Archives for March 2016

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest Made in 2005 Homicide Case
DATE/TIME:	November 13, 2005; 1855 Hours
LOCATION:	900 Block of Richmond Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Joaquin Castaneda (48 years old), Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Isaac Sinsun (31 years old), Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763 alex.arnett@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jeff Kay (805) 385-8174 jeff.kay@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – On March 16, 2016, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit arrested 31 year old Isaac Sinsun for the 2005 murder of Joaquin Castaneda.

On November 13, 2005, at approximately 1855 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a gunshot victim in the 900 block of Richmond Avenue. Officers arrived on scene at approximately 1901 hours and found the victim, Joaquin Castaneda, lying on the asphalt roadway suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. It was later determined that Castaneda had been shot in the face.

Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Investigators, and forensic scientists from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory, began an exhaustive investigation of the scene. Due to their diligent efforts, several critical pieces of evidence were located and recovered. The investigation at the scene revealed that Castaneda had likely been killed during a robbery.

The circumstances of Castaneda’s murder were very similar to a series of robberies that had been taking place in the City of Oxnard that same week. Oxnard Police Department Robbery Investigators teamed up with Major Crimes Investigators to work towards solving the cases in order to apprehend the individual(s) responsible for these crimes. Information about these cases and their possible relationship was disseminated to all patrol officers in the city.

While on routine patrol, two patrol officers noticed a parked vehicle that matched the description of a suspect vehicle from the robbery series. These officers notified investigators, who responded to the scene.

The investigators contacted several individuals associated with this vehicle. One of these individuals was Isaac Sinsun. Investigators focused on these individuals as possible suspects in the robbery series and the Castaneda murder. Detectives secured several search warrants for their residences and other locations associated with them. Additional evidence was collected at these locations.

Many of the recovered items of evidence were sent to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Crime Laboratory for examination and analysis. Additional items of evidence were sent to the California Department of Justice Crime Laboratory. These forensic scientists conducted examinations in the areas of DNA, trace evidence, fingerprints, ballistics, blood spatter, shoeprints, tire impressions, and handwriting comparisons. Through the years, detectives and the forensic scientists continued to work together to utilize all advances in forensic technology and testing to further the information gathered from the seized evidence.

Over the past ten years, Oxnard Police Department Major Crimes Investigators pursued all leads in this case, which lead to the discovery of additional evidence. In addition to the forensic examinations of the evidence, detectives conducted numerous interviews, employed undercover surveillance, and utilized digital forensics to investigate this murder. Oxnard Police Department Investigators worked cohesively with deputies and detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and with investigators from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, many times over the years on this investigation.

The teamwork, perseverance, determination, and unwavering drive for justice, ultimately culminated in the Ventura County District Attorney filing the charge of murder against Isaac Sinsun for the homicide of Joaquin Castaneda.

This case is continuing to evolve. Additional arrests in this case are expected.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Jeff Kay at (805) 385-8174. 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: 3/18/16 at 0800 Hours

Isaac Sinsun

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 30, 2016 / 10:56 AM
LOCATION:	1521 Morris St.
VICTIM(S):	37 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Brett A. Smith, Sergeant Bertt.smith@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Robert Valenzuela, Detective robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org 805-385-8287

DETAILS:

On March 30, 2016 at approximately 10:56 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to 1521 Morris St. regarding several calls reporting shots fired. Officers located a 37 year old Oxnard resident suffering from a gunshot wound in the area.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative.If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7547. 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. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-30-16 / 9:15 PM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	March 28, 2016 / 1756 Hours
LOCATION:	Victoria Avenue @ Gonzales Road
PARTY 1:	Tommy Lee Scissom Jr. Male, 86 Years, Oxnard Resident
PARTY 2:	Armando Marco Tulio Perez Ramirez, Male, 28 Years, Camarillo Resident
VICTIM 1:	Name withheld pending notification to family, female, 88 years, Oxnard Resident
VEHICLE 1:	Silver, Hyundai Sonata
VEHICLE 2:	Blue, Honda Civic
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator, Oxnard Police Department jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805-385-7749) jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On March 28, 2016, at about 5:56 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a fatal traffic collision involving a silver, Hyundai Sonata and a Blue, Honda Civic in the northbound lanes of Victoria Avenue at Gonzales Road. Upon arrival, emergency personnel contacted the driver of the Honda, 28 year old Armando Marco Tulio Perez Ramirez, and found that he was not injured. The driver of the Hyundai, 86 year old Tommy Lee Scissom Jr. sustained a broken clavicle and had complaint of pain to his back and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he is listed in stable condition. The female passenger of the Hyundai, was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS personnel.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Honda Civic was traveling northbound on Victoria Ave south of Gonzales Road and the Hyundai Sonata was traveling eastbound on Gonzales Road west of Victoria Avenue. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

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 Senor Officer Jamie Brown at (805) 385-7749 or via email at jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: March 28, 2016 / 0200 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 30, 2016 / 10:56 AM
LOCATION:	1521 Morris St.
VICTIM(S):	37 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective jonathan.ballow@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Robert Valenzuela, Detective robert.valenzuela@oxnardpd.org 805-385-8287

DETAILS:
On March 30, 2016 at approximately 10:56 AM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to 1521 Morris St. regarding several calls reporting shots fired. Officers located a 37 year old Oxnard resident suffering from a gunshot wound in the area.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical but stable condition.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative.If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7547. 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. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-30-16 / 16:45 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint
DATE/TIME:	March 17, 2016 / 7:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
PREPARED BY:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Senior Officer Jamie Brown (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
Keep the streets safe this St. Patrick’s Day! Don’t drink and drive.

As one of the country’s most popular holidays, St. Patrick’s Day has long celebrated the roots of 34.2 million Americans with Irish ancestry, and many more who just want to partake in the festivities. This year, if you’ll be drinking alcohol, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Tragically, March 17 has become one of the nation’s deadliest holidays. In fact, from 2010 to 2014, almost three-fourths of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had BACs well above the .08 limit, with 266 drunk-driving fatalities total nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To help lower deaths and injuries, the Oxnard Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on St. Patrick’s Day between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits. The Oxnard Police Department will also be deploying extra officers on overtime throughout the weekend following St. Patrick’s Day targeting problem areas with high numbers of DUI collisions and DUI arrests. These DUI patrols along with routine nightly patrols will be looking for the tell-tale signs of impaired driving to include weaving, crossing the center line, etc.

And keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink: Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. So whether you’ve indulged a little or a lot, law enforcements wants to remind everyone to drink and drive is a crime —you put yourself at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal. Let’s make 2016 safer.

Use this party-planning checklist to stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day.

PARTY PREPARATION: Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely. Find the name of a taxi company (or two), and keep their numbers in your phone, or download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched in 2014, the DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to “Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a “List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life-saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober evening. If you’re the designated driver, do not drink. Your friends are relying on you, as are the people with whom you share the road. Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and tweet your VIP (very important partygoer) status online using the hashtag #designateddriver.

EVERY DAY: First, commit to driving sober today, St. Patrick’s Day, and every day. Second, always keep the number of a taxi company in your phone or in your wallet so you have a backup plan if you find yourself in need of a sober driver. Last, if you’re impaired, don’t let pride get in the way of calling a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. Help spread the word about the dangers of drunk or buzzed driving, and the resources available to keep the streets safe.

DRUG-IMPAIRED DRIVING: Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Remember, driving after drinking or impaired by drugs should never be an option.

This enforcement campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The next special DUI campaign is set for Cinco de Mayo.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Arrest for Possession of a Loaded Handgun
DATE/TIME:	March 27, 2016 / 2:14 a.m.
LOCATION:	2800 Block of South Rose Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jose Castellanos, 21-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	David Walker, Sergeant (805) 385-7600

DETAILS:

On March 27, 2016, at approximately 2:14 a.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department were flagged down by a citizen reporting that a male subject was in possession of a firearm nearby. Moments later, officers responded to the 2800 block of South Rose Avenue to investigate the incident. They were told that the suspect had fled from the scene as a passenger in a vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and contacted the suspect.

During a search of the vehicle, a .38 caliber handgun was located hidden under the suspect’s seat with several rounds of ammunition. Jose Castellanos, a 21-year-old Oxnard resident, was subsequently arrested for the firearms violation and booked into the Ventura County Jail.

The Oxnard Police Department encourages residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. This is an excellent example of a witness who saw suspicious activity, contacted the police, and provided the appropriate information.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/27/16 at 0545 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Carjacking
DATE/TIME:	3/20/16, 0150 hours
LOCATION:	Community Center Park West (Seventh St. and Hobson Way), Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name withheld
SUSPECT(S):	Alejandro Avila Arroyo, 24 year-old Oxnard resident Juvenile’s name withheld, 16 year-old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	n/a
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	n/a
VICTIM VEHICLE:	Still outstanding, description withheld
PREPARED BY:	Marc Amon, Sergeant Marc.Amon@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Det. Edgar Fernandez Edgar.Fernandez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On 3/20/2016 at approximately 0152 hours, a call was received of an armed carjacking that had just occurred in the area of Community Center Park West located at Seventh St. and Hobson Way. Officers were in the area in less than a minute but the suspects already fled the area in the victim’s vehicle.

As officers continued to search the area they contacted three people, two male and one female, who were believed to be involved. The two males were identified and arrested. The adult male was identified as 24 year-old Oxnard resident, Alejandro Avila Arroyo. He was charged with two felonies, carjacking and possession of stolen property. The juvenile male was also charged with carjacking.

The investigation is ongoing and the Oxnard Police Department is in search of any witnesses to this event. 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 www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

Arroyo, Alejandro Avila

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/20/16, 0810 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	March 21, 2016 / 7:13 PM
LOCATION:	Isleton Pl. at M St.
VICTIM(S):	18 year old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective jonathan.ballow@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7600
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jess Aragon, Officer jess.aragon@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7547

DETAILS:
On March 21, 2016 at approximately 7:13 PM, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the area of Isleton Pl. at M St. regarding several calls reporting shots fired. Officers located an 18 year old Oxnard resident suffering from two gunshot wounds in the area.

The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition.

Investigators are still working to determine a motive for the shooting.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative.If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7547. 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. You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3-21-16 / 2230 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Former Environmental Resources Employee Cited
DATE/TIME:	March 30, 2016, 1:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	City of Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Harlen Jackson, 58 years old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Commander Andrew Salinas, (805) 385-7756 andrew.salinas@oxnardpd.org
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Lucy Buttell, (805) 385-7594 Lucy.buttell@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:(OXNARD, Calif) – On March 30, 2016 at approximately 1:30 p.m., Harlen Jackson, formerly of the Environmental Resources department in the City of Oxnard, was arrested and cited on misdemeanor charges of petty theft. The criminal and administrative investigation is seeking information regarding alleged theft of services at the Environmental Resources Del Norte Facility. This investigation is still on-going.

Suspect Harlen Jackson was cited and released and the case has been referred to the District Attorney for further action. Anyone with information regarding the theft of refuse services is encouraged to contact Detective Lucy Buttell with the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7594. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can also visit: http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.aspx to submit a tip via text or email.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting
DATE/TIME:	March 31, 2016 / Approx. 3:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	2700 block of El Dorado Ave. Oxnard, CA
PREPARED BY:	Miguel Lopez, Community Affairs Manager
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Miguel Lopez, (805) 979-6767 miguel.lopez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS: On March 31, 2016, at approximately 3:50 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were dispatched to a report of a suspicious suspect with a gun in the 2700 block of El Dorado Ave.

Officers arrived on scene and made contact with the possible suspect, and a shooting occurred. The suspect fled on foot. Officers are on scene, and residents are encouraged to remain inside at this time.

An updated news release will be forthcoming when additional information becomes available.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 3/31/16 1640 hrs.