Archives for January 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Pedestrian Intentionally Hit By Vehicle Update – Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 9, 2015, 11:16 p.m.
LOCATION:	608 South “A” St, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	26 year old Santa Barbara resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Uriel Garcia Garcia, 8/10/1992, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Scott Coe
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Scott Coe,scott.coe@oxnardpd.org (805)385-7796

DETAILS:On 1/9/15, at approximately 2316 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to the parking lot of 608 South “A” St reference a subject that was struck by a vehicle. Officers responded to the location and located the victim, 26 year old Santa Barbara resident, who was lying on the ground with a severe head injury. The victim was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit along with the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit responded to conduct an investigation. The preliminary investigation found a black BMW 4-door vehicle, with paper plates, entered the parking lot. A passenger of the suspect vehicle exited and confronted the victim and his associates who were standing in the parking lot. The passenger re-entered the suspect vehicle. Several moments later the vehicle re-entered the parking lot and struck the victim with the vehicle. Detectives are still working on obtaining more information about the incident and suspect(s).

UPDATE
Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) were able to identify the suspect as Uriel Garcia Garcia, a 22 year old Oxnard resident. Based on information and evidence obtained during the initial investigation, VCU investigators believe Garcia intentionally struck the victim with his vehicle during the incident.

In the late evening hours of 1/22/14, Oxnard police officers located Garcia driving the same vehicle he used to commit the violent assault. Garcia was stopped and arrested for unrelated charges. Garcia’s vehicle was impounded as evidence and had damage consistent with the violent assault. Garcia was brought to the Oxnard police department and questioned by VCU investigators. Garcia was formally charged and arrested for attempted murder. The victim is still hospitalized in stable but critical condition at the Ventura County Medical Center.
If anyone has further information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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.

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:	January 17, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers checking driver’s for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. In 2014, Oxnard Police officers arrested over 500 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. Officers also investigated 174 alcohol-related collisions causing the tragic and preventable deaths of three people.

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. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 16, 2015 / 1555 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	January 21, 2015, 6:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block of Balsam Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Luis Amaro, 41 years old, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Older model dark colored Honda
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander andrewsalinas@oxnardpd.org, 805-385-7756
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Ken Tougas, Senior Officer kentougas@oxnardpd.org, 805-200-5669

DETAILS: On January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a call of shots fired in the 200 block of Balsam Street. Upon arrival, officers were advised that a male shooting victim was transported by family members to St. John’s Hospital. The victim was then transported via ambulance to VCMC in critical condition. The victim, identified as Luis Amaro, would subsequently be pronounced dead at VCMC as a result of an apparent gunshot wound.

Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was standing near or around his residence when he was confronted by an unknown suspect. Witnesses recall multiple gunshots being fired and a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model sedan possibly a dark colored Honda. As of this release, no suspect(s)have been identified and the motive remains unknown.

This is Oxnard’s second homicide of the year. Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. If you wish to remain anonymous you can call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070 or Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
January 21, 2015, 2230 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 for Cultivating Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale, Obtaining Utility Services without Paying, Maintaining Place for Selling or Using Controlled Substance
DATE/TIME:	January 8, 2015, 7:00 PM
LOCATION:	1600 Block Pine Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Chad Fergeson 43 years old Erin Kelly 33 years old
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Charles Woodruff 805 385 7636 Charles.woodruff@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Robert Valenzuela 805 308-7637 Robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:: Information on the cultivation of Marijuana in the area of the 1600 block of Pine Street lead to the arrests of Chad Fergeson and Erin Kelly for Cultivating and possession for sales of Marijuana.

Narcotic investigators from the West County Street Team received information that a group had a possible Marijuana grow in a business in the 1600 block of Pine Street in the City of Oxnard. Some of the information received by investigators complained of a strong odor of Marijuana coming from this business.

Investigators served a search warrant on the location and located a large indoor Marijuana grow operation. Investigators seized over 2,000 Marijuana plants as well as locating evidence consistent with sales of Marijuana from this location. Investigators also found evidence that the power had been bypassed which allowed the operation to run without paying for the power utilities. Investigators advised that the potential value from this type of grow would have been over several million dollars.

Investigators contacted Chad Fergeson and Erin Kelly at the location who were attempting to hide at the location from officers. They were later arrested for Cultivating and Possessing Marijuana for Sale. Both suspects were transported and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail.

The West County Street Team is made up of Sheriff’s Office, Santa Paula Police Department, and the Oxnard Police Department narcotics detectives working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County.

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: January 9, 2015, 3:00PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary and Forcible Sexual Assault
DATE/TIME:	January 7, 2015, 10:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	5200 Block of Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld – 37 year old female
SUSPECT(S):	Hispanic Male, 5’5-5’6”, thin-med build, Mustache, Unk age Wearing a Black Hooded Sweatshirt, Black Ski Mask, Blue Jeans and White Tennis Shoes
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective Dale McAlpine, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-3921, dale.mcalpine@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:(OXNARD, Calif) – On January 7, 2015 at 10:05 a.m., officers responded to the 5200 Block of Saviers Road, regarding a prowler. Officers learned a male suspect had entered a home through an open back door. The suspect approached the victim and began to physically and sexually assault her. The victim fought back as the suspect attempted to strangle her. The victim broke free from the suspect and ran to a nearby garage whereby she barricaded herself and called police. The suspect fled the area. According to the victim, the suspect was wearing a black ski mask at the time of the assault.

Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit are still investigating the case and request that if anyone has information about this incident to please call the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-3921, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 7, 2015

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 and arrest of gang member in possession of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 8, 2015/1630
LOCATION:	Saviers Road and Laurel Ave
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Varela 21 years old and 16 year old male juvenile. Both are residents of Oxnard.
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Stored
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Bill Crisostomo, Sergeant, (805) 385-8290 Bill.crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 8, 2015 at approximately 1600 hours officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit attempted a traffic stop in the area of Saviers Road and Hill St for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to yield and a short vehicle pursuit ensued. During the pursuit two subjects fled from the vehicle. A 16 year old male juvenile fled from the vehicle and was quickly apprehended. He was in possession of loaded handgun. The second subject, Jose Varela, was apprehended with the assistance of several citizens who directed officers to his location.

Due to the traffic conditions the vehicle pursuit was cancelled.

Jose Varela and the juvenile are both documented gang members. The juvenile was booked on several firearm related charges and Varela was charged with delaying a peace officers duties.

An investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 8, 2015/1715

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Person
DATE/TIME:	1/9/15 2:25 pm
LOCATION:	2800 Block of Cleveland Drive, Oxnard
MISSING PERSON:	Donald Eloi Ornelas – 71 years
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Family Protection Unit (805) 385-7620, Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Lynette Fenton, Missing Person Specialist (805) 385-7646, Lynette.Fenton@Oxnardpd.org

(OXNARD, Calif) – The Oxnard Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Donald Eloi Ornelas, 71 years. Donald left his home on 1/7/15 at 8:30 pm for a walk but failed to return home. Donald was not reported missing to police until 1/8/15. Donald is English speaking and is described as a Hispanic male, 5’8”, 150 lbs, grey/brown hair, brown eyes, and a mustache/beard. Donald was wearing a blue baseball hat, black jacket, blue jeans and tan tennis shoes when he left his residence on 1/7/15.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 9, 2015 2:25 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/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, January 17, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
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:
On Saturday, January 17, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted two DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The first checkpoint was conducted in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Boulevard west of Saviers Road and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Harbor Boulevard north of Fifth Street. These locations were chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

·         651 vehicles through
·         340 drivers screened
·         Five DUI investigations
·         Three DUI alcohol arrests
·         Two DUI drugs arrests
·         Two criminal arrests (two individuals arrested for outstanding warrants)
·         21 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Nine citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         36 total citations issued
·         10 vehicles towed

Two of the five DUI investigations occurred at the checkpoint on Channel Islands Boulevard with one found to be under the influence of alcohol and the other under the sole influence of narcotics. The three other DUI arrests took place at the checkpoint on Harbor Boulevard. One of the DUI alcohol arrests was a 19 year old male.

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: 1/18/15, 0530 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police pursue and recover stolen vehicle
DATE/TIME:	Sunday, January 4, 2015, 12:28 p.m.
LOCATION:	100 Block of south “D” Street, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Carlos Ramirez, 38 years, from Oxnard
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Luis McArthur, Field Services Bureau luis.mcarthur@oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7746

(OXNARD, Calif) – A man whose vehicle was stolen from Ventura called the Oxnard Police Department just after 12 p.m. today when he saw it being driven in the area of Gonzales Road and Rose Avenue in Oxnard.

Officers spotted the stolen Dodge pickup truck travelling westbound on Fifth Street near “A” Street. The driver refused to stop and led officers in a brief pursuit through downtown streets until reaching the 400 block of west First Street. The suspect then abandoned the truck, hopped fences and entered private yards. Officers set up a parameter in the neighborhood and found the suspect hiding in the backyard of a home in the 100 block of south “D” Street, which was less than a block away from the Oxnard Police Station.

The suspect was identified as 38-year-old Oxnard resident Carlos Ramirez who was booked into Ventura County Main Jail on suspicion of vehicle theft and reckless driving. His bail was set at $70,000. Police officers spoke with residents at homes in the search area to notify them of the incident. The truck was processed for evidence and returned to its legal owner.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 4, 2015, 7:15 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:	Arrest of subject in possession of a sawed off / stolen shotgun
DATE/TIME:	January 7, 2015 / 1707 Hours
LOCATION:	Wilson Ave. @ Third St
SUSPECT(S):	Victor Rodriguez, 18 year old Oxnard resident 14 year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident (name withheld) 16 year old male juvenile, Oxnard resident (name withheld) 17 year old male juvenile Oxnard resident (name withheld)
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Mike Johnson
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet cody.collett@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On January 8, 2015, at approximately 5:07 p.m. an Oxnard Police Officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of First St. and Juanita Ave. The vehicle initially failed to yield but finally stopped in the area of Wilson Ave. and Third St.

A high risk stop was conducted and four occupants were detained. One of the occupants of the vehicle was 29-year-old Oxnard resident Victor Rodriguez. A search was conducted of the vehicle due to Rodriguez’ probation status. Officers searched Rodriguez’ vehicle and located a sawed off shotgun that had previously been reported stolen. Rodriguez was arrested for possession of the stolen shotgun along with additional weapons violations. The three remaining occupants; a 16-year- old Oxnard resident, a 17-year-old Oxnard resident, and a 14-year-old Oxnard resident were arrested for various misdemeanor charges.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/8/15- 0042 hours