Archives for June 2015

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 Chief releases findings from investigation of alleged “shooting tattoos”
DATE/TIME:	June 10, 2015 4:45 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Oxnard Police Department
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Chief Jeri Williams (805) 385-7624 jeri.williams@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On July 8, 2014, Raul Hernandez, a journalist and operator of an online news and information website, reported to Chief Jeri Williams that he had received information that a specific number of past and present Oxnard Police Department officers had engaged in serious misconduct. Hernandez related that an anonymous source had reported to him that these officers had obtained a specific tattoo following their involvement in an officer-involved shooting.

The anonymous source indicated that a subculture existed within the department that celebrated officer involvement in such incidents. According to the allegations, officers received the tattoo only after their involvement in an officer-involved shooting. Hernandez’s source alleged that the tattoos were placed on the officer’s shoulder, and were not visible outside of the uniform. Specific details were provided describing the tattoo.

Of note, the allegations were circulated on the internet by various social media platforms, including blogs and shares to other websites.

Given the nature of the allegations, Chief Williams requested that this matter be formally investigated by an outside, independent entity. The City of Oxnard retained a licensed investigator through the Public Management Group of the law firm Renne Sloan Holtzman Sakai, which has conducted investigations for many public agencies in California.

The independent investigation concluded that the allegations were unfounded, and the officers were cleared of violations of department policy. The investigation did not find any evidence supporting the existence within the department of a subculture that celebrates an officer’s involvement in a shooting.

The accused officers cooperated with investigators, and provided the investigators with visual confirmation. The investigators noted that none of the officers had tattoos that were consistent with the description provided by Mr. Hernandez. Investigators noted that some of the accused officers had tattoos that had no relation to officer-involved shootings or had no tattoos on their body at all. One of the accused, had never been in an officer-involved shooting.

Chief Williams stated “The Department takes allegations of misconduct seriously. This includes allegations of excessive force, as well as those allegations that compromise the public’s trust. I am pleased that all of the involved officers volunteered to be inspected, and that the investigation cleared them of any misperception the public may have about the culture of the Oxnard Police Department.” Chief Williams also added, “It is troublesome that word of the allegations from an anonymous source with unknown credibility was widely spread on the internet, and it is unfortunate some members of the public may never hear what the actual facts of the matter turned out to be.”

City Manager Greg Nyhoff noted that “It is critical that our police officers have the trust of the community. While I agree with the conclusions of the investigation, I do not condone any symbol or action that could be construed as glorifying the use of force. This is especially important in light of recent tragic incidents around the country. I am pleased that the Police Department took decisive steps to have this matter investigated independently.”

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, June 13, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Unit, (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, June 13, 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 southbound lanes of Rose Avenue south of Gonzales Road and the second checkpoint was conducted in the westbound lanes of Wooley Road west of ‘A’ 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:

·         845 vehicles through
·         706 drivers screened
·         Eight DUI investigations
·         Five DUI alcohol arrests
·         11 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Two citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         25 total citations issued
·         Seven vehicles towed
All five of the DUI arrests were made at or near the checkpoint held on Wooley Road. One of the drivers arrested was found to have a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit. Two other drivers had been driving with a blood alcohol level of three times the legal limit of .08.

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 to call 911 if they see an impaired driver. These DUI enforcement operations are funded by a grant 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: 06/14/15, 1700 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 and Motorcycle DUI Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	June 13, 2015 / 1500 – 0300 hours
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, June 13, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a motorcycle DUI enforcement operation. As motorcycle fatalities and injuries have increased in California, law enforcement and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) have stepped up their efforts to promote safety and education.

On March 12, 2015, the Oxnard Police Department investigated an alcohol-related motorcycle collision causing the death of the 37 year-old motorcycle rider. Nationwide, motorcyclists made up 14 percent of all vehicle-related fatalities in 2013, up from about 9 percent in 2004. This was despite motorcycle registrations representing only 3 percent of all vehicles in the United States in 2013, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. The fatality rate per miles traveled for motorcyclists is 16 times that of vehicle occupants. In 2013, California’s motorcycle collisions resulted in 475 fatalities and 13,143 injured victims. In 2012, 467 people were killed and 12,617 were injured.

The Oxnard Police Department offers these tips to drivers on how to prevent a collision with a motorcycle:

Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the same rights of the road as any other motorist.
Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
If you see a motorcycle with its turn signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten.
Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
Always allow more follow distance when behind a motorcycle. This gives more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Never drive distracted or impaired.

Motorcyclists can increase their own safety by following these steps:

Wear the proper safety gear at all times, including a DOT-compliant helmet.
Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
Excessive speed is the most common rider-related factor in motorcycle related crashes.
Follow at a safe distance.
Ride within your own limits – don’t be a victim of peer pressure.
Use turn signals at every lane change or turn.
Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
Never ride distracted or impaired.
Ride defensively – assume other drivers don’t see you.

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.

Following the motorcycle enforcement operation, the Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint from 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 while delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving. Additional officers will be deployed throughout the city to conduct additional DUI enforcement.

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 these operations 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 Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 12, 2015 / 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:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	June 26, 2015 / 2000-0300 Hours
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Friday, June 26, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit will be conducting a multiple location DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint at undisclosed locations within the city limits. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment with officers also checking drivers for proper licensing. 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. Not only do impaired drivers face jail time but the fines and fees associated with a DUI conviction in Ventura County can exceed $10,000. This doesn’t include potential long-term increases to vehicle insurance premiums, driver’s license suspension and mandatory attendance in DUI classes.

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: June 25, 2015 / 2130 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen vehicle and narcotics arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 23, 2015 / 3:30pm
LOCATION:	200 block of Doris Avenue Oxnard, Ca
SUSPECT(S):	Adrian Barron (23 years), Rayna Lara (20 years), Ismael Garcia (26 years)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2001 Honda Accord
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:
On June 23, 2015, at 3:30pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit/ Gang Unit observed a black 2001 Honda Accord driving in the area of ‘C’ St. and Doris Avenue, in the City of Oxnard. Officers observed the vehicle make a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle in the 200 block of Doris Avenue. During the traffic stop officers learned that the vehicle had been stolen earlier in the day from an address in Oxnard. The three occupants of the vehicle, all of which are residents of Oxnard, were detained. The driver of the vehicle, Raynah Lara, 20 years of age, was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle. Lara was also in possession of a small amount of heroin and several hypodermic needles. One of the passengers of the vehicle, Ismael Garcia, 26 years of age, was also found to be in possession of a small amount of heroin and was arrested. The second passenger of the vehicle, Adrian Barron, 23 years of age, was in possession of 51 grams of methamphetamine, 5.7 grams of heroin and, over 150 prescription pills including Xanax. Barron also had a large amount of cash. Barron was arrested for numerous narcotics violations including possession for sales and transportation for sales and a Felony warrant for his arrest. Barron is also a member of a local street gang.

DATE / TIME PREPARED:
6-23-15/ 6:10pm

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DRAGG (Drag Racing Against Gangs and Graffiti) graduation ceremony, and receive scholarships
DATE/TIME:	6-4-15 6:00PM
LOCATION:	300 Graves Ave #F, Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Sgt. Charles Woodruff 805 797-6643 Charles.woodruff@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sgt. Dan Shrubb 805 200-5670 Daniel.shrubb@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The DRAGG program held its 2014-2015 graduation ceremony last week on 6-4-15, at its new shop location, 300 Graves Ave. #F. Over 100 students, family, friends and sponsors attended the celebration which is held every year a week before the high school graduation period.

DRAGG is an after school program and is a partnership between the Oxnard Police department, Oxnard Union High School district and the automotive industry to help at-risk youth get an introduction into the automotive industry. The students receive 5 credits each semester after completing 60 hours in the program.

This school year, the students worked on project vehicles in the DRAGG shop as well as participated on trips to meet races in Bakersfield and Formula Drift events in Long Beach. The students also had the opportunity to meet the legendary car builder, George Barris, at his shop in North Hollywood.

This year the program had 38 students graduate from five high schools within the Oxnard Union High School District. Eighteen students also received scholarships to help further their education in the field of their choice. This would not have been possible without the help of our sponsors; Martin V. Smith Foundation, Vortech Superchargers, Borla, Lucas Oil and Tacos Don Chente.

There will be no classes held during the summer months, but we are already accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year. We are looking for incoming junior or senior students who would be interested, and are enrolled in the Oxnard Union High School District and can arrange transportation to meet at our new shop location at 300 Graves Ave #F. Interested students or their parents and encouraged to contact our DRAGG Program at 97-DRAGG or our website Draggteam.org.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Pedestrian)
DATE/TIME:	June 24, 2015 / 1759 hours
LOCATION:	First Street @ Dolores Court
PEDESTRIAN:	Male, two years of age, Oxnard Resident
PARTY 2:	Berardo Remigio, 25 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 2:	Black, 2006 Nissan Altima
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 June 24, 2015, at about 6:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of First Street and Dolores Court in reference to an injury traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival, officers found that a small child had been struck by a Nissan Altima.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Nissan, driven by Berardo Remigio, was traveling eastbound on First Street near Dolores Court when a two year old male ran into the roadway from the south side of the street and directly into the path of the approaching Nissan. The child was struck by the vehicle and sustained several injuries including head trauma.

The child was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed as stable, but critical condition. Driver Remigio was not injured as a result of the collision.

Alcohol, drugs and excessive speed do not appear to be factors in this collision.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via email at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org. The collision is still under investigation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 24, 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:	Court Operation Leads to Seven Arrests for Suspended Driver’s Licenses
DATE/TIME:	June 15, 2015 / 0800 – 1200 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura County Courthouse, 800 S. Victoria Avenue City of Ventura
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Monday, June 15, 2015, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a special enforcement operation targeting drivers who appeared in court for cases involving imposed driver’s license suspensions. Each of the individuals appearing in court was informed or reminded by a judge that their driving privilege was suspended.

During the operation, seven individuals left the court room, drove away from the courthouse and were stopped by officers. Officers arrested all seven drivers for violations of driving with a suspended driver’s license. Four of the drivers had DUI related driving suspensions, two had failure to appear in court suspensions and one driver’s privilege was suspended from a previous arrest for the possession of a large quantity of marijuana. The seven vehicles were towed from the scene of the stop and potentially face a 30-day impound.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct operations like these to help make our community and roadways safer.

These operations are funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Transportation Administration.

For questions related to traffic safety and enforcement, please contact Senior Officer Jamie Brown at 805-385-7749 or via email at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: June 15, 2015 at 1545 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 Participate in Annual Flame of Hope Run through the City of Oxnard, tomorrow
DATE/TIME:	Thursday, June 11, 2015, 9:00am
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard, starting at Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Ron Zavala ronald.zavala@oxnardpd.org 805-857-4657

DETAILS: The Oxnard Police Department will be participating in the annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch “Flame of Hope” Run in support of Ventura County Special Olympics. Oxnard Police along with community members will be gathering at the U.S. 101 footbridge at Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road, where Ventura PD will hand the torch for its run through Oxnard.

Runners will proceed southbound on Ventura Road, go east on Vineyard Ave, south on H Street, to Gonzalez Road, down south on C street. Every year, the group passes along the Oxnard Police Department where they are rallied in front of the police station. Runners then proceed through the City of Oxnard where they hand off the torch to Port Hueneme Police at Ventura Road and Channel Islands Blvd.

Oxnard Police has been supporting this annual event for over 20 years. For one of our officers, Officer Ron Zavala this will be his last year coordinating this event since he will be retiring. He has helped coordinate it for the past 10 years. What makes this event more special for many at our agency is that Officer Zavala has pushed his own daughter in her wheelchair at the front to lead the group year after year on this run – as she carries the torch. We encourage members of the public to come out and support the participants as the Flame of Hope makes its way through Oxnard.

Aside from a run this is also a fundraiser, with all proceeds going to support Special Olympics Ventura County athletes. The public is welcome to join law enforcement on this run, with a $25 donation which includes an official Law Enforcement Torch Run t-shirt.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics. For over twenty years, Oxnard Police and Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. These monies help Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.

For additional information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run, or the Special Olympics organization, please refer to the contact Officer Ron Zavala at ronald.zavala@oxnardpd.org or 805-857-4657. You can also visit the Special Olympics of Southern California website at www.sosc.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 6/10/15 1330 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearms Arrest
DATE/TIME:	June 16, 2015/ 2:45p.m.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Rd. at Cloyne St.
SUSPECT(S):	Javier Flores (18 year old Oxnard resident)/ Adrien Apodaca (19 year old Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	2011 Toyota Corolla
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley (805)385-8289

DETAILS:On June 16, 2015, officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit stopped a black 2011 Toyota Corolla for a traffic violation near the intersection of Pleasant Valley Rd. and Cloyne St. in the City of Oxnard. The driver, Javier Flores, and passenger, Adrien Apodaca, are members of an Oxnard street gang. During the course of the traffic stop officers located a .22 caliber rifle concealed in the vehicle. Both Flores and Apodaca were arrested for firearms related charges. Because both are members of a criminal street gang they are prohibited from possessing firearms in the State of California.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and 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 witnesses to a crime.