Archives for February 2016

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint Results
DATE/TIME:	Friday, February 19, 2016 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
PREPARED BY:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On Friday, February 19, 2016, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s license checkpoints in the City of Oxnard. The checkpoint was conducted in the eastbound lanes of Channel Islands Blvd west of Victoria Ave. This location was chosen to provide increased DUI deterrence and in response to recent alcohol related arrests and/or DUI collisions.

The checkpoints resulted in the following:

668 vehicles through
668 drivers screened
Four DUI investigations
One DUI alcohol arrest
Six citations issued to unlicensed drivers
Three citations issued to drivers with a suspended/revoked license
29 total citations issued
Five vehicles towed

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.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession of methamphetamine for sales
DATE/TIME:	Possession of methamphetamine for sales
LOCATION:	2400 block of Statham Ave
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Lorenzo Garcia (37 years old) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2016 at approximately 1500 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic stop in 2400 block of Statham Ave.

Officers made contact with the driver Lorenzo Garcia who is on probation. A probation search was conducted during which over 100 grams of methamphetamine was located. Garcia was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales.

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 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: February 22, 2016/1745

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Barricaded Wanted Subject/ Warrant Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 6, 2016, 5:09 PM
LOCATION:	1400 block of West Guava Street
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Salvador Lopez 37 years, Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Commander Eduardo M. Miranda eduardo.miranda@oxnarpd.org (805) 385-7600

DETAILS: On February 6, 2016 at approximately 1709 hours, Oxnard Police Officers observed Salvador Lopez in the south alley of the 1400 block of West Guava. Officers had prior knowledge he was wanted for an outstanding warrant. When he saw officers, he fled into his residence.

Officers surrounded the residence and numerous announcements were made for Lopez to exit the residence. Oxnard Police Department SWAT officers responded to the location. More attempts were made for Lopez to exit and there was no response. Officers made entry into the residence and located Lopez hiding under a large pile of clothes in one of the bedrooms.

He was taken into custody without incident and arrested for the warrant.

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.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/6/16 2130 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang member in possession of stolen handgun
DATE/TIME:	February 22, 2016/1430
LOCATION:	500 block of E. Poplar Ave.
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Raymundo Lopez (20 years) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On February 22, 2016 at approximately 1430 hours, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit conducted a probation search in 500 block of E. Poplar Ave. The search was conducted on Raymundo Lopez who is a documented gang member.

During the search a stolen handgun was located.

Lopez was arrested on weapon and stolen property related charges and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

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 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: February 22, 2016/1900

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Gun
DATE/TIME:	February 14, 2016 / 11:29 p.m.
LOCATION:	3200 block of Merced Place
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Ray Fernandez, 19-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On February 14, 2016, at about 11:29 p.m., officers were on patrol in the 3200 block of Merced Place when they contacted Ray Fernandez, a 19-year-old Oxnard resident. Fernandez was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm was determined to be a .22 caliber zip gun. Fernandez was arrested for weapons violations, an outstanding misdemeanor warrant and providing a false name to avoid prosecution. The Oxnard Police Department previously arrested Fernandez on January 29, 2016, for possession of a loaded zip gun.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. 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.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Criminal Threats, Elder Abuse and Brandishing a Deadly Weapon Arrest
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016, 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	3100 Samuel Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	78 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident, Name Witheld
SUSPECT(S):	Juan Soto, 55 year old Hispanic male, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Alex Arnett, Sergeant (805) 385-7763; alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jon Ballow (805) 288-3289; jon.ballow@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On February 16, 2016 at approximately 9:40 a.m., an officer involved shooting incident occurred in the 3100 block of Saviers Road. The suspect in that case has been identified as 55 year old Oxnard resident Juan Soto. Soto was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center with a non-life threatening injury.

While investigating the officer involved shooting (OIS), investigators learned of an incident that preceded the OIS by approximately 10 minutes, which involved Soto. An elderly male victim was walking in the 3100 block of Samuel Avenue when Soto confronted him. According to the victim and witness statements, Soto aggressively approached the elderly male while brandishing a knife and made threatening statements towards the elderly male. The elderly male expressed fear for his life, and attempted to get away from Soto. The victim was able to seek shelter from a nearby resident in the area who notified police. Another resident in the area called 911 and alerted police that it appeared that Soto was throwing rocks at passing motorists.

Oxnard police officers arrived on scene and attempted to contact Soto. While attempting to investigate the original 911 call, an officer involved shooting occurred.

On February 17, 2016 at approximately 1030 hours, Soto was arrested for the actions he committed prior to the officer involved shooting. Soto was arrested for making criminal threats, elder abuse and for brandishing a deadly weapon. Soto was booked into Ventura County Jail.

The events surrounding the officer involved shooting are still being investigated.

Persons with information about this case are asked to contact Detective Jon Ballow at (805) 288-3289.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 17, 2016; 4:10 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Missing Dependent Adult
DATE/TIME:	02/19/2016 1600 hours
LOCATION:	1000 Block of Beverly Drive, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Asuncion, Willie Martin; (73 year old Filipino male, 5’-03”, 170 Gray hair, brown eyes. Last seen wearing a white shirt, black shorts and possibly a dark colored jacket.)
PREPARED BY:	D. Klug, Sergeant Oxnard Police department Patrol Division
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department Dispatch Center (805) 385-7740

DETAILS: On February 19, 2016 at approximately 1600 hours Willie Asuncion walked away from his home in the 1000 block of Beverly Drive in the city of Oxnard. Mr. Asuncion has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and recently suffered a stroke which makes it difficult to understand him. The Oxnard Police Department is enlisting the public’s assistance in locating Mr. Asuncion. Anyone with information as to Mr. Asuncion’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Oxnard Police Department Dispatch Center.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Assault with a Deadly Weapon Suspect Injured by Police
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016, 9:40 a.m.
LOCATION:	3100 Blk Saviers Road, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):	46 year old HIspanic Male, Resident of Oxnard (Name witheld pending notification of family)
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander (805) 385-7756; andrewsalinas@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda, Major Crimes Unit (805) 385-7680; jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: The following information is based on a preliminary, on-going investigation which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the incident may change as the investigation continues and additional evidence is collected and analyzed.

Preliminary information indicates the following: An anonymous reporting party called 911 to report a Hispanic male suspect in his 50’s threatening passing pedestrians and motorists with rocks. An officer clearing a call nearby responded and located the suspect, armed with a knife, walking in the 3100 block of Samuel Avenue, to the rear of Starbucks. Two additional officers, who were at the Starbucks, assisted the officer who was attempting to get the suspect to stop and drop the weapon.

The suspect was followed on foot by one of the officers to the front of McDonald’s which was filled with customers inside the business, in the drive-thru, and in the parking lot. Two of the officers attempted to engage the suspect with dialogue. Still armed with the knife, one officer attempted to use non-lethal force with his Taser gun. The non-lethal force was unsuccessful. The suspect charged at the two officers, at which time, the suspect is shot one time which incapacitated him. The suspect went down to one knee and is ultimately handcuffed and taken into custody.

Emergency Medical Personnel responded and attended to the male suspect who was subsequently transported to the Ventura County Medical Center via ambulance. The suspect underwent surgery for his non-life threatening injuries as the suspect was shot in the arm.

Given the time of day and location, officers and detectives interviewed dozens of witnesses to this incident. The knife was recovered at the scene. One officer was injured during the arrest of the suspect and was transported to St. Johns Hospital for treatment for a leg injury.

The Internal Affairs Division responded to the incident along with members of the Districts Attorney’s Office as they will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation of the officer involved shooting. The investigation will ultimately be reviewed by the Chief of Police and the District Attorney’s Office.

The involved officer has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure for incidents of this nature. At the time of this release, the investigation is still ongoing and investigators are still interviewing involved parties. An updated news release will be forthcoming when additional information is gathered.

Persons who have information about this incident are encouraged to call Detective Jaime Miranda at (805) 385-7680.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 16, 2016; 6:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	February 07, 2016 / 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Improving Motorcycle Safety Aim of Oxnard Police Department Operation

Careless motorists as well as riders get special scrutiny

The Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a specialized Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on Sunday, February 7, 2016, in an effort to lower deaths and injuries. Extra officers will be on duty patrolling areas frequented by motorcyclists and where motorcycle crashes occur. Officers will be looking for violations made by drivers and riders alike that can lead to motorcycle crashes. They will be cracking down on both those operating regular vehicles and motorcycles who are violating traffic safety laws.

Motorcycle fatalities jumped dramatically in California by over 28 percent from a decade low of 352 in 2010. In 2013, 453 motorcyclists lost their lives, which is at a 5 year high. California collision data reveals that primary causes of motorcycle-involved crashes include speeding, unsafe turning and impairment due to alcohol and other drugs by both riders and drivers alike.

Operations like this are aimed at curbing any more rises in motorcycle deaths and sending the numbers back downward. Over the course of the past three years, motorcycle involved collisions within the City of Oxnard have resulted in five fatal collisions and 102 injury collisions.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists and drivers are reminded to be safe and follow these safety tips:

Safety tips for riders – See and Be Seen:
·         Use your lane position to increase visibility; change lanes only when there is ample room
·         Match your speed to surrounding traffic
·         Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and brightly colored, protective clothing
·         Ride with lights on during daylight hours

Safety tips for drivers – Share the Road:
·         Look twice for motorcyclists, especially when entering the roadway, turning or changing lanes
·         Motorcyclist are allowed in HOV lanes unless prohibited by signage

Riders are urged to get training through the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com/ or 1-877 RIDE 411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “sharing the road.”

DATE / TIME PREPARED: February 05, 2016 / 5:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Officer-Involved Shooting
DATE/TIME:	February 16, 2016 / Approx. 9:40 am
LOCATION:	3000 block of Saviers Road
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, (805) 385-7631 miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, (805) 385-7631 miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On February 16, 2016, at approximately 9:40 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a report of a suspect threatening the public in the 3000 block of Saviers Road. Officers made contact with the subject, and an officer involved shooting took place. Preliminary reports indicate the subject received a non-fatal injury and was transported to a local hospital.

At the time of this release, the investigation is still ongoing and investigators are on scene. An updated news release will be forthcoming when additional information is gathered.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/16/16 10:40 hrs.