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 | [email protected]

 

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 | [email protected]

 

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  [email protected]

 

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 | [email protected]

 

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 | [email protected]

 

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.

 

NEWS RELEASE

 

DATE:            March 26, 2022 (6:15 PM)

SUBJECT:     Firearm Arrest

SUSPECTS:  Oscar Mendoza Ortiz, age 40, Oxnard resident

LOCATION:   Third Street and Juanita Avenue

CONTACT:     Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

                       (805) 385-7771 | [email protected]

 

 

On March 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Special Enforcement Officers working extra gang enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by suspect Oscar Ortiz (age 40) at the intersection of Third St. and Juanita Ave. While speaking with Ortiz, officers observed a rifle on the rear passenger floorboard. Ortiz was removed from the vehicle, a search was conducted, and a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun was also located under the driver's seat. Ortiz was arrested for several felony firearms related charges.

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:           March 24, 2022

SUBJECT:    Oxnard Police Department – Know Your Limit campaign

CONTACT:   Mike Wood, Senior Officer 

                     (805) 385-7749 | [email protected]

 

Oxnard Police Department brings back the Know Your Limit campaign

 

The Oxnard Police Department is excited to bring back an educational alcohol program to our community called “Know Your Limit.” This type of operation was brought to our community in 2017 but has not been utilized due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

In the past, officers have teamed up with local bars and restaurants around the city to educate patrons of the effects of alcohol. Officers were originally trained by the Huntington Beach Police Department, who has seen overwhelming success in their community with the program, and will visit local restaurants and bars with breathalyzers in hand.

 

With the current program, officers will offer breath tests to willing participants as they enjoy their evening drinks.  Patrons will be offered a breath test to show how much alcohol is in their body and will be provided educational documents. Since the implementation of the Know Your Limit campaign in Oxnard, officers have educated hundreds of patrons at several establishments.

 

The campaign is not a "test and arrest" situation, but rather a way for the public to stay informed and make smart choices when provided with the breathalyzer results. Officers will also provide information on safe alternatives to getting home such as planning ahead with a designated driver, utilizing an online transportation service, or calling for a taxi.

 

Over the course of the past three years, Oxnard officers have investigated 704 DUI collisions, which have claimed 12 lives and resulted in another 254 injuries.  The “Know You Limit” campaign will help educate people on the dangers of drinking and driving and assist the Oxnard Police Department in reaching our goal of reducing alcohol-involved collisions.

 

The program will be announced on social media to let the public know where and when officers will be visiting local bars and restaurants.

 

Be on the lookout for the Choose Your Ride car which is a half taxi, half black-and-white police vehicle. This vehicle is used as a static display during Know Your Limit campaign operations and sends a clear message about our commitment to making our streets safer.

 

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