPARED:  October 21, 2012, 9:20 PM   
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	Friday, 10-19-12, 2226 hours
LOCATION:	Parking lot of El Pollo Loco Restaurant, Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Male (NFD)
SUSPECT(S):	Nicole Martin, 27 years, Santa Paula resident
WITNESS(ES):	Male, name withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Tan GMC pickup
LOSS:	Undetermined amount of cash and cell phone
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS: On 10-19-12, at 2226 hours, a male subject flagged down officers in the area of Highway 101 and North Oxnard Boulevard advising he had been robbed at knife point. The victim told officers a female had jumped into his vehicle as he sat waiting in the drive-thru line of the El Pollo Loco Restaurant. The female, later identified as Nicole Martin, 27 years, brandished a knife and demanded money. An undisclosed amount of money and the victim’s cell phone was taken. The suspect then fled.

The victim saw the suspect enter a tan GMC pickup that drove onto Highway 101. Officers located the GMC pickup on Highway 101 and a stop was made on CA Route 126 near Highway 101. Martin was identified by the victim and arrested for robbery. The male driver of the GMC pickup was questioned and determined not to be involved in the robbery. He was released at the scene.

 

Residents with information about this incident are encouraged to call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Violent Crime Hotline at (8050 982-707 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contact.aspx to submit a tip.

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10-20-12, 2130 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Incendiary Devices, DR’s 12-20793 and 12-20810
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, October 17, 2012
LOCATION:	600 block of Hermosa, 1200 block of Deodar, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Ron Whitney, Commander Ronald.Whitney@OxnardPD.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Watch Commander, (805) 385-7650

DETAILS: 

On Wednesday, October 17, at about 7:50 AM, Oxnard Police and Fire personnel responded to the 600 block of Hermosa Dr in Oxnard. An incendiary device, consisting of a plastic bottle filled with chemicals, had been detonated on a lawn of a residence resulting in the lawn being burned.

 

Later that same day, at about 1:20 PM, officers and fire personnel responded to a similar call in the 1200 block of Deodar Av. A second detonated device was located that had burned the lawn of a residence.

 

People are asked to be watchful for any similar devices on their property. If a similar device is seen, please call 9-1-1, and do not approach or pick up the device.
 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/19/2012, 0700 hours

 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Shooting – Update
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, 10/13/12 at 10:12 pm
LOCATION:	100 block North Garfield Avenue, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief Jason Benites, (805) 385-7624, jason.benites@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Chief Jeri Williams, (805) 385-7624, jeri.williams@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

At approximately 10:00 PM on Saturday 10/13/2012, Oxnard police officers attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle in the Colonia neighborhood.  The driver of the vehicle initially failed to stop for the officers.  The driver eventually stopped the vehicle in the area of Second Street and Grant Avenue.  The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects, and they refused to comply with the officers’ instructions. For approximately 10 minutes, the officers tried to gain compliance from them.  During that time, officers relayed information that one subject was talking on a cell phone and another was simulating a weapon with his hands.

As this was occurring, officers were advised by dispatch that the Oxnard Police Department had received a call from a nearby resident that the vehicle’s occupants had possibly brandished a handgun.  As the officers coordinated their response and continued to try and gain the subjects’ compliance, the driver suddenly drove away from the scene and attempted to evade the officers.  After a short pursuit, the driver stopped his vehicle in the 100 block of North Garfield Avenue.

When the vehicle stopped, two of the three occupants exited the vehicle and ran from the officers.  The officers chased the subjects on foot and were fired upon.

Nine Oxnard police officers fired their weapons during this incident.  One suspect, Jose Zepeda, sustained fatal gunshot wounds.  A second suspect, Justin Villa, sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound, and was arrested. The third suspect, Rafael Hernandez, remained in the vehicle and was arrested.

During this rapidly developing foot pursuit, which included officers being fired upon, some of the officers believed that Alfonso Limon was one of the suspects.  As a result, some of the officers fired their weapons at him.

It was determined that Limon was not involved in the incident.  Officers moved Limon, who was in close proximity to Zepeda, to another location where officers and emergency medical service personnel rendered aid.  Unfortunately, Limon’s injuries were fatal.

Two handguns belonging to the suspects were recovered at the scene.

The involved officers are currently on administrative leave, which is standard procedure following critical incidents.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the investigation, along with assistance from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department. The Oxnard Police Department will also conduct an administrative investigation.

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/18/2012, 1600 hours