News | Page 94 | Oxnard Police Department

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: April 8, 2021 (4:37 PM)

SUBJECT: Good Samaritan intervenes during attempted carjacking

LOCATION: 3700 block W. Fifth Street

VICTIM: Withheld

SUSPECT: Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, Santa Maria resident

CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander

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

On 10/8/21, at about 4:37 p.m., an elderly female victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot in the 3700 block of W. Fifth Street when suspect Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, approached her as she was attempting to enter her vehicle. Suspect Rocha grabbed the victim, including her keys, and demanded her car. An alert good Samaritan witness observed the crime in progress and intervened, causing suspect Rocha to divert his attention towards the witness and aggress on him. At the time, the witness directed the victim to get into her car and leave the scene. The victim followed the witness’ direction and drove away. Suspect Rocha tried fleeing the scene on foot, however the witness entered his vehicle and followed suspect Rocha, keeping him in view the entire time, until police arrived. Rocha was positively identified during an infield lineup and was subsequently arrested for the felony charge of attempted carjacking. Officers later determined that Rocha is currently on parole out of Santa Maria.

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: October 6, 2021, 9:20 A.M.

SUBJECT: Firearms Related Arrest

LOCATION: 1500 Block Of 7^th Street, Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Kevin Gormley, Detective

(805) 385-7686

kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org

On August 23, 2021 at approximately midnight, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a brandishing of a firearm in the 1200 block of South G Street. When they arrived, they contacted the victim, who told them that a subject in a vehicle had brandished a firearm at him in a threatening manner.

Investigators from the Special Operations Division assumed responsibility for the investigation. During the course of the investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 37-year-old Port Hueneme resident John Kozak.

On October 6, 2021 at approximately 9:20 A.M., investigators located Kozak driving his vehicle in the City of Port Hueneme. Kozak was contacted and taken into custody without incident. During a search of his vehicle, two loaded handguns were located. A search warrant was subsequently served at Kozak’s residence. During the service of the warrant, several other firearms, including two AK-47 style assault rifles, several thousand rounds of ammunition, high capacity magazines, and numerous other gun parts were seized. The firearms located in the residence were found to be loaded and unsecured. Several children were present at the residence and had access to the firearms.

Kozak was arrested for criminal threats, child endangerment, and numerous firearms related charges. He was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on those charges. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormely@oxnardpd.org.

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: October 6, 2021 / 3:30 P.M.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 5, 2021, 7:00 p.m.

SUBJECT: Manufacturing Fentanyl / Firearm / Narcotics Sales Arrest

SUSPECTS: Gabriel Cardenas, 37-year-old Oxnard resident

Martin Ipatzi, 29-year-old Oxnard resident

LOCATION: 1100 South J Street, Oxnard

CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant

805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org

On January 26, 2021, DEU detectives served a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of South J Street. During the service of the search warrant, detectives located a large quantity of fentanyl and a fentanyl processing lab. During the month of September, DEU detectives learned that subjects were continuing to process fentanyl and sell narcotics from the residence. Detectives developed enough probable cause to obtain a second search warrant for the residence.

On October 5, 2021, DEU detectives were conducting surveillance at the residence when a known drug offender, Martin Ipatzi, engaged in a suspected narcotics transaction at the residence. Ipatzi was stopped by uniformed patrol officers and found to be in possession of narcotics. Ipatzi was arrested for misdemeanor narcotics offenses.

After Ipatzi was arrested, DEU detectives served the search warrant at the residence. During the service of the search warrant, Gabriel Cardenas fled the residence on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Cardenas was taken to the ground and surrendered without further incident. Cardenas was found in possession of a large quantity of US Currency.

DEU detectives conducted a search of the residence and located multiple pounds of methamphetamine, multiple pounds of processed fentanyl, over a pound of pure fentanyl, cutting agents, a processing machine, a firearm, and further evidence of narcotics processing and sales. Gabriel Cardenas was arrested for felony narcotics related crimes. This is Cardenas’ fourth narcotics sales arrest in Ventura County. Cardenas was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail request of $1,000,000.

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: October 2, 2021 (7:45 PM)

SUBJECT: Parolee in Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Nauman Road at Hueneme Road

SUSPECT: Jose Suarez, age 33, Oxnard Resident

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On October 2nd, 2021, at approximately 7:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) and K9 Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of Nauman Road and Hueneme Road Officers contacted the driver, Jose Suarez, age 33, who is on parole for robbery.

Officers conducted a search of Juarez and his vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded 9 millimeter handgun inside of the vehicle. Juarez was arrested for various felony firearm related charges.

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: October 3, 2021 (4:14 AM)

SUBJECT: Illegal Possession of a Firearm

LOCATION: Hull Place and K Street

SUSPECT: Juan Hernandez, age 27, Oxnard Resident

Jorge Fernandez, age 20, Santa Barbara Resident

CONTACT: Jose Velazquez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | jose.velazquez@oxnarpd.org

On October 3rd, 2021, at 4:14 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Communication Center received a 911 call in reference to gunshots heard in the area of Hull Place and K Street. Upon officer’s arrival, several subjects fled the area.

After a brief foot pursuit, officers apprehended Juan Hernandez (27 years), Jorge Fernandez (20 years), and an additional Hispanic male adult. Fernandez is currently on active California Department of Corrections parole for assault with a firearm.

During a search of Hernandez, officers located a loaded .38 caliber handgun. A records check of the handgun revealed it was previously reported stolen. Hernandez was arrested for various felony firearm related charges. Fernandez was arrested for a parole violation.

During the canvass of the area no gunshot victim was located.

*UPDATE*

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 1, 2021, 10:00 A.M.

SUBJECT: Located Missing Elderly Adult

LOCATION: 1900 block Lantana Street, Oxnard

VICTIM: Javier Humberto Martinez, 75-year-old Oxnard resident

CONTACT: Scott Aaron, Sergeant

(805) 385-7756 | scott.aaron@oxnardpd.org

On October 1, 2021, at about 8:00 A.M., Javier Humberto Martinez was located at the United States and Mexico border. Mr. Martinez was found safe and is currently in the process of being reunited with his family.

During the investigation, investigators learned that Mr. Martinez was living safely in Mexico for the last week.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: October 1, 2021 (7:00 PM)

SUBJECT: Wanted Gang Member Arrested for Unlawful Firearm Possession

LOCATION: 1400 block of Ivywood Drive

CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant

(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org

On October 1st, 2021, at approximately 6:35 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) were conducting uniformed gang enforcement in the Hobson Park West area of Oxnard when they conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the 1400 block of Ivywood Drive. Officers contacted the driver, Serafin Arenas (21yrs). Arenas is a documented member of a tagging crew in the City of Oxnard. Arenas was found to be driving on a suspended driver’s license, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest and had an open alcoholic beverage inside of the vehicle.

Officers conducted a search of Arenas and his vehicle. During the search, officers located a 9 millimeter Glock-style Polymer 80 semi-automatic handgun, a 9 millimeter magazine, and 9 millimeter rounds of ammunition in the center console. Polymer 80 semi-automatic handguns are commercially sold as incomplete, without serial numbers, and must be further manufactured to make them into functioning firearms. Arenas was arrested for various felony firearm related charges.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 30, 2021, 2114 hours

SUBJECT: Victim Shot and Killed in Oxnard

LOCATION: 1000 block of Hull Place, Oxnard, CA

VICTIM: Isaiah Palazuelos, 23 Year Old, Oxnard Resident

SUSPECT: Unknown

CONTACT: Edgar Fernandez, Sergeant

(805) 385-7763 | edgar.fernandez@Oxnardpd.org

On September 30, 2021, at 2114 hours, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call of shots fired in the south alley of the 1000 block of Hull Place. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, identified as Isaiah Palazuelos, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene and transported the victim to the hospital where unfortunately he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. This is the 13^th homicide in the City of Oxnard this year.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have video recorded or photographed all or part of the incident, to upload your media directly to the investigators via the following link: https://oxnardpd.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/1000hullplace All submissions are immediately logged into the Oxnard Police Department’s digital evidence system. Contact information is not stored by Axon and community members can remain anonymous, choosing to upload their files without providing contact information.

Also, investigators are encouraging anyone who may have heard or seen anything to contact Detective Charles Buttell (805) 385-7688. 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.

*UPDATE*

RELEASE

DATE: September 30, 2021 9:30 p.m.

SUBJECT: Fatal hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist

LOCATION: Hemlock Street east of N Street, Oxnard

SUSPECT: Julio Cesar Sanchez, 39-year-old of Oxnard

VEHICLE: Red 1995 Honda Civic

BICYCLIST: 16-year-old male of Port Hueneme, CA

CONTACT: Jose Diaz, Senior Officer

(805) 385-7749 | jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

Update (Refer to the original collision information below)

On September 29, 2021, at 8:34 p.m., Oxnard traffic investigators responded to a hit and run collision that occurred on Hemlock Street east of N Street which resulted in the death of a 16-year-old bicyclist of Port Hueneme. Based on the investigation, it was determined the bicyclist was westbound on Hemlock Street when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The bicyclist was ejected off his bike as the driver of the vehicle fled the scene of the collision westbound on Hemlock Street.

Traffic investigators conducted an extensive search and located the vehicle which was abandoned in the area of Hemlock Street and Patterson Road. The owner of the vehicle was identified as Julio Cesar Sanchez, a 39-year-old Oxnard resident, and investigators were able to determine that Sanchez was the driver involved in the collision. As a result, Sanchez was arrested for felony hit and run and vehicular manslaughter. Sanchez was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749, or via email at jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org.

On September 29, 2021, at approximately 8:34 p.m., Oxnard officers and EMS personnel responded to a hit and run traffic collision involving a vehicle and bicyclist that occurred on Hemlock Street east of N Street. When police personnel arrived at the scene of the collision, they discovered a 16-year-old male bicyclist of Port Hueneme had been struck by a vehicle and sustained critical injuries. The bicyclist was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.

Limited information was received regarding the driver and vehicle involved in the collision, however, it was determined the driver fled in the vehicle westbound on Hemlock Street towards Ventura Road. Based on video surveillance, the vehicle was identified as a red compact sedan. Traffic investigators have taken over the investigation and encourage anyone with information regarding this collision to contact Senior Officer Jose Diaz at (805) 385-7749 or via email at jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can 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 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.

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: Robbery: June 13, 2021, 4:19 A.M.

Arrest: September 29, 2021, 1:30 P.M.

SUBJECT: Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

LOCATION: Robbery: AM/PM, 2850 South Rose Avenue, Oxnard, CA

Arrest: 6900 Block of Berkshire Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

CONTACT: Carey Everhart, Detective

(805) 486-6288

carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org

On June 13, 2021 at approximately 4:19 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to an armed robbery that had just occurred at the AM/PM, located at 2850 South Rose Avenue. When officers arrived, they learned the suspect entered the store, brandished a handgun, and ordered the occupants inside onto the ground. The suspect then demanded the cashier hand over money from the register. The cashier complied and the suspect fled the business with the money.

On September 28, 2021 at approximately 1:30 P.M., investigators located Reyes in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Reyes was contacted and taken into custody without incident. A search warrant was subsequently served at Reyes’ residence.

Reyes was arrested for armed robbery and possession of methamphetamine. He was transported back to Ventura County and was later booked into the Ventura County Jail on those charges. The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Carey Everhart at (805) 486-6288 or carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 29, 2021 / 11:20 A.M.