Archives for November 2015

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest Warrant Issued for 2003 Homicide Suspect
DATE/TIME:	June 15, 2003
LOCATION:	West Alley 4200 Block Terrace Avenue
VICTIM(S):	Brian Brown, 28 years old (date of incident)
SUSPECT(S):	David Acosta, 40 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Williams (805) 385-7763 christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Mike Young (805) 385-7606 mike.young@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:In the morning hours of June 15, 2003, Oxnard Police Officers responded to a call for service related to a possible shooting victim in the west alley of the 4200 block of Terrace Avenue. When the officers arrived at the scene, 28 year old Oxnard resident Brian Brown was found seated in a vehicle which was parked in the alleyway. Victim Brown was found to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was in extremely critical condition. Brown was transported to an area hospital via ambulance but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries a short time later. Brown’s death was ruled a homicide following an autopsy examination conducted by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Though exhaustive efforts were made by the original investigators, Brown’s murder remained unsolved in the years that followed. In 2012, investigators with the Oxnard Police Department Cold Case Task Force and the Violent Crimes Unit reopened the investigation into Brown’s death. During the course of the next three years, sufficient evidence was developed to obtain a warrant for the arrest of David Acosta for murder. Acosta is currently in the custody of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and will be brought to Ventura County to face charges of murder and personally using a firearm to commit the murder. Because suspect Acosta is currently serving a prison sentence for an unrelated conviction, he will not be eligible for bail.

The investigation into the murder of victim Brown is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Oxnard Police Department Detective Mike Young at (805) 385-7606 or mike.young@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/5/2015, 9:45 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Saturday, November 14, 2015 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Saturday, November 14, 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 Saviers Road south of Laurel Street. The second checkpoint was conducted in the northbound lanes of Ventura Road at Fifth Street. These locations were chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

·         610 vehicles through
·         489 drivers screened
·         Six DUI investigations
·         One DUI alcohol arrest
·         One DUI drug arrest
·         11 citations issued to unlicensed drivers
·         Four citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
·         30 total citations issued
·         Five vehicles towed

All six of the DUI investigations and the two DUI arrests took place on Saviers Road. Another driver who entered this checkpoint, a 57 year-old male, was arrested for outstanding warrants issued from three prior DUI arrests and had multiple suspensions on his driver’s license dating back several years. He was also charged for failing to have an ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle.

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: 11/15/15, 0250 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	One Year Anniversary of Labh Nigah Homicide
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2014 at approximately 7:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Sierra Linda Park, 1000 block of Indigo Place
VICTIM(S):	Labh Nigah, 55 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant Major Crimes (805) 385-7763, alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Miguel Serrato, Investigative Services Bureau (805) 385-7688, Miguel.Serrato@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
(OXNARD, Calif) – On the one year anniversary of Labh Nigah’s murder, investigators with the Oxnard Police Department are again asking for the public’s help in providing any information related to the senseless murder of 55-year old Oxnard resident, Labh Nigah.

On November 13, 2014, Nigah had dropped his child off at Sierra Linda Elementary School and was walking in Sierra Linda Park when he was attacked and stabbed repeatedly. An individual was seen running from the scene of the attack westbound through the park onto Holly Street. Nigah died from his injuries a short time later. Investigators have yet to determine a motive for the daylight attack.

Investigators have interviewed numerous witnesses and followed several leads. Investigators believe that there are people in the community that have information that can assist investigators in identifying the suspect in this case. Investigators are asking anyone that has knowledge reference this homicide to call the Oxnard Police Department. You can remain anonymous and still provide valuable information to assist with this case. Any information, especially the suspect’s name, would be very helpful to this investigation. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated by the Nigah Family, the Community, and the Oxnard Police Department.

The City of Oxnard offers a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect(s) in homicide cases. There are numerous ways to provide information to the Oxnard Police Department:

Oxnard Police Department Website
- http://www.oxnardpd.org/contact.asp
Oxnard Police Department Facebook Page
- http://www.facebook.com/oxnardpd
Ventura County Crimes Stoppers
- www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx
- (800) 222-8477
Detective Miguel Serrato
- Miguel.serrato@oxnardpd.org
- (805) 385-7688
Violent Crimes Hotline
- (805)982-7070

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2015 at 10:00am

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Vehicle theft suspect arrested after leading officers on a vehicle pursuit
DATE/TIME:	November 10, 2015 / 3:10 am
LOCATION:	700 block of West Channel Islands Blvd.
VICTIM(S):	Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Edith Cooper 28 years old, Santa Paula resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Released to the registered owner.
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez, (805) 385-7664 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On November 10, 2015 at approximately 03:10 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force were assisting Oxnard Police patrol officers, conducting an investigation into a stolen vehicle in the 1300 block of E. Channel Islands Blvd., in the City of Oxnard. Detectives observed Edith Cooper enter a 2008 GMC Yukon, which had been reported stolen to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. As officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, the stolen vehicle failed to yield. The driver of the vehicle, Edith Cooper, led officers on a vehicle pursuit reaching speeds of 65 miles per hour in 35 miles per hour zone and failing to stop at a red light. Cooper ultimately abandoned the vehicle in the 700 block of West Channel Islands Blvd and fled on foot. Officers were able to apprehend Cooper after a short foot pursuit.

Burglary tools were found in the vehicle at the time of the stop. Cooper was booked for the unlawful driving of a stolen vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, and felony evading of a police officer.

The Oxnard Police Department launched the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) in early 2015. Detectives assigned to this task force proactively locate and arrest those responsible for committing auto thefts in Oxnard. The objective of the OATTF is to reduce the number of stolen vehicles in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement. Anyone with information related to stolen vehicles is encouraged to call 385-7664 and can remain anonymous.

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.

(Booking Photo Unavailable)

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 10, 2015 / 05:40 a.m.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a deadly weapon (Firearm)
DATE/TIME:	November 07, 2015 00:10 A.M.
LOCATION:	400 Block North “G” St, City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	19 Year Old, Oxnard Resident 20 Year Old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	David Cabanas, 25 Year Old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Detective Cody Collet
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Cody Collet Cody.collet@oxnardpd.org 805-486-6228

DETAILS:
On November 7, 2015, at about 0010 hours, Oxnard Police Department officers responded to a shooting in the 400 block of North “G” St. Officers responded to the scene and located several victims. During the investigation it was learned that the victims were shot at by the suspect in the west alley of North “G” St. The suspect was seen jumping fences in the 400 block of North “H” St prior to officers’ arrival. Officers set up a perimeter around the area. Oxnard Police Department SWAT and Detectives responded to the scene.

Oxnard Police searched several locations on North “H” St. Officers located the suspect, David Cabanas, hiding in a residence on North “H” St. Cabanas was taken into custody without incident. Cabanas is a documented Colonia Chiques gang member.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are encouraged to call Detective Cody Collet at (805) 486-6228. 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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/7/15/ 0430 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Dependent Adult Financial Abuse, Fraud and Theft
DATE/TIME:	September 2015 – October 2015
LOCATION:	Ventura & Los Angeles Counties
VICTIM(S):	undisclosed
SUSPECT(S):	Josh Carlton Evans, 39 year old Camarillo resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	Gray 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck with accordion bed cover
LOSS:	$20,000+
PREPARED BY:	Detective Erica Escalante
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Erica Escalante, Oxnard Police Department, Financial Crimes & ID Theft Unit (805) 385-7661

DETAILS:: After a month long investigation, the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Financial Crimes Units arrested Josh Carlton Evans, a 39 year old Camarillo resident, for financial abuse of a dependent adult, grand theft, and Identity Theft crimes. From September 2015 through October 2015, Evans used Personal Identifying Information of a terminally ill former employer to impersonate that employer and steal construction materials from a variety of contract suppliers in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The investigation was aided by cooperation from several construction supply businesses that absorbed the financial losses.

On November 12, 2015, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Officers arrested Evans as he left his home. Oxnard Police Department Detectives served Search Warrants authorized by the Ventura County Superior Court and recovered many stolen items from the suspect’s home and vehicle. The investigation was supported by the Elder Abuse Unit of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and criminal charges were filed against Evans. Evans was booked into Ventura County Jail with a bail of $100,000.

Evans has worked for several different employers in Ventura County. Anybody with 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.

It is important for everyone to protect their Personal Identifying Information by keeping it safe and secure. In addition, it is important to vigilantly verify all charges on personal and business accounts on a regular and timely basis. 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.

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision (Motorcyclist)
DATE/TIME:	November 24, 2015 / 0024 hours
LOCATION:	San Benito Street @ Trinity Place
VEHICLE:	Burgundy, 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle
DRIVER:	Claudia Sanchez, 41 years, Oxnard Resident
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 November 24, 2015, at about 12:24 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of San Benito Street and Trinity Place in reference to a single vehicle injury collision involving a motorcycle. When they arrived, the driver of the motorcycle, Claudia Sanchez, was found unconscious and unresponsive. Officers and medical personnel performed CPR but Sanchez succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Sanchez was riding the motorcycle southbound on Trinity Place approaching the T-shaped intersection of San Benito Street at a high rate of speed. For an unknown reason, she traveled through the intersection and collided with the curb on the south side of San Benito Street. Sanchez, who was not wearing a motorcycle helmet, was ejected from the motorcycle and collided with the landscaped embankment and rear wall of the strip mall located in the 2100 block of East Channel Islands Boulevard (parallel with San Benito Street).

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: November 24, 2015 / 0515 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision (Vehicle/Bicyclist)
DATE/TIME:	November 8, 2015 / 1742 hours
LOCATION:	First Street at Bonita Avenue
DRIVER:	Yeny Beltran, 35 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE:	Blue, 2012 Nissan Cube
BICYLCIST:	Unidentified Adult Male
PREPARED BY:	Brian Woolley, Traffic Sergeant (805) 385-7847 brian.woolley@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Traffic Officer Jose Diaz (805) 385-7750 jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On Sunday, November 8, 2015, at about 5:42 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to the intersection of First Street and Bonita Avenue in reference to an injury collision between a vehicle and bicyclist.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the bicyclist, an unidentified male, was traveling northbound on Bonita Avenue at First Street. The Nissan, driven by Yeny Beltran, was traveling eastbound on First Street approaching Bonita Avenue. For an unknown reason, the bicyclist entered the roadway in the direct path of the Nissan where he was struck. The bicyclist, who was not wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the collision, suffered significant head injuries and was transported from the scene to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is currently listed in serious condition.

Driver Beltran and her female passenger were not injured.

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 Jose Diaz at 805-385-7750 or via email at jose.diaz@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 8, 2015 at 2145 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	November 14, 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 Saturday, November 14, 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 checking drivers for proper licensing delaying motorists only momentarily. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to remind all drivers to think before you drive and if you choose to drink, don’t drive. Thanksgiving is fast approaching and families will soon be gathering to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. If drinking alcohol is part of your Thanksgiving celebrations, please make plans for an alternate ride home. So far this year, Oxnard Police officers have arrested over 375 drivers for driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs. In addition, officers have investigated over 150 impaired driving collisions causing injuries to over 100 people.

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 Drivers – Call 9-1-1.’

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 13, 2015 / 0830 hours

Jeri Williams
Chief of Police

Oxnard Police Department

Jason Benites
Assistant Chief

Eric S. Sonstegard
Assistant Chief

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:

Gang member in possession of a loaded handgun

DATE/TIME:

November 12, 2015/1545

LOCATION:

First and “E” St

VICTIM(S):

State of California

SUSPECT(S):

Efren Salomon (29 years) Oxnard Resident
Melissa Huff (35 years) Oxnard Resident

WITNESS(ES):

SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):

LOSS:

PREPARED BY:

Sergeant Bill Crisostomo

CONTACT PERSON &
CONTACT INFO:

Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644
Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On November 12, 2015 at approximately 1545 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit were conducting gang enforcement in the downtown area of the city. The officers conducted a vehicle traffic stop in the area of First and “C” St. During the traffic stop they contacted Efren Salomon and Melissa Huff. Huff is currently on probation for narcotic related offenses and Salomon is a Post Release Offender (PRO) with weapon terms. Salomon is also a documented gang member.

SEU and PRO officers conducted a follow-up probation search at Salomon’s residence. During the search a loaded semi-automatic pistol was located.

Salomon was arrested for firearm and probation related charges. Huff was arrested for narcotic related charges.

The Post Release Offender program was created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment- which was effective October 1, 2011. This program mandates individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent commitment offense, prior convictions are not considered.

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.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: November 12, 2015/1720