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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic stop leads to hazmat response; Man arrested
DATE/TIME:	11-22-2010 at 0803 hours
LOCATION:	1200 block of Mercantile Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard police officer
SUSPECT(S):	Gerardo Tapia Aguilar, 27 years, of Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Silver 2002 Nissan Altima
PREPARED BY:	Tom Chronister, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Tom Chronister 805-385-7746 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

Today at 8:03 A.M., Oxnard police stopped a silver 2002 Nissan Altima in the 1200 block of Mercantile Street for illegal window tint. The driver, Gerardo Tapia Aguilar, of Oxnard, was the sole occupant. Officers determined Aguilar was driving on a suspended driver license. While preparing to impound the vehicle for the license violation, officers conducted an inventory search of the vehicle.

One officer opened a plastic bag found in the car and inadvertently dispersed a powdery substance contained in the bag. The officer immediately became ill when the powder came in contact with his face. Another officer on scene immediately transported the ill officer to St. John’s Regional Medical Center for treatment. The vehicle was isolated and a hazardous materials unit from the Oxnard Fire Department responded to assess the powder and decontaminate the scene. Streets surrounding the traffic stop were closed to traffic until 10:17 A.M.

Oxnard Fire could not positively identify the powder as there was only a residual amount in the bag. The affected officer was treated at the hospital and released. He is expected to return to work later this week.

A subsequent search of the vehicle located methamphetamines, narcotics paraphernalia and a loaded handgun. Aguilar was arrested and transported to the Oxnard police station for booking.

Aguilar, who was out on bail for two previous felony arrests for drugs and weapons violations, faces fresh charges of possession of methamphetamines, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, and possession of a loaded .22 caliber handgun. He will be booked into the Ventura County later today. Bail is estimated at $100,000.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	11/28/10, 0230 hrs
LOCATION:	First St. and Harrison Ave
VICTIM(S):	25 year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic male, approx. 25 years old, 6’0”, thin build, white baseball hat, white hooded sweatshirt, blue pants
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Wallet containing identification and currency
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Robin Whitney
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steve Funk (805) 385-7796

DETAILS:

The victim was walking in the area of First St. and Harrison Ave when he was confronted by the suspect who was brandishing a knife and demanding money. The victim refused to comply with the suspect’s demands, at which time the suspect physically assaulted the victim, then stabbed him once on the arm and once on the leg, causing minor wounds. The suspect then removed the victim’s wallet and cell phone from his pocket and then fled on foot.

An investigation is continuing. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Steve Funk at (805) 385-7796.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

UPDATE:
Fire and police have cleared the incident on Mercantile. A press release will be issued later today once the investigation has concluded.

Oxnard police and fire units are on scene of a traffic stop conducted by Oxnard police around 0800 hours in the 1200 block of Mercantile Street. Officers located an unidentified substance inside of the vehicle. As a precautionary measure, the area surrounding the vehicle in question has been cordoned off and Oxnard Fire Hazardous Materials Unit was dispatched. This incident is underway and the substance has yet to be identified. Motorists and pedestrians are advised to stay clear of the area as road closures are in effect in the surrounding area.

Updates will be provided via press release as they become available.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	11-20-2010 2245 Hours
LOCATION:	Little Caesars Pizza 3460 Saviers Road, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Rogelio Zavala 18yrs, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	2 Hispanic Males in their late teens to early 20’s. No further description
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Williams
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Marostica 486-6228 or email [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11-20-2010 at approximately 2245 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a stabbing that had just occurred at Little Caesars Pizza, located at 3460 Saviers Road. Upon arrival, officers located victim Zavala, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds. Zavala was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery, but is expected to survive. During the investigation, it was learned that the two suspects and the victims confronted each other and a fight ensued. During the confrontation, Zavala was stabbed.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Mike Marostica at (805) 486-6228.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Hit and run with injuries while driving under the influence
DATE/TIME:	November 18, 2010/ 7:56 PM
LOCATION:	Bard Road at J Street
VICTIM(S):	5 month old female baby, name not released
SUSPECT(S):	Sherre Savala, 51 years, of Oxnard
INJURIES:	Minor Injuries
PREPARED BY:	Ron Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Maria Pena, Senior Traffic Investigator 805-385-7750

DETAILS:

On November 18, 2010 at about 1956 hours, officers were dispatched to a collision at Bard and J. When the officers arrived they learned that a 5 month old female baby was being pushed in a stroller by her mother southbound across Bard Road. The mother and baby were in the cross walk. Sherre Savala, 51 years of Oxnard, was driving in a motor vehicle east on Bard Road when she struck the stroller, knocking the stroller to the ground and causing the baby to strike her head. Savala stopped, contacted the mother, returned to her car and fled.

Officers observed Savala fleeing and stopped her. She was arrested for the hit and run. The baby was transported by emergency personnel to Saint John’s Regional Medical Center. It was determined that the baby received minor injuries to her head as a result of the collision.

Officers suspect that Savala was driving while under the influence of narcotics, and she was also arrested for that charge.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Senior Investigator Maria Pena at 805-385-7750.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery with a knife
DATE/TIME:	11-16-2010 at 11:35 A.M.
LOCATION:	Towne & Country Market 611 W. First St.
VICTIM(S):	69 year old female Oxnard resident – Not injured. 69 year old male Oxnard resident – Not injured.
SUSPECT(S):	Miguel Angel Cardenas, 33 years old, Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2001, Black, VW Jetta, 4-door
LOSS:	12 Pack of Budweiser Beer & 1-Quart Bottle of Orange Juice
PREPARED BY:	Detective Steven Funk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Steven F. Funk (805) 385-7796 [email protected]

DETAILS: 

On 11-16-2010, at approximately 11:35 A.M., Oxnard Police Officers contacted the victim’s of a robbery that occurred at the Towne and Country Market located at 611 W. First Street, Oxnard. Suspect Miguel Cardenas entered the store and selected beer from the cold storage area of the market along with a bottle of Orange Juice. The suspect started to exit the store without paying for the items when he was contacted by the owners of the store and asked to pay for the items. Suspect Cardenas pulled out a large knife and brandished it at the owners causing them to move out of the way. Suspect Cardenas exited the store and got into an awaiting vehicle. The owners were able to obtain the license plate to the suspect vehicle and officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle in the 300 block of North Harrison Ave. Oxnard Police Officers observed suspect Cardenas walk out of the residence holding the stolen beer. Officers contacted Cardenas and took him into custody without further incident. The items taken in the robbery were recovered.

Anyone with further information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Steven F. Funk at (805) 385-7796, e-mail [email protected] 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:	2nd Annual Battle of the Badges
DATE/TIME:	Saturday 12/11/10, 5:00 pm
LOCATION:	Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Dr., Port Hueneme
PREPARED BY:	Marc Amon, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marc Amon (805)797-6653 or [email protected]

DETAILS:

Oceanview Pavilion proudly presents 2nd Annual charity boxing challenge, “Battle of the Badges”. The proceeds will be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Oxnard Police Activities League and the Volunteers in Policing. The event will be held in Port Hueneme, CA on Saturday, December 11th. The charity boxing event will feature deputy sheriffs and police officers versus firefighters from Ventura County.

This is a collaboration of efforts done in the spirit of giving by the Oceanview Pavilion and public safety professionals throughout Ventura County including the Oxnard Police Officers Association, Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs Association, Oxnard Firefighters Association and Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association.

Money raised will go to support the youth, our future America, at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme and the Oxnard Police Activities League. "The friendly Police versus Firefighter rivalry has been around for decades and we’re all excited to build on that to put on another entertaining evening of boxing for the benefit of these worthy organizations. The months of training leading to this event helps build camaraderie amongst our agencies and the event fulfills our natural inclination to give even more during the holiday season,” says Sergeant Marc Amon, member of the Oxnard Police Officers Association. "Oceanview Pavilion’s Performing Arts Theatre by the beach is honored to join hands with the Ventura County Firefighters Association, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Oxnard Police Officers Association and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oxnard and Port Hueneme," said Sharon Kloeris, Executive Vice President of Marketing.

The official sponsor for the event is the Oceanview Pavilion and current sponsors include B95.1 FM, Coastal Events, F. Morton Pitt Company, Rusty’s and Dynamite Printing.

The doors open at 5 p.m. with the first bout starting at 6 p.m. There will be ten matches, each are three, two-minute rounds which is subject to change.

Tickets are available for $25 general admission, $50 preferred, $75 VIP and $100 ringside. They can be purchased through the box office at Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Dr. in Port Hueneme or they will be available online at www.Tix.com on November 17th.

The event is seeking additional sponsors for the evening. Please contact Sharon Kloeris (805) 986-4818 or [email protected] for more information.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	D.U.I Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	11-15-10/1906 Hours
LOCATION:	Offshore Street and Navy Lane, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Chris Larry Larsen, 42 years, Oxnard
WITNESS(ES):	(Name Withheld)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Blue 1987 Ford Ranger Pick-up
LOSS:	City Property Damage
PREPARED BY:	Officer Patrick Blanche
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Robert Cox, 805-385-7600 (Watch Commander)

DETAILS:

On November 15, 2010, at approximately 1906 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department, along with EMS personnel, responded to the 1000 block of Offshore Street after receiving a call of a single vehicle collision that had rolled over in the intersection of Offshore Street and Navy Lane. Upon arrival officers found that the vehicle, a Blue 1987 Ford Ranger Pick-up, had collided with a street sign and tree located in the center of the roundabout within the intersection. The driver of the Ford, Chris Larsen and his female passenger, Loriann Alsdurf, 42 years old of Oxnard, were observed standing in the vehicle which was found on its side. EMS personnel extricated Larsen and his passenger from the vehicle.

An investigation revealed that Larsen was driving eastbound on Offshore Street towards the intersection of Navy Lane. Witnesses stated that they observed Larsen operating the motor vehicle at a high rate of speed just south Sea Air Park. The Ford was observed colliding with the roundabout and rolling over until it stopped 15 feet east of the intersection. Larsen exhibited signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. Larsen was later transported to V.C.M.C. for treatment of minor injuries. Larsen was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol (D.U.I) His passenger was released at the scene.

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang Related Shooting
DATE/TIME:	11-15-10 / 1815 Hours
LOCATION:	200-block of Cuesta Del Mar
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	14 year-old, Oxnard resident (name withheld) 17 year-old, Oxnard resident (name withheld) Elpidio Lopez, 18 year-old, Oxnard resident Carlos Martinez, 18 year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Roger Garcia
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Alex Arnett 805-486-6297 / [email protected]

DETAILS:

On 11-15-10, at approximately 1815 hours, officers responded to the 200-block of Cuesta Del Mar reference shots being fired in the area. A reporting party reported seeing a silver sports utility vehicle leaving the area. Officers in the Special Enforcement Unit located the vehicle a short distance away and initiated a traffic stop. A 17 year-old occupant fled from the vehicle and was arrested a short distance away. Officers observed him throw an object as he was fleeing from uniformed officers.

The officers recovered that object and it was determined to be a firearm. There were items located inside the vehicle that led investigators to believe this was possibly a gang related shooting. There were no outstanding victims located and no one was injured during the shooting.

An investigation is on going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6297, e-mail [email protected], 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).

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	OXNARD POLICE TO COMBAT DUI DEATHS AND INJURIES THROUGH TRAFFIC SAFETY PROGRAM
DATE/TIME:	November 15, 2010
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS: 

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a new traffic safety grant for a year-long anti-DUI program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways. Additional enforcement measures in place to combat impaired driving are coming as a result of recent grants awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to the City of Oxnard in the amount of $305,000. The Oxnard Police Department is dedicated to keeping our streets safe through both enforcement and education.

Oxnard Interim Chief of Police Scott Whitney said, “We appreciate the partnership and support that we receive from the California Office of Traffic Safety. We have focused much effort on traffic safety and are proud of our results, however there is still much more work to be done. We will continue to look for opportunities at improving the safety of our roadways and this grant will assist us in that effort.”

The special DUI Enforcement and Awareness grant is to assist in efforts to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and other drug related collisions in the community. The grant activities will specifically target impaired driving offenders as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. This will be done through the use of DUI/driver’s license checkpoints, warrant searches and stakeouts for repeat DUI offenders, saturation patrols, court stings where DUI offenders with suspended or revoked driver licenses get behind the wheel after leaving court and community outreach on the dangers of impaired drivers.

Impaired driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. In 2009, over 10,839 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. California data for 2009 shows that 950 died in Alcohol Impaired Collisions, a 7.6 percent reduction in deaths from 2008.

“Everyone in California should be heartened with these figures,” said Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). “But as encouraging as this is, we can’t let up on the efforts to promote and enforce traffic safety. Far too many are still losing their lives or being severely injured on our roadways.” “These figures represent more people making it home safely and alive each day,” said Murphy. “But to keep this trend going, we will continue to strive to meet our vision – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.