Archives for May 2016

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide
DATE/TIME:	May 29, 2016; 1945 Hours
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road @ Lantana Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Name Witheld Pending Family Notification
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Alex Arnett (805) 385-7763
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Jaime Miranda (805) 3857680 jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

(OXNARD, Calif) – On 5/29/16 at approximately 1945 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a fight in the area of Gonzales Road and Lantana Street. Officers arrived in the area and located an assault victim with severe stab wounds. The victim was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center by ambulance. Unfortunately, the victim died of his injuries.

Major Crimes Investigators were notified and responded to the scene to assume the investigation. The investigation is continuing.

This was Oxnard’s fourth homicide of the year.

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 Jaime Miranda
- jaime.miranda@oxnardpd.org
- (805) 385-7680
Violent Crimes Hotline
- (805) 982-7070

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5/30/16 @ 0230 Hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 1445 hours
LOCATION:	4th Street and Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of CA
SUSPECT(S):	Natividad Juarez, 33-year-old Oxnard resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Officer Jared Battles
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Officer Jared Battles, 385-7600 Jared.Battles@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 10, 2016 at approximately 1445 hours, officers were patrolling the area of Oxnard Boulevard and Fourth Street. While in the area, they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. During the stop the officers made contact with Natividad Juarez. Juarez is a known associate of an active street gang.

During a search, a loaded semi-automatic pistol was located in Juarez’s waistband. A records check of the firearm revealed the weapon was stolen.

Natividad Juarez was arrested for several weapons related charges.

At the beginning of 2014, the Oxnard Police Department launched the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST), to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons in the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention and enforcement.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 10, 2016/1600

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Update: The female was returned to her family and residence at 1:30 pm. No further assistance is needed. Disoriented Elderly Female – Public assistance needed
DATE/TIME:	May 31, 2016 at 9:00 am
LOCATION:	Schooner Walk and Pier Walk, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Chris Inglehart
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Oxnard Police Department Dispatch, 805-385-7740

DETAILS:

Update: The female was returned to her family and residence at 1:30 pm. No further assistance is needed.

On May 31, 2016 at approximately 9:00 am Oxnard Police Department officers responded to the area of Schooner Walk and Pier Walk in Oxnard to investigate the report of a disoriented elderly female. Officers located an estimated 75+ years old Asian female wearing a green suit and no shoes. The female is very disoriented an unable to provide any identifying information as well as a home address or any relatives.

The female is approximately 4’11, 95 lbs, red curly hair, hazel or brown eyes and speaks both English and Korean. She may go by a name sounding similar to Kim Olsen. The female is currently at the Oxnard Police Department, her picture is attached.

The Oxnard Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the female so that she can be reunited with her family, friends, or caretakers. Anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Oxnard Police Department.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 31, 2016 @ 1221

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Habitual Vehicle Theft Suspect Arrested
DATE/TIME:	May 11, 2016 at 9:00 am
LOCATION:	100 block of South Garfield Avenue, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Residents of Oxnard and Camarillo
SUSPECT(S):	Luis Alberto Saldana 24 years old, Oxnard Resident
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Detective Rocky Marquez
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Rocky Marquez (805) 385-7664 rocky.marquez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:
On May 11, 2016 at approximately 9:00 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force completed a month long investigation that resulted in the arrest of 24 year old Luis Saldana. During the investigation, detectives recovered five stolen vehicles and obtained evidence that led to Saldana’s arrest. The vehicles were stolen out of the cities of Oxnard and Camarillo. Additionally, when Saldana was arrested detectives found he was in possession of burglary tools and stolen property. Saldana was already out on bail for auto theft charges unrelated to the month long investigation.

Saldana was booked into the Ventura County Main Jail for three counts of unlawfully driving a stolen vehicle, three counts of possession of a stolen motor vehicle, possession of burglary tools, possession of stolen property, and felony possession of a forged check.

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.

Luis Alberto Saldana

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 12, 2016 / 10:40 a.m.

Motorcycle Safety Operation

DATE/TIME:	Motorcycle Safety Operation
LOCATION:	City of Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	N/A
SUSPECT(S):	N/A
WITNESS(ES):	N/A
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):	N/A
LOSS:	N/A
PREPARED BY:	Sr. Officer Jamie Brown
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Jamie Brown, Traffic Coordinator (805) 385-7749 jamie.brown@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On Sunday, May 15, 2016, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department conducted a Motorcycle safety enforcement operation throughout the city limits. During the operation, officers issued 6 citations for various motorcycle violations, 35 citations for various vehicle violations.

The Oxnard Police Department wants to make everyone aware of the precautions that can be taken to reduce the number and severity of collisions involving motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are reminded to use proper lanes positioning, match your speed to traffic around you, and to wear an approved DOT helmet. Drivers are reminded to look twice for motorcyclists when turning or entering the roadway.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue to conduct these types of enforcement operations this year to make our roadways and community safer. These operations are funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Gang related firearm arrest
DATE/TIME:	May 24, 2016/1320
LOCATION:	Perkins Road and Hueneme Road
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Jesus Flores (29 years) Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Sergeant Bill Crisostomo, 385-7644 Bill.Crisostomo@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 24, 2016 at approximately 1320 hours officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were working gang enforcement in the area of Hueneme Road and Perkins Road. While in the area they contacted Jesus Flores, a known gang member who has been served with one of the gang injunctions.

As officers were speaking to Flores, he attempted to flee and a struggle occurred. During the struggle Flores discarded a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

Flores was placed under arrest and charged with weapons violations, assault on a peace officer and violation of the gang injunction.

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: May 24, 2016/1520

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Homicide Update
DATE/TIME:	May 14, 2016, 4:43 p.m.
LOCATION:	5400 block of Barrymore Drive, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM(S):	Sinia Lemus, 35 year old Oxnard Resident Saul Lemus, 47 year old Oxnard Resident
PREPARED BY:	Andrew Salinas, Investigations Commander
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Edgar Fernandez (805) 385-7645 Edgar.fernandez@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On May 14, 2016 at approximately 4:40 p.m., officers responded to a call of two victim’s suffering from gunshot wounds inside a residence in the 5400 block of Barrymore Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and female deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. The two bodies were discovered by one of the decedent’s children who immediately reached out to a neighbor for assistance.

Today, autopsies were conducted on both parties to assist in confirming the cause of death. Based on evidence recovered at the scene and information gathered from the autopsy, the investigation is being classified and investigated as a murder/suicide. Saul Lemos shot his wife, Sinia Lemus, and then turned the gun on himself. The firearm was recovered from the scene. It is important to note that there are no outstanding suspects in this case. They leave behind two children, ages 12 and 18.

Based on the horrific circumstances of this case and limited family in the area, the Oxnard Peace Officers Association has started a gofundme account for the two school aged children. The OPOA immediately deposited $2,000 into the account and are seeking other ways to assist the family. The oldest child is scheduled to graduate from a local high school this June. The account can be located at: www.gofundme.com/lemusgirls.

Investigators could not locate any history of domestic violence in the household. This is being listed as the third homicide of the year in the City of Oxnard. The death
investigation which occurred in the 1700 block of Oxnard Blvd on May 4^th has not been classified pending further investigation.

According to the Violence Policy Center, Murder-suicides are a shockingly common form of gun violence in the United States — an estimated 11 such incidents each week. The Violence Policy Center has found that more than 1,200 Americans die in murder-suicides each year. Nine out of 10 murder-suicides involve a gun. In nearly three-fourths of all murder-suicides, an intimate partner of the shooter is among the victims.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: May 16, 2016/ 4:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Amgen Tour of California
DATE/TIME:	May 17, 2016 / 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (approx.)
LOCATION:	Oxnard and Port Hueneme Roadways
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Randy Latimer, Commander Randy.latimer@oxnardpd.org 805-385-7619

DETAILS:DETAILS:

Stage-3 of the Amgen Tour of California bicycle race will pass through Oxnard and Port Hueneme this afternoon as it makes its way up the California coastline.

The race is expected to reach the Oxnard city limits (Pacific Coast Highway and Hueneme Road) at approximately 12:30 pm. There will be several roadway closures along Hueneme Road, Ventura Road, Channel islands Boulevard, and Harbor Boulevard as the race passes through both cities.

Drivers should avoid these areas as there will be heavy traffic and significant delays.

Tour Route: East on Hueneme Rd; North on Ventura Rd; West on Channel Islands Bl.; North or Harbor Bl. to the city of Ventura.

You can follow the race by visiting: http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/or by downloading the Amgen Tour App on your smartphone.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography
DATE/TIME:	May 18, 2016 at 8:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	5200 Block Chesebro Drive, Agoura Hills, CA
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Michael W. Smith, 35 years, Agoura Hills Resident
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Sharon Giles, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit Sharon.Giles@Oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7620
CONTACT PERSON & CONTACT INFO:	Detective Kevin Adair, Sexual Assault & Family Protection Unit Kevin.Adair@Oxnardpd.org (805) 385-7663

DETAILS:On 05/18/16, after a six month long investigation, investigators from the Oxnard Police Department’s Family Protection Unit (FPU), members of the Southern California High Tech Task Force and officers from Naval Criminal Investigative Service served a search warrant at a residence in the 5200 block of Chesebro Drive in the City of Agoura Hills. During the subsequent investigation and search, Michael W. Smith, was identified as allegedly being in possession of child pornography as well as participating in the distribution of child pornography. Michael Smith lived in the City of Oxnard at the time of the crime and moved to the City of Agoura Hills in the past few months. He was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $50,000.

The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind the public that the possession of child pornography is a felony and can be punishable with imprisonment in State Prison. In addition to being captured in images, many children depicted in the images are often the victims of sexual assault, exploitation, or human trafficking. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to the continuing investigation of these acts and will vigorously pursue those that participate in child-related crimes.

The Oxnard Police Department reminds the public to be diligent in supervising their children’s activity online to ensure they are protected and safe. If anyone has information regarding the possible online exploitation of a child, they are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at www.missingkids.com or their local police department.
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: 5/18/16 5:15 P.M.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
DATE/TIME:	May 29, 2016 / 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
LOCATION:
VICTIM(S):
SUSPECT(S):
WITNESS(ES):
SUSPECT VEHICLE(S):
LOSS:
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, May 29, 2016, in an effort to lower collision-related 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. Officers 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 five-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 108 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 and 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
·         Motorcyclists 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: May 27, 2016 / 10:30 a.m.