John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon & Mayhem
DATE/TIME:	11/5/10, 11:42 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Camelot Room (bar) 1331 W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	23-year old female, Oxnard resident 40-year old female, Oxnard resident. (Name(s) Withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	33-year old black female 26-year old black female
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk #385-7796

DETAILS:

On 11/5/10 at approximately 11:42 P.M., officers responded to a fight at the Camelot Room Bar located at 1331 W. Gonzales Rd., Oxnard. District Police Officers conducting a bike patrol in the area arrived just as the fight appeared to be breaking up. They located one victim with a significant laceration to her face and the top of her head. During the investigation, it was learned that the suspects began to attack the younger victim in the bar and, when the older victim tried to intervene, she was cut on the face and head by one of the suspects. The incident may have been precipitated by an argument between one of the victims and one of the suspects over an uninvolved male.

The suspects fled the area by jumping over a back fence from the business. The younger victim received only minor injuries requiring no medical attention. The older victim was transported by Gold Coast Ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center with severe lacerations to her face and head.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Steven F. Funk at (805) 385-7796, e-mail stevenfunk@oxnardpd.org or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. To give an anonymous tip call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

An investigation is continuing.

Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach has retired, effective November 5th, after a career than spanned a third of a century. 

During his five and a half years as Oxnard’s police chief the crime rate in Oxnard dropped by more than 22% per capita. Since 1992 the crime rate dropped by nearly 65% – one of the sharpest declines in any city in the nation. 

He was Oxnard’s first home-grown chief in more than four decades when he took over in 2005. Before that, every police chief since the 1960’s came from outside the department. 

Chief Crombach spent his entire law enforcement career leading by example – crossing cultural, economic, and other societal boundaries to bring together diverse coalitions of residents and businesses to prevent and address crime and disorder problems. 

He helped develop an innovative “Cultural Competency” program in Oxnard that brings police and community members together. This cultural competency training has forged long lasting and productive community partnerships. 

His commitment to establishing community partnerships and providing transparency in the problem-solving process were widely credited with helping build an excellent police-community trust and cooperation while getting dramatic crime-reduction results. 

Crombach was a well known law enforcement leader in California – writing op-ed pieces on juvenile justice issues and testifying before the California State Assembly on issues such as gang injunctions. 

For his commitment towards building bridges of understanding and effective collaboration between significantly diverse groups in his community, Chief Crombach was recognized numerous times through awards from the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the NAACP. 

As Chief, John Crombach developed a neighborhood policing model for all four districts in the City, which was employed to provide tailored services to meet the expectations and priorities of Oxnard’s very diverse community. 

The unique, trend-setting police-community efforts in Oxnard during the past several years earned the Oxnard Police Department the distinguished James Q. Wilson Award for excellence in community policing from the U.S. Department of Justice – one of the highest honors any police department can receive. 

Currently, Chief Crombach serves on the board of directors of the century old National Council on Crime and Delinquency, the California Police Chief’s Association, the Ventura County Justice Policy Taskforce, and the Greater Oxnard Boys and Girls Club. 

He has also served on the board of directors of Oxnard’s component of California First Five, a statewide effort to educate parents and caregivers about the important role they play in their children’s early development. 

A new Chief is expected to be named soon and will likely assume command of the department in January. 

That person will run a department that has a $50 million budget and 238 sworn officers.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vacant Residential Burglaries
DATE/TIME:	October
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Unk
WITNESS(ES):	N/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/a
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Tom Payn
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Payn 385-7594

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department wants to advise homeowners and contractors that there has been an increase in vacant residential burglaries throughout the city of Oxnard. In the last month, there have been ten vacant homes burglarized. Suspects are taking appliances, tools, and in some instances removing installed plumbing pipes from the walls. If you own or manage a property that is currently vacant, take measures to secure tools, and other valuables, if possible remove valuables.

We recommend documenting valuables by recording serial numbers, mark and/or engrave your property and take photographs.

If you have any information regarding these crimes or any burglaries in the Oxnard area please contact Detective Tom Payn at 805-385-7594 or thomaspayn@oxnardpd.org.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robberies to Businesses
DATE/TIME:	11-2-10 – 1400 11-2-10 – 1410
LOCATION:	Payless Shoe Source – 2051 N. Rose Ave. Thrifty Gas Station – 1501 W. Gonzales Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Payless Shoe Source and Thrifty Gas
SUSPECT(S):	S-1 – W, M, 27, 5’7, 160, dark sweatshirt, dark baseball cap S-2 – W, M, 27, 5’8, 160, black t-shirt, dark shorts
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Older Model Reddish colored SUV
LOSS:	US Currency
PREPARED BY:	Detective Charles Buttell 385-7665
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Charles Buttell 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 11-2-10 officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to two robberies at local businesses that occurred approximately 10 minutes apart. The first occurred at the Payless Shoe Source located at 2051 N. Rose Avenue. One suspect approached the clerk, simulated a weapon, and demanded cash. The other suspect was seen in the area. The victim handed the suspects cash and they fled on foot.

The second robbery occurred approximately 10 minutes later at the Thrifty Gas Station located at 1501 W. Gonzales Road. A single suspect entered the business, approached the clerk, and demanded cash from the register. The victim handed the suspect cash and then fled in an older model reddish colored SUV.

Both robberies have similar suspect descriptions, however it is unknown if they are related at this time. Anyone who witnessed the robberies or that has information is urged to contact Detective Charles Buttell at 805-385-7665 or you may leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 805-982-7070. To give an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	November 2, 2010 / 0753 hours
LOCATION:	Victoria Ave. North of Channel Islands Blvd.
DRIVER #1:	Humberto Moncada, 50 years of Oxnard
DRIVER #2:	Jody Campbell, 54 years of Oxnard
DRIVER #3:	Ronald Ruckstuhl, 46 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE #1:	White Ford Pickup
VEHICLE #2:	White Jeep Grand Cherokee
VEHICLE #3:	Blue Dodge Intrepid
PREPARED BY:	Jason Coleman, Traffic Officer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jason Coleman, Traffic Officer 797-6109 or JasonColeman@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

On November 2, 2010, at approximately 0753 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to Victoria Ave. north of Channel Islands Blvd. after receiving a call of a rollover traffic collision involving three (3) vehicles. One vehicle had struck the wall on the west side of Victoria Ave., and one had rolled over. A third vehicle was also struck during the collision. Two of the drivers were transported to St. John’s hospital, one with serious medical problems.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a white Ford Pickup, driven by Moncada, was driving southbound on Victoria Ave. towards Channel Islands Blvd. The driver of that vehicle lost consciousness and veered into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Campbell, causing it to collide with a blue Dodge Intrepid, driven by Ruckstuhl, and then roll over. The Ford pickup continued westbound and collided with a masonry wall.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to be factor in this collision nor was excessive speed a factor.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Traffic Officer Jason Coleman at 805-797-6109.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	10-27-2010 / 1902 hours
LOCATION:	200 Block of North Marquita Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	11-year old male of Oxnard
DRIVER:	Agustin Garcia Zavala, 45 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE:	2001 Chevrolet Silverado
PREPARED BY:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator (805) 385-7750

DETAILS:

On October 27, 2010, at approximately 1902 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department along with EMS personnel responded to the 200 block of North Marquita Avenue after receiving a call of a child that had been struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found that an 11-year old male had been struck by a vehicle driven by Agustin Garcia Zavala. The victim was transported to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. The 11-year old is listed in critical condition due to bleeding in the head.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Silverado, Mr. Zavala, was traveling northbound on Marquita Avenue towards Felicia Court. The victim ran eastbound across Marquita Avenue directly in front of the Silverado. For unknown reasons, the victim stopped in the roadway in front of the Silverado and was struck. The impact caused the victim to be thrown into a parked vehicle causing injury to the victims head.

Drugs or Alcohol were not a factor in the collision.

An investigation is continuing.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Murder suspect arrest
DATE/TIME:	September 26, 2010 6:15 P.M.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley and Saviers Rd
VICTIM(S):	Adrian Lerma, 21 year-old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Rene Ramos ( 7-12-85) 25 year-old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Major Crimes / Homicide Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Adam Wittkins (805) 385-7649 adamwittkins@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: 

On 9-26-10 investigators from the Oxnard Police Departments Major Crimes unit where contacted by the suspect Rene Ramos. He told investigators that he had heard detectives where serving search warrants at his family’s residences looking for him. He went on to say that he wanted to turn himself in to avoid any further problems for his family. The suspect re-contacted investigators and said he was at the gas station at Pleasant Valley and Saviers Rd. Officers were dispatched to the area, Rene Ramos was taken into custody without incident.

On August 17, 2010 Mr. Ramos was involved in a fight that led to the shooting death of Adrian Lerma on San Jose Street in the City of Oxnard. Investigators have been actively searching for Ramos for over two months. Rene Ramos was arrested for murder and booked into Ventura County jail. A booking photo is attached below.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Robbery – Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	10/24/10/ 1630 hrs.
LOCATION:	400 block of Grant Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two Hispanic males, 18-19 years, no further description
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
VICTIM VEHICLE:	Gray colored, 4 door, 1992 Saturn, CA license #6BBG391
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk- Violent Crimes Unit (805) 385-7796

DETAILS: 

On 10/24/2010, at approximately 1630 hours, (2) suspects approached the victim in the 400 block of Grant Avenue and asked for a ride. The victim agreed. The suspects directed the victim to pull over and stop in an alley. Upon stopping, the suspects assaulted the victim, causing minor injuries. One of the suspects held a knife to the victim and demanded money. The victim fled on foot, leaving his vehicle behind. The suspects reentered the victim’s vehicle and drove off.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the above described vehicle. An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Steve Funk at 385-7796.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Robbery to a Business with a Handgun
DATE/TIME:	10/26/2010, 1102 hours
LOCATION:	801 Cooper Rd. (Leon’s Pharmacy)
VICTIM(S):	28 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, early 20’s, 5’-5”, 150 lbs. black short hair, Black “Nike” brand jacket, Blue bandana covering face.
PROPERTY:	Unknown amount of U.S. currency and several bottles of prescription pills.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Charles Buttell (805) 385-7765 Cell# 805-797-6106 charlesbuttell@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10/26/2010 at approximately 1102 hours officers were dispatched to 801 Cooper Rd. reference an armed robbery to Leon’s Pharmacy. The pharmacy is located across the street from Ramona Elementary School.

The suspect entered the store and told the clerk he wanted the cash from the register and several pharmaceutical drugs. The suspect displayed a handgun at the clerk while making his demands. After obtaining the cash the suspect fled on foot southbound on Bonita Ave. across Cooper Rd. Officers checked the area for the suspect but were unable to locate him.

An investigation is continuing.

Investigators are requesting that anyone with information regarding this case to call Detective Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7765 or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 385-8255.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer-Involved Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	10/25/10, 1:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	S/b Oxnard Blvd. south of Pleasant Valley Rd.
VICTIM(S):	Officer Jessica Eglin
SUSPECT(S):	n/a
WITNESS(ES):	n/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	n/a
LOSS:	n/a
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Ken Klopman
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847

DETAILS:

On 10/25/10 at about 1:10 p.m., Officer Jessica Eglin was traveling with several other police motorcycle officers on a training ride southbound Oxnard Blvd. (SR-1) south of Pleasant Valley Rd. when she bumped into another Oxnard police motorcycle. She subsequently lost control and crashed in the dirt/grassy center median. Officer Eglin was transported by Gold Coast Ambulance to Ventura County Medical Center where she was examined and subsequently released with no significant injuries. The collision investigation is being handled by the California Highway Patrol.