News | Page 75 | Oxnard Police Department

DATE: July 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

SUBJECT: Fight at Soccer Match Leaves Man in Critical Condition; One Person Arrested

LOCATION: Oxnard High School, 3400 West Gonzales Road, Oxnard

VICTIM: Misael Sanchez, 29-years old

SUSPECT: Berlin Jose Melgara, 46-years-old

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6228 | [email protected]

On July 10, 2022, at approximately 11:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to Oxnard High School, located at 3400 West Gonzales Road, in reference to a large fight on the soccer field. When officers arrived, they located the victim, 29-year old Misael Sanchez. Sanchez was unresponsive and not breathing. EMS was summoned and Sanchez was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center. Sanchez is currently listed in critical condition.

Officers spoke to witnesses and learned the fight was between two adult soccer teams. The fight occurred when the two teams disagreed with a referee’s decision. Sanchez was on the field playing soccer for one of the two teams when the fight broke out. During the fight, Sanchez was assaulted by multiple assailants.

Witnesses identified one of the assailants as 46-year old Berlin Jose Melgara. Melgara attempted to leave but was detained and arrested for assaulting Sanchez. The investigation is ongoing and investigators are trying to locate additional witnesses and video of the incident. If you have any information, please contact Detective Carey Everhart at 805-486-6228 or [email protected].

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.

If you video recorded the incident or have photographs of the incident, you are asked to upload your media to the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1800arcadia

The Oxnard Fire Department and the Oxnard Police Department are on scene of a single plane crash in the area of the 500 block South Ventura Rd. As a result Ventura Rd is closed in both directions between Second St and Fifth St. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Cody J. Collet

Oxnard Police Department

Patrol Sergeant (Saturday, Sunday, Monday)

Office (805) 385-7600

Cell (805) 207-8403

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 8, 2022, 7:15 P.M.

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Possessing Handgun with Obliterated Serial Numbers

LOCATION: 6^th St. and Bard Rd., Port Hueneme

SUSPECTS: 16-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 / [email protected]

On July 8th, at approximately 7:15 p.m. officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a suspected traffic infraction. The driver, a juvenile, was contacted and found to be unlicensed. The two remaining juvenile occupants were found to be on probation with search terms. One of the probationers admitted to possessing a firearm in the vehicle.

The occupants were removed and detained. Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded 9-millimeter Hi-Point semi-automatic handgun. Upon further inspection officers noted that the serial number had been obliterated (a felony). The juvenile, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, had a prior weapons conviction for possessing a weapon on school grounds and had specific probation terms that prohibited him from possessing firearms. This charge resulted in an additional felony.

The juvenile was arrested and transported to the Ventura County Juvenile Hall Facility. The juvenile driver was cited for driving while unlicensed and the remaining passenger was released.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: July 8, 2022 / 2045 hours

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 5, 2022, at 1:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Oxnard Man Arrested for Shooting Death that left Two Others Wounded

LOCATION: 3075 Saviers Road, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Adrian Sandoval, 21 Years Old, Oxnard Resident – Deceased

Diego Mares, 19 Years Old, Oxnard Resident – Injured

Arkangel Childs, 24 Years Old, Ventura Resident – Injured

SUSPECT: Willis Nichols, 19 Years Old, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

Detectives with the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit have made an arrest in the shooting death of 19-year old Oxnard resident Adrian Sandoval. Detectives arrested 19-year old Willis Nichols, an Oxnard resident, and charged him with the murder of Sandoval. Nichols was also charged with shooting and injuring two other men.

On March 12, 2022, at 9:38 P.M., Oxnard police officers responded to 3000 block of Saviers Road regarding a shooting. Officers found Adrian Sandoval suffering from a single gunshot wound. Unfortunately, Sandoval succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers also discovered that 19-year old Diego Mares of Oxnard, and 24-year old Arkangel Childs of Ventura had both been shot. Both were transported to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, along with detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and officers with the Special Enforcement Unit, along with members of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, worked tirelessly and diligently to uncover evidence that led to the arrest of Willis Nichols.

Nichols was arrested by detectives on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, and is being charged with murder, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held at the Ventura County Main Jail on two-million-dollar bail.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who was present at the event and may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Justin Songer (805) 385-7680. 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/3075saviersroad

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.

DATE/ TIME: 7/5/22, 3:42 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 2, 2022, 1:43 PM

SUBJECT: Men stopped for public drinking at park had gun

LOCATION: Del Sol Park, 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard

SUSPECT(S): Joshua Vaca, 18, & Anthony Bivens, 21, both Oxnard residents

PREPARED BY: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | [email protected]

CONTACT: Luis Mc Arthur, Commander

(805) 207-4762 | [email protected]

OXNARD, CA – On Saturday, July 2, 2022, at around 1:43 p.m., an Oxnard officer patrolling near Del Park, 1500 Colonia Rd. spotted two men drinking near the restrooms. The men immediately fled into the restroom when they saw the officer.

One of the men, Joshua Vaca came out, but was immediately resistive and was wrestled to the ground. He had a loaded .22 caliber pistol concealed in his pants. The other subject, Anthony Bivens threatened to intercede and hurt the officer if he did not let go of his friend. Other officers responded to help and were able to stop Bivens as he tried to flee through the park. Bivens ditched a knife near a trash can before he was stopped.

Vaca and Bivens were charged with weapons and Bivens faces an additional charge of threatening an officer. The two men were booked in Ventura County Jail.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: July 4, 2022; 1:54AM

SUBJECT: Hit and Run into Residence / Structure Fire

SUSPECTS: Unknown

LOCATION: 2000 Block of North Ventura Road

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | [email protected]

On July 4, 2022, at about 1:54 a.m., Oxnard Police officers and Oxnard Fire personnel responded to the 2000 block of North Ventura Road in reference to a vehicle driving into an apartment complex causing a structure fire to one of the apartments. All of the occupants from the apartment complex were evacuated and no injuries were reported. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene prior to the officer's arrival. The structure fire was extinguished by the Oxnard Fire Department. Edison, Southern California Gas Company, and a city of Oxnard Building Inspector responded to the scene. Unfortunately, one of the apartments was deemed unsafe for the resident to return inside and was displaced. The investigation into the driver of the vehicle is ongoing.

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: June 30, 2022 (9:30 PM)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Persons / Documented Criminal Street Gang Members Arrested for Firearms Possession

SUSPECTS: Marco Juarez, 31-year-old Oxnard resident

Louie Duran, 35-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: \J St. at Bard Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On June 30, 2022, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at J St. and Bard Rd. Officers had prior knowledge that Marco Juarez was in the vehicle and that he had a felony warrant for a PROS violation with an original commitment offense of felony domestic violence. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – that was effective October 1, 2011. This program 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.

A second occupant in the vehicle, Louie Duran, was also found to have a warrant. Juarez and Duran were both arrested for their warrants. Officers searched the vehicle pursuant to the terms of Juarez’ supervised release and located a loaded M&P 9-millimeter handgun, and a loaded 9-millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms.

Juarez and Duran both documented criminal street gang members with prior felony convictions. The prior felony convictions make them both prohibited persons. Duran and Juarez were both charged with their warrants and for felony firearms violations

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: July 1, 2022

SUBJECT: Fourth of July DUI Enforcement

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Stay Safe and Celebrate Fourth of July Weekend Responsibly

Oxnard, Calif. – The Oxnard Police Department reminds drivers to plan ahead and celebrate the holiday safely and responsibly.

This weekend and through Monday, July 4, the Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

In 2020, nearly 500 people were killed in crashes throughout the country during the Fourth of July weekend. Of those deadly crashes, 41% involved alcohol.

According to AAA Southern California, more than five million Californians will travel over the 4th of July holiday. With most traveling by car, allow extra time to get to your destination.

While some festivities may include alcohol, driving under the influence also includes impairment from prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana. Do your research and be informed about how certain drugs may affect your driving ability.

If you are hosting friends and family for barbecues and watching fireworks shows, offer nonalcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. If you see people leaving who have been drinking, offer to have them stay the night or make arrangements for them to take a sober ride home. If you see someone who appears impaired or driving recklessly, call 9-1-1.

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: June 29, 2022 (7:40 PM)

SUBJECT: Documented Criminal Street Gang Members Found in Possession of P80 Semi-automatic Firearms / Follow Up Search Warrant Yields “Ghost” Semi-automatic Rifles

SUSPECTS: Michael Espinoza, 33-year-old Port Hueneme resident

Fidel Rojas, 22-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: Ventura Rd. at Scott St., Port Hueneme

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On June 29, 2022, at approximately 7:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Ventura Rd. and Scott St. Officers contacted the driver pursuant to a search warrant. The driver, Michael Espinoza, and passenger, Fidel Rojas, were removed from the vehicle. Espinoza and Rojas are documented Oxnard criminal street gang members.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded .40 caliber Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun and a loaded 9-millimeter Glock semi-automatic handgun. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Officers arrested Espinoza and Rojas for felony firearms possession.

Special Enforcement Unit Officers followed up by serving a search warrant at Espinoza’s residence, located in the 100 blk. of East C St., in the city of Port Hueneme. Officers located a bag containing two completed, 80%, semi-automatic, .223 caliber rifles and two loaded 30 round magazines. 80% rifles are sold commercially as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Officers examined the rifles and noted fresh metal shavings on the rifles. Fresh metal shavings can be indicative of a ghost firearm that was recently assembled. Officers continued to search and located a drill press which is often used to further assemble P80 handguns and 80% rifles.

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: June 27, 2022, at 7:35 P.M.

SUBJECT: Dispute Results in Death of a Man in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1800 block of Arcadia Street, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Steven Rodriguez, 43 year old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Hispanic Male, 37 year old, (Deceased) (Name Withheld Pending Family Notification)

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | [email protected]

On Monday, June 27, 2022, at approximately 7:35 P.M., the Oxnard Police Department received a call of a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso, in the 1800 block of Arcadia Street. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered that the male shooting victim had been transported to St. John Medical Center by private vehicle. The shooting victim, a 37 year old male, was subsequently transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and immediately taken into emergency surgery. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. His name is being withheld until notification has been made to his family.

A second victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center. It was determined that Steven Rodriguez had been stabbed several times in the upper torso. The stabbing had also taken place during the altercation on Arcadia Street. Rodriguez’s wounds are believed to be non-life threatening.

Investigators were called to the scene. Detectives are in the preliminary stages of the investigation, but it is believed that Rodriguez was inside of his residence when the 37 year old entered Rodriguez’s home and an altercation ensued. During this altercation, Rodriguez was stabbed and the 37 year old male was shot. It is believed that both parties knew each other prior to this incident. The nature of the dispute is currently under investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone who has any information, may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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 of Oxnard.

DATE/ TIME: June, 27, 2022 at 2:00 A.M.