NEWS RELEASE
DATE: January 13, 2024 (3:07 p.m.)
SUBJECT: Subjects Arrested for Firearms Violations
SUSPECTS: Francisco Suarez, 27-year-old Oxnard resident
Joel Ruiz, 21-year-old Oxnard resident
Shawn Leslie Garcia, 27-year-old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: 2600 block of El Dorado Avenue, Oxnard
CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant
(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org
On January 13, at approximately 3:07 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) contacted several subjects in the 2600 block of El Dorado Avenue. During this contact, a loaded firearm was observed in plain view, and within reach, of suspects Shawn Leslie Garcia and Francisco Suarez. This firearm was safely recovered, and Garcia and Suarez were arrested, without incident. While engaging in the contact of additional persons in the group, suspect Joel Ruiz was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun, concealed on his person. Ruiz was also arrested, without incident.
Both firearms were inspected and found to have the serial numbers obliterated. Suarez and Ruiz are both convicted felons, with prior convictions for firearms violations, and are prohibited from possessing firearms.
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.