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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	01/01/2011, 0254 hrs
LOCATION:	Rose Avenue North of Fifth Street
DRIVER:	Rafael Deleon De La Cruz, Male, 19 years of Oxnard
VEHICLE(S):	Grey, 1986, Cadillac
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Randy Latimer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Unit, 385-7750

DETAILS:

On January 1, 2011, at approximately 0254 hours, Officer Jim Crilly of the Oxnard Police Department was monitoring traffic at the intersection of Rose Avenue and Fifth Street when he observed a Grey, Cadillac travelling southbound on the west sidewalk of Rose Avenue north of Fifth Street. He watched the vehicle strike several signposts then collide head-on into a railroad signal standard at an estimated speed of 50 miles per hour. Officer Crilly responded to the collision location and found the driver, Rafael Deleon De La Cruz, 19 years of Oxnard, trapped in his heavily-damaged vehicle. Oxnard Fire Department personnel responded and had to extricate De La Cruz from the vehicle using the Jaws of Life. De La Cruz sustained multiple head and leg injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in serious condition.

Investigators are trying to determine why De La Cruz ran off the road and it is unknown whether or not alcohol was a factor in this collision.

If anyone has information about this collision please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 385-7750.

An investigation is ongoing.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	1/1/11 0210 hours
LOCATION:	1900 block of Pericles
VICTIM(S):	Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, 18-20 years, NFI
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Marostica (805) 486-6228 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 1/1/11 at approximately 0210 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Pericles regarding a fight in progress. When officers arrived they located a male subject who had suffered several stab wounds to his abdomen. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and is currently listed in “Stable” condition.

It was learned that there was a party in the 1900 block of Pericles that was attended by several gang members. Witnesses told investigators that a fight started in the middle of the street and during the fight, people took out bats and knives. It was also learned that during the fight, at least one person was yelling gang slogans.

Investigators haven’t been receiving much cooperation from the parties involved and believe the incident is gang related. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detective Mike Marostica at 486-6228 or email him at [email protected].

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	New Year’s Eve DUI Enforcement Results
DATE/TIME:	December 31st, 1800-0400
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted three sobriety and driver’s license checkpoints on Friday, December 31st, 2010, from 6:00 P.M. to midnight.

The first checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard @ Second Street. The second one was in the southbound lanes of Saviers Road @ Laurel Street. The last checkpoint was in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road @ Devonshire Drive.

Officers screened 776 motorists who passed through the checkpoints. Officers also conducted three DUI investigations, however, no DUI arrests were made.

Citations were issued to 19 drivers for various drivers’ license violations. Eleven drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and three drivers were cited for driving with a suspended driver’s license. One individual was arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant. Four vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

Following the checkpoints, traffic officers patrolled the City of Oxnard searching for impaired drivers. This enforcement resulted in the arrest of 10 DUI drivers within three hours.

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. 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].

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Family Dispute
DATE/TIME:	1/3/11 0140 hours
LOCATION:	300 block of Lafayette Drive
VICTIM(S):	Steve Proefroc, 51 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Dominic Pinkard, 30 year old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Det. Ed Baldwin (805) 486-7386 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7665 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 1/3/2011 at 0140 hrs officers responded to the 300 block of Lafayette Drive for a family dispute. During the investigation Officers learned that the Suspect, Dominic Pinkard, assaulted a relative, Steven Proefroc. The victim’s father-in-law heard the incident and called 9-1-1.

When officers arrived they observed the victim inside the residence with significant head and facial injuries. Pinkard fled the scene prior to the officer’s arrival. Proefroc was immediately taken to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is currently undergoing emergency brain surgery.

Investigators are still investigating the case and unsure of the motive for the assault. Investigators are looking for Dominic Pinkard to interview him about this incident. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detective Chip Buttell at 385-7665 or email him at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call crime stoppers with any information at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	1-3-11/0130 hours
LOCATION:	Burger King – 2001 N. Oxnard Boulevard Oxnard, Ca.
VICTIM(S):	V-1 Julio Torres – 33 years V-2 Luis Mendez – 21 years
SUSPECT(S):	S-1 – W, M, 20-24 years of age, 5’8” tall, thin build wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and gray shorts. S-2 – H, M, 24-25 years of age, 6’00-6’02” tall, heavy build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, and blue pants.
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	Undisclosed amount of currency.
PREPARED BY:	Detective Chip Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Chip Buttell – 805-385-7665 [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 1-3-11 at approximately 0140 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a robbery at the Burger King Restaurant located at 2001 N. Oxnard Boulevard. Officers arrived and contacted the victims who had been robbed by two subjects. One of the victims fled the restaurant during the robbery to call the police.

The suspects entered the business in possession of weapons. The suspects demanded money from the victim. The victim handed the money from the registers to the suspects and they fled the business on foot.

Anyone who witnessed the robbery 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.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting
DATE/TIME:	12/30/10 1924 hours
LOCATION:	“G” Street and Guava Street
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	2 males, 16-18 years of age
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	White Toyota Camry with custom rims
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ed Baldwin (805) 486-7386 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 
DETAILS: On 12/30/10 at approximately 1924 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to the area of “G” Street and Guava Street regarding a shooting that had just occurred. While officers were enroute to the area, a shooting victim had arrived by private vehicle to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. The victim had received a gunshot wound to his midsection and to his abdomen. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, the victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim is listed in “Serious” but stable condition.

 

According to witnesses, the victim was walking in the area of “G” Street and Guava when a white newer model Toyota Camry drove by and shot at the victim several times. The vehicle was last seen traveling northbound on “G” Street.

 

Investigators have been unable to interview the victim and haven’t been able to establish a motive for the shooting at this time. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detective Ed Baldwin at 486-7386 or email him at [email protected] .

 

  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  12/31/10 0515

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	12/30/10 2359 hours
LOCATION:	400 block of East Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Two to three Hispanic males, NFI
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ed Baldwin (805) 486-7386 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 
On 12/30/10 at approximately 2359 hours, Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to the 400 block of East Pleasant Valley Road regarding a fight in progress. When officers arrived they located two subjects that had minor stab wounds and another subject who had suffered a head injury. All three victims were transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The two stabbing victims were treated for their injuries and are listed in “Stable” condition. The third victim had suffered a compressed skull fracture and is listed in “Serious” condition.  

 

According to witnesses, a group of subjects started fighting in the 400 block of East Pleasant Valley Road. During the fight, several weapons were used and at least one person was yelling gang slogans.

 

Investigators have been unable to interview the victims but believe the incident is gang related. If you have any information regarding this incident, you are encouraged to contact Detective Ed Baldwin at 486-7386 or email him at [email protected] .

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shots fired
DATE/TIME:	12-30-10; 2335 hours
LOCATION:	Guava / G Streets
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	unknown
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Mike Van Atta (805) 385-7600 or [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Chris Williams (805) 486-6211 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 

On 12-30-10 at about 2335 hours, Officers were conducting a shooting investigation at Guava and G streets when a number of shots were fired in the general direction of the officers. There were no injuries and no suspects were identified although an investigation is continuing. At this time, it is unclear if the officers were the intended targets of the shots being fired. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Sgt. Chris Williams at 486-6211 or e-mail him at [email protected].

 

With the New Years Eve celebrations upon us, the Oxnard Police Department would like to remind its citizens that the discharge of a firearm in a grossly negligent manner, which could result in injury or death, is a felony punishable by imprisonment.    

 

 

 

  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  12-31-10 / 1020 hours

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Sweep resulting in several arrests
DATE/TIME:	12/29/10
LOCATION:	Various locations throughout the City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	Andrew Gonzales, 47 year old Oxnard resident Gerardo Avila, 23 year old Oxnard resident James Ipatzi, 27 year old Oxnard resident Salvador Carrillo, 35 year old Port Hueneme resident Jose Cortes, 25 year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams (805) 486-6211 [email protected]
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Marostica (805) 385-7796 or [email protected]

DETAILS: 
During the morning hours of 12/29/10, members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, and District Policing Teams teamed up with California State Parole and conducted parole searches of “high control gang members” throughout the City of Oxnard. Of the 21 searches that were conducted, five people were arrested and two others will be arrested at a later time. The five people were identified as Andrew Gonzales, Gerardo Avila, James Ipatzi, Salvador Carrillo, and Jose Cortes. Their charges varied from weapon and drug violations, as well as violating their parole terms.

 

In an effort to continue to reduce gang crime in the City of Oxnard, the Oxnard Police Department plans on conducting more of these searches in the upcoming months.

 

  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  12/30/10 1110 hours

 

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Cops for Tots-Oxnard Police Department
DATE/TIME:	Monday, December 20 to Thursday, December 23, 2010
LOCATION:	6 Toy give away sites: Rose Park Neighborhood at Rose Avenue School, 220 S. Driskill St. Oxnard Mobile Home Lodge at 1301 Commercial Avenue La Colonia Neighborhood at Ramona School, 801 Cooper Road Southwinds Neighborhood at Southwinds Police Storefront, 330 W. Clara St. Police Activities League at P.A.L. Gym, 340 S. K Street Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park at 250 E. Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sr. Officer Luis McArthur (805) 385-8104

DETAILS: 
Police Activities League Co-Director and Oxnard Senior Police Officer Luis McArthur has organized the annual Oxnard Police Department’s Cops for Tots program this year, an event dating back to 1996 where the Police Department partners with community businesses and residents to help less fortunate families to bring a bit of joy to their children during the holiday season with a toy giveaway program. What started as a small toy giveaway program in the Colonia neighborhood, a former Weed and Seed site, has now amassed to six (6) large toy giveaway sites in the low-income, high crime areas of the City.  Volunteers from Future Leaders of America, P.A.L. Soccer, Pacifica High School Mecha, P.A.L. Youth Development Council, Oxnard Boy Scouts and Police Explorers pre-register families and ensure they meet the criteria to receive gifts. The families then return the day of the toy giveaways with the children and ticket in hand for free toys and time with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  This year, over 5,100 children will have received a toy.