Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	664/459 PC, Attempted Residential Burglary
DATE/TIME:	11-07-2012 at 10:25 AM
LOCATION:	400 Block of Navito Way
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Five Juveniles, all living in Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	None
PREPARED BY:	Officer Greg Utter
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Ron Whitney (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 11-07-2012, at approximately 10:25 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 400 block of Navito Way in reference to five juveniles seen attempting to gain access into a residence in the area. As officers responded, five juveniles matching the description were detained a short distance away from the victim residence. A witness to the incident positively identified all five juveniles. It was determined that the juveniles removed a screen from a window at the front of the residence and attempted to access the house. When they were unable to gain access, two of the juveniles were lifted onto the roof where they again attempted to remove another screen to gain access into the residence. All five juveniles were placed under arrest for attempted burglary and transported to Juvenile Hall. One of the juveniles was also found to have a felony warrant for his arrest.
 
Citizens are reminded to lock all doors and windows to assure that their residences are secure.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10-07-2012 / 2:40 PM 

 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department seeking independent review of incidents
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, November 8, 2012 1545 hours
PREPARED BY:	Assistant Chief Jason Benites, (805) 385-7624, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Chief Jeri Williams, (805) 385-7624, [email protected]

DETAILS:
Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams is seeking the services of an independent reviewing agency to examine two recent fatal incidents that involved the Oxnard Police Department.
 
The first incident involves the June 23, 2012 death of 26 year-old Oxnard resident Robert Ramirez, who was reported to have been overdosing on methamphetamine.  The second incident concerns the October 13, 2012 shooting death of 21 year-old Oxnard resident Alfonso Limon. 
 
On October 25, 2012, Chief Williams contacted the Office of Independent Review (OIR) to begin discussions concerning comprehensive reviews of both incidents.  On November 6, 2012, Chief Williams and her executive staff met with representatives from OIR. 
 
OIR is a civilian oversight group that was created by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2001 for the review of police incidents.  OIR makes recommendations where appropriate.  OIR currently monitors the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and provides legal advice to ensure that allegations of deputy misconduct are thoroughly, effectively, and fairly investigated. As it carries out its responsibilities, OIR maintains contacts with state and federal prosecutors, as well as civil rights groups and community organizations.
 
Prior to seeking an independent reviewing agency, Chief Williams had previously sent letters to California Attorney General Kamala Harris, extending an assurance of the Oxnard Police Department’s cooperation and access to information related to the cases.  A similar letter was also sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in late July.
  
The independent review process is designed to be a systemic evaluation, looking
at how critical incidents are handled, investigated and reviewed.    An independent review of these incidents can also potentially serve as a learning opportunity, providing the Department and its officers with additional tools to address future critical incidents.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  November 8, 2012 1545 hours
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery and Attempt Murder
DATE/TIME:	November 5, 2012, 10:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	2100 Block of East Channel Islands Blvd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	27 year-old male Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Undetermined number of male subjects
PREPARED BY:	Detective John Sunia, Violent Crimes Unit (805) 486-7386 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective John Sunia, Violent Crimes Unit (805) 486-7386 [email protected]

DETAILS:
(OXNARD, Calif) On November 5, 2012, at approximately 10:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of E. Channel Islands Blvd. reference a shooting victim. Upon arrival, officers located a victim of a gunshot wound. The 27 year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the left side of his torso and was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. At this time, the victim is listed in stable condition.
 
If anyone has any information related to this incident, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. Persons may remain anonymous on both the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be reached at http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  November 6, 2012, 1:30 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:	Commercial vehicle safety Inspection
DATE/TIME:	October 31, 2012  8 A.M.- 1 P.M.
LOCATION:	October 31, 2012  8 A.M.- 1 P.M.
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	N/A
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator  (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

On October 31, 2012, The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division, Officers from The California Highway Patrol, and Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department conducted a Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspection in Oxnard between the hours of 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
 
Officers conducted vehicle inspections on 13 commercial vehicles and placed seven of those vehicles out of service due to safety violations. Drivers of those vehicles placed out of service will be required to complete the necessary repairs prior to operating those commercial vehicles on the roadway.
 
One commercial truck driver, Marlin Martin, 44 years from Milan, Michigan was arrested for driving while under the influence of a controlled substance, possession of prescription medication without a prescription, and possession of a controlled substance.
 
Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections are conducted to ensure that drivers of commercial vehicles comply with vehicle safety regulations which are set to keep the roadway safe for all motorists.
 
 For any questions related to Commercial Vehicle Safety Inspections, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at [email protected]. 
 

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, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit (805) 385-7796, [email protected]

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 [email protected] 

 

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  [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, [email protected]

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 [email protected].
 
  
 

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, [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit, (805) 385-7796, [email protected]

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 [email protected] 

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.