John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Independence Day Weekend DUI Operations
DATE/TIME:	July 2nd, 2010 1800-0200 July 3rd, 2010 1800-0200 July 4^th, 2010 1900-0300
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting several DUI operations over this July 4^th weekend. Starting on Friday night, July 2^nd, officers from the Oxnard Police Traffic Unit will be deployed for a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint will begin at 6:00 P.M. and end at 2:00 A.M.

On Saturday, July 3^rd, officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be participating in an “Avoid the 14 Ventura County” DUI checkpoint hosted by the California Highway Patrol. This checkpoint will begin at 6:00 P.M. and end at 2:00 P.M. Officers from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and Ventura Police Department will also be working at this checkpoint scheduled to be held in the city limits of Oxnard.

In addition to these checkpoints, several officers throughout Ventura County will be deployed this weekend in the cities of Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Fillmore, Moorpark, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme searching for impaired drivers. These officers are also part of the “Avoid the 14 Ventura County” DUI campaign.

The goal of these DUI operations is to arrest impaired drivers and warn people of the dangers and consequences of driving while impaired. Over the Limit, Under Arrest is all around the state and Ventura County! According to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, someone in the United States dies in an alcohol-related collision every 45 minutes and 32 times a day.

In 2009, during the July 4^th holiday period (July 3^rd to midnight July 6^th), 30 people lost their lives in California due to alcohol-related collisions. There were an additional 363 people injured on California roadways as a result of an impaired driver.

Last year in Oxnard, during the July 4^th holiday, the Oxnard Police Department investigated over 30 traffic collisions. 12 of those collisions involved injuries to motorists and three of those injury collisions were caused by a DUI driver. So far this year, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested over 475 DUI drivers and remains committed to its ‘Zero Tolerance, DUI Campaign.’

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these checkpoints and DUI enforcement operations which are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

We also remind everyone that if you see a Drunk Driver, Call 911. This is an easily preventable crime – drive sober, and drive safely!

For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/29/10, 1700 hours

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Mounted Unit Deployed for Fireworks Suppression
DATE/TIME:	July 3^rd & 4^th
LOCATION:	Oxnard Shores and Channel Islands Harbor
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Special Projects Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	SAA, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

The popular and effective Oxnard Police Department Mounted Unit will be deployed Saturday, July 3^rd and Sunday, July 4^th as part of the Agency’s fireworks suppression strategy.

Officers Larry Eklund, his partner “Clinton,” and Officer Jim Evans and his partner “JJ,” will be deployed on Oxnard beaches Saturday, July 3^rd alerting the public that Oxnard continues it zero tolerance approach to fireworks especially over the 4^th of July weekend. These officers and their partners have similarly been deployed each of the last two years in an effort to gain public compliance. July 4^th fireworks-related disturbance calls have been significantly reduced in Oxnard from 410 in 2007 to 216 in 2008 and 175 in 2009.

The Mounted Unit will expand its mission Sunday, July 4^th, focusing on fireworks suppression in, and around the Oxnard Shores and the Channel Islands Harbor. Much of their deployment will be during nighttime hours.

Clinton and JJ have been asked to, and will participate in Channel Islands Harbor Children’s Parade. This marks the first time this “working unit” has participated in a parade.

Residents and visiting beachgoers are reminded that possession and use of fireworks is prohibited in Oxnard with violators facing fines as much as $1,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-30-10

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Alert
DATE/TIME:	6-28-10/1100
LOCATION:	On Harbor Blvd. between 5^th Street and Gonzales Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. S. Kawaguchi
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. S. Kawaguchi

DETAILS:

On 6-28-10, at 1100 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a single car traffic collision. Officers discovered that a Ford Explorer had collided into a power pole, dropping power lines across the roadway. Harbor Blvd. Between 5^th Street and Gonzales Road is closed.

Edison was notified and they estimate that Harbor Blvd will be closed for 6-8 hours until repairs can be made. Drivers will have to take alternate routes.

DATE: 6-28-10 Report #

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arnold Road Closure
DATE/TIME:	July 4^th, 4 PM to 2 AM
LOCATION:	Arnold Road
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Special Projects Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	SAA, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

Arnold Road will again be closed on Sunday, July 4^th, from 4 PM to 2 AM. This continues a practice begun years ago to not only protect the wetlands and wildlife located there, but to discourage the use of illegal fireworks in this fragile environment. Local neighborhood groups and members of the Audubon Society suggested this measure and it has proven to discourage pedestrian and vehicular traffic and eliminate the use of illegal fireworks.

Residents are reminded that possession and use of illegal fireworks is prohibited. The Oxnard Police Department is continuing its “zero tolerance” policy as it relates to fireworks.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6-29-10

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Home Invasion Robbery
DATE/TIME:	6-24-10/2055
LOCATION:	200 block of Deodar Ave.
VICTIM(S):	Phillip Craven (21 year-old Oxnard resident) Samantha Martinez (20 year-old Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT(S):	#1 – Hispanic male, 21-24 years, 5’8-5’10” tall, 200 pounds #2 – Hispanic male, 21-24 years, 5’8-5’10” tall, 170 pounds
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:	Personal Property (Value $430.00)
PREPARED BY:	Detective Charles Buttell
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

On 6-24-10, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a home invasion robbery in the 200 block of Deodar Avenue. Officers contacted the victims and found that one had been assaulted. The suspects entered the residence, confronted the victims and took personal property from them. The suspects fled the residence on foot.

Anyone with information on possible suspects is asked to contact Detective Chip Buttell at 805-385-7665, or Ventura County Crime stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or http://venturacountycrimestoppers.org/.

DATE: 6-17-10 Report # 10-12682

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic Alert – ADDENDUM
DATE/TIME:
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:

DETAILS:

Members of the media have inquired about the driver’s name. The driver of the SUV was Suisami James Faasua, age 22, of Oxnard. He was wearing his seatbelt and both of the vehicle’s front airbags deployed. He sustained only minor injuries and was treated and released at the scene by Oxnard firefighters and Gold Coast Ambulance paramedics. Alcohol is not a factor and no citations were issued. The collision is still under investigation. The roadway remains closed at this time while Edison crews make repairs.

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 of Person (shot fired)
DATE/TIME:	June 25, 2010 06:55 AM
LOCATION:	2814 Saviers Rd Lauderland Wash and Dry
VICTIM(S):	32 Year-old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	White male 45 years, 5’6”-5’8”, thin build with a black beard wearing grey clothing
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1990’s green Chevrolet full sized pick-up, with a construction rack covering the bed.
LOSS:	Undetermined amount
PREPARED BY:	Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Charles Buttell (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:

On 6/25/10 around 06:55 AM, Officers responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred to a person at 2814 Saviers Rd, outside the Lauderland Wash and Dry. Once officers arrived they were told a suspect was in the business while patrons were doing their laundry.

The victim exited the business with her purse on a cart. The suspect grabbed the purse from the laundry cart and a brief struggle with the victim ensued over the purse. The suspect fled with the victim’s property. The victim gave chase to the rear of the business. The suspect brandished a handgun at the victim, who continued to pursue the suspect.

As the suspect neared his vehicle, which was parked in a nearby neighborhood he fired one shot from his gun at the victim. The victim was not hit by the gunfire. The suspect entered his vehicle and fled the scene.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind residents of the dangers of pursuing the suspect of a crime. The best practice is to be a good witness and obtain a detailed description of the suspect(s) as well as any possible get away vehicles.

If anyone has information about the robbery they are requested to Call Det. Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7665 or Ventura County Crime stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

Oxnard Police Department

Violent Crimes Unit

Sergeant Terry Burr

Office (805) 486-6211

Cellular (805) 797-6048

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	UPDATED PHOTOS Armed Robbery of Person (shot fired)
DATE/TIME:	June 25, 2010 06:55 AM
LOCATION:	2814 Saviers Rd Lauderland Wash and Dry
VICTIM(S):	32 Year-old female, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	White male 45 years, 5’6”-5’8”, thin build with a black beard wearing grey clothing
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1990’s green Chevrolet S-10 or full sized pick-up, with a construction rack covering the bed.
LOSS:	Undetermined amount
PREPARED BY:	Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Charles Buttell (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:

Early this morning officers responded to a call of a robbery that had just occurred to a person at 2814 Saviers Rd, outside the Lauderland Wash and Dry. Once officers learned that an armed robbery had occurred to a customer at Lauderland. They were also told that the suspect was armed and had fired a shot at the victim while he was leaving the area.

This afternoon investigators retrieved surveillance footage from inside the business prior to the robbery. This is the suspect prior to leaving the business and grabbing the victim’s purse.

If anyone recognizes the suspect in this photo they are asked to call 911 and have the local law enforcement contact him. He is considered armed and dangerous. If you have information about the robbery and want to remain anonymous you are requested to Call Det. Charles Buttell at (805) 385-7665 or Ventura County Crime stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Pursuit
DATE/TIME:	6/23/10 / 2322 hours
LOCATION:	“C” Street @ Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Gustavo Meza, 22 years, City of Oxnard Resident Jose Cancino, 18 years, City of Oxnard Resident Three Oxnard Juveniles
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	1991 Green, Cadillac El Dorado /5YYC131 CA
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jim Evans
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	eduardomiranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police Officers attempted to stop Suspect Meza for failing to stop at a stop sign. Meza led officers on a thirty minute vehicle pursuit from South Oxnard to Thousand Oaks. Meza’s vehicle ran out of gas and he was apprehended along with Jose Cancino and three juveniles. Meza was charged with felony evading (2800.2(a) CVC) and felony child endangerment (273a(a) PC). Cancino was not charged and released at the Oxnard Police Department. The three juveniles were arrested for violating their probation and released to their parents.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/24/10, 0445 hours.

John Crombach
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest of murder suspect
DATE/TIME:	June 18, 2010; 1700 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura, CA
VICTIM(S):	Joseph Jacquez 13 years-old
SUSPECT(S):	Pablo Manuel Cruz (D.O.B. 2/21/91)
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Terry Burr
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Erik Mora, (805) 385-7680 erikmora@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On June 18, 2010, Oxnard Police detectives arrested Pablo Manuel Cruz (D.O.B. 2/21/91) for the drive-by shooting murder of thirteen-year-old Joseph Jacquez. Jacquez was shot to death at 1^st Street and Roosevelt Avenue on June 10, 2009.

Cruz, a Santa Paula resident who has ties to an Oxnard gang, is being sent to the Ventura County Jail, where he is being held without bail. He is being charged with murder (187 PC) and a gang allegation (186.22 PC).

The Oxnard Police Department will not provide further information about the circumstances of this arrest or other details about the investigation at this time, since additional arrests are anticipated. Investigators believe that Cruz did not act alone while committing this criminal act.

Anyone with information about the case can contact Detective Erik Mora at (805) 385-7680 or via email at erikmora@oxnarpd.org.

The City of Oxnard is also offering a $10,000.00 reward to persons who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those additional persons who are responsible for this crime.