Archives for December 2012

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 – Vehicle vs. Pedestrian

DATE/TIME:

December 16, 2012 / 0222 Hours

LOCATION:

Harbor Boulevard / Wooley Road

VICTIM(S):

Male, 25, of Port Hueneme (Name withheld pending notification of next of kin)

PREPARED BY:

Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Scott Aaron, Traffic Officer 805-385-7600

DETAILS:On December 16, 2012 at about 2:22 A.M., officers responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of Harbor Boulevard and Wooley Road. Upon arrival, officers found that a male (name withheld), 25 years old of Port Hueneme had been struck by a pickup driven by Adam Spires, 34 years old of Port Hueneme. The pedestrian sustained fatal injuries as a result of being struck and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the pedestrian may have been crossing westbound against a red signal when the vehicle driven by Spires, who was southbound on Harbor Boulevard, struck him.

It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Officer Scott Aaron at
805-385-7600. The investigation is ongoing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Winter Holiday AVOID DUI campaign – Monday update *DUI Arrests Up & Zero DUI Fatalities*
DATE/TIME:	December 18, 2012
LOCATION:	Ventura County (AVOID the 14 Task Force)

PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant (randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org) 805-385-7847

DETAILS:DUI Arrests Up & Zero DUI Fatalities

The Winter Holiday Anti-DUI crackdown has resulted in several DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments in Ventura County.
From 12:01 AM Friday December 14, 2012 through Midnight Sunday December 16, 2012 officers representing 14 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 39 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In 2011, 33 DUI arrests occurred during the same three (3) day time period.

There were no DUI deaths reported over the first weekend, but there were two fatal collisions in the city of Oxnard. Both collisions occurred on Sunday, December 16^th; one at 1:00 a.m. and the other just after 2:00 a.m. Neither involved drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

Over the course of the next several days of the campaign, a court sting operation will be conducted along with a warrant/probation sweep. Extra DUI patrols are planned for next weekend in the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and C.S.U.C.I. DUI Checkpoints are also planned in the City of Ventura, Ojai and the CHP will host one in Oxnard.

All regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts. Multiple DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, Multi Agency DUI Task Force operations and local Roving DUI patrols are all part of this region-wide crackdown during the 19 day Winter Holiday Campaign.

Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911! Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. DUI arrest data collection will continue through New Year’s Weekend, midnight Sunday, January 1, 2013.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Adult
DATE/TIME:	12-13-12/1130 AM
LOCATION:	800 Block of South “E” Street
VICTIM(S):	Harold Rakowiedki, 60 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Officer David Ford
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police and Fire Emergency Operations Center, (805) 385-7740

DETAILS:
Harold Rakowiecki was home and spoke to family by phone on 12/12/12 at 5 PM. On 12-13-12, at 1130 AM, Radowiecki’s family called the Oxnard Police Department to report him missing. Rakowiecki is known to walk to area beaches, the Oxnard Transportation Center and the Camarillo Airport.

Mr. Rakowiecki is described as a white male adult, 6′ tall, 190 pounds, brown/gray hair, blue eyers, and has a tattoo of a skull on one of his forearms.

Mr. Rakowiedki suffers from mental illness conditions. When last reported missing, Mr. Rakowiecki was found at the Camarillo Airport. On another occasion he was found at “C” Street and Wolf Street in the City of Oxnard.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Harold Rakowiedki. If you have information regarding his whereabouts, please contact the Oxnard Police Department Emergency Communications Center at (805) 385-7740

ATTENTION: AT 1950 HOURS HAROLD RAKOWIECKI WAS LOCATED BY FAMILY AND HAS RETURNED HOME.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Robbery and Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	12-27-12, approximately 2218 hours
LOCATION:	Cypress Park, 5500 Block of Cypress Road
VICTIM(S):	16-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Male, 5-7, wearing dark clothing
WITNESS(ES):	None
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

On 12-27-12, at 2218 hours, a 16-year old male was dropped off in the Emergency Room at St. John’s Regional Medical Center. This subject advised he was at the Pleasant Valley Park located in the 5500 Block of Cypress Road when a male, 5-7, wearing dark clothing, demanded the victim’s property. The victim refused and was stabbed one time in the upper body. The suspect fled on foot.

The victim ultimately was transported to VCMC for treatment. His wounds were listed as minor.

The suspect is still outstanding.

Persons with information regarding this incident should contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. Persons wishing to remain anonymous should call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 or visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12-28-12, 0049 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION
DATE/TIME:	December 13, 2012
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant 805-385-7847 randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES GRANT FOR

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND CRASH PREVENTION

The Oxnard Police Department has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a year-long program aimed at preventing deaths and injuries on our roadways through special enforcement and public awareness efforts. The grant received by the Oxnard Police Department will aid in the city’s ongoing effort to improve traffic safety and the quality of life. The Oxnard Police Department will use the funding as part of an on-going commitment to keep our roadways safe through both enforcement and education.

“Assuring the safe travels of our citizens is one of the main focus areas of our department,” said Commander Andrew Salinas. “Our officers are dedicated to making our roadways safer through enhanced driver education and enforcement efforts.”

The grant will assist in efforts to deal with traffic safety problems and to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions. While traffic deaths from all causes declined by nearly 39 percent between 2006 and 2010 in California, state and federal officials anticipate that figures will show a slight rise in 2011. DUI deaths remain the largest sector, at nearly 30 percent of traffic fatalities. Recent trends show increases in two new categories – distracted driving and drug-impaired driving.

Activities that the grant will fund include:
·         Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE).
·         DUI Saturation Patrols
·         Motorcycle safety enforcement
·         Distracted driving enforcement
·         Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
·         Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement
·         Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders
·         Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
·         Court “sting” operations to cite individuals driving from court after having their driver’s license suspended or revoked for drunk driving
·         Stakeout operations to observe the “worst of the worst” repeat DUI offender probationers with suspended or revoked driver licenses

“Despite the recent increases, California’s roadways are still very much safer than they were before 2006,” said OTS Director Christopher J. Murphy. “The Oxnard Police Department will be keeping the pressure on through enforcement and public awareness so that we can continue saving lives and reach the vision we all share – Toward zero deaths, every 1 counts.”

Funding for this program is 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
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	12-8-12/0155 hours
LOCATION:	Cooper Road at Hayes Avenue
VICTIM(S):	20 year Male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	#1: HM, 20 to 30 years, in possession of a black handgun #2: HM, 20 to 30 years, shaved head #3: HM, 20 to 30 years.
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Dan Whitmer, Sergeant Daniel.whitmer@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On 12-8-12, at 0155 hours, officers were dispatched to Cooper Road at Hayes Avenue re: a carjacking that just occurred. A gray ’07 Dodge Magnum was taken by three HM’s 20 to 30 years. One was in possession of a black handgun. A second suspect was described as having a shaved head. The victim was forced to give the suspects his cash and a cell phone.

Two suspects fled in the Dodge Magnum while the third fled on foot on Grant Avenue.

The victim was not injured. An investigation is continuing.

Persons with information about this investigation may call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or visit the web site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

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:	December 20, 2012 / 1241 hours
LOCATION:	Beaumont Avenue and Langley Street
VICTIM(S):	Donald Gene Dent, 84, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:	Maria Peña, Traffic Collision Investigator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 Maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:On December 20, 2012, at about 12:41 p.m., Oxnard PD officers responded to the area of Beaumont Avenue and Langley Street after receiving a call of an injury collision. Upon arrival, officers and EMS personnel found that a gold Ford pick-up truck, driven by Donald G. Dent, had collided into a silver Dodge Caravan that was parked near the intersection.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Ford was traveling northbound on Beaumont Avenue towards Langley Street. The Dodge was parked southbound along the west curb of Beaumont Avenue. For unknown reasons, the Ford veered towards the right and collided into the parked vehicle.

Mr. Dent was transported to St. John’s Hospital where he was subsequently was pronounced dead. It is suspected that Mr. Dent suffered a heart attack just before the collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at
805-385-7750. The investigation is ongoing.

###

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon, False Imprisonment, and Brandishing of a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:	12-20-12, 2035 hours
LOCATION:	1800 Block of Ventura Boulevard
VICTIM(S):	Female, name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	HM, 20-30 years, medium build, dark complexion
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda, (805) 385-7665
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda, (805) 385-7665

DETAILS:
On 12-20-12, at 2035 hours, a female shopper walked to her car parked in front of Marshall’s located in the 1800 Block of Ventura Boulevard. As she entered her car, a Hispanic male, 20 to 30 years, medium build and dark complexion grabbed her holding a knife to her. The male entered the vehicle with the victim and climbed over her and into the back seat. There he held a knife to her throat.

The female victim began honking her horn in an effort to gain the attention of persons in the parking lot. The suspect let go of the victim and fled on foot.

Oxnard police officers responded to the area and with the assistance of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and its crew, conducted a search of the area. The suspect was not located.

The victim was not harmed.

Persons with additional information are encouraged to contact Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665 or remain anonymous calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

Date/Time Prepared: 12-21-12, 0014 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:

December 16, 2012 / 0101 Hours

LOCATION:

Victoria Avenue @ Doris Avenue

VICTIM(S):

Male, 22, of San Leandro, CA (Name withheld pending notification of next of kin)

PREPARED BY:

Randy Latimer, Traffic Sergeant
randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Maria Pena, Traffic Investigator 805-385-7650

DETAILS:On December 16, 2012 at about 1:01 A.M., California Highway Patrol officers observed a vehicle that had driven off of the roadway and collided into a fence of a business located on Victoria avenue, south of Doris Avenue. When officers made contact with the driver, a male (name withheld), 22 years of San Leandro, Ca, they found him to unresponsive. EMS personnel responded to the scene and pronounced the solo driver dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Camaro was traveling southbound on Victoria Avenue at a high rate of speed. As it approached Doris Avenue, the vehicle attempted to make a lane change and lost control. The vehicle veered to the right and sideswiped a Nissan Frontier, driven by Joseph Ocachea of Port Hueneme. The vehicle continued out-of-control and careened off of the road and into the fence. Ocachea was not injured.

It is unknown if alcohol was a factor in this collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Officer Maria Pena at
805-385-7650. The investigation is ongoing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Homicide
DATE/TIME:	December 23, 2012/ 5:43 PM
LOCATION:	3800 block of Samuel Dr (Imperial Mobile Home Park)
VICTIM(S):	27 year old Oxnard Resident (Name Withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Lester Lefotu (25 year old Oxnard resident)
PREPARED BY:	Detective Jaime Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Jaime Miranda (805) 385-7665 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On December 23^rd, 2012 at about 5:43 PM, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a 9-1-1 hang up call in the 3800 block of Samuel Drive, which is located in the Imperial Mobile Home Park. When Officers arrived they found the victim, a 27 year old Oxnard Resident, in front of the mobile home suffering from several stab wounds. The victim was transported to VCMC where he is listed in stable condition.

Officers on scene contacted the suspect as he attempted to leave the area in his vehicle. The suspect was identified as 25 year old Oxnard Resident, Lester Lefotu. Lefotu was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and booked at the Ventura County Jail.

It is still unclear why the stabbing occurred and it appears the victim and suspect are known to each other.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call 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.