DATE: August 14, 2024 (5:56 p.m.)
SUBJECT: Post Release Offender Arrested for Firearm and Narcotics Violations
SUSPECTS: Federico Zapien, 32-year-old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: Yucca St. at B St., Oxnard
CONTACT: Bakari Myers, Sergeant
(805) 797-6202 | bakari.myers@Oxnardpd.org
On August 14th, at approximately 5:56 p.m., investigators from the Drug Enforcement Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, and officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were conducting enforcement efforts in South Oxnard. Officers observed Federico Zapien in the area of Yucca and B St.
Officers had prior knowledge that Zapien is on Post Release Offender Supervision, (PROS), for firearm violations, and is a documented criminal street gang member. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.
Officers confirmed Zapien’s probation and attempted to make contact with Zapien to see if he was in violation of his court ordered terms. As officers attempted to make contact with Zapien, Zapien attempted to pull away from officers and reached toward the area of his waistband. Officers took Zapien to the ground. While on the ground, Zapien continued to reach toward the area of his waistband but was ultimately taken into custody. Once Zapien was handcuffed, officers located a loaded semi-automatic handgun concealed on Zapien’s person.
Zapien is a prohibited person due to his prior felony convictions. Zapien was arrested for illegally possessing the firearm and for resisting arrest. Officers continued to search Zapien and located methamphetamine on his person. Zapien was subsequently charged with possessing narcotics while armed.
The Oxnard Police Department 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.
