Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	OPD Explorer Program – graduation event
DATE/TIME	Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 1 p.m.
LOCATION	Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center

(Oxnard, CA) On Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 1 p.m. eight participants of the Oxnard PD Explorer Academy Post #9286 will graduate. The event will take place at the Pacifica High School Performing Arts Center. 
 
The Explorer academy began on June 11, 2012 with ten participants. These Explorer recruits spent many hours in the classroom, taking tours of law enforcement facilities and meeting with local law enforcement professionals.
 
The curriculum at the Explorer academy included: report writing, traffic laws, traffic investigation, cultural diversity, crime scene preservation, juvenile laws, search & seizure procedures, the criminal justice system, crime prevention, ethics and patrol procedures. The recruits were also introduced to various units at OPD via tours and presentations. In addition to academic instruction the recruits participated in physical conditioning.  
 
 Explorer recruits are mentored by Oxnard PD officers, some of whom also started their law enforcement careers in the Explorer Program. The recruits learn character development, law enforcement history, community investment and patriotism. The Explorer Program is an excellent opportunity for high school aged youth to invest in their futures through involvement in many types of police and community activities. 
 
For any questions related to the OPD Explorer Program or the graduation, please contact Officer Jason Rodriguez at Jason.rodriguez@oxnardpd.org.
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Serious injury collision
DATE/TIME	Saturday, June 23, 2012 at about 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION	Channel Islands Boulevard & Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VEHICLE 1	Black Harley Davidson motorcycle Motorcycle driver – David Umbaugh, 51, Washington state passenger – Karlene Umbaugh, 48, Washington state
VEHICLE 2	Black SUV driver – Stephen Moreno, 30, Ventura
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On June 23, 2012 at about 9:30 a.m., a sport utility vehicle travelling westbound Channel Islands Boulevard collided into a motorcyclist who was travelling eastbound on Channel Islands Boulevard about to make a left turn onto Victoria Avenue. The motorcyclist and a passenger were ejected from the motorcycle. The motorcycle driver, 51-year-old David Umbaugh of Washington and the passenger, 48-year-old Karlene Umbaugh of Washington were transported to Ventura County Medical Center. The Mr. Umbaugh suffered minor injuries; and Karlene Umbaugh was listed in critical condition with head trauma. The driver of the SUV, 30-year-old Stephen Moreno of Ventura was not injured. It was not known at the time of this release if alcohol or drugs were a factor in this collision.
 
Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Officer Scott Aaronat (805) 385-7750. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Arrest of robbery suspects
DATE/TIME	May 18, 2012
LOCATION	Robberies occurred in April and May at various locations in South Oxnard
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

Beginning in April of this year a series of armed street robberies occurred in area of 2300 South “J” Street. Most of the victims were between 12-14 years old and attended junior high schools in the area. In each robbery, the suspects were armed with a knife.
 
Robbery detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit identified the two suspects. Both suspects are 17 years old and are members of a local criminal street gang. On 5/18/12, the two suspects were arrested by detectives and booked into the Ventura County Juvenile Facility. Both of them were charged with five counts of armed robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and the gang enhancement charge.
 
If anyone has information about any of these incidents, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Velazquez at (805) 385-3982.  If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	211 PC Strong Armed Robbery 664/211 PC Attempted Robbery
DATE/TIME	May 21, 2012 at 3:40 p.m.
LOCATION	Camino Del Sol at Juanita Avenue
VICTIM	juvenile
SUSPECT(S)	(1)   Melchor Juarez, 19, Oxnard resident (2)   Juvenile (name withheld)
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

On May 21, 2012, at about 3:40 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were patrolling the area around Camino Del Sol and Juanita Avenue when they came upon a disturbance. A citizen told the officers it was an altercation involving three people.  
 
The officers contacted and detained all three individuals. After a preliminary investigation, officers learned that a strong armed robbery had just occurred. The victim reported that one of the suspects took his cell phone, while the second suspect attempted to take his skateboard. The victim attempted to recover his property when he was physically assaulted by both suspects.
 
Both suspects were arrested for strong armed robbery and attempted strong armed robbery.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Homicide
DATE/TIME	June 3, 2012 at 10 p.m.
LOCATION	East alley of Samuel Avenue at La Canada Avenue
VICTIM	Male / Hispanic / Adult – 26.  Name withheld pending notification of next of kin
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

On Sunday June 3, 2012, at 10:01 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to a 9-1-1 call of a possible shooting victim in the east alley of Samuel Avenue near La Canada Ave.  When they arrived they located the victim, who had suffered a gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center where lifesaving measures were unsuccessful, and the victim was pronounced dead at 10:44 p.m.   

At the time of this news release the motive for this crime has not been determined, and detectives are conducting an exhaustive search for witnesses and evidence in regards to this crime.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Michael Young at (805) 385-7606. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Carjacking – gun used
DATE/TIME	June 10, 2012 at 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION	1000 block of North “A” Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT	Four Hispanic male juveniles – names withheld pursuant to the law
LOSS (victim’s car)	Teal 2003 Jaguar CA license 6JLZ220
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On June 10, 2012 at about 12:32 p.m., Oxnard PD officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of North “A” Street. When officers arrived they contacted a victim who said his vehicle was just stolen by four male juveniles. He told the officers that he was moving items from his residence into his vehicle and had left his keys in the vehicle. When the victim returned to his vehicle he observed the juveniles inside his vehicle. When the victim confronted the juveniles, one of them brandished a handgun at him.
 
As the juvenile drove off in the victim’s vehicle, the victim started to chase after him. The juveniles stopped the vehicle and fired one shot at the victim. The victim was uninjured.
 
About an hour later, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Kumquat regarding a person who was armed with a handgun. When the officers arrived they contacted four juveniles that matched the description of the suspects from the carjacking. The victim was transported to Kumquat and identified the four juveniles as being the suspects who stole his vehicle.
 
The victim’s vehicle and the firearm used in the incident haven’t been located at this point.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Jose Velazquez at (805) 385-3982. If you wish to remain anonymous you may call the violent crimes hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
  
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Fireworks and DUI enforcement
DATE/TIME	Now through July 4, 2012
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) In anticipationof the July 4, 2012 holiday,Oxnard police officers will enforce the ban on fireworks in Oxnard. Anyone possessing, storing, selling, using, transporting or handling any type of fireworks is subject to criminal arrest or may be issued a civil citation with a fine of up to $1,000.

This year Oxnard PD has two ways to report fireworks in advance of the holiday. You may call the fireworks hotline at (805) 982-7141 or send an email to fireworks@oxnardpd.org.
Please include the exact address where the fireworks are being used. If you have the name of the resident who is using fireworks, you may provide that information as well. It is not necessary for you to leave your name and phone number if you do not wish to do so.
 
In response to your tip, Oxnard PD will issue warnings to residents by mail, in person or by phone in an effort to prevent illegal fireworks activity in the days leading up to and including the Independence Day holiday.   
On July 4, residents are encouraged to report fireworks activity by calling the Oxnard PD Communications Center at (805) 385-7740. Please be prepared to tell the dispatcher as much information about the fireworks activity as possible including the location or the general area where the fireworks are coming from.

DUI SATURATION PATROL
In addition, there will be a team of officers conducting a saturation patrol around the city of Oxnard on July 4. Motorists are reminded to use designated drivers or taxis instead of driving. The funding for this saturation patrol is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety.  
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Death
DATE/TIME	Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 10:44 p.m.
LOCATION	1200 S. L Street, Oxnard
DECEDENT	26-year-old male, Oxnard resident
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz, Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) At 10:44 p.m. on June 23, 2012, Oxnard PD responded to the 1100 block of South L Street regarding a subject possibly overdosing on drugs. When officers arrived on scene, they made contact with a male who was acting erratically. Officers attempted to calm the man down in order to facilitate aid from the Oxnard Fire Department and Gold Coast Ambulance, who were staged nearby.
 
The 26 year-old male Oxnard resident would not comply as officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Officers attempted to physically restrain him, and a brief struggle ensued. After being handcuffed, the officers noticed the man had become unconscious. Emergency medical personnel, who were standing by, immediately began life-saving measures. The man was transported to St. John’s Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 11:41 p.m.  
 
The name of the suspect will not be released until the next of kin and immediate family can be properly notified.  
 
No officers were injured during this incident.  
 
The Oxnard PD and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office are working together to determine the facts of this matter. The officers involved in this case have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for incidents of this nature.
 
Anyone with additional information about this incident is asked to contact Senior Officer Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174.    
 
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Sexual assault cases
DATE/TIME	January through present
LOCATION	Walmart and Game Stop on Rose Avenue Caballeros Circus on Saviers Road (April & May)
VICTIM(S)	Boys, ages 7 – 10
SUSPECT	Juan Gonzalez 7/29/72 (in custody)
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On Friday May 25, 2012 at about 8 p.m., Oxnard police officers were dispatched to the Walmart Supercenter Store located at 2001 N. Rose Avenue in Oxnard regarding a sexual assault committed on a child.   
 
The male victim told officers he had been in the electronics area of the store when a Hispanic male adult approached and sexually assaulted him. The store’s surveillance cameras captured the assault on video. A similar incident occurred at the same store involving another young boy in January of this year. That incident was also reported to police but no suspect was identified. 
 
On Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 8 p.m. a Walmart loss prevention agent saw the same suspect in the store that he saw on the video committing the sexual assault on the child and immediately notified Oxnard PD. Oxnard officers responded and arrested the suspect. The suspect is Juan Francisco Gonzalez (7/29/72) of Oxnard.  He is currently being held in the Ventura County Jail on $500,000 bond. Gonzalez is not eligible for bail because of an immigration hold.
 
Family Protection Unit detectives believe there are about 20 young boys who were sexually assaulted by Gonzalez. Detectives have reviewed many hours of video and have been able to identify five victims up to this point. Additionally, Gonzalez may have committed these acts at the Caballeros Circus on Saviers Road in March or April of this year and possibly at the Game Stop on Rose Avenue.
 
Gonzalez’s victims are all boys and range between the ages of 7 to 10. He does not remove the victims’ clothing but he has physical contact with them in a sexual manner. If you believe your child may have been a victim of this suspect, please contact Detective Luis McArthur at (805) 385-7662.
 
Anyone with information about this suspect is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at
(805) 385-7740 or Detective Luis McArthur at (805) 385-7662. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit this site: http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.
 
 

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Jeri Williams Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department R. Jason Benites Assistant Chief Scott Whitney Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT	Court sting operation
DATE/TIME	Monday, June 18, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION	Ventura County Superior Court
CONTACT	Mónica Muñoz Community Affairs Manager / PIO (805) 385-7631 monica.munoz@oxnardpd.org

(Oxnard, CA) On Monday, June 18, 2012 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted an undercover “court sting” operation at the Ventura County Superior Court targeting individuals who have had their license suspended for DUI and/or other hazardous driving offenses.
 
Undercover officers attended the morning traffic court proceedings and listened to the judge instruct several individuals not to drive as their licenses were suspended or revoked. After hearing the instructions, officers followed the offenders from the courtroom to the parking area to make sure they were following the judge’s orders.
 
Officers followed eleven offenders and three had alternate means of transportation. The remaining eight chose to get into their vehicles and drive. They were stopped by awaiting officers and arrested. Their vehicles were towed and will be subject to 30-day impounds.
 
Oxnard PD will continue to conduct these types of operations to help reduce the number of DUI and injury-related collisions on our roadways. In recent years, when compared with cities of similar size in California, Oxnard consistently ranks in the top three for the highest number of DUI and injury crashes. Funding for this effort was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 
The eight individuals arrested for driving on suspended or revoked licenses after leaving the courthouse are:
 
Kevin Manzo 04/20/88 of Ventura
Aaron Woods 09/2/77 of Camarillo
Mariza Gonzalez 10/2/25 of Oxnard
Amanda Wiginton 10/30/84 of Camarillo
Cassandra Esparza 2/27/90 of Ventura
Carmelo Henriquez 1/26/86 of Woodland Hills
Jesus Guzman 6/18/81 of Santa Paula
Albert Merrell III 3/03/71 of Ventura
 
 
 

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