Archives for August 2014

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:	August 15, 2014 / 8:00 P.M. TO 2:00 A.M.
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On Friday August 15, 2014 The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

During the DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. When possible, specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

So far this year, the Oxnard Police Department has arrested 287 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The department has also investigated 56 traffic collisions involving impaired drivers. These collisions caused injuries to 34 people and the deaths of two others.

Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

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 ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest – Felon in Possession of a Firearm
DATE/TIME:	Monday, August 18, 2014 at 11:15 p.m.
LOCATION:	500 Block of Hill St
SUSPECT(S):	Valadez, Alexandro, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Scott Hebert, Commander

DETAILS:

On Tuesday August 18, 2014, at approximately 11:30 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the 500 block of Hill St. regarding subjects drinking and disturbing. When officers arrived on scene, Alexandro Valadez was contacted and found to be in possession of a concealed handgun. Valadez is also a convicted felon, which is an additional violation.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the City. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 19, 2014 at 2:00 a.m.

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 Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, August 15, 2014 8:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	Vineyard Avenue South of Forest Park Boulevard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Friday, August 15, 2014, between the hours of 8:00 P.M. and 1:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoint in the City of Oxnard in the southbound lanes of Vineyard Avenue south of Forest Park Blvd. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The two arrests made during the checkpoint include a DUI driver who had a blood alcohol content that was three times the legal limit and one driver who had an outstanding felony want.

The results of tonight’s checkpoint are as follows:
·         503 Vehicles through
·         503 Drivers screened
·         2    DUI investigations
·         1    DUI alcohol arrest
·         No DUI drug arrests
·         1    Criminal arrests
·         8     Citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         1     Citation issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         25   Total citations issued
·         2     Vehicles towed

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct DUI enforcement operations this year. These 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. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety 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 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 8/16/14, 0130 hours

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 – Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	8-9-14 / 0345 hours
LOCATION:	700 Block of Hermosa Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Adam Rodriguez, 27 years, Ventura residence
SUSPECT(S):	Jeannette Robles, 31 years, Oxnard residence
WITNESS(ES):	Withheld
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Not disclosed
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit, (805) 385-7620, sharon.giles@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dale McAlpine, Family Protection Unit, (805) 385-3921, dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(Oxnard, CA) – On 8-9-14, at 0345 hours, officers responded to the 700 Block of Hermosa Way reference a subject yelling in the street. Officers made contact with a witness who told officers that a man was struck by a car. The witness stated the car fled after striking the man knocking this individual to the ground. The victim was later identified as Adam Rodriguez. Rodriguez was contacted at his home in Ventura by Oxnard officers. Rodriguez told officers that his ex-girlfriend, Jeannette Robles, hit him with her car while he was walking on Hermosa Way. Rodriguez said he and Robles were involved in a verbal dispute prior to him being struck by the car.

Mr. Rodriguez sustained moderate injuries from being struck by the car. Jeannette Robles was arrested at her residence on Blanca Place in Oxnard a short time after the incident. Jeannette Robles is currently in custody with bail set at $500,000.

Detectives are still investigating the case and request persons with information about this incident call the Oxnard PD at (805) 385-3921 or (805) 385-7620.

You can remain anonymous by calling the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or e-mail.

Date / Time Prepared: August 9, 2014, 2300 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest – Assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism
DATE/TIME:	Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 4:31p.m.
LOCATION:	3600 Block of Leeward
VICTIM(S):	55 year old male, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Cliff Thieme, 63 years, Port Hueneme Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Red Hyundai Elantra
PREPARED BY:	Scott Hebert, Commander

DETAILS:

On Tuesday August 12, 2014, at approximately 4:31 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the 3600 block of Leeward Way regarding a call of shots fired from a red vehicle. When officers arrived on scene, Cliff Thieme was contacted and eventually arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism.

Officers learned that the shooting resulted from a “road rage” incident between the suspect and victim at Rice Ave and the 101 freeway. The suspect followed the victim to the 3600 block of Leeward way where an altercation took place. The suspect caused damage to the victim’s vehicle, and at some point during the altercation, produced a handgun and fired one shot in the direction of the victim. The victim was not injured.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 12, 2014 at 9:00 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:	Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
DATE/TIME:	8/28/14 0820 hours
LOCATION:	2000 Block of Rhonda Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Benjamin Theis, 49 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit Sharon.Giles@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7620
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Terry Dobrosky, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit Terry.Dobrosky@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7609

DETAILS: On 8/28/14, after a month-long investigation, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU), members of the Southern California High Tech Task Force, and officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) served a search warrant at a residence in the 2000 block of Rhonda Street in the City of Oxnard. During the subsequent investigation and search, an Oxnard resident, Benjamin Theis, was identified as allegedly being in possession of child pornography as well as participating in the distribution of child pornography. He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that the possession of child pornography is a felony and can be punishable with imprisonment in State Prison. In addition to being captured in images, many children depicted in the images are often the victims of sexual assault, exploitation, or human trafficking. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to the continuing investigation of these acts and will vigorously pursue those that participate in child-related crimes.

Anyone with information regarding the possession of child pornography is encouraged to contact Detective Dobrosky with the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7609. For additional information on how to report child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com.

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: 08/28/2014 1600

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Commercial Robbery
DATE/TIME:	August 6, 2014 / 2230 Hours
LOCATION:	490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Circle K Store
SUSPECT(S):	Suspect-1: White Male, 25-30 years, 6’0”, 185 lbs, Suspect-2: Dark-Skinned Male, 20-25 years, 6’0”, 185 lbs
VEHICLE:	Possible White Nissan Sentra
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7645

DETAILS:
On August 6, 2014 at about 2230 hours, two unknown male suspects entered the Circle K Convenience Store, located at 490 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard. The first suspect brandished a handgun at the store employee and demanded money. The store employee handed money from the register to the first suspect. The second suspect then took the money from the first suspect and put it in his pocket. The suspects fled the business in a white sedan.

The first suspect is described as a white male, late-twenties, approximately six feet tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds. The second suspect was described as a dark-skinned male, mid-twenty, approximately six feet tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds. Both suspects were wearing hoods to cover their faces.

The suspect vehicle is believed to be an early 1990’s white Nissan Sentra. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the location northbound onto Victoria Avenue.

If anyone has any additional information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Edgar Fernandez at (805) 385-7645. 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: 8/7/14/ 1100 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	*Operation Safer and Stronger*-Firearms Strike Team (FAST) and Directed Patrol Efforts
DATE/TIME:	July-2014
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard, (805) 385-7801, eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

During the month of July, the Oxnard Police Department seized twenty-one (21) firearms through directed patrols, probation and parole searches, and the services of search warrants. Sixteen (16) of those firearms were seized from persons being arrested.

On July 4, 2014, Genaro Cortes, a 28-year old Oxnard resident, fled from Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) officers. Cortes was quickly apprehended and found in possession of a loaded handgun in his waistband. Cortes was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a person not registered as the owner in possession of a firearm.
On July 20, 2014, Arthur Chavira, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop. He was apprehended a short time later and found to be in possession of a .38 caliber handgun. Chavira was arrested for numerous firearms violations including being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 24, 2014, Christopher Russell, a 27-year old Oxnard resident, fled from SEU officers during a traffic stop with a loaded handgun in his hand and was apprehended a short time later. Russell was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
On July 31, 2014, Paul Perez, a 31-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers at the scene of a disturbance at the Sea Rounders bar and found to have been in possession of a loaded handgun. Perez was arrested for numerous violations including a probationer in possession of a firearm.

Since January 1^st, Oxnard officers have made sixty-four (64) firearms-related arrests. The Oxnard Police Department has seized one-hundred and fifty-five (155) firearms year-to-date and we will continue to focus our efforts on prohibited persons in possession of firearms.

As an additional component of the Oxnard Police Department’s Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, the Department continued to increase its special patrols in the month of July. These additional patrols augmented our normal patrol staffing and were focused on contacting individuals that may be responsible for committing a high number of crimes.

On July 11, 2014, a series of warrant services and directed contacts led to the following arrests:

Sergio Zendejas, a 22-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for an outstanding felony warrant. During a probation search of his bedroom, a .380 caliber handgun was recovered. Zendejas was arrested for felon in possession of a firearm.
Rafael Madera, a 25-year old Port Hueneme resident, was contacted by officers and found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Madera was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
Omar Chavez, a 21-year old Oxnard resident, was contacted by officers during a warrant service and barricaded himself in a bedroom with his 7-year old brother. Officers were forced to breach a door to rescue the child and take Chavez into custody. Chavez was arrested for several felonies including false imprisonment and child endangerment in addition to his outstanding felony warrants.

Officers will continue these focused enforcement efforts throughout the coming months as we know a small number of offenders are responsible for a disproportionately high amount of the city’s criminal activity.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 7, 2014 1000 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Avoid the 14 Ventura County Labor Day Mobilization Anti-DUI Crackdown Update
DATE/TIME:	August 15 through September 1, 2014
LOCATION:	County of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant, (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
The National Summer/Labor Day Anti-DUI crackdown arrest update over the past two weeks: From 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 15, 2014, through midnight on Thursday, August 28, 2014, officers representing Ventura County law enforcement agencies have arrested 114 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In 2013, 180 DUI arrests occurred during the same 14 day time period.

(**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**)

Tonight, a multi-agency DUI Task Force Saturation is scheduled for the City of Moorpark. Officers working this operation will also be patrolling the areas of Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. Officers from the Moorpark Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Port Hueneme Police Department, Cal State University Channel Islands Police Department, Thousand Oaks Police Department and Camarillo Police Department will join forces to remove impaired drivers from local roadways.

Tomorrow night, August 30th, the City of Ojai will be hosting a multi-agency DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits of Ojai. Officers and deputies from throughout Ventura County will also participate in this operation.

Over this Labor Day weekend, 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 1, 2014.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: August 29, 2014 / 1540 hours

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 – Vehicle
DATE/TIME:	8/9/2014 0345 hours
LOCATION:	700 Block of Hermosa Way, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Adam Rodriguez, Age 27, Resides in City of Ventura
SUSPECT(S):	Jeannette Robles, Age 31, Resides in City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-7620, Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Dale McAlpine, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-3921, Dale.McAlpine@Oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
(OXNARD, CA) – On August 9, 2014 at 0345 hours, officers responded to the 700 Block of Hermosa Way reference a subject yelling in the street. Officers made contact with a witness who told police that a man was struck by a car. The witness further stated that the car fled the scene after striking the man and knocking him to the ground. The victim was later identified as, Adam Rodriguez. Rodriguez was contacted at his home in Ventura by Oxnard Police. Rodriguez told police that his x-girlfriend, Jeannette Robles, hit him with her car while he was walking on Hermosa Way. Rodriguez said he and Robles were involved in verbal dispute prior to him being struck by the car.

Mr. Rodriguez sustained moderate injuries from being struck by the car. Jeannette Robles was arrested at her residence on Blanca Place in Oxnard a short time after the incident. Jeannette Robles is currently in custody with bail set at $500,000.

Detectives are still investigating the case and request that if anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard P.D. at (805) 385-3921 or (805) 385-7620.

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: August 9, 2014, 2300 hours