Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Traffic  and Safety Advisory: Back to School, this week
DATE/TIME:	8/26/13, 2:50pm
LOCATION:	Citywide
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805)385-7631 or miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: ( Oxnard, CA) With the beginning of school in Oxnard, the Oxnard Police Department would like to notify residents of increased traffic during peak times at all local elementary, middle, and high schools. 

 
“This is always an exciting time of year for many in our city,” said Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams.  “Children, parents, pedestrians, drivers, and crossing guards are encouraged to exercise safety-first as our families return to school,” she added.
 
The Oxnard Police Department has heard from community members and leaders who want to remind parents to give themselves extra time during school peak times to alleviate traffic or more dangerous conditions. Drivers are reminded that it is illegal to double and triple park to drop off or pick up students, and illegal U-turns are not only illegal, they can be dangerous.
 
Parents are reminded to drive carefully around school buses and children, and to be extra vigilant to ensure the continued safety of our school children and school crossing guards this time of year. 
 
Oxnard Police remind drivers that it is very important to obey the posted speed limit and pay close attention to their surroundings at all times.  Within a school zone, it is especially important to be alert, drive carefully, and follow the directions of the crossing guards.

Drivers should expect delays near school this week.  We encourage drivers to know your route, give yourself an extra 15 minutes, and drive the posted speed limit.
 
Further, families are reminded to park only in lawful areas, drop-off children onto sidewalk or right-side of the vehicle—unloading school children into a traffic lane could put a child in harm’s way.  We also encourage you to remind children to remain alert and look left, right, and then left again before crossing the street.
 
Oxnard Police wish everyone a very happy and safe return to school!

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 Homicide Suspect
DATE/TIME:	August 15, 2013 2:00 P.M
LOCATION:	251 South “C” Street
VICTIM(S):	Edwin Herrera, 19 years of age
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Eduardo Hernandez, 21 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, Major Crimes 805-385-7763, christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay, Major Crimes 805-385-8174, jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On August 15, 2013 at approximately 2:00 P.M, Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested 20 year old Carlos Eduardo Hernandez of Oxnard for the murder of Edwin Herrera.  Hernandez was later booked into Ventura County Jail for murder.  Hernandez’s bail is set at $4,000,000. 

                              
Herrera’s murder occurred in the 2000 block of San Benito Street, on February 29, 2012.  Members of the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit have been actively investigating this murder since the night it happened.  Investigators suspect that the crime was gang motivated but don’t believe the victim was a gang member. Oxnard Police are continuing to investigate this crime and additional arrests are likely.  Members of the public are asked to call Detective Jeff Kay at 805-385-8174 with any information.        
 
In addition to this arrest, the Oxnard Police Department’s task force, that was formed to address several unsolved homicides in the Lemonwood neighborhood over the last several years, has made arrests on four additional homicide cases.
 
 
 
  DATE / TIME PREPARED:  08/15/13 1600 Hours. 

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Summer/Labor Day Avoud DUI campaign – Friday update 5
DATE/TIME:	Friday, August 23, 2013
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard and County-wide
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Brian Woolley, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7847, brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org Senior Officer Maria Peña, Oxnard Police, 805-385-7750, maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The Summer/Labor Day National Anti-DUI update of DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special Avoid the 14 DUI deployments in Ventura County are updated.

From 12:01 AM Friday August 16, 2013 through Midnight Thursday August 22, 2013 officers representing 14 county law enforcement agencies have arrested 71 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  It is unknown how many DUI arrests occurred during the same seven (7) day time period in 2012.
 
Last year there were no DUI deaths reported.
(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)
 
For the second weekend of the campaign, Avoid the 14 will deploy several DUI Checkpoints and DUI Saturations Patrol. DUI Saturations Patrols will be deployed during the weekend in the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, and the campus of California State University of Channel Islands (CSUCI). On Saturday, DUI Checkpoints will be deploying in the cities of Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Camarillo, and by the California Highway Patrol.
 
The checkpoint being conducted by the city of Camarillo will be held in memory of Kim Hemminger.  On July 22, 2012, Kim died as a result of a DUI traffic collision.  Kim was a passenger in a vehicle when the alcohol impaired driver lost control and the vehicle rolled over.  Kim died from her injuries.  The driver, Christopher Blankenship was later convicted of vehicular manslaughter.  The Camarillo Police Department wants to take this opportunity to share Kim’s story and her beautiful life, a life that was cut too short because of an impaired driver.   
 
All regularly scheduled traffic and patrol officers will focus efforts at stopping and arresting DUI drivers during their normal shifts.
 
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 Labor Day midnight Monday, September 2, 2013.  Avoid programs, named for the number of police agencies in each county, Multiple/DUI Driver’s License Checkpoints, Multi Agency DUI Task Force operations and local Roving DUI patrols are set region wide during 18 day Summer/Labor Day Campaign.
 
MEDIA NOTE:  The checkpoint locations and saturation patrols will be made available for media opportunities or ride-a-longs each night.

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempted Murder – Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	8/23/13 at approximately 2240 hours
LOCATION:	100 Block of South McKinley Avenue
VICTIM(S):	16-18 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7665 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 8/23/13 at approximately10:40 pm, Oxnard police officers responded to the 100 block of South McKinley Avenue reference a fight. When officers arrived they located a victim with numerous stab wounds. EMS quickly arrived and transported the victim to the Ventura County Medical Center. The victim was rushed into surgery and is listed in critical condition. The police have not been able to identify the victim since the victim was not in possession of identification.
 
According to residents in the area, a possible fight involving unknown persons took place. The reason for the fight or what provoked the incident is still unknown.
 
The investigation is continuing.
                                                                                                                             
If anyone has information about this incident or knows the identity of the victim, they are encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. 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. 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:8/24/13 0252 Hours

Jeri Williams Chief of Police

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

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint, this Friday
DATE/TIME:	Friday, August 16th, 2013  6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749, or Jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

 Oxnard, CA – The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, August 16th at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 
 
The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving alcohol drop by an average of 20 percent when well-publicized checkpoints are conducted often.
 
Officers will be contacting drivers passing through the checkpoint looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment.  Officers will also check drivers for proper licensing and will strive to delay motorists only momentarily.  When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.  Drivers caught driving impaired can expect jail, license suspension, and insurance increases, as well as fines, fees, DUI classes, other expenses that can exceed $10,000.
 
In 2010, over 10,000 people were killed nationally in motor vehicle traffic crashes that involved at least one driver or motorcycle rider with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher. In California, this deadly crime led to 791 deaths because someone failed to designate a sober driver. “Over the course of the past three years, DUI collisions have claimed 6 lives and resulted in 646 injury crashes harming 387 of our friends and neighbors,” said Senior Officer Jamie Brown.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence.  Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.
 
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Oxnard Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to continue to work together to bring an end to these tragedies.  If you see a Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.
 
MEDIA NOTES: To schedule an interview regarding the Oxnard Traffic Safety Operations, please contact Jamie Brown at 805-385-7749 or at Jamie.brown@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:	Arrest of Murder Suspect
DATE/TIME:	August 2, 2013
LOCATION:	Homicide location: 2700 block of El Dorado Avenue, Oxnard Arrest location:  Ventura County Main Jail
VICTIM(S):	Alfredo Vargas Ramiro Huerta
SUSPECT(S):	Jorge Cervantes, 19 Years of Age, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett, Violent Crimes Supervisor, (805) 385-7600, alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Mike Young, Major Crimes Unit (805) 385-7606 mike.young@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif)– On August 2, 2013, Oxnard resident Jorge Cervantes was served with a criminal indictment, charging him with two counts of murder, attempted shooting at an inhabited dwelling and numerous enhancements related to these charges.  This indictment was related to the murders of Alfredo Vargas and Ramiro Huerta.
 
Alfredo Vargas was murdered during a gang related incident on January 17, 2009.  Cervantes was arrested on April 2, 2013 for his role in this murder, and has been in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Three additional defendants, Guillermo Galvan, Alexis Ramirez, and Jonathan Gallegos, who had also been previously arrested for their role in Vargas’ death, were also indicted for murder as it relates to the Vargas incident.   
 
Additionally, Cervantes was indicted for the January 27, 2009 murder of Ramiro Huerta.  Huerta was murdered just 10 days after Alfredo Vargas.  Huerta was shot to death just outside his apartment, after walking home from a nearby convenience store.  Huerta was killed just a short distance away from where Vargas had been killed less than two weeks before.  Investigators believe that Huerta’s murder was also committed for the benefit of the Lemonwood Chiques street gang. 
 
This additional arrest is the result of a task force the Oxnard Police Department formed in August of 2012 to solve a series of homicides which occurred between 2006 and 2012.  The Oxnard Police Department received significant assistance in these investigations by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. 
 
There are additional outstanding suspects in the Alfredo Vargas homicide and this and other investigations continue to be actively worked.  These investigations also include the 2006 murder of Oscar Gonzales and the 2012 murder of Jose Gonzales.  Investigators believe members of the Lemonwood Chiques criminal street gang are responsible for all of these murders.
 
Jorge Cervantes remains in the custody of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department with bail currently set at $1,610,000.  Members of the public are asked to contact Detective Mike Young at (805) 385-7606 or mike.young@oxnardpd.orgif they have any information about this or any other homicide case.
 
 
 
DATE / TIME PREPARED:  August 8, 2013, 02:00 p.m.