NEWS RELEASE
DATE: June 4, 6:00 P.M.
SUBJECT: Gang Member / Prohibited Person Arrested for Felony Evading, Firearms, and Arson
LOCATION: 1101 Ventura Blvd., Oxnard, CA
CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant
(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org
On 05-20-20, Officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 200 block of Plum Place reference a fire to a residence. Officers located a gas can next to the point of origin of the fire and determined an arson had occurred. It was determined that Salvador Pena Martinez (39yrs) was the suspect of committing the arson.
On June 4, at approximately 6:00 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit), in conjunction with the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit and Police K-9, were able to locate Martinez reference the arson. Special Enforcement Units attempted to conduct a traffic stop with Martinez as he drove a white Toyota Tacoma through the area of Ventura Blvd and Auto Center Drive in the City of Oxnard. Immediately Martinez failed to yield and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Martinez eventually entered the Royal Duke Mobile Estates Park, and fled from his vehicle. As Martinez fled from his vehicle, it collided with a chain-link fence. Martinez fled on foot for a short distance, but was apprehended by officers after a short struggle and arrested for arson and evading.
During a search of Martinez’ vehicle, a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun was located. Martinez is also a prohibited person from possession of firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions. Martinez is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard and was out on bail for other felony offences at the time of this arrest.
Martinez was arrested for multiple firearms violations, evading and arson.
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.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 4, 2020 / 2300 hours
