DATE: May 13, 2022

SUBJECT: Narcotics and Firearms Arrest

SUSPECTS: Alejandro Soto, 33-year-old Oxnard resident

Maria Serrato, 43-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block West Pleasant Valley Road, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

On Friday, May 13, 2022, the South District Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) and the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) conducted a directed enforcement detail in the shopping plaza located in the 100 block of West Pleasant Valley road regarding several complaints of gang and narcotics activity.

During the detail, officers attempted to make a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle. The vehicle failed to yield and led the officers on a brief pursuit before the pursued vehicle was involved in a traffic collision. The occupants of the vehicle fled the vehicle and two of the occupants were taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, officers located two loaded firearms, narcotics, and evidence of narcotics sales. One of the occupants, Alejandro Soto, is a documented gang member and he was found in possession of a loaded firearm.

Soto was placed under arrest for being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm, possession of an unregistered firearm, and resisting arrest. Serrato was placed under arrest for possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, both felonies.

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 7, 2022, 11:40 A.M.

SUBJECT: Shooting During a Family Dispute

SUSPECT: Kevin Manalo, 23-year-old, Oxnard Resident

LOCATION: 100 block James Avenue, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756

[email protected]

On May 7, 2022, at about 11:40 A.M., patrol officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 100 block of James Avenue regarding a shooting. When officers arrived, they located two shooting victims, a 27-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound to her chest and a 61-year-old male suffering from two gunshot wounds to his leg. Both victims were transported to the Ventura County Medical Center and are in stable condition. The suspected shooter, Kevin Manalo, was detained by other family members until the patrol officers arrived, and he was arrested at the scene. The firearm was also recovered.

Detectives with the Family Protection Unit and Major Crimes Unit responded to investigate the incident. Detectives learned before the shooting that there was an argument. Manalo retrieved a rifle and fired several rounds during the altercation, striking the victims.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Kevin Adair (805) 385-7663.

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 PREPARED: May 7, 2022, 3:40 P.M.

Officers are in the area of 9th/E Street assisting the Oxnard Fire Department with a structure fire. Traffic will be heavily impacted in the area. Please use alternate routes.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 4, 2022; 2:00 PM

SUBJECT: Rise in Stolen Vehicles

LOCATION: Citywide

CONTACT: Corporal Enrique Alvarez

(805) 385-7664 | enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

There has been a rise in the number of vehicles that are being reported stolen in the city of Oxnard. Between January and April of this year, 186 vehicles have been reported stolen. Of the 186 vehicles stolen, the vehicle keys were left inside forty-five (45) of the stolen vehicles. Fifty-three (53) of the reported stolen vehicles were 1990 model Honda Accords or Civics. Twenty-two (22) of the Honda sedans were left open and unlocked; three (3) of the Honda sedans were left unattended with the engine running.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing the number of stolen vehicles, but we need your help. By following these easy steps, you can protect your vehicle and your valuables from thieves.

· Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.

· Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest openings.

· Take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car or leave your car running.

· Use an anti-theft device on your 1990s Honda Accords and Civics

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively reduce or stop vehicle theft without the assistance of concerned and responsible community members. Report suspicious activity when it occurs.

Anyone with information regarding suspicious or 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.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

Update: Traffic Advisory – Units have cleared the area of 9th/E Street.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Forwarded message –
From: Giles, Sharon <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, May 9, 2022 at 3:14 PM
Subject: Traffic Advisory – 9th/E Street Oxnard
To: DL – Press Releases <[email protected]>

Officers are in the area of 9th/E Street assisting the Oxnard Fire Department with a structure fire. Traffic will be heavily impacted in the area. Please use alternate routes.

Thank you,

Commander Giles

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

[email protected]

Sharon Giles, Commander
Oxnard Police Department
Patrol Services
Sun-Wed, Dayshift (0600-1600)

[email protected]

Regarding the original news release earlier this date, some language has been adjusted to correct and clarify statistics.

Updated news release attached.

Paul Carganilla

Community Affairs Manager

phone: (805) 385-7631 / mobile: (805) 342-8292

email: [email protected]

251 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93030

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 9, 2022

SUBJECT: Arson Fire at Elementary School in Oxnard

SUSPECT: Unknown

LOCATION: Driffill Elementary School – 910 South “E” Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Detective Jared Schacher

805-385-7594 | [email protected]

On Monday, May 9, 2022, at approximately 2:42 P.M., the Oxnard Fire Department, along with the Oxnard Police Department, responded to Driffill Elementary School regarding a structure fire. The fire was immediately contained and quickly extinguished. There were no injuries reported.

Police and arson investigators responded to the scene and determined that a roll of toilet paper had been lit on fire inside the men’s restroom. Police are searching for the person or persons responsible for this incident.

If you have information regarding this fire, please contact Detective Jared Schacher at (805) 385-7594. Also, anyone with information on 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 stay 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.

Alex Arnett, Commander

Investigative Services Bureau

Oxnard Police Department

251 South C Street, Oxnard, Ca. 93030

Desk – (805) 385-7620

[email protected]

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 5, 2022

SUBJECT: April’s Distracted Month

CONTACT: Mike Wood, Corporal

(805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

Citations Issued for Hands-Free Cell Phone Violations

Oxnard, Calif. – Numerous drivers were cited for hands-free cell phone violations during several distracted driving enforcement operations during the month of April in response to "Distracted Driving Month". Officers issued a total of 115 citations issued during the enforcement mobilization period.

California has had distracted driving laws on the books since 2008. Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold their phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, or using an app.

Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine. Violating the hands-free law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call or need to program directions, pull over to a safe parking spot. Before driving, either silence your phone or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

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

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NEWS RELEASE

DATE: May 5th, 2022 (6:40 PM)

SUBJECT: Prohibited Person / Documented Criminal Street Gang Member Arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECTS: Javier Hernandez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 blk. Hull Pl., Oxnard

CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant

(805) 797-6202 | [email protected]

On May 5^th, 2022, at approximately 6:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 blk. of Hull Pl. Officers contacted the driver who was identified as Javier Hernandez. Officers noticed open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle and removed the occupants to conduct a search. During the search, officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun that was concealed in a bandana. Javier was arrested for several felony firearms violations. Officers later learned that Javier is on probation for committing a felony assault likely to produce great bodily injury, out of Santa Barbara County. Javier is also a documented criminal street gang member out of Santa Barbara County.

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: May 2, 2022, 9:50 A.M.

SUBJECT: Juvenile Shot In Accidental Shooting

LOCATION: 1200 Block Rubio Circle, Oxnard, CA

CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Detective

(805) 385-7796

[email protected]

On May 2, 2022 at approximately 9:50 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to St. John’s Hospital in reference to a shooting victim. When officers arrived, they contacted the victim, a 14-year-old female Oxnard resident, who had sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper torso. She was later transported to another local hospital and was listed in stable condition.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to assist. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the juvenile had been shot at her residence in the 1200 block of Rubio Circle. Investigators determined that a family member had been in possession of a handgun and was showing the firearm to the juvenile when it discharged, striking the juvenile. The family member then transported her to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time.

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 2, 2022 / 8:00 P.M.