News | Page 58 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 8, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Patrols

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol on Saturday, February 11, 2023, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an operating heavy machinery warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or are taking medications that can affect your ability to drive, please take these precautions to avoid a DUI:

● Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab, or public transportation – to get home.

● Walking while impaired is also dangerous. Have someone sober walk you home or stay with you until a sober driver is available to pick you up.

● Report drunk drivers – Call 911.

● Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home.

A DUI arrest is not cheap. Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license and possible jail time.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 8, 2023 (8:48 PM)

SUBJECT: Post Release Offender with Three Prior Gun Convictions Arrested for Firearm Possession, Second Passenger Also Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: Juan Rivera, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

Cesar Morales, 21-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 blk. W. Hemlock St., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On February 8, at approximately 8:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 blk. of Hemlock St. The right front passenger, identified as suspect Juan Rivera, immediately fled from the vehicle while holding his waistband. Rivera was apprehended and officers recovered a loaded revolver where Rivera was taken into custody. Officers searched Rivera incident to his arrest and found Rivera to be in possession of methamphetamine.

Rivera, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, was found to have a felony warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release. Rivera has three firearm convictions. Rivera is on Post Release Offender Supervision, (PROS), for firearm violations. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.

Officers at the original traffic stop detained two additional subjects. Officers observed open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle and removed the occupants. As officers removed the rear passenger, identified as Cesar Morales, officers observed a semi-automatic handgun on the seat next to where Morales was seated. Morales is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member who has a prior carjacking conviction as well as additional firearm convictions.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 9, 2023

SUBJECT: Super Bowl DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Super Bowl LVII is a Win-Win When You Plan Ahead: Score a Sober Ride Home

The Oxnard Police Department is reminding football fans that there’s no “DUI” in team. If you’re heading out to a Super Bowl party and you plan on drinking, make sure you stick to the “Go Safely” game plan and choose a sober way to go.

On Super Bowl LVII Sunday (Feb. 12), the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that alcohol is not the only substance that impairs. Marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs may also impair your ability to drive safely. Do your research and understand how certain drugs may affect you.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 9, 2023 (6:37 PM)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person with Prior Firearms Convictions Arrested for Possessing a Zip Gun

SUSPECTS: Miklo Serrato, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1900 blk. N. Ventura Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On February 9, at approximately 6:37 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1900 blk. of Ventura Rd. The driver was identified as Miklo Serrato, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member. The officers had prior knowledge that Serrato had a prior firearm conviction. During the officers’ contact with Serrato, they learned he was in possession of a loaded firearm. Serrato was removed from the vehicle and officers recovered a loaded zip gun and a replica firearm. Zip guns are makeshift firearms often constructed from household supplies. Zip guns are often used by criminals because they are cheap, and untraceable. Serrato was arrested for possessing the zip gun. Officers conducted a records search on Serrato and confirmed that he has felony convictions for firearms possession as well as a felony assault.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 12, 2023

SUBJECT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and Saturation Patrol Results

CONTACT: Miguel Serrato, Sergeant

(805) 200-2337 | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

Four impaired drivers arrested during simultaneous DUI checkpoint and saturation patrol.

On February 11, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department held a simultaneous DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Rose Avenue south of Gary Drive and a city-wide DUI saturation patrol. The operations resulted in four arrests for impaired driving, 1 misdemeanor warrant arrest, and thirty-one citations.

Checkpoint locations are based on a history of crashes and DUI arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

Funding for this checkpoint and DUI enforcement patrols was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 12, 2023

SUBJECT: Double Fatal Collision

LOCATION: Fifth Street and Portofino Place, Oxnard

DRIVER Adult Male (name withheld pending next of kin notification)

PASSENGER Adult Female (name withheld pending next of kin notification)

VEHICLES 2020 Honda Civic and 2022 Hyundai Sonata

CONTACT: Officer Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator | (805) 200-5668 |

[email protected]

On February 12, 2023, at approximately 12:07 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call for service of an injury traffic collision at the intersection of Fifth Street and Portofino Place.

Upon arrival, officers located the two vehicles involved in the traffic collision. One of the vehicles involved was a 2020 Honda Civic and the other vehicle was a 2022 Hyundai Sonata. EMS quickly responded and attempted to extricate two trapped occupants in the Honda Civic to perform life-saving measures. An adult male was contacted in the vehicle but was pronounced deceased at the scene. An adult female was also contacted in the Honda Civic. The adult female was transported to VCMC but subsequently succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The names of the deceased are withheld pending next of kin notifications.

The solo occupant and driver of the 2022 Hyundai Sonata remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Based on the initial investigation, Investigators believe speed/reckless driving was a contributing factor to the collision. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 200-5668 or via email at [email protected].

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 12, 2023

SUBJECT: Barricaded Felony Wanted Suspect

SUSPECTS: Martin Rojas, 26 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 2600 Block of Lilac Walk, Oxnard

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 385-7600 [email protected]

On February 11, 2023 at approximately 9:22 P.M, Oxnard patrol officers were conducting an investigation regarding an assault with a deadly weapon and criminal threats. During the investigation, officers learned that the suspect, Martin Rojas, was inside of a residence in the 2600 block of Lilac Walk. When officers attempted to contact Rojas, he closed the front door to the residence and refused to exit the residence.

Members of the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) responded to assist. Officers continued to try and establish communication with Rojas for over 5 hours. After Rojas failed to comply with the officers, SWAT Officers inserted chemical agents into the residence. Rojas quickly exited the residence and surrendered to officers without further incident

Rojas was arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Criminal Threats, both felonies. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing violent crime in the City of Oxnard. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

Oxnard Police Officers are investigating a significant traffic collision in the 1600 block of North Oxnard Blvd. Southbound traffic lanes on Oxnard Blvd are closed at West Gonzales Road to Glenwood Drive. Please use an alternate route until further notice.

If you witnessed this collision or have any information that may help the investigation, please call (805)385-7600.

UPDATE:

All roadways have been re-opened. Thank you for your assistance.

If you witnessed this collision or have any information that may help the investigation, please call (805)385-7600.

Sergeant Brandon Ordelheide

Oxnard Police Department

Cell: 805-256-5121

251 South C Street

Oxnard Ca, 93030

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: February 5, 2023

SUBJECT: Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving Pedestrian

DRIVER/VEHICLE: 34-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

2009 Ford Focus

PEDESTRIAN: Tyler Black 30-year-old male of Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Alexis Arellano, Traffic Investigator

(805) 718-3234 | [email protected]

On February 5, 2023, at approximately 4:45 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a call for service regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that occurred at Oxnard Boulevard and Glenwood Drive.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2009 Ford Focus was traveling southbound on Oxnard Boulevard approaching Glenwood Drive when it struck Tyler Black, a 30-year-old male of Oxnard who was walking on the roadway. Black sustained significant injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. The driver of the Ford Focus remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Based on the initial investigation, Officers do not believe that speed or alcohol were a contributing factor to the collision. Traffic Investigators responded to take over the investigation.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Investigator Alexis Arellano at (805) 718-3234 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.