Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI Saturation Patrol and Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, March 20, 2011 1400-2400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator  (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Sunday, March 20, 2011, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight. The checkpoint will be held throughout the City of Oxnard and is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to the checkpoint, several officers will be conducting a DUI saturation patrol before and during the checkpoint. Checkpoints are just one strategy used by the Oxnard Police Department to promote the public awareness of DUI enforcement and education. Saturation patrols are used as an aggressive approach to locate and arrest impaired drivers.

According to our statistics, there has been an increase in DUI related collisions occurring on Sundays. In 2010, the Oxnard Police Department investigated 56 DUI collisions on Sundays. So far in 2011, there have been 13 DUI related collisions on Sundays in the City of Oxnard. Five of those crashes alone occurred on Super Bowl Sunday. Two additional DUI collisions occurred this past Sunday with one of the impaired drivers colliding into a marked police car.

Oxnard Police Department DUI arrests by day of week, January 2010 to the present:

Sunday – 294
Monday – 98
Tuesday – 62
Wednesday – 74
Thursday – 85
Friday – 204
Saturday – 327

So far this year, Oxnard Police officers have arrested 179 drivers for DUI.

Please buckle up, drive sober, and drive safely in 2011.

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley 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

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Railroad Crossing Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday, March 16, 2011 1600-1900
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator  (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

On March 16, 2011, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit joined forces with special agents from the Union Pacific Police Department and deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department during an aggressive enforcement operation targeting railroad crossing violations. The operation also targeted violations of pedestrians trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property between intersections.

During the operation, officers observed over 60 violations. Officers issued citations to 64 drivers who violated various railroad crossing violations. Of those violations, 25 vehicles were observed stopping on the tracks, most for significant amounts of time. Several additional vehicles were observed driving over the railroad tracks, under the descending railroad arms, while trains were approaching. Fifteen of the drivers cited did not have a valid driver’s license. Three pedestrians were arrested for trespassing on railroad property.

In 2009, California was ranked #2 in the United States for highway-rail grade crossing collisions, with a total of 121 collisions. Out of the collisions, 91 were fatalities, 61 were trespass-related collisions with fatalities and 42 were trespass-related collisions with injuries. The Oxnard Police Department investigated two railroad crossing collisions in 2010. Fortunately, there were no deaths as a result of those collisions. On average across the United States, a collision between a train and a vehicle or pedestrian occurs every two hours.

The public is reminded that trespassing on Union Pacific Railroad property, or any railroad property, is a misdemeanor offense. It is also life-threatening endeavor considering the speed and size of any train. Anyone found trespassing on railroad property is subject to arrest. In addition, it is illegal for any pedestrian, bicyclist or vehicle to travel around or under a railroad arm once the red warning lights and alarm are activated and the gate arm is closed or closing.

Listed below is some general rail safety information:

• Freight trains do not travel on a predictable schedule; schedules for passenger trains change. Always expect a train at every highway-rail intersection.
• Train tracks are private property, no matter which railroad owns them. Trains have the right of way 100% of the time — over ambulances, fire engines, cars, police and pedestrians.
• If there are rails on the railroad ties, assume that the track is in use, even if there are weeds or the track looks "rusty."
• A typical locomotive weighs approximately 400,000 pounds or 200 tons. When 100 railcars are added to the locomotive, the train can weigh approximately 6,000 tons. The weight ratio of an automobile to a train is proportional to a soda can and an automobile.
• A train may extend three feet or more outside the steel rail, which makes the safety zone for pedestrians well beyond the rails themselves.
• Trains cannot stop quickly. It is a simple law of physics: the huge weight and size of the train and the speed of the train dictate how quickly it can stop under ideal conditions. A 100-car freight train traveling at 55 miles per hour will need more than a mile to stop — that’s approximately 18 football fields — once the train is set into emergency braking.
• Trains can move in either direction at any time. Trains are sometimes pushed by locomotives instead of being pulled. This is especially true in commuter and light rail passenger service.
• Modern trains are quieter than ever, with no telltale "clackety-clack." Also, an approaching train will always be closer and moving faster than you think.
• Cross tracks ONLY at designated pedestrian or roadway crossings. Observe and obey all warning signs and signals.
• Never walk down a train track; it’s illegal and it’s dangerous. By the time a locomotive engineer can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it is too late. The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision.
• Remember: Rail and recreation do not mix!

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these types of operations to educate the public about railroad safety. More information about railroad safety and Operation Lifesaver can be found at www.caol.us or www.oli.org.
For any questions related to traffic enforcement or these types of operations, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley 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

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Bank Robbery (Update)
DATE/TIME:	3-14-11/1310
LOCATION:	1700 E. Gonzales Rd. Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	Wells Fargo Bank
SUSPECT(S):	White male, blue “LA” baseball cap, blue or black hooded sweat jacket, blue jeans, mustache and sunglasses approximately 45-50 years of age.
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Charles Buttell (805) 385-7665 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven Funk (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 

On 3-12-11 at approximately 10:15 am, officers responded to a bank robbery at the Wells Fargo Bank, located at 1700 E. Gonzales Road in Oxnard. Below is a photograph of the suspect. Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identify the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Steve Funk at (805) 385-7796 or Special Agent Patrick Conley of the FBI at (310) 629-9553. You may also leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary / Sexual Assault
DATE/TIME:	3-10-2011/ 0447 hours
VICTIM(S):	Withheld per 293 Pc
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male 22 years old dark hair, 5-7 thin build
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
PREPARED BY:	Randey Cole, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Denise Shadinger  [email protected] (805) 385-7662

DETAILS:

On March 10, 2011, at approximately 0447 hours, the Oxnard Police Department responded to a burglary and sexual assault in the 5200 block of South J Street.

Officers learned from the victim that a Hispanic male approximately 22 year old with dark hair, 5-7 and a thin build entered her apartment. The suspect was armed with a handgun. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim before fleeing the residence.

The suspect was wearing a long sleeve black shirt and black pants. The suspect had a piercing above his right eye and possibly one on his lower lip.

The victim was able to provide information for a sketch of the suspect. Anyone with information about the crime or the suspect identity are asked to contact Senior Detective Denise Shadinger at (805)385-7662 or at [email protected].

Residents are reminded to lock their doors and windows before going to sleep at night.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	3-8-2011 2020 Hours
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):	Miguel Gonzales 30 years old, Oxnard Resident  Martin Gonzales 23 years old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Perez 39 years, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	M. Marostica
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell 385-7665  [email protected]

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to a shooting victim in the 700 Block of West Pleasant Valley Road. Upon arrival they found Miguel Gonzales, who had sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency personnel and released.

The suspect, who was still at the scene, was later arrested for assault with a firearm. Officers learned that the two victims and the suspect were involved in a fight. During the fight, the suspect pulled out the gun and fired several rounds. One of the rounds fired grazed the victim. The suspect was transported to St. Johns Hospital where he was treated for his injuries that resulted from the altercation and was later transported to county jail.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY AND ARREST OF SUSPECT
DATE/TIME:	03/03/11 at 0745 HOURS
LOCATION:	100 BLOCK OF NAVARRO STREET, OXNARD
SUSPECT(S):	EVARISTO SANTOS PAREDES, 21 YEARS, OF OXNARD
PREPARED BY:	SENIOR DETECTIVE LUIS MANCHA
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	SENIOR DETECTIVE MANCHA (805) 385-7664

DETAILS:

On 03-03-11 at 7:45 A.M., a burglar entered an occupied residence in the 100 block of Navarro Street. The suspect removed security bars on a window to gain entry for the purposes of committing a burglary. An adult female victim was asleep in the same room where the suspect made his entry. The suspect, who was wearing a mask, became involved in an altercation with the victim before fleeing. Responding patrol officers located Paredes in the 1300 block of E. Third Street where he was discarding tools and clothing. He was arrested without incident.

Several items of evidence were located on Navarro and Third Streets. These items eventually led to the identification of the suspect Paredes. The victim in this case, a 25 year-old female, received minor injuries that did not require medical treatment.

Paredes (pictured to the right) was booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of battery and burglary. Bail was set at $50,000.

Anyone with additional information can contact Senior Detective Luis Mancha (805) 385-7664.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Oxnard Police Department Employee Recognition Awards Luncheon
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 12:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	Courtyard by Marriott, 600 Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
Awards Presented:	Police Officer of the Year Civilian Employee of the Year Supervisor of the Year M.A.D.D. Award Dispatcher of the Year 10851 Awards Chief’s Award of Excellence Volunteer of the Year/Clancy Nieland Award Medal of Merit
PREPARED BY:	Commander Scott Hebert

DETAILS: 

The Kiwanis Club of Oxnard is pleased to once again host the Oxnard Police Department Employee Recognition Awards Luncheon at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 24, 2011. The public is invited but reservations for the event are required. Tickets are $25 per person and can be paid for at the door. Space is limited! To reserve your seat, please call Patti McKenzie at (805) 385-8296 or email her at [email protected].
During this ceremony, Oxnard’s 43rd Police Officer of the Year will be announced. The nominees are: 

• Officer Roger Ramirez
• Senior Officer Luis McArthur
• Officer Roger Garcia
• Officer Gordon Currie

The criteria for Oxnard Police Officer of the Year are:

1. Rank of Police Officer II or Senior Police Officer.
2. Performance of duties in an exemplary fashion.
3. Strong academic credentials or evidence of an earnest effort to obtain a higher degree.
4. Activity beyond the normal scope of duty; voluntarily engaging in the community affairs of Oxnard is a significant way.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION AWARDS
In addition to naming Oxnard’s Police Officer of the Year for 2010, Oxnard police Chief Jeri Williams will present the following awards to police department employees for exemplary service:

• 2010 Supervisor of the Year
• 2010 Civilian Employee of the Year
• 2010 Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) Award
• 2010 Dispatcher of the Year
• 2010 Chief’s Award of Excellence
• Medal of Merit
• 10851 Award (in recognition of stolen vehicle recovery efforts in 2010, presented by the California Highway Patrol and the Automobile Club of Southern California)
• 2010 Volunteer of the Year/Clancy Nieland Award

PRESS NOTE: The Kiwanis will host one representative from each media outlet for lunch during the awards ceremony. Please contact Scott Hebert to RSVP.

Questions regarding the awards luncheon should be directed to Commander Scott Hebert at [email protected] or (805) 385-8290.

 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	February 26, 2011 1800-0100
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator  (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Saturday, February 26, 2011, from 6:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Rose Avenue @ Ives Avenue. The second checkpoint was held in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue @ Gonzales Road.

Officers screened 1004 motorists who passed through the checkpoint locations and conducted two DUI investigations with drivers who had been drinking alcohol. No DUI arrests were made as these drivers were found to have alcohol levels below the legal limit of .08. A 34 year-old female driver who entered the checkpoint was arrested after she was found to have a suspended driver’s license following two prior DUI convictions. She was also in violation of failing to install a court-ordered ignition interlock device in her vehicle. Her vehicle was towed from the checkpoint.

Citations were issued to 37 drivers for various drivers’ license violations at the checkpoint. Twenty-five drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and two drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. Seventeen vehicles were towed from the checkpoint.

The Oxnard Police Department will conduct several more 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. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants 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 Brian Woolley 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

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	2/24/11 1356 hours
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Raymond Godina, 55 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 2/24/11 at approximately 1356 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of South Oxnard Blvd in regards to a stabbing victim. When officers arrived they contacted the victim who had sustained a stab wound to his right hand and stomach.

During the course of the investigation, Raymond Godina was identified as the suspect. Godina was located a short distance from the crime scene and arrested. The weapon used in the attack was also located and recovered. Investigators are still attempting to determine a motive for the attack.

The victim was transported to VCMC for treatment and is listed in stable condition.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

According to information we have, the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme has only one gate open today, on Victoria Ave. Traffic is backed up on Victoria Avenue between the entrance of the base up to Wooley Road. Oxnard officers are on scene and directing traffic.

Motorists are asked to take alternate routes if they are able.