Archives for March 2015

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:	March 7, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
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 Saturday, March 7, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at an undisclosed location within the city limits. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment while also ensuring drivers are properly licensed. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

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.

How to Report a Drunk Driver
1.    Call 911 to report a suspected drunk driver. **You do not have to give your name**
2.    Provide a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color and license plate number.
3.    Describe the exact location of the vehicle, including the name of the road, cross streets and the direction the vehicle is traveling.
4.    Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.
5.    Do not try to stop the car or detain the driver. Leave that to a law enforcement officer.

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: March 5, 2015 / 1900 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Abducted 7 Year Old Reunited With Father
DATE/TIME:	March 25, 2015, 9:00 P.M.
LOCATION:	San Diego, California
VICTIM(S):	Tyler Melgoza, 7 year old
SUSPECT(S):	Jessica Melgoza, 35 years old, Oxnard Resident
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: On March 21, 2015 at 8:30 p.m., the father of 7 year old Tyler Melgoza came to the Oxnard Police Department to report that the child’s mother, Jessica Melgoza, failed to return Tyler after his court ordered overnight visitation. Jessica Melgoza was required to return Tyler to his father at 7:30 p.m. on March 21, 2015.

The Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit and the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Child Abduction Unit have been working diligently to locate the whereabouts of Tyler. During the investigation, it was believed and subsequently confirmed that Jessica Melgoza had taken Tyler and fled to Mexico. Investigators began to exhaust all leads interviewing family members and asking for the public’s assistance in helping locate Tyler.

On March 25, 2015 at approximately 1:00 P.M. detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit were able to make contact with Jessica Melgoza via phone. It was confirmed that Melgoza was in Mexico with 7 year old Tyler in the border city of Tijuana. Investigators negotiated with Jessica to safely return the child to authorities in the United States. Investigators immediately made contact with the Department of Justice to coordinate the safe passage of the mother and child across the border.

Following the phone conversation with Melgoza, detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Family Protection Unit and an investigator from the District Attorney’s Office drove 200 miles to San Diego to ensure and help secure the reunification between Tyler and his father. Within hours and with the assistance from the Department of Justice, Jessica and Tyler were escorted across the border. Tyler was immediately removed from the custody of Jessica Melgoza and taken to a nearby facility in San Diego to be examined by medical staff. Tyler was found to be unharmed.

Once Tyler’s medical examination was completed, he was released to the custody of his father, Tony Melgoza. Tony Melgoza was overwhelmed with emotion and joy to see his son again. Detectives described their own feelings as relieved and very emotional knowing that father and son were both safe in each other’s arms. Detective Dale McAlpine stated, “Its special moments like these that have the greatest impact on me and what I do every day.”

Following the tearful and joyful reunion, detectives made contact with Jessica Melgoza who was immediately served with an Emergency Protective Order restricting her from any contact with the father or child. Within five minutes of leaving the facility, Jessica violated the protective order by calling the child’s father. With the primary focus being on the safe and successful return of Tyler, Jessica Melgoza was released from custody and allowed to leave following the return of the child. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed against Jessica Melgoza for child abduction and for unlawfully taking the child across international lines.

Pictures of the reunion can be found on our Facebook page.

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, March 27, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Thomas Martin, Traffic Unit, (805) 385-7748 thomas.martin@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:On Friday, March 27, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 1:30 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 southbound lanes of Saviers Road south of Bryce Canyon and the second checkpoint was conducted in the southbound lanes of Oxnard Boulevard south of Wagon Wheel. 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:

·         620 vehicles through
·         456 drivers screened
·         Three DUI investigations
·         Two DUI alcohol arrests
·         One criminal arrest (an individual arrested for an outstanding warrant)
·         13 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         One citations issued to a driver with a suspended/revoked license
·         20 total citations issued
·         6 vehicles towed
Two of the three DUI investigations occurred at the checkpoint on Saviers Road. One subject was found to be under the influence of alcohol while the second was not arrested. The one other DUI arrest took place at the checkpoint on Oxnard Boulevard.

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: 03/28/15, 0235 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Parental Abduction–Public’s Help Wanted
DATE/TIME:	3/21/15 8:30 P.M.
LOCATION:	Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Tyler Melgoza, 7 years old
SUSPECT(S):	Jessica Melgoza, 35 years old
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Believed to be driving a blue, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta with black doors. The license plates to the vehicle were recently reported stolen which means the vehicle has either false license plates or no plates at all.
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: On March 21, 2015 at 8:30 P.M., the father of 7 year old Tyler Melgoza came to the Oxnard police department to report that the child’s mother, Jessica Melgoza, failed to return Tyler after his court ordered overnight visitation. Jessica Melgoza was required to return Tyler to his father at 7:30 P.M. on March 21, 2015.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit along with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Child Abduction and Recovery Unit are currently investigating the whereabouts of Jessica Melgoza and her son Tyler Melgoza. Investigators believe that Jessica Melgoza has fled to Mexico with son Tyler. Jessica is believed to be driving a blue, 1998 Volkswagen Jetta with black doors. The license plates to the vehicle were recently reported stolen which means the vehicle has either false license plates or no plates at all.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Jessica and her son Tyler and request that if anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call the Oxnard Police at (805) 385-3921. 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:3/24/15 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:	Narcotic Search Warrants / Arrests for the Sales and Possession of Spice
DATE/TIME:	March 20, 2015
LOCATION:	1. Sam’s Smoke Shop 2820 E. Vineyard Avenue Oxnard 2. Center Smoke Shop 801 E. Main Street Santa Paula 3. 99 Cents &More 3133 Saviers Road Oxnard 4. Station 1 Tobacco 616 E. Main Street Ventura 5. Santa Paula Smoke Shop 319 E. Harvard Blvd Santa Paula 6. Wild Zone Smoke Shop 2700 S. Ventura Road Oxnard 7. Royal Spades 1037 S. Ventura Road Oxnard 8. Central Smoke Shop 341 Central Avenue #105 Fillmore 9. Smoke for Less 616 Ventura Street Fillmore
SUSPECT(S):	Ilias Youssef, 37 years of age, Ventura Abdo Alhaddad, 26 years of age, Ventura Dominic Diaz, 35 years of age, Santa Paula Charlene Galvan, 35 years of age, Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant J Hendren, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Narcotics Sergeant Charles Woodruff, Oxnard Police charles.woodruff@oxnardpd.org; (805) 385-7636

DETAILS:Detectives from the Ventura County Narcotic Task Force concluded an investigation which began in September 2014 into the sales of “Spice” in Ventura County. Spice is a mix of herbs (shredded plant material) with manmade chemicals applied to it which is mind-altering. It is often called “synthetic marijuana” because some of the chemicals in it are similar to ones in marijuana; but its effects are sometimes very different from marijuana, and frequently much stronger. It is most often labeled “Not for Human Consumption” and disguised as incense and potpourri. However, the sellers of Spice know it is being consumed and package labeling attract young consumers. Some of the packaging labels include, “Diablo, Scooby Snax, Atomic Bomb, Mr. Nice Guy, Dead Man, Frankin Stoned, Bob Marley, Mr. Happy, Mind Trip, and iBlown.”

Because the chemicals used in Spice have a high potential for abuse and no medical benefit, the Drug Enforcement Administration has made many of the active chemicals most frequently found in Spice illegal. However, the people making these products continuously try to avoid these laws by altering the chemicals in their mixtures to circumvent emergency legislation. Sellers of Spice products try to lead people to believe the ingredients are “natural” and therefore harmless, but they are neither. Spice is the second-most popular illegal drug used by high school seniors (marijuana is the first). Easy access and the misperception that Spice is “natural” and safe have likely contributed to these higher rates of use. Its side effects, like the ingredients, often vary, but emergency rooms report seeing people with rapid heart rates, vomiting, agitation, and hallucinations. Using Spice can lead to abuse and even addiction as the body builds up tolerance to the drug’s effects over time and craves a higher dose to achieve the same effect. (Data from National Institute on Drug Usage NIDA)

Detectives began receiving complaints from patrol officers and officers assigned to local schools of incidents where Spice was involved. They found several incidents where students had become violent and aggressive while at school and the officers had to request medical aid for the students that were under the influence of Spice. The detectives found several other incidents where patrol officers had physical altercations with subjects throughout Ventura County under the influence of Spice and they described the individuals as having super human strength.

Detectives conducted undercover operations at over 32 smoke shops throughout Ventura County and were able to purchase Spice at 9 locations. Warrants were authored for the above locations. During the search warrants the detectives located over 43 pounds of “Spice,” a stolen handgun, evidence of sales of prescription drugs and 10 gambling style slot machines. Arrests for the sales of “Spice” are still pending since the substances that were seized are still being analyzed to determine if they contain one of the illegal chemicals per the Drug Enforcement Administration. Four additional arrests were made during the service of the search warrants for the stolen gun, sales of prescription drugs and the slot machines.

If you’re a parent, talk to your teens about Spice. It’s not safe. It’s not natural. In fact, no one really knows what’s in a package of Spice. Manufacturers are using a variety of unknown chemical combinations to evade D.E.A. regulations. If you have information about Spice and locations where these products are being sold, call your local law enforcement agency. The Ventura County Narcotics Task Force will continue to investigate the sellers and manufacturers of Spice products.

The Ventura County Narcotics Task Force is made up of narcotics detectives from the Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, California Franchise Tax Board, Oxnard Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office working cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in Ventura County.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felony Assault, Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	March 8, 2015, at approximately 0130 hours
LOCATION:	900 block of Ontario Street
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	17 year old Ventura resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Detective John Brisslinger (805) 486-6297 john.brisslinger@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 3/8/15 at approximately 0130 hours, officers responded to a fight at a house party in the 900 block of Ontario Street. When officers arrived, they located the male victim laying in the front yard of the residence. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center in grave condition. After several medical tests, the victim’s condition was downgraded to critical but stable condition. The injuries are not considered to be life threatening.

Investigators from the Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. During the investigation, officers and investigators located a witness that provided valuable information to assist with the investigation. A suspect was located and identified. The suspect, identified as a 17 year old Ventura resident, was arrested for felony physical assault.

Investigators are still investigating the incident and are looking for additional witnesses. If you witnessed the incident or have information to assist with the investigation, you are encouraged to call Senior Detective John Brisslinger at (805) 486-6297. You can also provide information anonymously by calling 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: March 8, 2015 at 0549 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer Involved Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	March 7, 2014 / 0218 hours
LOCATION:	Oxnard Boulevard South of Gonzales Road
PARTY 1:	On Duty Peace Officer
VEHICLE 1:	Marked black and white police unit
PARTY 2:	Alexis Andrade, 18 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 2:	Cream, 2012 Chrysler 300

PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On March 7, 2015, at about 11:46 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to Oxnard Boulevard south of Gonzalez Road (in front of McDonald’s Restaurant) reference an injury collision involving a police unit and a Cream Chrysler 300.

The preliminary investigation indicated that the police vehicle, driven by an on duty peace officer, was traveling northbound on Oxnard Boulevard towards Gonzales Road. The officer was responding to assist an officer that was involved fight. The Chrysler 300, driven by Alexis Andrade, was traveling southbound on Oxnard Boulevard from Gonzales Road in the number two lane. Just prior to making a left turn from northbound Oxnard Boulevard towards the frontage road of Oxnard Boulevard in front of McDonalds Restaurant, the officer activated the overheard light and siren of the police unit. As the officer was making the left turn with its lights and siren activated the Chrysler broadsided the police unit.

Driver Andrade suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision. Passengers Maria Y. Loza and Aden Andrade were not injured as a result of the collision. The officer driving the police unit suffered minor injuries as a result of the collision and is in stable condition.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750. The investigation is continuing.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member arrested with a firearm
DATE/TIME:	March 4, 2015 / 6:45pm
LOCATION:	4600 block of San Juan Ave.
SUSPECT(S):	25 year-old Oxnard resident/ 22 year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Tim Kelley, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:DETAILS:

On March 4, 2015, officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit were conducting directive enforcement in the City of Oxnard in response to a recent gang involved shooting. Officers observed a suspicious vehicle in the area of the 4600 block of San Juan Ave. and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. During the traffic stop a loaded handgun was found concealed next to the driver. The driver, a 25 year-old Oxnard resident, was arrested for various weapons charges and booked into the Ventura County jail. The passenger of the vehicle, a 22 year-old Oxnard resident, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. The passenger of the vehicle was arrested for several narcotics violations and was also booked into the Ventura County Jail. Both suspects are documented Oxnard gang members.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang and firearms violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the City. Citizens are reminded to contact the Police Department when they observe suspicious activity or are witness to a crime.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 4, 2015 / 7:30pm

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:	3/19/15 at 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	1100 Block of North 5^th Place, City of Port Hueneme
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	David Smith, 30-year-old Port Hueneme 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 03/19/15, after a three 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 1100 block of North 5th Place in the City of Port Hueneme. During the subsequent investigation and search, David Smith, a Port Hueneme resident, 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.

Investigators learned during the investigation that Mr. Smith is a registered sex offender. Mr. Smith’s previous conviction was also for possession of child pornography.
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 and videos, many children depicted are often the victims of sexual assault, exploitation, or human trafficking. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to protecting the safety of our youth and the continuing investigation of these crimes against children will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.

Anyone with information regarding Mr. Smith or 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: 3/19/15

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms / Narcotics Arrest
DATE/TIME:	3-10-15 / 2205 Hours
LOCATION:	Saviers Road at Elm Street
VICTIM(S):	State of CA
SUSPECT(S):	Efrain Jimenez, 46 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Not disclosed
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Officer Rodney Spicer
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 3-10-15, at 2142 hours, officers stopped a vehicle on Saviers Road near Elm Street for minor traffic violations. The driver, Oxnard resident Efrain Jimenez, 46 years, was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and arrested.

Narcotics were also located in plain view inside the vehicle. Police Service Dog, “KOA,” searched further and a hidden compartment was located in the center console. Several baggies of cocaine and methamphetamine were located. Additionally, a loaded revolver was located.

Jimenez was charged with a number of felony and misdemeanor offenses: possession of cocaine and methamphetamine for sale, possession of a loaded firearm while being under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm with narcotics.

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 was 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.

Date Prepared: 3-10-15 / 0650 hours