News Release: Planned Comprehensive Fireworks Enforcement (6/5/22)

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            June 5, 2022

SUBJECT:     Planned Comprehensive Fireworks Enforcement Efforts

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT:   Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

                        (805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

 

All fireworks are illegal in Oxnard. Despite this, each year during the month leading up to July 4th, the Oxnard Police Department receives many fireworks complaints. In 2020, 3329 fireworks calls were received during the month leading up to July 4th; 1,078 of the calls were received on the July 4th weekend. On the 4th of July itself, during the 8-hour time frame between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Department received 715 fireworks calls. However, in 2021 there was a significant decrease in the number of fireworks calls received during the month leading up to July 4th with 499 reported for the entire month; 314 of them were received during the holiday weekend, and 237 of them received during the evening hours of July 4th.

 

Fireworks are a significant nuisance to the majority of our residents and they can be extremely dangerous. For example, in 2019 a young adult male was tragically killed in our city by a mortar that exploded. Each year fireworks land on rooftops and cause structure fires in the city. Fireworks also cause emotional distress for many of our residents particularly those suffering from PTSD. They can also be very distressing for pets. Many of our residents resort to administering prescription sedatives to their pets to help them cope with fireworks.  

 

The above reasons demonstrate why the Oxnard Police Department has a zero tolerance enforcement approach towards fireworks. While it is often very difficult for officers to catch fireworks violators, each year the Department nonetheless prioritizes deploying as many police resources as reasonably possible towards fireworks enforcement. Last year, as a result of the dedicated and comprehensive fireworks enforcement efforts, the Department issued far more fireworks citations than any other police department in Ventura County. 

 

Any individual caught using, or possessing fireworks, is subject to a fine ranging from $250-$1000; “Safe and Sane“ fireworks (sparklers, cones, flowers, etc.) carry a $250 fine; while “Dangerous” fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M80s, mortars, etc.) carry a $1000 fine.   

 

In preparation for the upcoming fireworks enforcement effort, the Department will again be positioning message trailers in specific areas of the city where last year had heavy fireworks activity. The message trailers will display information reminding residents that fireworks are illegal and informing them of the fines.  Additionally, the Department has already begun mailing warning letters to addresses where fireworks activity was reported last year. The letters advise the residents that their addresses will be closely monitored this year for any repeat violations. 

 

The Department’s Crime Reduction Unit plays a valuable role in this effort by analyzing recent fireworks calls and regularly updating patrol officers of the specific locations where fireworks are occurring. Officers starting their shifts are asked to target those specific addresses for enforcement purposes during their patrols.  Throughout the month leading up to July 4th, Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) officers will be proactively sending out warning notices to specific addresses where fireworks activity is being reported. Furthermore, in the weeks leading up to July 4th, NPT officers will be teaming up with Fire Department and Code Compliance personnel and conducting periodic undercover fireworks suppression operations at night that will involve the use of a drone, to help pinpoint addresses where fireworks are occurring.

 

This year the Department is planning another comprehensive fireworks enforcement effort on July 4th utilizing all available resources within reason. This means that many officers who would normally have Independence Day off have been assigned to work, including officers in specialized lateral assignments such as our NPT, Homeless Liaison Unit, Special Enforcement Unit, and Traffic Unit. The Department will deploy the officers in a multitude of capacities including uniformed patrol, undercover operations, motorcycle, bicycle, and foot patrols. Additionally, the Department will deploy several drones to detect locations where fireworks are occurring. Police personnel will team up with the Oxnard Fire Department and Oxnard Code Compliance Department in this comprehensive team effort.  

 

The City of Oxnard has a social host ordinance which holds property owners responsible for fireworks activity occurring on, or from, their property.  Last year, for the second time, the Department used a drone on the 4th of July which aided in identifying specific addresses where fireworks were being used. However, given the high volume of fireworks calls on July 4th, officers were not always able to immediately contact the property owners/renters to issue a citation. Nonetheless, NPT officers followed up by mailing fireworks citations to the property owners during the month of July to ensure they were held accountable for the illegal/dangerous activity occurring on their property. The Department will follow the same procedure this year but will be using enhanced drone resources. Property owners where dangerous fireworks are occurring will be subject to receiving a citation for $1000. 

 

The Oxnard Police Department is respectfully asking all of our residents to celebrate Independence Day safely, and respect the peace and well-being of their neighbors and their pets, by refraining from using fireworks. 

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?

·  Fireworks Cellphone Line (905-307-6308) Dedicated line specifically for fireworks complaints. Carried by an NPT officer while on duty to take down specific information of problematic locations where fireworks are occurring at.

·  Fireworks Tips via Email ([email protected]) Please provide specific information regarding locations, days, and times  

·  Fireworks Hotline (805-394-5884) Callers can remain anonymous

·  Oxnard Police Department Non-Emergency Number (805-385-7740) Use for reporting fireworks activity in progress. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout the city. 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            June 1, 2022

SUBJECT:   Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Jed Malmquist, 49 year-old Oxnard Resident

                        Tiffany Reeves, 41 year-old Oxnard Resident

                        Camilo Zamora, 63 year-old Oxnard Resident

LOCATION:  4300 Block of Terrace Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT:   Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

                      (805) 256-5121  [email protected]

 

During the month of May, 2021, the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) and the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) began an investigation into narcotics activity occurring at a residence located in the 4300 block of Terrace Avenue. During the investigation, detectives received several complaints regarding multiple subjects coming and going from the residence. After completing the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant in reference to the narcotics activity at the residence. 

 

On June 1, 2021, with the assistance of Oxnard SWAT, Oxnard K9 Unit, Oxnard Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Unit, and South District NPT, DEU Detectives served a search warrant at the residence. Prior to the service of the search warrant, three occupants were observed entering a vehicle and leaving the residence. SWAT Officers conducted a traffic enforcement stop and detained the three subjects. A passenger in the vehicle, Jed Malmquist, was found in possession of a large quantity of fentanyl and US Currency.  

 

After the three subjects were detained, the search warrant was served at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, multiple requests were made for the occupants to exit the residence. Officers observed occupants moving around in the residence, but refusing to exit. Officers attempted to make contact with the occupants for several minutes with no response. SWAT Officers utilized a Light and Sound Distraction Device and quickly gained compliance from the occupants. In total, eleven occupants exited the residence and were detained by SWAT. During a search of the residence, SWAT Officers located Camilo Zamora hiding in the rafters inside the garage. Zamora surrendered to SWAT Officers without incident. He was found to have a felony arrest warrant for violating his terms as a Post Release Offender (PRO).    

 

DEU detectives responded to the residence after all of the subjects were detained to complete the investigation. During the investigation, the primary resident was identified as Tiffany Reeves and the residence had multiple makeshift beds and sleeping areas. Detectives conducted a search of the residence and located Drug paraphernalia throughout the entire residence and further evidence of narcotics sales.

 

Jed Malmquist was arrested for possession for sales of Fentanyl, transportation of Fentanyl, and felon in possession of ammunition, all felonies. Tiffany Reeves was arrested for maintaining a drug house, a felony. This is Reeves’ second felony arrest for maintaining a drug house by DEU. Since April 2021, Reeves has been arrested on three separate occasions for maintaining a drug house at this residence. Camilo Zamora was arrested for his felony warrant. A fourth subject was issued a notice to appear for a misdemeanor warrant.

 

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses 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. 

 

 

 

   NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            May 29, 2022, 7:33 A.M.

SUBJECT:   Assault Victim

LOCATION:  500 Block North Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA.

CONTACT:   Michael Velasquez, Detective    

(805) 385-8287                    

[email protected]

On May 29, 2022 at approximately 7:33 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of North Ventura Road in reference to an injured subject.  When officers arrived, they located the victim, a 38-year-old male Ventura resident, down in the street.  The victim was suffering from a blunt force injury.  He was later transported to a local hospital where he was listed in critical condition. Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist. Preliminary information indicates the victim was assaulted.  The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact Detective Michael Velasquez at 805-385-8287 or email him at [email protected].

 

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 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 PREPARED:  May 29, 2022 / 4:23 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:           May 20, 2022

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

CONTACT:   Rocky Marquez, Sergeant

                        (805) 200-2337 | [email protected]

 

Four impaired drivers arrested during a DUI checkpoint and saturation patrols

 

On May 20, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., Oxnard Police officers held a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Wooley Road at A Street.  Specially trained officers also conducted a citywide DUI enforcement saturation.  The checkpoint and DUI saturation patrols resulted in four DUI arrests and 33 traffic citations. 

 

Checkpoint locations and DUI saturation patrols 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.