Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery to Business
DATE/TIME:	November 3, 2014 at 4:45 am
LOCATION:	Spudnuts, 3800 Block of West Channel Islands Blvd.
SUSPECT(S):	Black female, approximately 18 years, 5-07, medium build
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant David Walker [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 3, 2014 at 4:45 am, officers responded to the Spunuts store located in the 3800 Block of West Channel Islands Boulevard regarding a robbery. An employee reported that a black female entered the business, brandished a handgun, and demanded money from the cash register. The suspect was described as being approximately 18 years old, 5-07, with a medium build wearing a green and white, striped, hooded sweatshirt. The suspect was last seen on foot heading in an eastbound direction. There were no injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding this incident or similar incidents may remain anonymous and are encouraged to contact the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Neighborhood Watch Information Meetings Series announced
DATE/TIME/LOCATION:	October 5, 2015, 6:30pm: District 3 Meeting at Oxnard Housing Resident Services Conference Room (1500 Camino del Sol, Oxnard CA 93030) (behind the Oxnard Fire Station) October 12, 2015, 6:30pm: District 2 Meeting at City of Oxnard HR Community Room (300 W. Third Street Oxnard, CA 93030) (parking available at public parking structure at the corner of 3^rd and ‘B’ Streets) October 19, 2015, 6:30pm: District 4 Meeting at Southwinds Community Center and Police Storefront (300 W. Clara St. Oxnard, CA 93033) October 26, 2015, 6:30pm: District 1 Meeting at Sunrise Room at River Ridge Golf Course (2401 W. Vineyard Ave. Oxnard CA 93033)
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager [email protected] Jason Benites, Assistant Police Chief [email protected]

DETAILS: Neighborhood watch groups are an extension of neighborhood councils that bring neighborhoods and Oxnard Police together – working together – to address crime, public safety, and improve quality of life in neighborhoods throughout our community.

Starting Monday, October 5^th, the Oxnard Police Department will begin hosting a series of Neighborhood Watch information meetings for residents who want to start a neighborhood watch, or want to discuss strategies to improve neighborhood participation in addressing crime.

Meetings have been scheduled in each of the City’s four policing districts to allow residents to meet with Police Department representatives and teams who are assigned to work particular beats and serve specific neighborhoods throughout the City.

Neighborhood watch is a voluntary, neighborhood-based organization that acts as a communication link between neighbors, neighborhoods and police, which provide a way for neighborhoods to work together toward common and evolving goals.

Assistant Police Chief Jason Benites has been a proponent of neighborhoods organizing to help guide the police to problems. “The concept of neighborhood watch has changed over the past years. It should no longer be viewed solely as a small group of residents who spend their free time patrolling the blocks around their houses. In no case do we advocate residents confronting suspicious activity. In today’s version of neighborhood watch, neighborhood networks lessen the need for organized patrols, as just about anyone can participate from within their own home. With the great availability of mobile phones, as well as computers and free apps, neighborhood watches are built around communication networks, established and run by residents. It starts with neighbors getting to know each other. The next step involves developing communication networks, whether it is a simple phone list or participation in networks like Nextdoor.com. Once these two first objectives are met, it becomes a matter of teaching residents to effectively report suspicious activity to the police, so we can handle it. Simply put, these networks become eyes and ears for us, and this is a tremendous force multiplier for us, as information is the key.”

“In our continued effort to engage a growing group of community members as partners in public safety, we have arranged a series of public meetings this month for residents interested in volunteering and making a small commitment of their time to improve the overall quality of life for our families and neighborhoods,” said Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager Miguel Lopez

Neighborhood Watch groups provide a means for residents and neighbors to take a stand and make a commitment that you will look out for each other – and immediately report any suspicious activity to police and your neighborhood beat coordinator. “Residents are encouraged to attend the district meeting that is closest to their neighborhood to meet the District Commander and Beat Coordinators,” Lopez added.

Oxnard residents are also encouraged to register for Nextdoor.com, whom Oxnard Police began a partnership with in 2013 to serve the residents of Oxnard.  Nextdoor has made it easier to communicate with one another amongst the City’s four dozen recognized neighborhoods. Oxnard Police communicate directly with residents via Nextdoor to share crime and public safety information pertinent to a specific neighborhood – at the neighborhood level.

Many view Nextdoor.com as the basis of today’s “virtual Neighborhood Watch.” Residents may not even need to leave their home, and yet be an effective part of the watch team. To date, over 5,000 Oxnard residents are communicating on Nextdoor. Some of Oxnard’s neighborhoods boast several hundred members (for example, Oxnard Shores has nearly six hundred members, and West Village has over 400).

Assistant Police Chief Benites added: “Social media platforms such as Nextdoor.com have been a big boost for neighborhoods in a number of ways. Neighborhood groups are run entirely by neighbors and the Police Department sees only the replies to what we post on the neighborhood pages. It’s free, available with mobile phone apps, and participants can choose what type of notifications / alerts they receive.”

Assistant Chief Benites: “We at the Oxnard Police Department believe that neighborhood whose residents know each other will tend to take care of each other. When neighbors learn who lives on their block, they learn what is out of place, and are more likely to report suspicious activity to us. Neighborhoods whose residents look out for each other and take care of each other are more likely to become safer areas with reduced levels of crime.”

Another focus point for the Neighborhood Watch informational meetings is to provide residents with the tools to identify things that are suspicious, and how to report them to the Police. For example, the Police Department will provide residents with tips how to more effectively report to the authorities what they see. This includes guidelines such as how to provide an effective description of suspicious persons and vehicles. By reducing the amount of time that it takes to describe what they see, police resources can be more effectively dispatched, and are likely to have better information.

Assistant Chief Benites: “In order for us to reduce the City’s crime rate, the Oxnard Police Department needs the community’s assistance in partnering with us. We need to have effective, vibrant partnerships with organized neighborhoods – we can’t do it alone.”

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 1, 2015 at 1400 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Post Release Offender arrested for burglary tools and narcotics possession
DATE/TIME:	10/3/2015 / 1830 hours
LOCATION:	5100 Block of Longfellow Way
VICTIM(S):	California, State of
SUSPECT(S):	Manuel Edwards, 25 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Denise Shadinger, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Denise Shadinger (805) 385-7600 [email protected]

DETAILS:
On 10/3/15, at approximately 6:30 PM, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the call of a suspicious subject possibly selling narcotics in the 5100 block of Longfellow Way. Officers located Manuel Edwards, a Post Release Offender, in the area and contacted him. Edwards attempted to conceal and discard a small quantity of methamphetamine. He was quickly taken into custody by the officers. Edwards was also in possession of burglary tools and several possibly stolen ATM and credit cards. Edwards was booked into the Ventura County Jail on the charges of resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools, and possession of methamphetamine. An investigation is continuing regarding the possibly stolen ATM and credit cards. If anyone has additional information regarding this incident they may contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

The Post Release Offender program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/4/15 1345 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Indecent Exposure and Child Annoying
DATE/TIME:	November 11, 2015 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Snow Avenue @ Gonzales Road
VICTIM(S):	Names withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Colin Michael Caldart, 20 years old
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit (805) 385-7620, [email protected]

DETAILS: On November 11, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. hours, officers responded to the area of Snow Avenue and Gonzales Road reference a subject that was exposing himself to passengers while on a Gold Coast Transit bus. The driver of the bus was notified of the incident and stopped the bus to call police. The subject exited the bus prior to police contact but a description and direction of travel of the subject was provided to the responding officers. On the way to the call for service, officers noticed a subject that matched the description of the subject given by the reporting party. The subject was detained and later identified, by the victims, as the subject that exposed himself to several adults and a child on the bus. The suspect was identified as 20 year old Colin Michael Caldart of Oxnard.

Colin Michael Caldart was arrested for the violations of Indecent Exposure and Child Annoying. He was booked into Ventura County Jail with bail set at $5,000.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are still investigating this case and request that if anyone has information about this incident they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7620, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Murder
DATE/TIME:	November 17, 2014 @ 3:50 PM
LOCATION:	920 N. Ventura Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Juvenile, male Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male, light complexion, 180-200 pounds
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jonathan Ballow
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jamie Miranda 805-385-7665 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On November 17, 2014 at about 3:50 PM, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a report of a stabbing victim in the 1300 block of Edgewood Way. When officers arrived they contacted a 16 year old male victim with multiple stab wounds. He was transported to VCMC where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Officers were able to determine that the crime occurred to the rear of Albertsons located at 920 N. Ventura Rd. Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects. One of the suspects was described as a Hispanic male, light complexion and weighs approximately 180-200 pounds. Based on the preliminary investigation this incident does not appear to be related to the recent homicide that occurred on November 13, 2014 at Sierra Linda Park.

If anyone has further 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: 11/17/14, 2100 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department to Offer Start Smart Class for Teen Drivers in 2016
PREPARED BY:	Traffic Officer Mike Wood, (805) 385-7749 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Service Assistant Jose Rodriguez, [email protected]

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department is excited to announce additional Start Smart teenage driver safety classes. Oxnard’s Start Smart program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and developed in partnership with the California Highway Patrol. Since the launch of this program in the City of Oxnard, over 200 students have attended the courses and it has also been presented at two local high schools.

The Start Smart program provides focused traffic safety information for new and future teen drivers and their parents and/or guardians. The course offers interactive and innovative lecture including discussions on traffic laws, defensive driving, common collision factors, collision avoidance tips, DUI awareness and making the appropriate decisions before and while driving a motor vehicle. This educational program aims to reduce the number of injuries and deaths among teenagers as a result of traffic collisions. Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death for people aged 15-20.

The next free class will be held on Tuesday, January 26^th, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 300 W. Third Street in Oxnard. Additional classes are scheduled for March 22^nd, May 24^th and July 26^th. For more information or to schedule your attendance, please contact Traffic Service Assistant Jose Rodriguez via e-mail at [email protected].

DATE / TIME PREPARED: December 23, 2015 / 1400 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	UPDATE Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Pedestrian)
DATE/TIME:	January 11, 2016 / 6:30 p.m. Date of Collision: January 6, 2016 / 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Wooley Road at Richmond Avenue
DRIVER:	Annette Marie Garcia Aragon, 30 years old, Moorpark Resident
PEDESTRIAN:	Angelina Marie Lees, 37 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]

UPDATE:

On January 11, 2016 at approximately 1457 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrested Annette Marie Garcia Aragon in regards to the traffic collision which occurred on January 6, 2016. Aragon was booked into the Ventura County Jail for failing to remain at the scene of a fatal traffic collision and child endangerment.

The pedestrian involved in the collision was identified as Angelina Marie Lees, a 37-year-old Oxnard resident.

Traffic investigators are still conducting an ongoing investigation. Anyone who has information about this collision is urged to contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 805-385-7749 or via email at [email protected].

On January 6, 2016, at about 5:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS responded to a hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and a female pedestrian. The collision occurred at the intersection of Wooley Road and Richmond Avenue.

Preliminary investigation indicates that an unknown vehicle collided into the pedestrian near the intersection. After the collision, the driver fled in the vehicle in an unknown direction. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.

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 6, 2015 / 2330 hours

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Narcotic Arrest
DATE/TIME:	3/28/10 @ 2350 hours
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road @ C Street
VICTIM(S):	Officer Floriano Officer Stevens
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Gil, 39, Port Hueneme Resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1996 Toyota Camry
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Steven Moore
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Keith, PIO

DETAILS:

At 2350 hours on 3/28/10 Officer Floriano and Officer Stevens were on patrol in a black and white police unit. They observed a Toyota Camry driving near Gonzales Road and Oxnard Boulevard with an inoperative rear light. The officers initiated a traffic stop but the suspect vehicle did not stop immediately. The suspect vehicle made two right turns eventually stopping on C Street north of Gonzales Road. As the officers approached the driver, Jose Gil, they observed him remove some objects from beside the driver seat and place these objects into his mouth. Gil was removed from the vehicle and placed into a prone position on the roadway. Gil eventually spit the objects out which turned out to be .4 grams of narcotics. Additional narcotics were also located inside the vehicle. Gil was arrested for transporting narcotics, under the influence of narcotics, evading police and resisting and/or delaying a police officer.

An investigation is continuing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hot Prowl Burglary
DATE/TIME:	November 26, 2014 at 12:45 pm
LOCATION:	300 Block of Infinidad Street
VICTIM(S):	14 year old female 16 year old female
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown Hispanic Male
PREPARED BY:	Detective Lucy Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell (805) 385-7594

DETAILS:

On November 26, 2014 at 12:45 pm, Oxnard Police Officers received a call of a burglary in progress. Officers learned that there were two female juveniles inside of the residence. Officers arrived and learned that the suspect fled prior to police arrival. These types of burglary are known as “hot prowls” and are inherently dangerous. These are burglaries that occur while the victims are in their homes.

Attached is a sketch compiled with the assistance of witnesses in the area. Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents to exercise caution and continue to utilize the crime prevention tips we have been sharing throughout the year. These tips are part of our ongoing Operation Safer and Stronger initiative and can be found on our Department website, Facebook page, and on Nextdoor.com.

Lock all windows and doors at night when you leave your residence or vehicle unattended.
Close all of your windows-thieves can open vehicles and access homes through the smallest of openings.
Don’t forget to set your residential alarm if you have one.
To avoid obstruction, keep your landscaping trimmed.
The best crime prevention tool ever invented is a GOOD NEIGHBOR! One of the best crime fighting teams are neighbors working in conjunction with the police department, and reporting all suspicious activity.
Report any suspicious activity or persons to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

We believe it is still possible that there may have been additional incidents such as these that have gone unreported by potential victims. We want to encourage anyone that has information about these incidents or any related incidents to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-3921. 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: 11-26-14/ 1915 hours

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11-26-14/ 1915 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Memorial Day Weekend Holiday DUI Crackdown
DATE/TIME:	May 23 through May 26, 2014
LOCATION:	County of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Manuel Perez, Traffic Officer, (805) 385-7750 [email protected]

DETAILS: The Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force is deploying officers this holiday weekend at DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols countywide to stop and arrest drunk or drugged drivers and to heighten awareness of the deadly combination that alcohol, drugs, and driving can have on this first holiday weekend of the summer season.

Along with warm weather and start of the vacation season, it’s also the season for college and high school graduations. The start of the summer season on this 3-day holiday weekend will find law enforcement reminding everyone to make plans now for those weekend trips and celebrations. Make sure to use a ‘Designated Sober Driver’ to prevent arrest or worse, a deadly driving tragedy.

The County’s DUI Task Force kicks off Friday night by deploying DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints in the cities of Ventura and Oxnard with special DUI saturation patrols deploying over the weekend in the cities of Ojai, Moorpark, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Fillmore, Thousand Oaks and Oxnard. The California Highway Patrol is also deploying all available officers Memorial Day weekend onto freeways and county roads as part of their maximum enforcement period.

Over the 2013 Memorial Day weekend, the Oxnard Police Department investigated 31 traffic collisions. Only one of them involved a drunk driver and fortunately, no injuries were involved.

In addition to the Memorial Day DUI crackdown, law enforcement nationwide is looking to stop and ticket those who have failed to buckle up or secure young passengers. Remember, Click It or Ticket!

Funding for the Avoid DUI Task Force is by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Avoid Task Force will deploy checkpoints and DUI patrols next during the Independence Day Holiday and for the summer August/Labor Day DUI Mobilization.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/21/14, 1215 hours