NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            April 5, 2022

SUBJECT:     National Distracted Driving Campaign

CONTACT:    Mike Wood, Senior Police Officer   

                      (805) 385-7749 | mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

2022 U DRIVE. U TEXT. U PAY. CAMPAIGN

Oxnard, CA – The Oxnard Police Department is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort. From April 7-11, 2022, law enforcement officers from across the country will work together to enforce texting and distracted driving laws to make our roads safer for all road users.

According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%. NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities, in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.

Millennials and Generation Z are the most distracted drivers, often using their cell phones to talk, text, and scroll through social media while behind the wheel. According to NHTSA research from 2017, young drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers since 2007. In 2019, 9% of people killed in teen (15-19) driving crashes died when the teen drivers were distracted at the time of the crash.

Many drivers are guilty of a “double standard” when it comes to distracted driving. In its 2018 Traffic Safety Culture Index, the AAA Foundation reported that while nearly 96% of drivers believed it was very or extremely dangerous to read a text or email while driving, 4 out of 10 drivers admitted to doing so within the previous 30 days.

Drive Safe Every Trip

The Oxnard Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so. If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:

• If you are expecting a text message or need to send one, pull over and park your car in a safe location. Once you are safely off the road and parked, it is safe to text.
• Ask your passenger to be your “designated texter.” Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
• Do not engage in social media scrolling or messaging while driving.
  
• Cell phone use is habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Activate your phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature, or put your phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of your vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Break the cycle. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay. For more information, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            April 2, 2022 (5:04 PM)

SUBJECT:     Firearm Arrests

LOCATION:   2100 block of Alexander St.

VICTIM:         State of California

SUSPECT:     Joel Antonio Ruiz, age 19, Oxnard resident

                       Name withheld, age 17, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE:      Black Chevrolet Tahoe

CONTACT:     Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

                       (805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

On April 2, 2022, at around 5:04 p.m., officers assigned to work extra gang enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Tahoe in the 2100 block of Alexander St. Officers contacted the driver Joel Antonio Ruiz, age 19, and a 17-year old male passenger. Officers conducted a records check and determined that both occupants were on probation for previous firearm convictions. Officers conducted a search of the vehicle pursuant to the probation terms and located two loaded 9mm sub-compact handguns concealed in the center console area. Officers subsequently arrested both Ruiz and the ­juvenile for various felony charges related to the possession of the firearms.

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:            April 3, 2022 (2:00 AM)

SUBJECT:   Firearm Arrest

LOCATION:  3000 block of Saviers Road (West Alley)

VICTIM:         State of California

SUSPECT:   Amber Bencomo, age 21, Oxnard resident

VEHICLE:     White Lexus

CONTACT:   Miguel Serrato, Patrol Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7771 | miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org

On April 3, 2022, at around 2:00 a.m., officers with the Oxnard Police Department contacted several subjects loitering in the west alley of the 3000 block of Saviers Road. One of the subjects contacted was Amber Bencomo (21yrs.). Bencomo was associated with a white Lexus vehicle. The officers were able to observe a bolt action shotgun in plain view inside the vehicle. The officers obtained the keys for the vehicle from Bencomo and they seized the bolt action shotgun. The bolt action shotgun was found to be loaded. Officers subsequently arrested Bencomo for possession of a loaded firearm. One of the other subjects associated with Bencomo was found to be on parole for robbery and was arrested for a parole violation.   

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:            April 1, 2022

SUBJECT:   Illegal Marijuana Indoor Cultivation

SUSPECTS:  Boris Poghosyan, 35-year-old Glendale Resident

LOCATION:  1500 block South Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard

CONTACT:   Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

                      (805) 256-5121  Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

During the month of March 2022, The Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) received a complaint regarding an illegal marijuana cultivation occurring inside a business building located in the 1500 block of South Oxnard Blvd. DEU Detectives contacted the detectives from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) – Los Angeles Field Office. With the assistance of DCC Detectives, DEU Detectives verified that the business was not a licensed facility to cultivate marijuana. Detectives developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the business.  

On April 1, 2022, with the assistance of the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (SEU), DEU detectives served a search warrant at the business. While serving the search warrant, officers encountered heavy fortification on the building. The suspect, Boris Poghosyon refused to exit the building and surrender to the officers. Deputies from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) responded to assist in the investigation. After approximately three hours, officers were able to gain access into the building to conduct a search. Poghosyon was found hiding in the ceiling of the business. He was taken into custody without incident.  

Once the building was secure, DEU detectives began a search of the business. During the search of the business, Detectives located large plastic containers containing liquid fertilizer. The Oxnard Fire Department was on scene and inspected the containers before detectives continued the search. Detectives also learned that the business was being operated from two large generators and the power to the business was altered. Southern California Edison responded to the business to verify the safety of the electricity at the business.

Detectives located approximately twenty pounds of processed marijuana and over seven hundred marijuana plants in various stages of growth.

Upon completion of the investigation, the building was red-tagged and the power was removed from the business, pending further investigation. Boris Poghosyan was placed under arrest for cultivation of marijuana and resisting or delaying a police officer during the course of his/her duty, both misdemeanors.   

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing narcotics related crimes 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:         April 1, 2022

SUBJECT:  Motorcycle Safety Enforcement

CONTACT: Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant   

                   (805) 385-7847 | ricardo.vazquez@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard, Ca. – The Oxnard Police Department will have extra officers out on patrol Sunday, April 3, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

·         Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots.

·         Use your signal when changing lanes.

·         Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.

·         When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists:

·         Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.

·         Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

·         Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.

·         Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

·         Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes.

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:            March 31, 2022 (2:16 PM)

SUBJECT:     Firearm Arrest

LOCATION: Camino Del Sol and Maulhardt Ave

VICTIM:       State of CA

SUSPECT:     Victor Alfonso Cortez, age 26, Oxnard resident

CONTACT:   Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

                        (805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org

On March 31, 2022, at around 2:16 p.m., a two-officer unit assigned to work extra gang enforcement, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Camino Del Sol and Maulhardt Ave. Officers contacted the driver Victor Alfonso Cortez, age 26, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle. During the contact, officers observed narcotic paraphernalia in plain view. Officers removed Cortez from the vehicle. Officers searched Cortez and located brass knuckles along with a small quantity of methamphetamine. Officers searched the interior of the vehicle and located a loaded Glock 19 9mm handgun tucked between the driver’s seat and center console. Officers subsequently arrested Cortez for various felony charges related to the possession of the firearm, including being under the influence of a controlled substance while in possession of the firearm, and a felony charge for possession of the brass knuckles.   

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.