Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Armed robbery
DATE/TIME	May 9, 2012 at about 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION	Thrifty Gas, 1501 W. Gonzales Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT	Hispanic male, 30-35 years old, blue bandana, black hooded sweatshirt, and jeans
LOSS	Cash
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On May 9, 2012 at about 8:30 p.m. Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to the Thrifty Gas located at 1501 W. Gonzales Road regarding a robbery. The gas station attendant said that he was approached by a Hispanic male, 30 – 35 years old wearing a blue bandana, black hooded sweatshirt and jeans. The suspect was armed with a handgun which he used to threaten the employee and demand money.
 
The suspect fled north on Ventura Road; no suspect vehicle was seen. No one was injured in this incident.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Steve 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.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
  
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a deadly weapon
DATE/TIME:	October 31, 2011 at 8:16 p.m.
LOCATION:	300 W. Esplanade Drive
VICTIM(S):	Norman Salazar, 38 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	unknown
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Neail Holland
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 Christopher.Williams@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 10/31/11, at about 8:15 p.m., Oxnard Police officers were dispatched to the 300 Block of Esplanade Drive because of a traffic collision.  Upon arrival an officer was flagged down by a witness who identified the involved vehicle leaving the area.  The officer caught up to the vehicle and tried to speak with the victim.  The victim who was covered in blood was unresponsive to the responding officers.  Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and transported the victim to the hospital.  The victim had a single laceration to the forearm that was inconsistent with being in a traffic collision. 
 
Anyone with information as to what may have happened to this person is asked to call Sgt. Chris Williams at (805) 486-6211 or remain anonymous and call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.

Prepared on 11/1/11 at 4 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	Assault on an OPD officer
DATE/TIME	May 12, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION	2400 Saviers Road, Oxnard
SUSPECT	Octavio Salgado, 31
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On May 12, 2012 at about 1:30 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to the 2400 block of Saviers Road because a witness reported that a person was yelling and threatening children.
 
An Oxnard police officer arrived on scene and tried to contact the suspect, later identified as Octavio Salgado. The police officer tried to detain Salgado when Salgado turned and started to fight with the officer. During the fight, Salgado tried to remove the officer’s gun from his holster on two separate occasions. The officer requested emergency backup and other officers responded. After additional officers arrived on scene, Salgado was taken into custody and transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during the arrest. The incident was witnessed by more than 100 people who were shopping at the Centerpoint Mall.    
 
The primary officer was also treated for minor injuries at Saint John’s Hospital and released.
 
Salgado is a part of the post release offender (PRO) program. The PRO Program releases non-violent, non-sexual and non-serious offenders from prison under Assembly Bill 109.
 
Salgado is in custody at Ventura County Jail for numerous felony counts including assault on a peace officer.
 
If anyone has information about this incident, 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.
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	November 2, 2011 – 1:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	1100 block South I Street
VICTIM(S):	37 year old female, resident of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	unknown
WITNESS(ES):	none
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	none
LOSS:	n/a
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Violent Crimes Unit Steve Funk (805) 385-7796 steve.funk@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On November 3, 2011, at 1:30 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department received a call from St. John’s Regional Medical Center concerning a stabbing victim who arrived at the Emergency Room. Officers responded and contacted the victim who said she was assaulted in the 1100 block of South I Street. Assisting officers located a crime scene in the middle of I Street.
 
Officers have no additional leads at this time. The stab wounds to the victim were non-life threatening. The victim’s name is being withheld until investigators have contacted all possible witnesses.
 
If anyone has any information about this assault they are requested to contact Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796 steve.funk@oxnardpd.org. Or if you would like to remain anonymous contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
 
 
 
  DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11-3-11 3:50 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	Attempted armed robbery
DATE/TIME	May 11, 2012 at 8:40 p.m.
LOCATION	714 N. Ventura Road, Gold & Jewelry Emporium
SUSPECT	Edward John Green, 27, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

On May 11, 2012, at about 8:40 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to an armed robbery that occurred at the Gold & Jewelry Emporium located at 714 North Ventura Road. When officers arrived they contacted the store employee who said that a white male entered the store armed with a handgun. The suspect demanded money from the cash register. The employee fled the store, leaving the suspect inside the business. According to the surveillance cameras, the suspect later left the business without any money. The employee was not injured during the incident.
 
During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Edward Green, a 27 year old Oxnard resident. On May 12, 2012, members of the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were able to locate Green in the area of “H” Street and Gonzales Road. They took Green into custody without incident. Members of the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) wrote a search warrant for Green’s residence where several items of evidentiary value were seized.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Steve 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.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:
DATE/TIME:	Jewelry Store Armed Robbery  October 28, 2011 1:24 p.m.
LOCATION:	Daniel’s Jewelers, 2051 N. Rose Ave
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	white male, late 20s, 5'8" 160 lbs, thin build, sunglasses, green bandana, black baseball cap, black jacket, dark blue pants
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	undisclosed
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Steve Funk, Detective 385-7796

DETAILS:
The above described suspect entered the establishment while it was open for business. The suspect displayed a handgun, threatened the employees, removed a hammer and began breaking several glass display cases containing jewelry. The suspect removed various jewelry items, placed them in a backpack and in his pockets, then fled on foot southbound towards Gonzales Rd. There were no injuries related to this incident.
 
An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact Detective Steve Funk
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/28/11, 6:10 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	Armed robbery
DATE/TIME	May 15, 2012 at 11 p.m.
LOCATION	4000 block of Dune Circle, Oxnard
VICTIM	Domino's Pizza delivery driver
SUSPECT	Two Hispanic males
LOSS	Cash, keys
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager  / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

 

(Oxnard, CA) On May 15, 2012 at about 11 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to the 4000 block of Dunes Circle regarding a robbery. The victim was a Domino’s Pizza delivery person. When the victim returned to his car he was approached by two suspects wearing dark clothing.  One suspect threatened him with a handgun and demanded his money while the other suspect got into the victim’s vehicle and took the keys. Both suspects fled on foot with the victim’s cash and keys. The victim was not injured in the robbery.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7600. 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.
 
  
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Multiple hit and run suspect arrested after pursuit
DATE/TIME:	10-30-2011 at 4:40 p.m.
LOCATION:	Rose Ave. north of Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Servando Mendez, 45 years, of Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Green Nissan Altima
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Tom Chronister, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Ohad Katzman, Police Officer II 805-385-7600 or ohad.katzman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:  Oxnard police were dispatched to a call of a hit and run in the area of Rose Ave. and Gonzales Rd.  As officers arrived, they found three separate collision scenes in the area along Rose Ave. north of Gonzales Rd. to the US-101 freeway. Bystanders pointed out the suspect vehicle as it fled northbound on Rose Ave.
 
Officer Ohad Katzman attempted to stop the suspect vehicle but the driver fled over the 101 freeway overpass to Auto Center Drive where Officer Katzman initiated a pursuit of the vehicle by activating red lights and siren. Speeds reached 60 mph as the driver fled eastbound on Auto Center Drive.
 
Suddenly, the suspect vehicle’s hood flew open, blocking the driver’s view out the windshield. Officer Katzman immediately discontinued his pursuit. The driver, Servando Mendez, lost control of his car and collided with a Chevrolet Astrovan near the intersection of Auto Center Drive and Paseo Mercado. At this point—the location of the fourth crash—Mendez’s vehicle was rendered inoperable and he was taken into custody without further incident.
 
Two passengers in the Atrovan sustained minor injuries and did not require ambulance transport or treatment. Mendez was transported to a local hospital for a medical clearance prior to being booked into the Ventura County Jail on the following charges:
 
 

1. Felony drunk driving
2. Three counts of misdemeanor hit and run
3. Felony evading of a police officer with willful disregard for the safety of others

 
Mendez’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. His bail stands at $50,000.
 
  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10-30-2011 at 9:45 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	Click It or Ticket to Boost Seat Belt Use – Day and Night
DATE/TIME	Campaign begins May 21, 2012
LOCATION	Oxnard
CONTACT	Sgt. Randy Latimer (805) 385-7631 randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard, California – Motorists who refuse to wear their seat belts – beware. The 2012 start-of-summer Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization kicks off May 21 to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up. 
 
The Oxnard Police Department is joining with other state and local law enforcement officers to help save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws around the clock.  Seat belts are the most effective piece of life saving equipment on your car.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2010 nationally, 61 percent of the 10,647 passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes overnight were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crash, compared to 42 percent during the daytime hours.
 
“Too many drivers and passengers on the road at night are not wearing their seat belts, and it all too often ends in tragedy,” said Commander Andrew Salinas.  “Our goal is to save more lives, so the Oxnard Police Department will be out enforcing seat belt laws around the clock.”
 
Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year and  the Oxnard Police Department is helping spread the word. NHTSA statistics show that in 2010 alone, seat belts saved an estimated 12,546 lives nationwide.
 
Yet, too many motorists may need a tough reminder. In 2010, 22,187 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle crashes, according to NHTSA, and 51 percent of them were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of their fatal crashes.
 
Younger motorists and men are particularly at risk.  Data shows that among teen and young adult passenger vehicle occupants in 2010, ages 18-34, who were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes, 62 percent were not buckled up at the time of the crash – the highest percentage of any age group.  The number jumps to 66 percent when just men in this age group are included.
 
While this year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 21 through June 3, motorists should know that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round.  Total costs of a first time ticket are at least $142
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

Drunk Drivers Can’t Hide Behind Halloween Costumes
Drivers Beware:  Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
 
(Oxnard, CA) As party-going ghosts and goblins celebrate Halloween this October, the Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Task Force reminds everyone to keep the party off the road.  In Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark, extra DUI saturation patrols will take place with extra officers looking to stop and arrest ‘drunk’ or ‘buzzed’ drivers.  Additionally, every patrol officer and traffic officer on routine patrol countywide will be on alert for the tell-tale signs of impairment.
 
“There isn’t a Halloween costume clever enough to hide an impaired driver who has made the poor decision to get behind the wheel,” said Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant for the Oxnard Police Department. “Whether you’ve had one too many or way too many it is just not worth the risk. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
 
Nighttime is an especially dangerous time to be on the road. But this weekend and Halloween night is one of the deadliest times of the year for impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) in 2009 involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.
 
“Far too many people spend hours and hours preparing their Halloween costumes and party plans,” said Sergeant Latimer. “But too often impaired drivers never plan ahead for their designated driver and end up making the roads scarier than a horror show.”
 
DUI checkpoints along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement serves as a proven deterrent with the goal of removing impaired drivers and creating heightened awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
 
The Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force recommends these simple tips for a safe Halloween celebration:    
 

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
• Before drinking, designate a sober, non-drinking driver
• If you’re impaired, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to report drunk drivers, call 911
• And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.  If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely

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