Oxnard Police Department

Protecting Our Community With Exceptional Service

Show MenuClose Menu
File a Police Report Hacer un reporte Join the team

News release – 10/25/2012

Archives for October 2012


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Bank Armed Robbery 
DATE/TIME: October 25, 2012 at 12:11 p.m. 
LOCATION: 371 W. Esplanade Dr., Oxnard 
VICTIM(S): Bank of the West 
SUSPECT(S): Dark skinned Hispanic male, 5’-8”, 175-185 lbs., late 40’s to early 50’s, black baseball cap with the letter “B” on the front of the cap, black colored pullover style sweatshirt with “Lakers” logo on front, tan colored pants, and sunglasses. 
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): White compact  
LOSS: Undisclosed amount of money 
PREPARED BY: Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit, (805) 385-7796,
steven.funk@oxnardpd.org 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Steven Funk, Robbery Unit, (805) 385-7796,
steven.funk@oxnardpd.org 

DETAILS:
On October 25, 2012, at about 12:11 p.m. the Oxnard Police Department responded to a bank robbery at Bank of the West located at 371 West Esplanade Drive in Oxnard.  The suspect entered the bank and approached a teller window.  The suspect pointed a black handgun at the female teller and demanded money.  Fearing for her safety, the teller complied with the suspect’s demands and handed an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect.  The suspect fled south from the entrance to the bank and entered a compact white vehicle which was parked in the immediate area. The vehicle was last seen fleeing southbound on Hwy 101.       
 
The Oxnard Police Department and the FBI are investigating this crime.  The suspect is believed to be the “Wigged Out Bandit” that committed a previous bank robbery at this same bank on August 13, 2012.  He is also believed to have committed three other bank robberies in the City of Ventura.  
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Steven Funk at (805) 385-7796. 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.aspxto submit a tip via text or email.
 
You can also contact the FBI, attention Special Agent Bernard Riedel at 1-310-477-6565 or bernard.riedel@ic.fbi.gov 


Bank of the West robbery suspect 10/25/12
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/25/12, 5:13 p.m. 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Homicide (ten years ago)
DATE/TIME: October 10, 2002 / 11:00 P.M.
LOCATION: 1900 block North H Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S): Steven Anthony Lemos, Sr., 24 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S): African American male, 25-33 years of age, between 5’6″ and 5’8″ tall and about 190 pounds. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black fitted sweater, and black jeans
PREPARED BY: Sergeant David Villanueva, Major Crimes, (805) 385-7763, david.villanueva@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Detective Robert Eckman, Major Crimes, (805) 385-7760, bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
Today marks the tenth anniversary of the unsolved murder of Steven Anthony Lemos, Sr. The shooting happened on October 10, 2002 at about 11 p.m. in the 1900 block of North “H” Street in Oxnard.  Lemos was shot several times and died later during surgery. Lemos’ one year old son was with him when he was shot but was not hurt during the incident. Lemos died just two days before his 25th birthday.
 
The only information available about the suspect is as follows: African American male, 25 – 33 years of age, between 5’6” and 5’8” tall and about 190 lbs. He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black fitted sweater and black jeans. He may have been in the company of an Asian or African American female at the time of the murder.
 
The city of Oxnard offers a $10,000 Reward for information pertaining to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this homicide.  In addition, Former Governor Davis had authorized an additional $50,000 reward, and this award is still available under Governor Jerry Brown. 
 
Anyone with information about this unsolved murder is encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7740 or Detective Robert Eckman at (805) 385-7760. 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.
 

Steven Anthony Lemos, Sr.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/10/12  0900 hours


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: 245(a)(1) PC-Five Counts Assault with a Deadly Weapon, 417(a)(1) PC-Exhibit a Deadly Weapon, Parole violation
DATE/TIME: October 11, 2012, 5:48 PM
LOCATION: 600 Block of Dollie Street
VICTIM(S): Names Withheld
SUSPECT(S): Jose Villalobos, 26 years, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES): NA
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): NA
LOSS: NA
PREPARED BY: Brett A. Smith, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Brett A. Smith (805) 385-7600, brett.smith@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On October 11, 2012, at 5:48 hours, the Oxnard Police Department Emergency Communications Center received several calls of subjects in possession of knives and sticks fighting in the 600 block of Dollie Street. A single officer arrived within seconds and observed three male subjects who had overpowered a male subject, later identified as Jose Villalobos, and were holding him on the ground.

The investigation lead to the arrest of Villalobos for the above charges. Villalobos had threatened five persons while brandishing a knife. One male victim and three of his brothers defended themselves ultimately subduing Villalobos. Villalobos was transported to a local hospital where he was treated for moderate injuries. The victims sustained very minor injuries.

Residents are reminded that anyone with information about this incident are encouraged to call Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-11-2012/9:39 PM


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Incendiary Devices, DR’s 12-20793 and 12-20810
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, October 17, 2012
LOCATION: 600 block of Hermosa, 1200 block of Deodar, Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Ron Whitney, Commander
Ronald.Whitney@OxnardPD.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		  Watch Commander, (805) 385-7650

DETAILS:
On Wednesday, October 17, at about 7:50 AM, Oxnard Police and Fire personnel responded to the 600 block of Hermosa Dr in Oxnard. An incendiary device, consisting of a plastic bottle filled with chemicals, had been detonated on a lawn of a residence resulting in the lawn being burned.
 
Later that same day, at about 1:20 PM, officers and fire personnel responded to a similar call in the 1200 block of Deodar Av. A second detonated device was located that had burned the lawn of a residence.
 
People are asked to be watchful for any similar devices on their property. If a similar device is seen, please call 9-1-1, and do not approach or pick up the device.
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/19/2012, 0700 hours
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME: October 22, 2012 / 3:57 PM
LOCATION: Pleasant Valley Road and Olds Road/Etting Road
DRIVER 1: Gilbert Endo, 65, Port Hueneme resident
DRIVER 2: James Joseph Kelly, 28, Port Hueneme resident 
VEHICLE 1: Black, 2007 Honda CRV motorcycle
VEHICLE 2: Yellow 1991 Thomas School Bus
PREPARED BY: Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Investigator, (805) 385-7750, Maria.pena@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Maria Peña, Traffic Investigator, (805) 385-7750, Maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On October 22, 2012, at about 3:57 P.M., Oxnard PD officers responded to Pleasant Valley Road and Olds Road/Etting Road after receiving a call of an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a motorcycle.  Once on scene, officers and EMS personnel found that a Honda motorcycle had collided with a yellow Ocean View school bus in the intersection of Pleasant Valley Road and Olds Road/Etting Road.  
 
Preliminary investigation indicates that the Honda motorcycle, driven by James Joseph Kelly, was traveling eastbound on Pleasant Valley Road towards Olds Road/Etting Road. The yellow school bus, driven by Gilbert Endo, was traveling westbound in the left turn lane on Pleasant Valley at Olds Road/Etting Road. Once traffic was clear, the school bus began to make a left turn to go eastbound onto Etting Road in front of the Honda motorcycle. Unable to avoid a collision, Driver Kelly applied the brake causing the motorcycle to go down and skid towards the bus. The Honda skid directly into the path of the turning school bus. Unfortunately, Driver Kelly sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS. It should be noted that the motorcyclist was wearing a full face helmet at the time of the collision.
 
Driver Endo was not injured. The school bus had no passengers at the time of the collision.
 
If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at 805-385-7750. The investigation is ongoing.
 
 DATE / TIME PREPARED:  October 22, 2012, 8:00 P.M.  


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Officer Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME: 10/13/12, 10:12 pm
LOCATION: 100 block North Garfield Avenue
PREPARED BY: Assistant Chief Scott Whitney, (805) 385-7631, scott.whitney@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Captain Don Aguilar, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, (805) 797-7349, Don.Aguilar@ventura.org

DETAILS:
On 10/13/12 at approximately 10:12 pm, Oxnard police officers attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle initially failed to stop for the officers. The driver eventually stopped his vehicle in the area of Second Street and Grant Avenue. The vehicle was occupied by three male subjects and they refused to comply with the officers’ instructions. For approximately 10 minutes, the officers tried to gain compliance from the occupants. During that time officers relayed information that one subject was talking on a cell phone and another was simulating a weapon with his hands.
 
While on scene, officers were advised by dispatch that the police department had just received a call from a nearby resident that the vehicle occupants had possibly brandished a handgun. As the officers coordinated their response and continued to try and gain the subjects’ compliance, the driver suddenly drove from the scene and attempted to evade the officers. After a short pursuit, the driver stopped his vehicle in the 100 block of North Garfield Avenue.
 
Preliminary information indicates the following: As soon as the driver stopped, two subjects exited the vehicle and ran from the officers. The officers chased the subjects and were fired upon. Multiple officers returned fire.
 
The scene was very chaotic with the gunfire and multiple subjects running on foot. Upon securing the scene, one subject was arrested. A second subject sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital. There were two subjects that sustained fatal gunshot wounds. At this point in the investigation, investigators do not know the involvement of the fourth subject in this incident.
 
No officers were injured in the incident.
 
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the investigation, along with assistance from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department. The Oxnard Police Department will also conduct an administrative investigation.  
 
 DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10/14/12, 6:00 am


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Shooting
DATE/TIME:

10-12-12 0252 hrs
LOCATION:

East Alley of McKinley Ave. and Colonia Rd., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):

23-year old male Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):

Unknown
WITNESS(ES): NA
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S): NA
LOSS: NA
PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Jack Kujawa, 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Chris Williams, Violent Crimes Unit, 385-7600

DETAILS:

On the above date and time officers responded to the 400 block of North McKinley Ave. regarding a shooting victim. The victim told officers that he was walking on Colonia Rd. at the east alley of McKinley Rd. when he was confronted by a subject who exited from the passenger side of a vehicle travelling on Colonia Rd. Words were exchanged, and the passenger who exited the vehicle produced a handgun and shot the victim multiple times. The suspect then fled the scene in the same vehicle. The victim ran to a residence on McKinley Ave. where the occupants called 911. Police, Fire, and EMS personnel responded to the scene and the victim was transported to an area hospital where he is in stable condition. His wounds are not life threatening. 

 

If anyone has any information related to this incident, please contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. 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

 

DATE / TIME PREPARED:  10-12-12/0451 hrs


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:   

Communications Center Phone Upgrade 
DATE/TIME:   

 

10/25/12 0846 

 
LOCATION:   

Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center 
VICTIM(S):  
SUSPECT(S):  
WITNESS(ES):  
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):  
LOSS:  
PREPARED BY:   

Danah Palmer, Communications Manager 
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		   

Danah Palmer (805) 385-7784  

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department has completed a phone system upgrade in its Emergency Communications Center. Oxnard’s Emergency Communications center is a facility that handles both police and fire related calls.  The project was completed in conjunction with Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Simi Valley Police Department. This project allowed for a regional, interoperable system designed to enhance service to the communities and citizens in those response areas.
 
The new phone system allows public safety dispatchers to answer 911 calls from alternate locations in the event of an evacuation due to a natural or manmade disaster. If necessary, dispatchers can now relocate and handle Oxnard’s emergency calls from communications centers located in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, or Ventura.
 
This project was funded by the State 911 Office as it is one of five pilot projects in the State of California. The new phone system prepares the departments for Next Generation 911 which, when the technology is available, will allow for public safety communications centers to receive text messages, video feeds, and photographs.
 
The phone system also enhances everyday call taking functionality, especially relating to wireless callers. This is especially important as the Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is one of the busiest centers in Ventura County. In 2010, the center handled 330,404 phone calls, averaging approximately 900-1,000 phone calls per day. In 2011, 72% of the 911 calls to Oxnard’s center were from wireless callers.
 
The Oxnard Police/Fire Communications Center is the only combined center in Ventura County, which means that it dispatches for both police and fire services for the City of Oxnard. The Dispatchers are also responsible for providing Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) instructions, such as how to give CPR or how to deliver a child, over the phone. They also dispatch for Animal Control and Code Compliance within the City of Oxnard.  
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint 
DATE/TIME: October 26, 2012  9:00 P.M.- 3:00 A.M. 
LOCATION: Seventh Street at Ventura Road, Oxnard
PREPARED BY: Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, (805) 385-7749, jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on October 26, 2012, from 9:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M.   
 
The checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Ventura Road at Seventh Street.
 
Officers screened 580 motorists who passed through the checkpoint. Officers conducted four DUI investigations that lead to the arrest of four drivers for DUI. One of those drivers was also arrested for an outstanding misdemeanor DUI warrant.
 
Six drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations.  Six vehicles were towed and the owners of those vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of 241.00.  Six drivers were issued citations for driving without a valid driver’s license and 1 driver was cited for driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
 
The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year.  These DUI operations are an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer.  We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. The checkpoints are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Transportation Administration.
 
For any questions related to DUI and traffic enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via e-mail at jamiebrown@oxnardpd.org.
 
  
 


Jeri Williams
Chief of Police		 Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT: Halloween Safety Tips
DATE/TIME: October 29, 2012, 5:00 pm
PREPARED BY: Senior Officer Luis McArthur, Public Information Officer,
(805) 385-7631, luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:		 Senior Officer Luis McArthur, Public Information Officer,
(805) 385-7631, luismcarthur@oxnardpd.org 

DETAILS:
(Oxnard, CA)The Oxnard Police Department is suggesting ways to keep children and adults safe this Halloween.
Police are mostly concerned with increased pedestrian traffic that comes with trick-or-treaters.  Police urge parents to equip their little ones with a glow stick or a flashlight. The glow sticks often work better than flashlights because children often shine a flashlight downward, which doesn’t make them any more visible.

Officers will be working in the neighborhoods, not just along the main roadways, to make sure drivers slow down. Patrol officers, will also focus on detaining any suspected drunken drivers.

To keep safe this Halloween, the Oxnard Police Department recommends these trick-or-treating tips: 
Children should:
 

  • Use sidewalks and not walk in the street.
  • Cross only at corners or marked cross walks.
  • Never cross the road between parked cars.
  • Never go into a stranger’s house.
  • Watch for cars.
  • Carry a glow stick or a flashlight.

Costumes should be:
 

  • Flame retardant.
  • Not have high heels or dangling pieces to trip on.
  • Light colored or have reflective materials attached.
  • Use face painting rather than masks or things that can hinder vision.

Drivers should:
 

  • Drive in an extra cautious manner.
  • Keep an eye open for children.

Parents should:
 

  • Instruct their children not to open their candy until they return home.
  • Inspect all candy for tampering before their children eat it.
  • Make sure an adult accompanies young children.
  • Know what route their children will be taking.
  • Have a set time limit for children to return home.

Homeowners should:
 

  • Have the outside of their homes well lit.
  • Remove all obstacles from their lawns to avoid injuries.

Report any drunken drivers, mischief, or vandalism to police. The Oxnard Police non-emergency number is (805) 385-7740.
  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  October 29, 2012, 5:00 pm