News Release: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Results

NEWS RELEASE

DATE:           August 31, 2024

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

CONTACT:   Michael Gens, Sergeant

                        (805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org 

 Seven impaired drivers arrested during DUI checkpoint and saturation.

On August 30, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol, held a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint at Ventura Road and Stone Creek Drive, as well as a simultaneous city-wide DUI saturation. The operation resulted in seven arrests for impaired driving, and two arrests for driving while suspended for DUI, one arrest for possessing a controlled substance, and eighteen citations for various traffic violations, including being an unlicensed driver.

Checkpoint locations 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.

NEWS RELEASE***

DATE:         August 30, 2024 / 6:40 p.m.

SUBJECT:   Person Arrested for Brandishing a Firearm / Firearm Possession

SUSPECT:   Laureliano Morales, 25-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 100 Block of South Harrison Avenue, Oxnard

CONTACT:   Kevin Baysinger, Commander

                      (805) 797-7600 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org            

On the above date and time, Oxnard police officers responded to a call of a brandishing with a firearm in the 100 block of South Harrison Avenue.  Morales was in an argument with a resident.  As he was leaving, Morales brandished the victim with a firearm.  Officers contacted Morales as he was seated by himself in a nearby vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unloaded firearm.  Additionally, officers located illegal drugs on Morales.  He was arrested for brandishing a firearm, firearm possession, and drug possession. 

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:            August 28th, 2024 / 8:10 p.m.

SUBJECT:      Person arrested for Firearm Possession

SUSPECT:     Roberto Ruiz, 23-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION:  1200 block S. Oxnard Boulevard

CONTACT:    Kevin Baysinger, Commander

                     (805) 385-7771 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

On August 16th, at approximately 8:10 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation.  While on the stop, officers found evidence of recent drug use.  During a search of the vehicle, officers located an unserialized loaded firearm.  The driver and solo occupant, Ruiz, was arrested for firearms-related violations. 

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:           August 28, 2024 

SUBJECT:    Distracted Driving Enforcement 

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) | micheal.gens@oxnardpd.org

On August 29, 2024, the Oxnard Police Department will conduct an enforcement operation focused on drivers suspected of violating the hands-free cell phone law.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle. 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 is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NEWS RELEASE —

DATE:           August 28, 2024

SUBJECT:    DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint and DUI Enforcement Patrols 

CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant

(805) 385-7847 | michael.gens@oxnardpd.org

Oxnard Police Department to hold DUI Checkpoint and use extra officers to patrol for suspected impaired drivers

The Oxnard Police Department will have additional officers working patrol on Friday, August 30, 2024, specifically looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In addition, the Oxnard Police Department will hold a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city. The DUI Checkpoint and DUI patrols will be from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

DUI checkpoints and patrols are done in locations with a history of DUI-related collisions and arrests. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal. 

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license. 

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

NEWS RELEASE —

DATE: August 22nd, 2024 / 8:35p.m. 

SUBJECT: Arrest of Narcotic Sales and Firearm Possession

SUSPECT:   Hector Alonzo Gomez , 20-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1900 Ginger Street, Oxnard.

CONTACT:   Kevin Baysinger, Commander

                      (805) 385-7771 | kevin.baysinger@Oxnardpd.org

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police Officers contacted Gomez reference a call for service of persons disturbing at the apartment complex.  Gomez fled from the officers but was quickly apprehended.  He was found to be in possession of a firearm with a high capacity magazine.  Gomez was also in possession of a backpack; in this backpack officers located narcotics and marijuana, as well as items indicating the sale of these drugs.  He was arrested for firearms violations and sales of both marijuana and a controlled substance. 

 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: August 23, 2024 

SUBJECT: Shooting Victim 

LOCATIONS: 500 block Cuesta Del Mar Drive, Oxnard Rose Avenue & Emerson Avenue, Oxnard  

VICTIM: 17-Year-Old Female, Oxnard Resident CONTACT: Detective Randall Gonzales  

(805) 288-3289 | randall.gonzales@oxnardpd.org 

On August 22, 2024, at approximately 9:12 PM, Officers from the Oxnard Police  Department responded to multiple reports of shots heard in the 500 block of Cuesta Del  Mar Drive in Oxnard. Minutes later, the Oxnard Police Department received several  calls of a single-vehicle injury traffic collision at Rose Avenue and Emerson Avenue.  The callers stated that one of the occupants in the vehicle had been shot. 

Officers arrived at the scene of the traffic collision and located a 17-year-old female  suffering from a single gunshot wound to the neck. She was transported to an area  hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery. She is listed in stable condition.  There were two additional occupants in the vehicle who were uninjured. 

Witness statements and evidence at both scenes indicate that the shooting victim was  driving in the 500 block of Cuesta Del Mar Drive with two passengers when an unknown  suspect fired several shots at the vehicle, and the victim was struck by gunfire. The  victims fled the area in an attempt to transport the shooting victim to the hospital when  they were involved in a traffic collision. 

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit assumed  responsibility for the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and no further  information is available at this time. If you have any information regarding this case,  please contact Detective Randall Gonzales at 805-288-3289 or by email at  randall.gonzales@oxnardpd.org.  

Information can be reported online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website:  www.oxnardpd.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.

NEWS RELEASE —

DATE: August 22, 2024 (9:00 p.m.) 

SUBJECT: Documented Gang Member / Prohibited Person, in Possession of P80 Handgun

SUSPECTS:  Sergio Durazo, 44-year-old Oxnard resident

  Yesenia Castro-sosa, 38-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION:  1200 Blk. Saviers Rd., Oxnard

CONTACT:   Bakari Myers, Sergeant

                      (805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org

On August 22, at approximately 9:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop in the 1200 blk. of Saviers Rd.  The driver, identified as Sergio Durazo, was found to have a domestic violence warrant.  During the domestic violence incident, it was alleged that Durazo brandished a firearm at the victim.  Officers arrested Durazo for his warrant.  The right front passenger, Yesenia Castro, was found to have a felony warrant for possession of narcotics for sale.  Castro was arrested for her warrant.  

During the traffic stop, officers noticed possible narcotic paraphernalia inside of the vehicle.  Officers removed the suspected narcotic paraphernalia and ultimately located a semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle.  Upon further inspection of the firearm, officers determined the handgun to be a loaded 9-millimeter, Glock-style, Polymer 80, un-serialized, 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 continued to search the vehicle and located an extended magazine capable of holding 31 rounds.  

Durazo is a documented criminal street gang member who has prior convictions for firearm possession and carjacking.  Due to Durazo’s convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.  

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.

NEWS RELEASE —

DATE:           August 22, 2024

SUBJECT:   Serious Injury Traffic Collision Involving a Vehicle and Bicyclist

LOCATION:   Gonzales Road at Outlet Center Drive, Oxnard

DRIVER: 33-year-old female resident of Ventura

VEHICLE: 2021 Hyundai Sonata  

BICYCLIST: 34-year-old male resident of Oxnard     

CONTACT: Officer Raul Camacho

(805) 385-7749 (Tue-Fri 7AM-5PM) I raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org

On August 22, 2024, at approximately 7:05 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist at the intersection of Gonzales Road and Outlet Center Drive. 

Upon arrival, officers located a male subject lying in the roadway of Gonzales Road, east of Outlet Center Drive. A damaged bicycle was located on the center median of Gonzales Road. EMS rendered medical aid to the bicyclist, and transported him to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition. Traffic Investigators responded to take over the investigation.

Preliminary investigation revealed a 2021 Hyundai Sonata was traveling westbound Gonzales Road approaching the intersection of Outlet Center Drive. The bicyclist was riding southbound through the parking lot of the 7-11 convenience store located at 2201 E. Gonzales Road. The bicyclist entered Gonzales Road and was struck by the Hyundai. The driver of the Hyundai stopped, remained on scene, and cooperated with the investigation. The investigation is ongoing. 

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Raul Camacho at (805) 385-7749 or via email at raul.camacho@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our watch commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and still can be reached at (805) 385-7746 or (805) 385-7778.