Archives for October 2014

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide (twelve 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):	Black male, twenties, 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
PREPARED BY:	Detective Robert Eckman, Major Crimes, (805) 385-7760, bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Robert Eckman, Major Crimes, (805) 385-7760, bob.eckman@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department is looking for the public’s help in solving this crime. Victim families learn to live on after a loss but their grief never goes away. Loved ones left behind look desperately for the answer of “why” with a hope of at least some closure.

October 10, 2014 will mark the twelfth 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 inside his residence and died later during surgery. Lemos’ wife and their one year old son were with him when he was shot but were not hurt during the incident. Lemos died just two days before his 25^th birthday.

The only information available about the suspect at that time was as follows: Black male, approximate age in his twenties, 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 and that he may have been in the company of a female at the time of the murder.

Anonymous tips and messages have been received that lead police to believe that the suspect is known and that suspect’s friend/s or family member/s may also know the circumstances behind this homicide.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/08/14 / 0800

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shots Fired-Possible Domestic Violence Incident
DATE/TIME:	10/17/2014 at 12:25 p.m.
LOCATION:	2000 Block of N. Ventura Road
VICTIM(S):	Valarie Carbajal, 24-year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Carbajal, 24-year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10/17/14, at approximately 12:25 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the 2000 block of North Ventura Road reference a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, witnesses stated that the incident involved a male and a female inside a grey four-door newer model sedan. The male and female left in the vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival. Officers located evidence at the scene indicating that at least one shot had been fired at that location.

Patrol officers and investigators continued to investigate the case throughout the day and learned that the incident involved a married couple. They were identified as 24-year old Anthony Carbajal and 24-year old Valarie Carbajal (see pictures below). Anthony Carbajal is currently wanted for a probation violation and for a separate domestic violence incident. Investigators are also interested in speaking with Valarie Carbajal to check on and ensure her safety and well-being.

If anyone witnessed the shooting incident or has information on the whereabouts of Anthony Carbajal or Valarie Carbajal, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. You can also contact Detective Scott Aaron at (805) 385-7662 or Detective Juanita Suarez at (805) 385-7759. 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shots Fired-Possible Domestic Violence Incident
DATE/TIME:	October 17, 2014 at approximately 12:25 p.m.
LOCATION:	2000 block of North Ventura Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Valarie Carbajal, 24-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Anthony Carbajal, 24-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 486-6211 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 10/17/14, at approximately 12:25 p.m., Oxnard police officers responded to the 2000 block of North Ventura Road reference a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, witnesses stated that the incident involved a male and a female inside a grey four-door newer model sedan. The male and female left in the vehicle prior to the officers’ arrival. Officers located evidence at the scene indicating that at least one shot had been fired at that location.

Patrol officers and investigators continued to investigate the case throughout the day and learned that the incident involved a married couple. They were identified as 24-year old Anthony Carbajal and 24-year old Valarie Carbajal (see pictures below). Anthony Carbajal is currently wanted for a probation violation and for a separate domestic violence incident. Investigators are also interested in speaking with Valarie Carbajal to check on and ensure her safety and well-being.

***UPDATE***
Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department worked diligently throughout the night attempting to locate Anthony and Valarie Carbajal. Information was received that both subjects were together and driving eastbound across California and Arizona eventually stopping in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Detectives contacted the local police departments in the area of Albuquerque and provided them with the subjects’ descriptions. On 10/18/14 at about 1315 hours, Albuquerque police officers located Anthony and Valerie walking together. Officers contacted them to check the well being of Valarie. During the contact, Anthony was found to be in possession of a firearm. Valarie was determined to be safe and unharmed. Anthony was arrested and both of them were transported to the Albuquerque Police Department for questioning.

If anyone any further information regarding this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740. You can also contact Detective Scott Aaron at (805) 385-7662 or Detective Juanita Suarez at (805) 385-7759. 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 http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Robbery
DATE/TIME:	10/5/14 5:50 a.m.
LOCATION:	4100 block of San Juan, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	15-year-old juvenile female
SUSPECT(S):	Jeffrey Chambers, 24 year old, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Neail Holland, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Watch Commander (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On October 5, 2014, at 5:50 a.m., a female juvenile was walking home in the 4100 block of San Juan Avenue in Oxnard. A suspect approached her and forcibly took her cell phone from her pocket. During the struggle, and unbeknownst to him, he dropped his own cell phone on the ground before fleeing westbound on Bard Road with the victim’s cell phone.

Police officers arrived and identified a possible suspect from the cell phone that was left behind. The victim identified Jeffrey Chambers as the suspect that robbed her. Soon after, Officer Jeff Miller located Chambers and arrested him for the robbery. The stolen cell phone has not been located.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Violent Crimes Unit 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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/05/2014, 1400 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant Service/Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/22/14 at approximately 5:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Barrera, 19-year old Port Hueneme Resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Earlier this morning, simultaneous search warrants were served by Oxnard Police Department Investigators with the assistance of the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.). The search warrants were served in the cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme and were part of an ongoing criminal investigation.

During the searches, investigators seized firearms, ammunition, and additional evidence related to the ongoing criminal investigation. As a result of the evidence seized, investigators arrested 19-year old Port Hueneme resident Uriel Barrera (see picture below). Barrera is a convicted felon; therefore, he is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Barrera was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Barrera is a documented Colonia Chiques gang member and has previously been served with the civil gang injunction. Today’s arrest marks the fourth time that he has been arrested in possession of a firearm in the last four (4) years.

Earlier this year in an effort to address the 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 within the city. The objective of this initiative andFAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement.

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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Attempt Stolen Vehicle / Arrest of Post Release Offender
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, October 25, 2014 / 8:15 am
LOCATION:	1400 block of South Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard CA
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Jeritzel Huggins, 37 years of age, transient
PREPARED BY:	Officer David Castillo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Communications (805) 385-7740

DETAILS:
On 10/25/14, at approximately 0815 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the 1400 block of South Oxnard Boulevard for the call of a subject attempting to steal a vehicle. Officers located the subject, identified as Jeritzel Huggins, a short distance away. Huggins is a transient, who frequents the Oxnard and Santa Clara County areas. Huggins was arrested for attempting to steal a motor vehicle and resisting or delaying a peace officer in the performance of their duties. He was booked into the Ventura County Jail.

Huggins is currently in the Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/25/14 1205 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 of Serial Armed Robbery Suspect
DATE/TIME:	11/13/13 at 0106 11/16/13 at 0053 11/17/13 at 0359 11/19/13 at 0030 11/24/14 at 0130 3/10/14 at 0229
LOCATION:	2201 East Channel Islands Blvd, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	7-11 Convenience Store
SUSPECT(S):	Ramon Rodriguez, 35-year old, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Edgar Fernandez, Violent Crimes Unit
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7645

DETAILS: Between November 13, 2013 and March 10, 2014, there were six (6) armed robberies to the 7-11 convenience store, located at 2201 East Channel Islands Boulevard in the city of Oxnard. As the robberies continued, it became apparent to investigators based on information discovered at the scene that these robberies were committed by the same unknown suspect. Making it more difficult for investigators was the fact that the suspect used elaborate and different disguises during each robbery.

Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit continued to work the cases throughout 2014 in the hopes that evidence collected at the scenes would help identify a suspect. Recently, information received from community members coupled with scientific analysis conducted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory helped in identifying a possible suspect.

On October 2, 2014, Ramon Rodriguez, a thirty-five year old Oxnard Resident, was arrested and charged with all six (6) armed robberies. Once in custody, Rodriguez admitted to committing all six (6) armed robberies at the same 7-11 Store.

This nearly year-long investigation is a tremendous example of three valuable components of creating a safer and stronger community:

The tenacity and commitment of our Violent Crimes Investigators who recognized the impact that these robberies had on the Lemonwood neighborhood. Despite limited preliminary information, they continued their investigations throughout the year until Rodriguez was identified and arrested.
The value and impact of community members providing information to their local police department. We could not solve crimes such as these without the help of our local business owners and residents.
The value of law enforcement partnerships throughout Ventura County. We could not have solved these cases without the expertise and assistance of the fine men and women at the Ventura County Sheriff’s Forensic Science Laboratory.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Persons with further information regarding these incidents are encouraged to contact Detective Edgar Fernandez (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 e-mail.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/03/2014, 1000 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Two Recent Investigations Result In Lengthy Prison Sentences
DATE/TIME:	October 2014
LOCATION:	100 block of North Harrison Avenue, Oxnard Bank of the West, 300 block of West Esplanade Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Eric Rodriguez, 37-year old Oxnard resident Donald Fulton, 45-year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Eric S. Sonstegard, Commander Investigative Services Bureau
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eric S. Sonstegard (805) 385-7801 eric.sonstegard@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department maintains an investigative unit titled the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) which has nine (9) investigators assigned full-time to investigate robberies, violent assaults, and all gang-related crimes. These investigators regularly work up to seven days a week to identify and arrest some of the most violent individuals in our city. Their hard work and dedication has led to hundreds of arrests over the past few years. In particular, two (2) recent cases shed a spotlight on their diligence and quest for justice.

In March of 2012, a stabbing occurred in the 100 block of North Harrison Avenue. The victim of the stabbing was rushed to Saint John’s Hospital with a serious stab wound to his abdomen. The victim survived the stabbing, but refused to cooperate with police officers and investigators. During the course of the investigation, VCU investigators obtained information from various sources that the suspect in the stabbing was Eric Rodriguez, a 37-year old Oxnard resident. However, the victim and witnesses to the stabbing refused to cooperate with the police investigation. Although investigators faced many challenges in this case, they were able to gather enough evidence to officially arrest Rodriguez. Rodriguez was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, with a special allegation that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

A three-day jury trial took place in June of 2014. At the conclusion of the trial, it only took the jury approximately 90 minutes to return with a guilty verdict. On October 10^th, Rodriguez was sentenced to 86 years to life in state prison.

On March 20, 2014, the Bank of the West located in the 300 block of West Esplanade Drive was the victim of a robbery in which the suspect passed a note to a bank teller and asked for money or he would detonate an explosive device in his backpack. He was able to flee the bank with over $2,000 in U.S. currency. A short time later, a nearby business manager as well as a customer at In-n-Out Burger contacted officers and advised that they had found property in a parking lot which may have belonged to the robbery suspect. VCU investigators responded to the scene and began conducting an investigation. They were able to identify the suspect as Donald Fulton, a 45-year old Oxnard resident. A patrol officer familiar with Fulton started searching the area and located him walking in the area. Fulton was found with over $1,400 in U.S. currency in his pockets and was identified by several witnesses at the bank.

Earlier this month, Fulton pled guilty to the robbery and was sentenced to eleven (11) years in state prison. This was Fulton’s second bank robbery conviction.

These are just two examples of the hard work and dedication of the officers with the Oxnard Police Department. They are also continuing examples of what can be accomplished with a collaborative effort between our community members, the Police Department, and the District Attorney’s office.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10/20/14 at 1200 Hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Recovered stolen vehicle and pursuit
DATE/TIME:	10-25-14 / 2154 hours
LOCATION:	200 Block of South McKinley Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Barragon, 21 years, Oxnard resident Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 10-25-14, at 2154 hours, officers saw a stolen Mitsubishi Lancer near Ivywood Drive at Lakehurst Street. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle it failed to yield and officers went in pursuit. At approximately 2157 hours, officers terminated their pursuit. The stolen vehicle continued with its lights off.

At approximately 2159 hours, a collision was reported in the 200 block of South Marquita Street. The stolen vehicle had collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle. Witnesses advised two males fled on foot.

Officers conducted a search of the immediate area and located both the driver, identified as Juan Barragon, 21 years, and passenger, Rodrigo Padilla, 21 years, hiding in nearby backyards. Both had sustained minor injuries as a result of the collision.

Barragon was charged stolen vehicle, felony hit-and-run, felony evading, possession of narcotics, possession of narcotics paraphernalia and possession of graffiti tools. Padilla was charged with stolen vehicle and interfering with the duties of a police officer. Both were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail.

Persons with additional information should contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-25-14 / 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:	Multiple Robberies
DATE/TIME:	Wednesday October 8, 2014 1800hrs 2027hrs 2104hrs
LOCATION:	Holly Ave / H St 500 block Collection Ave 2600 block N. Oxnard Blvd
VICTIM(S):	18 years, Oxnard Resident 26 years, Oxnard Resident 55 years, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Two suspects,17 years, Oxnard Residents One suspect, 16 years, Oxnard Resident Two suspects,15 years, Oxnard Residents
PREPARED BY:	Officer Andrew Pinkstaff
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Watch Commander(805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On Wednesday October 8, 2014, at approximately 1800hrs, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a robbery in the area of Holly Avenue and H Street. Upon arrival, officers contacted an 18 year old Oxnard resident, who said that he had been robbed by several juveniles. The area was checked, but the suspects had already fled.

At approximately 2027hrs, officers also responded to a similar robbery call in the 500 block of Collection Avenue, this time, the victim was a 26 year old Oxnard resident. The victim had contacted a local business, who then contacted on-duty shopping center security. The security officers were able to locate possible suspects in a vehicle and notified responding Oxnard police officers. The officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, and detain the five occupants.

Shortly after the stop, the Oxnard Police Department was notified of an additional robbery that had occurred in the 2600 block of North Oxnard Boulevard in close proximity to the second robbery incident. The victim was found to be a 55 year old Oxnard resident. This victim was able to positively identify two of the suspects that officers had detained.

During a search of the suspect vehicle, property from the first robbery incident at 1800hrs was located. That victim was contacted and was able to positively identify three of the suspects.

All five suspects were arrested for robbery and conspiracy, and all were transported to Ventura County Juvenile Hall.

An investigation is ongoing.