News | Page 64 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 21, 2022

DATE OF INCIDENT: June 6, 2022, at 6:57 a.m.

SUBJECT: Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Incident- Lemonwood Park

Arrest- 2100 Block of Joyce Place

VICTIM: 75-Year-Old Male Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Stephanie Mendez, 30-Year-Old Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Michael Velasquez, Detective

(805) 385-8287 | michael.velasquez@Oxnardpd.org

On June 6, 2022, at approximately 6:57 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a stabbing victim at Lemonwood Park, located at 2055 San Mateo Place. Prior to officers arriving, the victim, a 75-year-old Oxnard resident, was transported by a private party to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Evidence of the assault was located in Lemonwood Park. Witnesses described the attacker as a white or Hispanic female in her mid 20’s.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed responsibility for the investigation. After a lengthy investigation, it was learned that the victim was walking through the park when the unprovoked attack occurred. During the altercation, the victim was stabbed in the neck. The suspect then fled the area on foot. Investigators were able to identify the suspect as 30-year-old Oxnard resident Stephanie Mendez. On the morning of September 21, 2022, investigators served a search warrant at Mendez’ residence, where she was contacted and taken into custody without incident. Mendez was later booked into the Ventura County Jail for attempted murder and released to the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Michael Velasquez at 805-385-8287 or michael.velasquez@oxnardpd.org.

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnard.org, and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information by calling Ventura 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: September 16, 2022, 6:00 P.M.

SUBJECT: Juvenile on Felony Probation for Firearm Violation Arrested for Possessing Loaded Handgun

LOCATION: 600 blk of Howell Rd., Oxnard

SUSPECTS: 17-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 / bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On September 16th, at approximately 6:00 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting patrols in the 5200 blk. of Squires Dr. when they observed several subjects that appeared to be consuming alcoholic beverages near the recreational center where small children were present. As officers attempted to make contact, the subjects fled into Garden City Acres Park. One of the subjects fled north to the 600 blk. of Howell Rd. and attempted to hide while trespassing on one of the properties on Howell Rd. When the officers contacted the subject, later identified as a 17-year-old Oxnard resident, the juvenile stated that he lived on the property. The residents of the property were contacted and officers found out that they did not know the juvenile.

As the officer detained the juvenile, the juvenile spontaneously stated that he had a firearm concealed on his person. The officer recovered the loaded semi-automatic firearm and the juvenile was arrested for firearms possession. Officers conducted a records check and learned the juvenile was on felony probation for a prior firearms arrest. Officers returned to the scene where they originally attempted to contact the subjects and located the opened bottle of liquor that they appeared to be passing around.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and K9 Unit are 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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 13, 2022, 9:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Youth Soccer Coach Arrested for Lascivious Acts

SUSPECT: Oscar Ramirez, 31-year old, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 800 block Belleza Drive, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On September 13, 2022, at about 8:25 P.M., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 31-year-old Oxnard resident Oscar Ramirez. Mr. Ramirez was a youth soccer coach coaching girls' youth soccer at Del Sol Park. Mr. Ramirez was arrested for lascivious acts and child annoying with several players under the age of 16 he coached.

Investigators from the Family Protection Unit investigated the allegations and determined there was enough probable cause to arrest Mr. Ramirez. Oscar Ramirez was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on a bail amount of $20,000.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could be other victims who have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Oscar Ramirez is asked to contact Detective Juan Morales at (805) 385-3922.

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 also 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: September 14, 2022 (4:57 PM)

SUBJECT: Passenger Arrested with Stolen Firearm, Second Passenger Arrested for Violating POST Release Offender Terms

SUSPECTS: Alina Garcia, 23-year-old Camarillo resident

Jacob Steir, 20-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Victoria Ave. at Gonzales Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On September 14th, at approximately 5:05 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop for a suspected traffic infraction. Officers made contact with the occupants and noticed open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle. Officers conducted a record check and learned that one of the passengers, Jacob Steir, was on Post Release Supervision for committing an assault likely to produce great bodily injury. 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. Steir is also a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member. A second passenger in the vehicle was identified as Alina Garcia. A records check revealed Garcia was on probation for providing false information to a peace officer.

Officers conducted a search of the vehicle due to the open alcoholic beverage containers and pursuant to the supervised release terms of Garcia and Steir. During the search, officers located a loaded revolver in Garcia’s purse. Officers conducted a records check on the serial number for the revolver and learned that it had been reported stolen out of Kern County. Garcia was subsequently charged with possessing a stolen firearm. Steir was placed on a Post Release Offender hold for violating the terms of his release.

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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 14, 2022, 7:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Oxnard Man Arrested for Lewd Acts with Children

SUSPECT: Manuel Aguilar Villalobos 62-year old, Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 200 block East Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org

On September 14, 2022, at about 5:00 P.M., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit arrested 62-year-old Manuel Villalobos. Detectives arrested Mr. Villalobos for seven counts of lewd acts with a minor and possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Detectives from the Family Protection Unit worked with Social Workers from Ventura County Children and Family Services to investigate the allegations. Several interviews were conducted with victims, and evidence was collected, which helped to establish enough probable cause to arrest Mr. Villalobos. Manuel Villalobos was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility with no bail.

The Oxnard Police Department is conducting an ongoing investigation and believes there could be other victims who have not reported similar incidents to the police. Anyone with information regarding this case or any similar incidents involving Manuel Aguilar Villalobos is asked to contact Detective Adam Aguilar at (805) 385-7662.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 12, 2022

SUBJECT: Police release name of 14-year old victim killed by gunfire

LOCATION: 1300 block of South C Street, Oxnard

VICTIM: Leonardo Gonzalez Jimenez, 14-year old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Alex Arnett, Commander

(805) 385-7620 | alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

The Oxnard Police Department has released the name of the 14-year old victim that was killed by gunfire. Leonardo Gonzalez Jimenez was shot and killed Monday evening as he stood by a bus stop waiting for a ride home from a relative.

Oxnard Police responded to a shooting victim in the 1300 block of South C Street on Monday, September 12, 2022, at approximately 7:45 pm. Officers and EMS personnel located Jimenez on the ground suffering from gunshot wounds and transported him to the Ventura County Medical Center. Unfortunately, despite lifesaving efforts, Jimenez died at the hospital.

Major Crimes detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the case. Preliminary information indicates the shooting was gang-related.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, or may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Kaya Boysan (805) 385-7645. Additionally, the City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1300southcstreet

All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Also, 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 also 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: September 12, 2022, at 7:45 P.M.

SUBJECT: 14 Year Old Male Shot Dead in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1300 Block of South C Street

VICTIM: Male, Hispanic, 14 Years Old, Oxnard Resident (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

On September 12, 2022, at about 7:45 P.M., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the call of a shooting victim in the 1300 block of South C Street. Upon arrival, officers located a 14 year old male subject, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel quickly arrived, began life-saving measures and transported the young male to the Ventura County Medical Center. Unfortunately, once at the hospital the young man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The name of the victim is being withheld until notification can be made to his family.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and has took over the investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Kaya Boysan (805) 385-7645. The City of Oxnard offers a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for committing homicides within the City.

DATE/ TIME: 9/13/22, 01:00 A.M. Hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 12, 2022

SUBJECT: Child Passenger Safety Week

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | Mike.Wood@oxnardpd.org

Child Passenger Safety Week is Sept. 18-24

During Child Passenger Safety Week, the Oxnard Police Department reminds the public there are resources available for car seat installations.

Safe Kids Ventura County, led by the Ventura County Public Health Department, offers free car seat installations and will have certified child passenger safety technicians available at the Ventura County Fire Department located at 106 E. Durley Ave, Camarillo. The technicians will teach parents and caregivers how to install the car seat correctly and educate them on the appropriate seat based on the child’s age and size.

Car seat installations are offered every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. with pre-registration required. To register for an installation, visit the Safe Kids Ventura County website at https://safekidsventuracounty.org/car-seat-education/

The Oxnard Fire Department also offers car seat installations by appointment only. Contact the Oxnard Fire Department at (805) 385-7722 to make an appointment.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused.

Child Passenger Safety Week concludes with National Seat Check Saturday on Sept. 24.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Parents are encouraged to keep your child in rear- and forward-facing seats as long as possible. Children 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt.

To learn more about the Safe Kids Ventura County car seat program, visit https://www.safekids.org/coalition/safe-kids-ventura-county or contact (805) 981-5225

To search for car seat programs in your county, visit the OTS website. You may also contact your local CHP Area Office to schedule a free child safety seat inspection.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 11, 2022

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

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Ten impaired drivers arrested during two simultaneous DUI checkpoints and saturation patrol.

On September 10, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police department collaborated with members of the California Highway Patrol and California State University, Channel Islands Police Department to hold two simultaneous DUI and driver’s license checkpoints. The first checkpoint was held at Oxnard Boulevard and Second Street. The second checkpoint was held at Wooley Road and A Street. Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation. The two checkpoints and DUI saturation patrol resulted in ten DUI arrests and 41 traffic 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 are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 9th, 2022 (3:00p.m.)

SUBJECT: Fugitive With Felony Domestic Violence Warrant Apprehended With K9 Assistance After Barricading in His Residence

SUSPECTS: Gerald Silva, 26-year-old Port Hueneme resident

LOCATION: 1500 blk. Sixth St., Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On September 9th, 2022, with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard K9 Unit, and the Oxnard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit (UAV), the Oxnard SWAT Team served an arrest warrant in the 1500 blk. of Sixth St., in the city of Port Hueneme. The felony warrant was for Gerald Silva, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, who was wanted for a felony domestic violence warrant.

Oxnard SWAT Officers and Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies surrounded the residence, announced their presence, and called for occupants to exit the residence. Deputies on the perimeter could see Silva peering out from one of the windows and then going back into the residence. Silva’s father and an adult female complied and exited the residence. SWAT officers made several more announcements and called out to Silva by name and received no response.

SWAT officers notified neighboring residents and assisted them with evacuation. After additional announcements, SWAT officers inserted “tear gas” into the residence. SWAT officers could see a subject fall from the attic area into the living room of the residence. Suspect Silva then exited the front door. After several warnings and opportunities to comply, Oxnard SWAT officers deployed extended range less lethal munitions at Silva in conjunction with a deployment of K9 “Rocky”. Silva was apprehended by K9 “Rocky” and was taken into custody at approximately 1810 hours. Silva was treated at the scene by a TEMS Specialist (Oxnard Fire personnel attached to the Oxnard SWAT Team) and then escorted to EMS. Silva was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center for further treatment prior to being booked for his felony warrant and for resisting arrest.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit and SWAT Team members are 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. Booking photographs for adult felony arrest available on the department website: www.oxnardpd.org under crime & safety, and booking / call logs.