Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Report of explosive device in a truck
DATE/TIME	July 20, 2012 at 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION	720 N. Ventura Road, Oxnard
VICTIM	Adult female
SUSPECT	Dewayne Edwards, 51, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 20, 2012 at about 1:30 p.m., Oxnard PD received a call of a grenade in a vehicle in the parking lot of the strip mall located at 720 North Ventura Road. Officers were dispatched and were advised that the suspect vehicle, a silver Chevy 2500 pickup truck was last seen northbound on Ventura Road. The female reporting party/victim said that her ex-boyfriend had threatened her and showed her what appeared to be an explosive device or grenade.
 
Moments later, an Oxnard PD traffic unit located the vehicle in the area of Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard. The vehicle yielded and the suspect, later identified as 51-year-old Dewayne Edwards, surrendered to officers.
 
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad was dispatched. The surrounding commercial area was evacuated. Portions of Vineyard Avenue and Oxnard Boulevard were closed for about two hours. The bomb squad deployed its robot to view inside the vehicle. Deputies determined that the device was not an explosive or grenade as had been reported. The device did contain either gasoline or oil or both, but did not pose a significant threat.
 
Edwards was arrested for violation of 422 PC (criminal threats) and 11364 H&S (possession of narcotic paraphernalia-a narcotics pipe).
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Aumento de accidentes involucrando personas en bicicleta
DATE/TIME	July 23, 2012
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) En los últimos meses ha habido un aumento en el número de accidentes involucrando a personas en bicicleta en la Ciudad de Oxnard. Entre de enero y junio del año 2011 hubo un total de 25 accidentes de personas en bicicleta. Este año, entre esos mismos meses, hubo 49 accidentes de bicicleta.
 
Como consecuencia de este aumento, los oficiales de patrullaje y tránsito del Departamento de Policía de Oxnard están llevando a cabo esfuerzo enfocado hacia el cumplimiento de las leyes para ciclistas, incluyendo educar al público sobre la seguridad del uso de bicicletas y las decisiones apropiadas al transitar en bicicleta sobre las calles de la ciudad.  
 
Los factores principales en este tipo de accidentes son el ir en dirección contraria y el no respetar los semáforos y los señalamientos de alto. Los oficiales de la policía están haciendo cumplir este tipo de violaciones y también al incumplimiento del uso apropiado de equipo de seguridad tales como; los menores de 18 años deben llevar puesto un caso cuando andan en bicicleta y que toda bicicleta debe estar equipada con frenos. Se recomienda que toda persona que ande en bicicleta lleve casco.
 
Las personas en bicicleta, al igual que los que conducen auto, deben seguir las mismas reglas viales al andar en nuestras calles y carreteras. A continuación hay algunos reglamentos y consejos para andar seguro en bicicleta:
 

• Viaje en la misma dirección que los coches y pare en todos los señalamientos de alto y respete los semáforos.
• La Ordenanza de la Ciudad de Oxnard 7-132(d) prohíbe a las personas mayores de 12 años andar en bicicleta en las aceras.
• Asegúrese de tener contacto visual con la persona del auto antes de cruzar por enfrente del coche.
• Use ropa de colores claros para que los conductores lo puedan ver de noche.
• Se requiere lleve lámpara de luz blanca en la parte posterior de la bicicleta y un reflector de luz en la parte trasera cuando pasea de noche. Se recomienda ampliamente que lleve una luz roja en la parte trasera.
• Manténgase alerta y enfocado…no tenga auriculares en ambos oídos cuando ande en bicicleta.
• Tenga mucha precaución al doblar las calles entre el tráfico.
• Guarde distancia entre los autos estacionados para evitar un portazo repentino.

 
Siga estos enlaces de la Internet (en inglés) para ver información acerca de la seguridad del uso de bicicletas de la Administración de Seguridad Nacional de Tránsito de Carreteras y de la Oficina de California de Seguridad de Tránsito http://www.ots.ca.gov/pdf/BicyclePedSafetyBrochure.pdf 
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Bicycles
 
 
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Felony arrest with K9 deployment
DATE/TIME	July 22, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION	1500 block Twin Tides Place, Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 22, 2012 at 12:30 in the afternoon, Oxnard PD officers responded to the 1000 block of Dunes Street regarding a suspicious male seen in the rear yard of a residence.  When officers tried to contact the suspect he fled to the boat docks in the 1500 block of Twin Tides Place where he jumped into the water.  
 
Officers learned the suspect was 27-year-old Ruben Gonzales. Gonzales was wanted for a felony parole violation and for a recent felony domestic violence incident. Gonzales refused to comply with officer’s orders for several minutes. He was apprehended with the assistance of an Oxnard PD canine. Gonzales was taken to St. John’s Regional Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries he sustained during the arrest. Gonzales will eventually be booked into the Ventura County Jail. He is not eligible for bail because he violated the terms of his parole.
 
 
 

###
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Tip-A-Cop fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Ventura County
DATE/TIME	Tuesday, July 24 from 5 to 9 p.m.
LOCATION	Dominick's Italian Restaurant 477 North Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected] SOVC Regional Director Peggi Preston at (805) 650-7717 or [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On Tuesday, July 24, from 5 to 9 p.m., visit Dominick’s Italian Restaurant located at 477 N. Oxnard Boulevard for the annual Tip-A-Cop event to benefit Special Olympics Ventura County. Officers from Oxnard PD will act as “celebrity servers” with all tips becoming tax-deductible donations to Special Olympics Ventura County. 
 
“We are pleased that Special Olympics continues to receive the support of Dominick’s,” states Special Olympics Regional Director Peggi Preston, “and we look forward to another successful evening. All the representatives from Oxnard PD are the greatest!”

Officers will be assisted by Ventura County Special Olympics athletes who help serve food and sell fundraising t-shirts. Athletes are anxious to show off their medals and share their Special Olympics experiences.
 
For more than twenty-five years, Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually allowing Special Olympics Ventura County to offer year round sports training and competition to hundreds of men and women with intellectual disabilities, ages eight years and up, free of charge, in ten sports at more than twenty training sites throughout Ventura County.
For more information on this event and Special Olympics Ventura County contact SOVC Regional Director Peggi Preston at (805) 650-7717 or [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	Serious injury bicycle crash
DATE/TIME	Monday, July 16 at 8:22 p.m.
LOCATION	F Street and Palm Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM	16-year-old male, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 16, 2012, at about 8:22 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to F Street south of Palm Drive after receiving a call of a hit and run traffic collision involving a bicycle. Officers and emergency medical services personnel found an unconscious bicyclist in the southbound lane of F Street. The bicyclist was transported to Ventura County Medical Center with serious injuries.
 
Preliminary investigation indicates that the bicyclist was traveling southbound on F Street from Palm Drive. For unknown reasons, the bicyclist lost control and fell to the ground striking his head. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. During the investigation, it was determined that there were no other vehicles involved. He was in serious condition.
 
It is suspected that alcohol or drugs are a factor in this collision. 
 
Bicyclists are reminded to wear a safety helmet when operating a bicycle. Wearing a safety helmet can help reduce head injury if involved in a traffic collision.
 
If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.
 
 
 

###
 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Shooting
DATE/TIME	Friday, July 13, 2012 at about 10:30 p.m.
LOCATION	700 block of South F Street, Oxnard
VICTIM	41-year-old male, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 13, 2012, at about 10:30 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a shooting victim in the 700 block of South “F” St.  When they arrived they contacted a man who had sustained a gunshot wound. The 41-year-old victim was immediately transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery and was listed in critical but stable condition. The victim is an Oxnard resident.
 
The motive of the shooting is unknown. 
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jose Velazquez at (805) 385-3982. 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

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Homicide and attempted homicide
DATE/TIME	July 9, 2012 at 8:52 p.m.
LOCATION	1800 Oneill Place near Greenbrook
VICTIM	Hispanic male, 19 Hispanic male, 22
SUSPECT	Unknown
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On Monday July 9, 2012, at 8:52 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a 9-1-1 calls regarding several gunshots and two people who had been shot in the 1800 block of Oneill Place. Officers located a 19-year old man deceased and a 22-year old man suffering from several gunshot wounds to his body. The 22-year old victim was transported to a local hospital where he was taken into emergency surgery and he is currently listed in critical condition. The name of the homicide victim will not be released until his next of kin have been notified.
Preliminary reports were that the two victims were assailed by multiple individuals when the shots were fired. It is suspected that this was a gang-related offense, and investigators are trying to piece together which parties are gang affiliates and the motive for the attack.     
If anyone has information about this case are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7650 or Detective Roger Garcia at (805) 385-7688. 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

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Shooting
DATE/TIME	July 7, 2012 a few minutes before 1 a.m.
LOCATION	1200 Mercantile Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM	22-year-old white male, Ojai resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE	Possibly a green Ford Expedition
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 7, 2012 shortly before 1 a.m. Oxnard PD officers received a call of shots fired in the area of the Hideaway Bar located at 1255 Mercantile Avenue. Officers located a victim of a shooting on Commercial Avenue north of Wooley Road. The victim, a 22-year-old male from Ojai, suffered one gunshot wound to his left lower torso and left upper leg.
 
The victim was uncooperative would not provide information regarding the shooting. However, officers did locate a witness who directed officers to the crime scene in the 1200 block of Mercantile Avenue. Officers were able to collect evidence from the scene but no additional witnesses were located.
 
The only detail about this case is that the suspect vehicle is possibly a green, Ford Expedition.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Strong-arm robbery
DATE/TIME	July 9, 2012 at 1:30 a.m.
LOCATION	2500 N. Vineyard Avenue, Oxnard
SUSPECT	Hispanic male, 5'9" 160 lbs, grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 9, 2012 at about 1:30 a.m. a 19-year-old Oxnard man was walking in the area of 2500 N. Vineyard Avenue when a man jumped out of the bushes and confronted him. The suspect battered the victim, took some of the victim’s property and ran on foot toward the parking lot of the Jack in the Box.
 
The victim says the suspect was a Hispanic male, 5’9” 160 pounds, wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and black pants. The suspect was not armed.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740. 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

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Rooftop burglary cases – suspect arrested
DATE/TIME	July 5, 2012 at 1 a.m.
LOCATION	Channel Islands Dairy 1420 W. Channel Islands Boulevard
SUSPECT	Omar Barrera 3/2/76
PREPARED BY	Detective Nathan Martin
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 [email protected]

(Oxnard, CA) On July 5, 2012 at about 1 a.m. Oxnard PD officers responded to a burglary alarm at the Channel Islands Dairy located at 1420 W. Channel Islands Boulevard. As the first officer arrived he saw a white, 1996 Dodge Caravan leaving the rear of the building. The officer stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Omar Uribe Barrera 3/2/76.  Barrera was sweating profusely and didn’t have a good reason as to why he was in the area.
 
When additional officers arrived, they confirmed that the store had been broken into, with the suspect gaining access to the business through a hole that had been made in the roof. Officers reviewed surveillance video from the store and identified Barrera as the suspect who broke into the business. Cash from the register was the loss in this case.
 
Barrera is also charged with two additional rooftop burglaries where he made holes in the roofs of the businesses to gain access and stole money from the cash registers. These two additional incidents were also captured on surveillance video. The other two businesses were Fierro’s Meat Market at 1355 S. “C” Street (occurred on 6/9/12 at 10:50 p.m.) and Cindy’s Minimart at 156 E. Channel Islands Boulevard (occurred on 3/28/12 at 10 p.m.).
 
Anyone with information about these cases is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Nathan Martin at (805) 385-7755. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call 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.
  
 
 

###