Archives for April 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault
DATE/TIME:	4-19-15 / 1022 Hours
LOCATION:	400 Block of West Juniper Street
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	19-year old male (name withheld)
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 4-19-15, an Oxnard Police Department sergeant on routine patrol in the area of Juniper Street and “C” Street saw a male subject in possession of, and possibly brandishing, what appeared to be a rifle. It was later learned this was a BB gun. The male immediately fled into a nearby residence. Officers responded to the area. Traffic was re-routed on “C” Street while officers attempted to contact the subject.

Officers learned that another male subject had been struck by a BB and sustained a minor injury. However, the victim did not want prosecution.

Officers determined a 19-year old Oxnard resident (name withheld) is the suspect. Officers are no longer on scene. The investigation regarding the related misdemeanor crimes is continuing.

Date Prepared: 4-22-15, 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:	Oxnard Police launch Operation Safer and Stronger 2.0: ON UP
DATE/TIME:	April 8, 2015
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager 805-385-7631 miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: Last year, after a second year increase in reported crime, Oxnard Police statistics showed that the increase was primarily driven by a 25% increase in property crimes, predominantly thefts and burglaries. To combat this, Oxnard Police launched a comprehensive crime prevention initiative, Operation Safer and Stronger.

The innovative yearlong initiative was aimed to inform, educate, and empower residents as partners in public safety.  A central part of the initiative was public safety and crime prevention seminars that were organized throughout the city, addressing current and evolving trends and focused on Identifying and Reporting Suspicious Activity, Burglary and Theft Prevention, Target Hardening, Youth Safety, Crime Prevention for Businesses, Safety and Security Tips for Seniors, and Neighborhood Watch Training.

Oxnard Police aimed to target and engage every demographic in our community: youth, adults, parents, and seniors in our community. Hundreds of neighbors and community members answered our call and took the time to register, attend, and participate in our crime prevention events.  To reach a larger audience, the community-police seminars were coordinated in every district in the city, recorded, translated, aired on the city’s public access channel and remain available on our website today in English and Spanish.

Building on our long history and tradition of community engagement, as well as the success of our Safer and Stronger initiative, the Oxnard Police is proud to announce the launch of a new initiative that places neighbors and neighborhoods at the center, Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP).

“We continue to recognize and appreciate the importance of enhanced community engagement, in our work towards improving public safety,” said Chief Jeri Williams.  “We will continue to take every opportunity to meet with, and work with, the community to address our evolving challenges,” added Williams.

Oxnard Police and the City of Oxnard hope that heightened awareness brought by this program compels community members to take small steps to make our city and their homes safer by minimizing opportunities for crime.  Of the reported increase in burglaries and thefts in the past year, we discovered that 40% were not because of forcible entry, but instead was driven by unsecured and unlocked garages, doors, windows, and cars.

There are small steps we can all take to make our city safer, chiefly securing your homes, cars, and property. “Public awareness, crime prevention, and community engagement will be central to our efforts this year,” said Miguel Lopez, Oxnard Police Community Affairs Manager.   “We will be working with neighborhoods and community leaders, faith-based and community-based organizations, businesses partners, city departments and Oxnard Police District teams, to create opportunities and challenges for neighbors and entire neighborhoods to help build a stronger sense community and more active neighborhoods,” added Lopez

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that crime prevention begins at home – and with each individual person in our community. This philosophy and approach embraces the idea of empowering community members and does not solely depend on police for crime prevention. In most cases, people only call the police after an incident has occurred. Community members should not shy away from calling prior to an incident to ask about crime prevention tips or to report any and all suspicious activity.

“There are small steps we can all take to make our city safer and minimize these opportunities for crime – securing our homes and property can make a big difference,” said Williams.  “Together, let’s build on our efforts to create a safer community,” added Williams.

Oxnard Police encourage our community to always remain vigilant and immediately report any and all suspicious activity. As neighbors, we are the first to recognize activity that does not look or sound right in our neighborhoods and in our community. The public can report any suspicious activity by calling (805) 385-7740 from any phone, or 911. Spanish translators are available, and callers can remain anonymous.

“We can do better. We must do better. We will do better, together,” said Lopez.

For more information, contact Crime Prevention Detective Crystal Walker at the Oxnard Police Department(805)385-7668 or crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org

DATE/TIME PREPARED: 4/8/15 -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:	Robbery Arrest
DATE/TIME:	4-26-15 / 1207 hours
LOCATION:	Longfellow Way at Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Sean Ryan, 35-year old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	None
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 4-26-15, at 1207 hours, at 1207 hours, officers were dispatched to a robbery suspect in the area of Squires Drive and Pleasant Valley Road. The victim had advised that on 4-2-15, the suspect had robbed the victim using a knife. The victim was not injured. Officers located Sean Ryan, a 35-year old Oxnard resident, walking on Longfellow Way just south of Pleasant Valley Road. Ryan was arrested without incident.

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 this robbery or other 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: 4-26-15, 1500 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Warrant Arrest – Post Release Offender
DATE/TIME:	4-7-15 / 1024 Hours
LOCATION:	1300 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Manuel Edwards, 24 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Marty Meyer, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Marty Meyer, (805) 207-7078, martin.meyer@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 4-7-15, at 1024 hours, officers attempted to serve a felony warrant for Manuel Edwards, 24 years, Oxnard resident, in the 1300 Block of East Pleasant Valley Road. Edwards is a Post Release Offender (PRO). Edwards hid in his residence, a mobile home. Additional officers were deployed, announcements were made, and a search conducted. Edwards surrendered to officers without further incident. Edwards was arrested for the felony warrant and additionally charged with 148 PC (resisting or delaying a police officer).

The City of Oxnard continues to address issues associated with the Post Release Offender (PRO) Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 (the “2011 Public Safety Realignment”), which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandated that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious, or non-sex offenses serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison.

Date Prepared: 4-7-15, 1500 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 (One Year Anniversary)
DATE/TIME:	04/24/14 1404 hours
LOCATION:	5300 block of Cypress Road
VICTIM(S):	8 year old Oxnard Ruben Alfaro
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Gordon Currie, (805) 200-5682 Gordon.Currie@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On April 27, 2015, it will have been one year since 78 year old Ruben Alfaro was senselessly murdered in the 5300 block of Cypress Road. Mr. Alfaro is believed to have been an unintentional victim of a gang related shooting. Investigators have conducted multiple canvasses, examined evidence, and contacted numerous witnesses in this ongoing investigation. Detectives have now released a sketch of the suspect and are appealing to the public for their help in bringing Mr. Alfaro’s killer to justice.

If you have any additional information about this incident, please contact Detective Gordon Currie at (805) 200-5682. 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.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspect(s) in homicide cases.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 04/24/15, 1300 Hours

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:	April 26, 2015 6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Thomas Martin, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7749 thomas.martin@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Sunday, April 26, 2015, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.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 westbound lanes of Pleasant Valley Road west of Terrace Avenue. The second checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Saviers Road north of Bard Road. 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:

·         855 vehicles through
·         529 drivers screened
·         Two DUI investigations
·         One DUI alcohol arrest
·         One criminal arrest (an individual arrested for an outstanding warrant)
·         19 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Four citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         33 total citations issued
·         Six vehicles towed
The one DUI arrest tonight occurred at the checkpoint on Pleasant Valley Road. The arrested driver, a 49 year old male, had driven his vehicle over the raised concrete center median in an attempt to avoid the checkpoint. This driver had a commercial driver’s license and during the investigation, he was found to have a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit.

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: 04/27/15, 0015 hours

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 in possession of a firearm
DATE/TIME:	April 27, 2015 / 6:30pm
LOCATION:	Glenwood Dr. @ ‘M’ St. Oxnard, Ca
SUSPECT(S):	Fabian Ramirez (28 year old Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	U-haul pick-up truck
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:

On April 27, 2015 at approximately 6:30pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit observed a U-haul rental pick-up truck fail to stop at the stop sign at Glenwood Dr. and ‘M’ St. in the City of Oxnard. The officers stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, 28 year old Oxnard resident Fabian Ramirez. It was determined that Ramirez was driving with a suspended driver’s license. During the course of the investigation officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded handgun concealed inside. Ramirez had been convicted of a prior felony charge which prohibits him from possessing firearms. It was also discovered that the serial number on the firearm was obliterated which is illegal under California law. Ramirez is a member of a local Oxnard street gang. Ramirez was arrested for possession of a loaded and concealed firearm, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

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: April 27, 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:	Oxnard Police collaborating with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to provide translation services for the Mixteco community
DATE/TIME:	April 14, 2015
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager (805) 385-7631 miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: In our continuing efforts to better serve our diverse community, the Oxnard Police Department is proud to announce a partnership with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP) to provide translation services for the Mixteco community. Based on information provided by our current telephonic language translation service, the Oxnard Police Department uses translation services for the Mixteco/Zapateco language more than any other police agency in the State of California.

The Mixteco/Zapoteco are indigenous languages to the Mexican state of Oaxaca. There are approximately 20,000 Mixtecs who reside in the County of Ventura with a majority of that population in the City of Oxnard. The majority are strawberry and agricultural farm workers, and many primarily speak their indigenous language. These indigenous languages do not resemble nor are in any way similar to the Spanish language.

While current language line interpreters can assist with obtaining information quickly over the phone, MICOP can respond to the scene or to the station to assist with more complicated or lengthy investigations.

MICOP has 22 trained interpreters who can help our employees overcome barriers, both linguistically and culturally. Most interpreters are bilingual and can translate from Mixteco/Zapateco to Spanish. If this occurs, a Spanish to English interpreter would also be needed. Trilingual interpreters (Mixteco-Spanish-English) are available on a very limited basis.

“We saw this as a gap in our mission to provide exceptional service to everyone in our community. We began meeting with MICOP representatives a couple of months ago with the goal of forming this partnership. It is exciting to know we will be enhancing our level of service to the Mixteco community,” said Assistant Chief Eric S. Sonstegard.

“We believe that translators that respond to incidents on location will help with making the victims/witnesses feel more at ease and help bridge any cultural differences or barriers,” said Police Chief Williams Jeri Williams.

During the month of April, MICOP will be attending briefings to further outline their services and to share the wonderful culture that is Oaxaca, as a part of the Department’s ongoing cultural proficiency efforts.

Last week, Oxnard Police launched a new initiative, that places neighbors and community members at the center as partners in public safety, Oxnard Neighbors United Project (ON UP). The collaboration with MICOP is an excellent example of a community-based organization and local non-profit supporting police in our efforts to serve our community with exceptional service.

This partnership is an extension of the Oxnard Police Department’s work with MICOP the past six years. Oxnard Police started a monthly “Charlas Comunitarias” series, an open monthly forum where officers and Mixteco community members would gather for general public safety informational sessions that would be translated by Elia Vazquez from MICOP. In addition, last year the Oxnard Police and Fire Departments partnered with Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza’s Office and FEMA on a LISTOS Program, or “ready” in Spanish, a six-week course on how to prepare and respond if an earthquake, tsunami or other emergency strikes Ventura County. The course is a culturally sensitive training program designed to teach speakers of Spanish and indigenous languages how to protect their families and lead their communities in case of a natural disaster.

DATE: 4/14/2015 1325 hrs.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

EVENT:	Every 15 Minutes(E15M) Program at Pacifica High School, this Thursday and Friday
DATE/TIME:	April 23, 2015 at 10:30am and April 24, 2015, starting at 11:00a.m
LOCATION:	Pacifica High School 600 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard, CA 93036
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager, (805) 385-7631, miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	School Resource Officer Pedro Rodriguez, pedro.rodriguez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: (OXNARD, Calif)– Officers from the Oxnard Police Department will be coordinating the Every 15 Minutes (E15M) Program at Pacifica High School, 600 E Gonzales Rd, Oxnard, tomorrow and Friday.

Innovative in its design and powerful in its impact, the E15M Program is an educational experience that reminds us all of the dangers associated with driving while impaired by alcohol and/or other drugs. This program is organized annually to coincide ahead of prom season and other end of the school year activities.

“We look for effective preventative ways to inform and educate our youth. This annual event has proven to be powerful way to drive this important message to the core of our young individuals,’ said Sergeant Luis Mancha who oversees the Oxnard Police School Resource Officer Unit. “We have seen this production spark conversations amongst friends, well after this program, demonstrating its effectiveness” Mancha added.

Every 15 minutes in the U.S., someone is killed in a crash involving an impaired driver. The E15M program includes student participants being removed from their class every 15 minutes throughout the morning by an Oxnard Police Officer who acts as the Grim Reaper. An obituary is read to the class and the student participants later return to class as the “living dead”, complete with make-up. From that point on (since the victims are “dead”), they will not speak or otherwise interact with others for the remainder of the day except to be present in their regular classes.

Starting at about 10:30 a.m. on tomorrow, April 23 the Pacifica High student body (all Juniors & Seniors) will assemble in the football stadium to witness a mock head-on crash scene and simulated rescue that will include a full emergency response by Oxnard Police, Oxnard Fire, Gold Coast EMS, Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office, and McCarty & Sons Towing.

At the end of the school day, instead of returning home, student participants made into the “living dead” or those who were “killed” in the crash, together with several adult chaperones, will be transported to a local hotel for an overnight student retreat, facilitated by a support staff of counselors and police officers. The participants will continue to be out of contact with their family and friends overnight to simulate their separation/death.

The E15M program will continue on Friday, April 24, 2015 with a mock “funeral” assembly in the Pacifica High School gym starting at 11:00 a.m. where participants and their parents will share personal and often very emotional letters they wrote to one another the previous evening that begin with “Dear Mom & Dad, Every 15 minutes in the United States, someone is killed in a crash involving an impaired driver. Today I died. I never had a chance to tell you…”

This is arguably the most powerful, impactful, and emotional part of the 2- day program. While the crash was staged, the emotions of the funeral assembly are very real, and heart-wrenching.

“Every year students come to realize what an impact they could have on their parents and loved ones if something was to happen to them,” Mancha added. “This program would not be possible or successful if not for the Oxnard Police School Resource Officers and responsible businesses in our community who work hard to organize this program and production,” he added.

This powerful no cost educational program, funded by community, will challenge teenagers and others to think about the responsibility of making mature and responsible decisions when lives are involved. This year, Anheuser-Busch signed on as a major sponsor.

Oxnard Police would also like to thank the following businesses and individuals:
·         Ventura County Health Care Agency
·         Magnolia Family Medical Clinic
·         Ventura County Honorable Judge Brian Back
·         Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
·         Make- up artists – Cristina Jimenez and Antonette Penny Molina
·         Bernardo’s Flowers
·         Tactical Designs 805, Screen Printing
·         Oxnard PAL
·         Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office
·         Camino Del Sol Funeral Home
·         American Medical Response
·         Hometown Buffet
·         GrandStay Residential Suites
·         McCarthy & Sons Towing
·         Oxnard Fire
·         Oxnard Union High School District
·         Pete Ryeberg, Santa Clara Church
·         Ventura County District Attorney’s Office
·         Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office

DATE / TIME PREPARED: April 22, 2015 | 3:30 PM

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Wanted Person Arrested For Robbery
DATE/TIME:	4/16/15 – 1030 hours
LOCATION:	400 Block of North G Street
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	Douglas Reyvon Lovings, 25 year old Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 4/16/15 at approximately 1030 hours, investigators assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) were attempting to locate a wanted subject, identified as Douglas Reyvon Lovings, at his residence in the 400 block of North G Street, Oxnard. Investigators obtained information to confirm that Lovings was inside the residence. Lovings had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest for armed robbery, and investigators had linked him to two additional armed robberies that occurred in Oxnard. Lovings was also on probation for a prior misdemeanor conviction.

Detectives attempted to make contact with Lovings at the front door, but Lovings fled to the rear of the residence and would not come out as requested. Due to the violent crimes Lovings was suspected of committing that involved firearms, Oxnard Police Department SWAT officers responded to the residence with assistance from Ventura Police Department SWAT.

Lovings residence was surrounded by police and numerous announcements were made for Lovings to exit the residence. Investigators also called Lovings’ on his cellphone to encourage him to follow the orders of the officers. After approximately two hours, Lovings contacted the SWAT officers at the front door of the residence and surrendered. Lovings was taken into custody without further incident.

Lovings was arrested for the outstanding felony warrant for robbery, and he was also charged with two additional crimes of armed robbery. Investigators believe Lovings is a suspect in additional robberies and will continue to investigate those crimes.

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 you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477.
You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

Douglas Reyvon Lovings