John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On Monday July 5, 2010 at about 5:17 PM, Officer’s Phil Flores and Roque Rivera of the Oxnard Police Department were working a two-person patrol unit. They observed a silver 2006 Nissan Maxima commit a traffic violation in the area of Wooley Road and A Street. Officer’s Flores and Rivera attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the Nissan. The Nissan, later found to be driven by Ricky Allen Ritter, failed to yield to the police officers and a pursuit ensued through several streets in Oxnard.

While officers were still in pursuit of the Nissan, Ritter drove westbound on Hemlock Street towards a red light at Patterson Road. At the intersection of Hemlock Street and Patterson Road; the Nissan failed to stop for the red light and broadsided a white 2010 Dodge Caravan driven by Edgar Vargara.

After the collision, Suspect Ritter fled the scene and was arrested without incident in a nearby apartment complex. Suspect Ritter was not injured as a result of the collision.

Mr. Vargara was transported to St. John’s Hospital for further treatment. Mr. Vargara injuries include an abrasion to the right abdomen, bleeding from his mouth, complaint of pain to his head and abdomen.

Suspect Ritter was subsequently arrested for felony evading, felony hit and run, felony grand theft auto, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, possession of burglary tools, and, possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the assistance of the public. If you witnessed the collision or have any information regarding this collision please contact the Traffic Investigator, Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750.

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

DETAILS:

On 7-5-10, at approximately 0303 hours, officers responded to the 1800-block of La Puerta Avenue reference contacting a victim regarding her vehicle being stolen with her 4 year old daughter still inside the vehicle. The victim, Shalawan Wilson, told officers on 7-4-10, she was with her children celebrating the 4th of July when she received a phone call from her ex-boyfriend, suspect Kason Williams, asking for a ride. Victim Wilson agreed to give Williams and his associates a ride and picked them up in the 600-block of East Hueneme Road in the city of Port Hueneme.

Prior to taking Williams and his friends home, Victim Wilson drove to the 700-block of Cuesta Del Mar to pick up her friend. The victim and her 2 younger boys exited her vehicle and ran into her friend’s residence. As the victim was inside the friend’s residence, the victim heard a car engine start up and saw suspect Williams driving away in her vehicle. The victim ran to her vehicle and attempted to stop the suspect because her 4 year old daughter was in the rear passenger seat but Williams refused to stop.

Officers contacted the victim at her residence and broadcasted the stolen vehicle information.

Several minutes later, officers saw suspect Williams driving the victim’s vehicle in the area of Wolff Street and South “I” Street. Officers conducted a traffic stop and took Williams into custody. Officers found the victim’s 4 year old daughter sitting in the backseat unharmed.

During the time of the arrest, officers discovered suspect Williams had an outstanding felony warrant and is on active parole.

Suspect Williams was booked at Ventura County Jail for kidnapping and stolen vehicle and is being held without bail.

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

As the 2010 July 4^th holiday weekend has begun, the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit has started its DUI enforcement efforts by conducting a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on July 2^nd from 6:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.  

The first checkpoint was held in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Boulevard at Peninsula Road. 

The second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Victoria Avenue at Gonzales Road. 

Officers screened 1,323 motorists who passed through the checkpoints.  Officers conducted eight DUI investigations with drivers who had been drinking alcohol and three drivers were arrested for DUI.  One additional driver was arrested for a narcotics violation and providing false identifying information to the arresting officer.   

13 drivers were issued citations for various driver’s license violations.  10 drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and three drivers were cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.  Three vehicles were towed from the checkpoints.

The Oxnard Police Department will be deploying several officers tonight for DUI saturation patrol in the city of Oxnard.  This operation will start at 6:00 P.M. and end at approximately 2:00 A.M. 

As a reminder, the Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI campaign is also out in full force this weekend with several officers from various agencies patrolling cities throughout Ventura County.  Officers from the Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department will join forces with officers from the California Highway Patrol tonight for another DUI checkpoint scheduled to start at 6:00 P.M. 

The Oxnard Police Department and the agencies participating in the Avoid the 14 campaign will conduct several additional DUI checkpoints and DUI saturation patrols during the upcoming summer months.  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 a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA).

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: 

July 3, 2010 0230 hours

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

On July 1, 2010, at about 1430 hours, members of Oxnard Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and Special Enforcement Unit served a search warrant on Cesar Reyes at his residence in the 700 block of Teakwood Street in the City of Oxnard.  Reyes is a known member of the Southside Chiques street gang.  The search warrant was the result of a one month investigation into Reyes for sales of methamphetamines.

During the search of the residence, detectives located a 9mm Uzi assault rifle, several rounds of 9mm ammunition and a quantity of methamphetamines.  Reyes was arrested without incident at the residence.  Reyes was subsequently booked into Ventura County Jail for possession of methamphetamines for sale, possession of an assault rifle and child endangerment with his bail set at $50,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  July 2, 2010 / 1500 hours

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 
On 6-30-10, at approximately 9:07 P.M., a subject entered the Jack in the Box Restaurant, 550 South Victoria Avenue, and ordered food from the clerk. When the clerk opened up the cash register, the suspect pointed a handgun at the clerk and ordered the clerk to hand over all of the money. The clerk placed the money on the counter and the suspect picked it up. The suspect was seen running eastbound through the parking lot and it was unknown if he left the area in a vehicle.  

On 7-1-10, the clerk met with officers and a composite sketch was completed of the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Detective Roger Garcia at 805-385-7688 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).

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  7-1-10 / 1840 Hours

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

In 2009 the 238-officer Oxnard Police Department deployed 128 officers on July 4^th. Between May 1^st and July 5^th 2009 there were 303 total fireworks disturbance calls. 175 of those were received on July 4^th. Officers issued $28,950 in civil fines for the use or possession of fireworks. 125 pounds of fireworks were seized.

As staggering as those numbers are, the last three years has witnessed a decrease in fireworks-related disturbances. Fewer citations have been issued. And, the number of fireworks confiscated has decreased. 

However, residents are still intolerant of fireworks in their neighborhoods. They cite being surprised by the “loud pops,” fireworks-related noise at late hours, and the terror pets and other animals experience. Coupled with the potential for human tragedy, Oxnard residents have made a compelling case for the continued ban of fireworks.

Visitors and residents are encouraged to attend the spectacular Fireworks by the Sea in the Channel Islands Harbor Sunday night, July 4^th and not possess or otherwise use fireworks.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  7-1-10

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

DETAILS: 

On July 4th, the Channel Islands Harbor District will be hosting its 13th annual 4th of July event.  The event will begin at 8:00 A.M. with a 10K & 5K Fun Walk along Sunset Lane and Mandalay Beach Road.  This will be followed by the July 4^th Children’s Parade on Harbor Boulevard.  The parade will begin at 11:00 A.M. and take place on south Harbor Boulevard between Cabezone Way and Albacore Way.  Harbor Boulevard will be closed to vehicular traffic during the parade.  Motorists can use Sunset Lane or Ocean Drive as an alternate route.  

Activities and entertainment are scheduled throughout the day at the Fisherman’s Wharf and Marina.  There will be vendors with booths as well as a farmer’s market.  This will be a family oriented event with fun for all.  The event will end with a fireworks show that begins at 9:00 P.M.

No alcohol, fireworks, including safe and sane fireworks, or flare ignition will be tolerated.  All of the involved law enforcement agencies will be conducting strict enforcement of all related offenses.

This event is expected to draw a large crowd and traffic delays are expected following the fireworks show.  The Oxnard Police Department will be handling traffic control to expedite the flow of traffic surrounding the event site.  Starting at 7:00 P.M., all intersections on Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard from Fifth St. to the harbor area will be controlled by traffic officers.

If you live in the area of any of these intersections, we apologize for any inconvenience. The roads will be re-opened as soon as possible.

These traffic flow modifications are taking place to assist in relieving the traffic congestion from this event in a timely and orderly fashion, with caution for pedestrians.

Please have a safe and enjoyable 4^th of July holiday.

For any questions related to road closures or any of these events on July 4^th, please contact Senior Officer Brian Woolley at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at brianwoolley@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  6/30/10, 1730 hours

John Crombach Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

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

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

DETAILS: