 Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Press Release from the United States Attorney
Archives for October 2011
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
Drunk Drivers Can’t Hide Behind Halloween Costumes
Drivers Beware: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
(Oxnard, CA) As party-going ghosts and goblins celebrate Halloween this October, the Avoid the 14 Ventura County DUI Task Force reminds everyone to keep the party off the road. In Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark, extra DUI saturation patrols will take place with extra officers looking to stop and arrest ‘drunk’ or ‘buzzed’ drivers. Additionally, every patrol officer and traffic officer on routine patrol countywide will be on alert for the tell-tale signs of impairment.
“There isn’t a Halloween costume clever enough to hide an impaired driver who has made the poor decision to get behind the wheel,” said Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant for the Oxnard Police Department. “Whether you’ve had one too many or way too many it is just not worth the risk. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”
Nighttime is an especially dangerous time to be on the road. But this weekend and Halloween night is one of the deadliest times of the year for impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 48 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) in 2009 involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.
“Far too many people spend hours and hours preparing their Halloween costumes and party plans,” said Sergeant Latimer. “But too often impaired drivers never plan ahead for their designated driver and end up making the roads scarier than a horror show.”
DUI checkpoints along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement serves as a proven deterrent with the goal of removing impaired drivers and creating heightened awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The Avoid the 14 DUI Task Force recommends these simple tips for a safe Halloween celebration:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
- Before drinking, designate a sober, non-drinking driver
- If you’re impaired, take a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to report drunk drivers, call 911
- And remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely
Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Arrest of homicide suspect |
| DATE/TIME: | October 21, 2011 at about 5:30 p.m. |
| LOCATION: | 1600 N. Rose |
| VICTIM(S): | Sheryl Tye |
| SUSPECT(S): | Nathan Preston, 28 |
| WITNESS(ES): | |
| SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): | |
| LOSS: | |
| PREPARED BY: | Det. Jeff Kay |
|
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Det. Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 |
DETAILS:
On October 21, 2011 at 5:30 p.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested 28-year-old Nathan Lamont Preston of Oxnard for the murder of his mother, Sheryl Tye. Preston was later booked into Ventura County Jail for murder. Preston’s bail is set at $500,000.
Tye’s murder occurred in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road, on 10/9/11. Members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Investigative Services Bureau and the Special Enforcement Unit have been actively investigating this crime since the night it occurred. Oxnard Police are continuing to investigate this crime. Members of the public are asked to call Detective Jeff Kay at 805.385.8174 with any information.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/21/2011, 8:50 p.m.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: |
Homicide |
| DATE/TIME: |
10/09/2011; 2230 Hours |
| LOCATION: |
2000 Block N. Ventura Road |
| VICTIM(S): |
Pending next-of-kin notification |
| SUSPECT(S): |
Unk |
| WITNESS(ES): | None |
| SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): | NA |
| LOSS: | |
| PREPARED BY: |
Sgt David Villanueva, 385-7763 |
|
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Det Jeff Kay, 385-8174 |
DETAILS:
At 2230 hours, 10/9/11, officers responded to a check-the-well-being of a 55-year old Oxnard woman. On arrival the officers were able to gain access to the home and the victim was found deceased. The victim’s name is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. Oxnard Police are investigating the incident and the public is asked to call Detective Jeff Kay at 805.385.8174 with any information.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/10/2011, 0335 Hours.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
(Oxnard, CA) The names of the Oxnard Police officers and Ventura County deputies who were involved in the pursuit and shooting from October 24, 2011 are as follows:
Oxnard Police Dept.
Officer Moses Martinez, four years of service
Officer Martin Perez, 14 years of service
Officer Ed Baldwin, six years of service
Officer Roque Rivera, two years of service
Ventura County Sheriff’s Dept.
Sergeant Dave Wareham, 25 years of service
Deputy Carlos Cendejas, 20 years of service
Senior Deputy Greg Guilin, 17 years of service
Deputy Chris Johnston, 5 years of service
Deputy Eric Perdue, 5 years of service
The suspect remains hospitalized and has not yet been arrested by our agency.
(Original text of first news release) At about 8 p.m. on October 24, 2011 Oxnard PD received a call regarding a domestic violence incident taking place in the 200 block of Roderick Avenue. Oxnard officers arrived on scene, but the suspect fled prior to their arrival. A firearm had been mentioned, and officers believed the suspect was armed. Officers were able to determine that a crime had occurred.
At about 9 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s (VCSO) deputies were involved in a pursuit with the suspect in his vehicle on Highway 33. It was reported that the suspect had fired at the deputies as he drove. The suspect then traveled onto Highway 101 and headed south. When he reached Seaward and Highway 101, the suspect fired at the deputies, who returned fire. The suspect got back onto Highway 101 and exited in Oxnard at Vineyard Avenue. He returned to the Roderick Avenue residence and fired shots at that location. No one was injured from this action.
Officer Moses Martinez, four years of service
Officer Martin Perez, 14 years of service
Officer Ed Baldwin, six years of service
Officer Roque Rivera, two years of service
Sergeant Dave Wareham, 25 years of service
Deputy Carlos Cendejas, 20 years of service
Senior Deputy Greg Guilin, 17 years of service
Deputy Chris Johnston, 5 years of service
Deputy Eric Perdue, 5 years of service
The suspect eventually made his way (with Oxnard PD and VCSO deputies in pursuit) to the Marina Village area in Port Hueneme. The suspect continued north on Victoria Avenue where he again exchanged gunfire; this time with VCSO deputies and Oxnard PD officers. The suspect was struck by gunfire, and was transported to a local hospital.
The name of the suspect and his condition is not being released at this time. The name of the victim will not be released as she is a domestic violence victim and her identity is protected by law.
Neither Oxnard officers nor VCSO deputies sustained injuries. Two people who were not involved in the incident received minor injuries from flying glass. One of those individuals was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Oxnard PD is the lead agency on this incident. VCSO deputies, detectives and officers from Port Hueneme Police are assisting.
###
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Multiple hit and run suspect arrested after pursuit |
| DATE/TIME: | 10-30-2011 at 4:40 p.m. |
| LOCATION: | Rose Ave. north of Gonzales Rd. |
| VICTIM(S): | |
| SUSPECT(S): | Servando Mendez, 45 years, of Oxnard |
| WITNESS(ES): | |
| SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): | Green Nissan Altima |
| LOSS: | |
| PREPARED BY: | Tom Chronister, Commander |
|
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Ohad Katzman, Police Officer II 805-385-7600 or ohad.katzman@oxnardpd.org |
DETAILS: Oxnard police were dispatched to a call of a hit and run in the area of Rose Ave. and Gonzales Rd. As officers arrived, they found three separate collision scenes in the area along Rose Ave. north of Gonzales Rd. to the US-101 freeway. Bystanders pointed out the suspect vehicle as it fled northbound on Rose Ave.
Officer Ohad Katzman attempted to stop the suspect vehicle but the driver fled over the 101 freeway overpass to Auto Center Drive where Officer Katzman initiated a pursuit of the vehicle by activating red lights and siren. Speeds reached 60 mph as the driver fled eastbound on Auto Center Drive.
Suddenly, the suspect vehicle’s hood flew open, blocking the driver’s view out the windshield. Officer Katzman immediately discontinued his pursuit. The driver, Servando Mendez, lost control of his car and collided with a Chevrolet Astrovan near the intersection of Auto Center Drive and Paseo Mercado. At this point—the location of the fourth crash—Mendez’s vehicle was rendered inoperable and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Two passengers in the Atrovan sustained minor injuries and did not require ambulance transport or treatment. Mendez was transported to a local hospital for a medical clearance prior to being booked into the Ventura County Jail on the following charges:
- Felony drunk driving
- Three counts of misdemeanor hit and run
- Felony evading of a police officer with willful disregard for the safety of others
Mendez’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit. His bail stands at $50,000.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-30-2011 at 9:45 p.m.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Shooting |
| DATE/TIME: | 10/28/11, 11:20 a.m. |
| LOCATION: | Eddie’s Recycling, 1610 Pine Street |
| VICTIM(S): | |
| SUSPECT(S): | H,M, Black Bandana, Blue Checkered Shorts, Dark Pants, 5′ 10″ 210 lbs |
| WITNESS(ES): | |
| SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): | Red Mini -Van |
| LOSS: | |
| PREPARED BY: | Sgt. Robin Whitney |
|
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Oxnard Police Department Watch Commander 385-7746 |
DETAILS:
The victims went to the above business to sell back some recycled goods. They parked their vehicle on a driveway at the business. The above described suspect appeared in the north alley of Pine Street, displayed some gang signs with his hands, removed a firearm from his person, and discharged multiple rounds at the victims while they were inside their vehicle. The vehicle was hit multiple times however, the victims were not injured by gunfire. The suspect is believed to have entered a red mini-van and fled eastbound through the north alley of Pine Street.
An investigation is continuing. The incident is believed to be gang related. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Long at 486-6228.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Attempt Robbery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Handgun) |
| DATE/TIME: | 10/15/11 1440 hours |
| LOCATION: | 5200 block of Longfellow Way |
| VICTIM(S): | 41 year old Oxnard resident (name withheld) |
| SUSPECT(S): | Hispanic male, approximately 20-25 yrs. old, 5’05”, 140 lbs., black short bushy hair, wearing a black T-shirt and blue pants |
| WITNESS(ES): | |
| SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): | Unknown |
| LOSS: | No property taken |
| PREPARED BY: | Officer Hugo Garcia |
|
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO: |
Watch Commander (805) 385-7746 |
DETAILS:
On 10/15/11 at approximately 1440 hours, an Oxnard police officer was on patrol in the area of Pleasant Valley Rd. and Jefferson Square when he was flagged down by a subject.
The subject told the officer he was parked in the 5200 block of Longfellow Way when he was approached by the suspect described above. The suspect approached the victim’s vehicle on foot while the victim was in the driver seat. The suspect demanded money from the victim. When the victim refused, the suspect pulled out a handgun. The victim sped away in his vehicle and the suspect shot at the victim as he was fleeing. The victim’s vehicle was hit by gunfire but there were no injuries sustained.
Officers set up a perimeter and conducted a search of the neighborhood for about three hours. Officers were unable to locate the suspect.
Anyone with information on this crime are urged to call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |
OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
(Oxnard, CA) At about 8 p.m. on October 24, 2011 Oxnard PD received a call regarding a domestic violence incident taking place in the 200 block of Roderick Avenue. Oxnard officers arrived on scene, but the suspect fled prior to their arrival. A firearm had been mentioned, and officers believed the suspect was armed. Officers were able to determine that a crime had occurred.
At about 9 p.m., Ventura County Sheriff’s (VCSO) deputies were involved in a pursuit with the suspect in his vehicle on Highway 33. It was reported that the suspect had fired at the deputies as he drove. The suspect then traveled onto Highway 101 and headed south. When he reached Seaward and Highway 101, the suspect fired at the deputies, who returned fire. The suspect got back onto Highway 101 and exited in Oxnard at Vineyard Avenue. He returned to the Roderick Avenue residence and fired shots at that location. No one was injured from this action.
The suspect eventually made his way (with Oxnard PD and VCSO deputies in pursuit) to the Marina Village area in Port Hueneme. The suspect continued north on Victoria Avenue where he again exchanged gunfire; this time with VCSO deputies and Oxnard PD officers. The suspect was struck by gunfire, and was transported to a local hospital.
The name of the suspect and his condition is not being released at this time. The name of the victim will not be released as she is a domestic violence victim and her identity is protected by law.
Neither Oxnard officers nor VCSO deputies sustained injuries. Two people who were not involved in the incident received minor injuries from flying glass. One of those individuals was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Oxnard PD is the lead agency on this incident. VCSO deputies, detectives and officers from Port Hueneme Police are assisting.
At the time of this release, Victoria Avenue is closed from Wooley Road to Channel Islands Boulevard. It is anticipated that it will remain closed until further notice.
###
Posted at 2:50 a.m.
|
Jeri Williams Chief of Police |
Oxnard Police Department
R. Jason Benites Scott Whitney |