Archives for October 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Elder Financial Abuse, Fraud and Theft
DATE/TIME:	March 2015 – October 2015
LOCATION:	Ventury County
VICTIM(S):	Deceased (Undisclosed)
SUSPECT(S):	Mangubat, Gerard Paul Cruz Romero, Ryan
LOSS:	In excess of $60,000
PREPARED BY:	Detective Erica Escalante, Oxnard Police Department
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Erica Escalante, Oxnard Police Department, Financial Crimes & ID Theft Unit (805) 385-7661 Detective Tim Lohman, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Financial Crimes & ID Theft Unit (805) 947-8255

DETAILS:After a six-month long investigation, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Financial Crimes Units arrested Gerard Paul Cruz Mangubat, 32 years old, and Ryan Romero, 27 years old, both Oxnard residents, for elder financial abuse, check fraud, credit card fraud, and Identity Theft crimes. During 2015, Mangubat and Romero worked as in-home caregivers for terminally ill elders and used their positions to access the victims’ financial and identity information to commit thefts and fraud crimes, totaling over $60,000 in losses. The investigation was aided by the cooperation of several banks that absorbed the financial losses.

On October 14, 2015, detectives arrested Mangubat and Romero at their home and seized various items of Identity Theft from their home pursuant to a search warrant authorized by the Ventura County Superior Court. The investigation was supported by the Elder Abuse Unit of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. Criminal charges were filed against Mangubat and Romero as they were booked into the Ventura County Main Jail. Mangubat has a bail of $750,000 while Romero has his bail set at $50,000. Arraignments for Mangubat and Romero were scheduled for this afternoon, October 16, 2015.

Neither Mangubat nor Romero had any known criminal history and both worked during 2015 for various employers. Anybody with additional information regarding these crimes should contact Detective Erica Escalante of the Oxnard Police Department’s Financial Crimes and ID Theft Unit at (805) 385-7661 or Detective Tim Lohman of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department’s Financial Crimes and ID Theft Unit at (805) 947-8255.

It is important for everyone to protect their Personal Identifying Information by keeping it safe and secure. In addition, family members and caretakers should also protect the Personal Identifying Information of their incapacitated family members. All incidents of suspected Identity Theft may be reported to the local law enforcement agency where a victim lives or works, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 530.6. In addition, reports can be made to the FTC at www.ftc.gov and FBI at www.ic3.gov. Additional Identity Theft prevention strategies can be found with those Federal government agencies.

Anybody facing the difficult choices of care providers for their elderly relatives may inquire with the Oversight Office at the California Department of Public Health.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)

CDPH – Licensing & Certification Division is responsible for licensing Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and providing inspections to ensure compliance with licensing standards. CDPH, Licensing and Certification Division has District Offices throughout the state.
Contact CDPH, Health Facilities Consumer Information System:
Phone: (916) 558-1784
https://hfcis.cdph.ca.gov/
CDPH – Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS) has primary responsibility in the certification of Nurse Assistants, Home Health Aides and/or Hemodialysis Technicians.

Contact ATCS:
Please note that the Interactive Voice Response Unit (IVRU) is an automated phone number (916) 327-2445, which accommodates a heavy volume of calls. You may leave a voicemail with the message center at (916) 552-8811. It is preferable to FAX information to the CNA/HHA/Certification Unit, FAX (916) 552-8785, or send an email to the CNA email address cna@cdph.ca.gov
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 16, 2015/1430 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	October 15, 2015 / 2239 hours
LOCATION:	Ventura Road @ Wagon Wheel Road
VEHICLE:	White, 1993 Nissan 300ZX
DRIVER:	Asael Gregorio Mendez, 18 years, Port Hueneme Resident
PASSENGER:	Male, 18 years, name withheld pending next of kin notification
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Maria Peña (805) 385-7750 maria.pena@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On October 15, 2015, at about 10:40 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Ventura Road and Wagon Wheel Road in reference to a single vehicle injury collision. Upon arrival, firefighters and rescue personnel used the Jaws of Life to extricate the two male occupants from the vehicle, a white 1993 Nissan 300ZX.

The driver of the Nissan, Asael Mendez, sustained serious injuries and was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is still listed in critical condition. The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation and information obtained from witnesses indicates that the Nissan was traveling northbound on Ventura Road approaching Wagon Wheel Road at a high rate of speed. For an unknown reason, it lost control, veered off the roadway and collided into a block wall located at the entrance to the shopping center at the intersection. During the collision, the vehicle also struck a fire hydrant positioned on the sidewalk near the block wall. The hydrant was dislodged from its base and landed several feet away in the southbound lanes of Ventura Road. The Nissan came to rest on the center median of Ventura Road at its intersection with Wagon Wheel Road.
Although speed contributed to the cause of the collision, it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were factors in the crash. The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Senior Officer Maria Peña at (805) 385-7750 or via email at maria.pena@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 16, 2015 / 0515 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stabbing Victim
DATE/TIME:	October 21, 2015 at 1905
LOCATION:	Palm Drive and G Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	19 year old Oxnard resident (name withheld)
SUSPECT(S):	Two Hispanic male suspects, 30 to 40 years old, no further descriptions
WITNESS(ES):	—
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	—
LOSS:	—
PREPARED BY:	Mike Adair, Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Mike Adair, Commander (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On October 21st at 7:05 p.m. a stabbing victim walked into St. John’s Regional Medical Center with multiple stab wounds. Emergency room staff notified the Oxnard Police Department of the incident and police officers responded to investigate.

The preliminary investigation revealed the incident took place near the intersection of Palm Drive and G Street in Oxnard. The victim was in the area when he became involved in a physical altercation with two suspects. During the altercation the victim was stabbed by one of the suspects. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction and the victim was driven to the hospital by friends.

Persons with additional information may call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-21-15 / 2330 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Burglary Arrest
DATE/TIME:	10/14/15 0300 hours
LOCATION:	1000 block Kelp Lane
VICTIM(S):	Leasing Office
SUSPECT(S):	15 year old Oxnard resident
LOSS:	No property was taken, but trees were cut down to make way to disassemble the chimney for extrication
PREPARED BY:	Officer David Landsverk
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer David Landsverk (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:
On October 14, 2015 at approximately 3:00 A.M., officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a juvenile who was stuck in a chimney. The Oxnard Fire Department responded and extricated the juvenile from the chimney. Initial investigation showed the juvenile did not live in the area and is now suspected of burglary. After the juvenile was medically cleared at the Ventura County Medical Center, the juvenile was booked into Ventura County Juvenile Hall on charges of commercial burglary.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Oxnard Police Department Property Crimes Unit at 385-7605, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 14, 2015, 0945 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Driver Involved in Fatal Traffic Collision Arrested
DATE/TIME:	Date of collision: July 17, 2015 / 1545 hours
LOCATION:	Saviers Road @ Wolff Street
DRIVER 1:	Andres Ceja, 32 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 1:	Blue motorcycle
PASSENGER (MOTORCYCLE):	Desiree Mendez, 24 years, Oxnard Resident (deceased)
DRIVER 2:	Raul Trevino, 20 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 2:	Black, Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Officer Mike Wood (805) 385-7750 mike.wood@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
Update:

On Friday, October 23, 2015, at about 1630 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department arrested Driver Andres Ceja following an extensive investigation of the collision that killed 24 year old Desiree Mendez on July 17, 2015. Ceja was booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, driving while under the influence of drugs and driving with a suspended driver’s license. His bail is set at $250,000.

Original news release:

On Friday, July 17, 2015, at about 3:45 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of Saviers Road and Wolff Street in reference to an injury traffic collision involving two vehicles, one being a small motorcycle.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the motorcycle, driven by Andres Ceja and with a female passenger, was traveling northbound on Saviers Road. The Chevrolet truck was traveling southbound on Saviers Road approaching the intersection of Wolff Street. For an unknown reason, the motorcycle turned left at Wolff Street and into the direct path of the truck causing a broadside collision. The impact caused Driver Ceja and his female passenger to be ejected from the motorcycle. Both of them were transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center with critical injuries. The female was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Driver Ceja is currently listed in stable condition. Driver Trevino was uninjured.

Driver Ceja and his female passenger were not wearing motorcycle helmets at the time of the collision.

It is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs are factors in the collision. The collision is still under investigation.

If anyone has information about this collision, please contact Traffic Officer Mike Wood at 805-385-7750 or via email at mike.wood@oxnardpd.org.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm/ Narcotics arrests
DATE/TIME:	October 6, 2015 / 2:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	Arcturus Ave. and Hueneme Rd.
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Amezcua 22 years of age (Moorpark resident) Frank Morales 30 years of age (Port Hueneme resident) Erik Cortez 27 years of age (Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Black Chevrolet Impala
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Tim Kelley
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Tim Kelley

DETAILS:
On October 6, 2015 officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit were conducting gang enforcement in the south end of the city in response to a recent shooting. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Officers observed a black Chevrolet Impala driving in the area of Hueneme Rd. and Arcturus Ave. The officers observed the vehicle make a traffic violation and stopped the vehicle. Officers contacted the driver, 30 year old Frank Morales, and learned that Morales’ driver’s license was suspended. The officers also contacted the passengers of the vehicle, 27 year old Erik Cortez and 22 year old Jesus Amezcua. It was determined that Amezcua was on probation. During the investigation, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a loaded .22 caliber handgun concealed inside. Officers determined that the handgun belonged to Cortez. Cortez is a documented member of an Oxnard street gang and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Cortez was arrested for several firearms related charges. In addition to the handgun, officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Morales and Amezcua were both arrested for various narcotics related offenses. Cortez was additionally charged with possession for sales of methamphetamine.

The Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 6, 2015 / 1900

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Felon in possession of handgun
DATE/TIME:	10-9-15, 1535 hours
LOCATION:	4800 Block of Terrace Avenue
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Antonio Ayala, 32 years, Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	None
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Enrique Alvarez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Enrique Alvarez, (805) 385-7600, enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On 10-9-15, at approximately 1530 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department were conducting a foot patrol in the area of the 4800 block of Terrace Avenue. Officers observed a Hispanic male standing between vehicles. As officers attempted to contact the subject, the subject discarded a handgun and threw the handgun into a nearby dumpster enclosure. The subject was arrested and transported to the Oxnard Police Department. The handgun was recovered.

A records check revealed that the subject was a convicted felon. The subject, who was identified as Jose Antonio Ayala, a 32-year old Oxnard resident, was arrested for felon in possession of a handgun.

The investigation is continuing.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 10-9-15, 1830 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

R. Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Scott Whitney
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Enhanced DUI Enforcement for Halloween
DATE/TIME:	October 31, 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:
This Halloween, the Oxnard Police Department is reminding Halloween partiers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. If your Halloween party involves alcohol then you have to make a plan to get home without getting behind the wheel.

The Oxnard Police Department is deploying extra DUI enforcement officers Halloween night to supplement routine patrol officers on one of the most deadly nights of the year. Officers will be looking for the tell-tale signs of alcohol and or drug impairment during each enforcement contact all weekend long, as many will be attending parties where alcohol is served.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 43 percent of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night (6 p.m. October 31st – 5:59 a.m. November 1st) from 2009 to 2013 were in crashes involving a drunk driver. On Halloween night alone, 119 people lost their lives over that same period. Children out trick-or-treating and the parents accompanying them are also at risk, as 19 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes on Halloween night (2009-2013) involved drunk drivers. In 2013, one-fifth (21%) of the children who died in traffic were pedestrians.

Trick or Treaters are also reminded to take the necessary precautions while out going door to door. If your little one is headed out this Halloween, remember these helpful tips:
•                     Do not walk in the roadway unless crossing at intersections or in crosswalks
•                     Children out at night and under the age of 12 should have adult supervision.
•                     Kids should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
•                     Choose face paint when possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
•                     Decorate costumes with reflective tape and have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights.

But even if you don’t have a child heading out this Halloween, you have little neighbors out there — and it’s up to all of us to look out for them. We’re already adjusting to evening commutes with less sunlight, so it’s important to:
•                     Use caution while behind the wheel.
•                     Slow down and be alert in residential areas.
•                     Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully.
•                     Eliminate distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

Of course, you don’t have to be a kid to love Halloween and if you’re an adult reveler, who might celebrate with alcohol, make a plan to stay safe and keep an eye out for the safety of others. If you can plan your costume then you can certainly make a plan for a sober ride home. Before you go out, designate a sober driver and plan a way to get home safely. Consider using a taxi or car service, or use public transit. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. And if a friend has been drinking, take the keys and put them in a sober ride home. They’ll thank you later.

The Oxnard Police Department along with other agencies from around the county will be conducting DUI enforcement operations all year long as part of the county’s DUI taskforce. Funding for these special operations is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: October 30, 2015 / 1130 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:	October 13, 2015 9:05 P.M.
LOCATION:	100 Block South Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Gomez, Juan Manuel 45 years of age
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Christopher Williams, (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Michael Young mike.young@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7606

DETAILS:
On January 24, 1990, Juan Manuel Gomez of Oxnard, was the victim of a shooting that occurred in the 100 Block of South Rose Avenue. Mr. Gomez was shot once in the back and sustained a significant, life altering injury as a result. No suspects were ever arrested as a result of this incident.

On October 13, 2015, Mr. Gomez passed away in his home. The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy examination on October 14, 2015 as part of the ongoing investigation. At the end of this procedure, Mr. Gomez’s death was tentatively ruled a homicide as a result of the complications from the gunshot wound he sustained on January 24, 1990.

The investigation into Mr. Gomez’s death is ongoing and anyone with any information regarding the 1990 shooting is urged to contact Detective Michael Young at 805-385-7606, or via e-mail at mike.young@oxnardpd.org. 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: October 20, 2015/ 4:00 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:

Convicted Felon in possession of a loaded handgun

DATE/TIME:

October 20, 2015 / 1537 Hours

LOCATION:

500 Blk Cuesta Del Mar

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Jose Luis Ortiz, 37 years, Oxnard resident

WITNESS(ES):

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

LOSS:

PREPARED BY:

Senior Officer Jose Silva

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

jose.silva@oxnardpd.org, (805) 385-7600

DETAILS: On October 20, 2015, at approximately 1537 hours, officers from the District Four Community Policing Team contacted a group of subjects in a carport where gang and narcotic activity exists.

Jose Luis Ortiz was contacted and was in possession of a loaded .32 auto caliber handgun. Ortiz had a prior felony conviction in 2006 for possession for sales of a controlled substance. Two other subjects were cited for other violations.

This is part of the District 4 Community Policing Strategy which is focused in the Southwinds Neighborhood. The Oxnard Police Department Community Policing efforts are focused on the reduction of crimes, improving the quality of life of residents and the forming of partnerships with members of the community. Residents are reminded to report any suspicious activity or crimes which have been witnessed.