Archives for September 2013

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Road Closures for the Pier to Pier Ventura Marathon
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, September 8, 2013 / 6:30a.m to 1:00p.m.
LOCATION:	Harbor Blvd, Oxnard Gonzales Rd, Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749

DETAILS:

The Pier to Pier Ventura Marathon will be held this Sunday, September 8^th starting from the Ventura Pier at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00p.m. The marathon will go through Ventura, Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The marathon is expected to have approximately 800 runners which may cause some traffic delays along the marathon route.

The marathon route from Ventura will be southbound on Harbor Boulevard to Channel Islands Boulevard, eastbound Channel Islands Boulevard to Ventura Road and southbound Ventura Road to the Port Hueneme Pier. Runners will make a U-turn at the Port Hueneme Pier and return to the Ventura Pier following the same route.

The only road closures in the City Oxnard will be on Harbor Boulevard between Fifth Street and Spinnaker Drive in Ventura and Gonzales Road between Victoria Avenue and Harbor Boulevard. All other streets along the marathon route will remain open. Local residents are encouraged to use alternate routes for trips in and out of the city.

In an attempt to accommodate local residents traveling along the marathon route, the Oxnard Police Traffic Unit will have officers and additional traffic control personnel assigned to several intersections along the marathon route to assist with traffic control.

For Further Information regarding road closures contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 385-7749 or jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org. For further information regarding the marathon go to: www.venturamarathon.com

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
9-6-13 / 1300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Inaugural Spanish Citizens Academy offered for the first time in the City of Oxnard, Graduation this Wednesday
DATE/TIME:	October 2, 2013 / 5:30-8:00 pm
LOCATION:	City Council Chambers 305 West 3rd St., Oxnard 93030
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif)– The Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce the graduation of our inaugural Citizens Academy in Spanish, “Academia de Seguridad Publica para la Comunidad” this Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 5:30pm in the City Council Chambers.

This new program came to fruition after months of planning and coordination. The 12-week program was designed to provide people in the community with an overview of the functions and operational procedures of law enforcement through presentations and discussions on a number of different topics ranging from Oxnard Police Department overview and organization, Crime Analysis, Community Based-Policing Strategy, Traffic and 911 Communication Center overview, Graffiti and our youth programs, Gangs, Professional Standards, SWAT, and Major Crimes and Homicide. Each instructor is considered an expert in their field of discussion, and all presentations were prepared and presented in Spanish.

This group of community members also had a chance to visit and tour the Sheriff and Police Education and Training Academy in Camarillo, where they each had an opportunity to use the updated versions of the Force Option Simulator, a program that allows officers—and in this case community members—to react to real-life situations where they would use force, while other community members and training staff assessed their reactions.

“In an effort to further strengthen relationships with our diverse community members, we wanted to provide an extraordinary program—rich in content and a remarkable experience,” said Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams. “Our goal is to promote a better understanding of law enforcement for the people we serve, and we’re thrilled that we were able to offer it for our large Spanish speaking population throughout the City of Oxnard” Williams added.

For the Oxnard Police Department, our goal was clear and simple: that after their experience in this program, participants are left with a better understanding of who our officers are, our job, and how difficult our job can be to protect and serve the community in which they reside.

“For the last 12 weeks I was with the Police Department, which provided the community with a public safety Academy [in Spanish]…They have a series of values that commit them to work for the community and [with] the community… Every citizen has the [responsibility] to know and respect the laws. I want to say that everything I learned made me think differently about the officers and their work…” wrote Mrs. Teresa Salazar on the Oxnard Police Department’s Facebook Page shortly after the last class meeting. “I recommend this Academy to anyone who wants to improve [our] community and [want] to [better] understand the work of the Police Department,” she added.

Police Department’s across the state are looking or are in the process of creating similar Citizens Academies in Spanish. In fact, the Pasadena Police Department launched their Spanish Citizens Police Academy last week (September 26, 2013).

The Oxnard Police Department has a set of core values that every officer and civilian member of our staff adhere to, including: our value for the cultural diversity within our community and our department, our value for the partnerships we form with all members of our community, and our value of the public’s trust. We are proud of this new program and the support we have received from officers and community members who were all instrumental to its success,” said Chief Williams.

We look forward to offering two Citizens Academy next year—one in English and a second in Spanish— with a new cadre of community members who are interested in learning more about law enforcement, the laws that govern us, and meeting exceptional members on our team.

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DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 30, 2013, 5:30 PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Drivers License checkpoint Planned this Weekend
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, September 14th, 2013 6:00 P.M. to 12:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-77549

DETAILS: Oxnard, CA – Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Saturday, September 14th 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 enough.

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 649 injury crashes harming 391 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:	Fatal Hit-And-Run Traffic Collision-Vehicle vs. Pedestrian (Update)
DATE/TIME:	9-20-13, 2251 hours
LOCATION:	Hemlock Street and Capstan Drive
Party 1:	Aida Reyes, 20 years, Oxnard resident
Party 2:	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Silver 2003 Infinity G35
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Pena, (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On September 20, 2013, at about 10:51 P.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Hemlock Street and Capstan Drive in reference to a hit-and-run injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian.

The pedestrian, Aida Reyes, was transported to a local hospital where she underwent emergency surgery for her injuries. The Oxnard Police Department was informed this morning that Reyes died as a result of the injuries she sustained during the collision.

The Oxnard Police Traffic Unit is actively investigating this collision.

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

DATE / TIME PREPARED: September 21, 1800 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle/Firearm Arrests
DATE/TIME:	9/23/2013 at 0440 hours
LOCATION:	Seventh Street / Ventura Road
SUSPECT(S):	Two Juveniles, 15 and 16 years old, Oxnard residents
PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander

DETAILS:

On 9/23/2013, at approximately 4:40 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were stopped in the area of Seventh Street and Ventura Road when they heard several gunshots coming from a nearby neighborhood. Officers responded to the area of the 1300 block of Hull Place to investigate.

Officers observed a vehicle leaving the area at a high rate of speed and attempted a traffic stop. The occupants of the vehicle, two juveniles, 15 and 16 years old, fled from the vehicle and were arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

Further investigation revealed that the vehicle the juveniles were driving, a Mitsubishi Galant, was stolen but had not been reported. Officers also located a loaded semi-automatic handgun inside of the vehicle. Both Juveniles were charged with auto theft, conspiracy and weapons violations. They were lodged into Juvenile Hall.

No one was injured during this event and officers were unable to locate any damage related to the gunshots being fired.

Anyone who has information regarding this event should call the Oxnard Police Department at 805-385-7600.

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
DATE/TIME:	9/29/13 – 1116 hours
LOCATION:	440 S. Ventura Road (Masters Donuts)

SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic, male, 20’s, 5-11, 195 pounds, black hoodie and grey shorts



PREPARED BY:	Randy Latimer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

At 1116 hours, officers responded to Masters Donuts located at 440 S. Ventura Road after receiving a call of a robbery to the business. Officers learned a male in his 20s, 5-11, 195 pounds, wearing a black “hoodie” and grey shorts, attempted to rob the business by using a handgun.

An employee said that the suspect approached the counter and showed her a handgun. He demanded money but fled without any cash or property. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect was last seen running northbound from the area.

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. You may also contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9/29/13 – 1545 hours

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:	9/1/13; 2120 hours
LOCATION:	Perkins Road and Clara Street
VICTIM(S):	Hispanic Male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown Hispanic Male

VICTIM VEHICLE(S):	2005 Green Chrysler 300, 6WOF957

PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police and Fire Communications Center 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

On September 1, 2013, at about 2120 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a victim of a carjacking in the area of Perkins Road and Clara Street. The victim told the officers that he was seated in his vehicle in the alley of Perkins Road when he was approached by the suspect who brandished a handgun, and told the victim to exit the car. The victim complied; the suspect entered the driver’s seat of the vehicle and drove away towards Perkins Road. The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic male, with a shaved head and goatee, about 5’10” tall. There were no injuries.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call 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: 9/2/13 / 0010 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle Pursuit / Felony Evading (2800.2 CVC)
DATE/TIME:	9-7-13 / 0205 hours
LOCATION:	Channel Islands Boulevard at Harbor Boulevard
SUSPECT(S):	Andrew Marquez, 22 years, Oxnard Leeanna Marin, 22 years, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:

At 0205 hours, officers observed a vehicle at a high rate of speed eastbound on near Channel Islands Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle as it sped eastbound on Channel Islands Boulevard. The vehicle failed to yield and officers went in pursuit.

The vehicle turned northbound on Patterson Road at Channel Islands Boulevard where it struck a curb. The vehicle continued eventually crashing at Hemlock Street and McLoughlin Avenue.

Two subjects, Andrew Marquez, 6-18-91, (felony evading) and Leeanna Marin, 3-24-93, (misdemeanor warrant) were taken into custody without incident. Both sustained minor injuries.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 9-7-13, 0330 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Man arrested and charged with felony child abuse
DATE/TIME:	September 21, 2013, 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	300 block of W. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	8 month old baby
SUSPECT(S):	Joel Soto, 24 of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sr. Detective Luis McArthur, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7662, luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sr. Detective Luis McArthur, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7662, luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Joel Soto accused of child abuse

(OXNARD, Calif), Joel Soto, 24 of Oxnard has been arrested by Oxnard Police detectives with the Family Protection Unit and charged with felony physical child abuse.

The Oxnard Police Department received information that an 8 month old baby girl had been hurt by her father. She suffered serious injuries to her head, face and leg. Detectives determined that Soto caused the baby’s injuries. The baby was treated at St. John’s Hospital.

Soto is currently being held at Ventura County Jail. His bail was set at $20,000.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:September 21, 2013, 3:00 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:	Stabbing
DATE/TIME:	9-13-13 / 1915 hours
LOCATION:	100 Block of North Rose Avenue
VICTIM(S):	18-year old male, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown male suspects
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, Commander martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org, (805) 207-7078

DETAILS:
At 1915 hours, officers responded to the 100 Block of North Rose Avenue re: a fight involving a large group of subjects. Witnesses said seven to twenty subjects were involved. Officers located an 18-year old male, Oxnard resident, who had been stabbed. His injuries are not life-threatening. The victim did not provide any information as to his assailant(s).

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call 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: 9-13-13 / 1955 hours