Archives for January 2019

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Fatal pedestrian collision involving an Amtrak train
DATE/TIME:	January 24, 2019 / 1:22 p.m.
LOCATION:	Gonzales Road at Oxnard Blvd., Oxnard
PEDESTRIAN:	Kathleen Elo 75-year-old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Ricardo Vazquez, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Phillip Flores, Traffic Officer (805)385-7750 phillip.flores@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 24, 2019, at approximately 1:22 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and EMS personnel responded to a collision involving a pedestrian and a train near the intersection of Gonzales Road and Oxnard Blvd. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a 75–year-old female identified as Kathleen Elo of Oxnard and her small dog had been struck by an Amtrak train. None of the occupants on the Amtrak train were injured; however, the pedestrian and her dog succumbed to their injuries.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the pedestrian was walking her dog eastbound on the north sidewalk of Gonzales Road and walked into the path of the Amtrak train which was traveling northbound. The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Phillip Flores at (805) 385-7750 or via email at phillip.flores@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/24/19 @ 6:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Shooting Victim
DATE/TIME:	January 22, 2019, 13:23 hours
LOCATION:	1800 Block South G St., Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective jonathan.ballow@oxnardpd.org (805) 288-3289
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Jonathan Ballow, Detective jonathan.ballow@oxnardpd.org (805) 288-3289

DETAILS:

On January 22, 2019 at 13:23 hours, Oxnard police officers responded to a shooting victim in the area of the 1800 block South G Street, Oxnard. It was determined that the lone victim was confronted while walking in the area and shot one time in the torso. Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene and the investigation is on-going. No further information is available at this time.

If anyone has further information, they are encouraged to call Oxnard PD at (805) 385-7796. 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.

INCIDENT:	Unattended Vehicle Enforcement Operation
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2019, 5:30-7:30 a.m.
LOCATION:	Citywide
VICTIM(S):	State of California
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

This morning, between the hours of 5:30 and 7:30 a.m., officers from the Neighborhood Policing Team and Auto Theft Task Force conducted a citywide unattended vehicle enforcement operation. Forty (40) citations were issued to residents who left their vehicles running and unattended.

Some of the violators reported they left their vehicles running under the mistaken belief they needed to warm up their vehicles before driving them. However, it is not necessary to warm up a vehicle, particularly in our climate. Other violators reported they left their vehicles running because they wanted to warm up the cabin before driving. Both situations present an easy opportunity for a vehicle to be stolen.

Our city is currently experiencing a high level of auto thefts. In 2018, there were 786 vehicles stolen in the city, which represented a 13.4% increase in comparison to the previous year. 25% of the stolen vehicles in 2018 were considered to have been preventable, due to vehicles left running and unattended, keys left in the ignition/vehicle, or unsecured.

The Oxnard Police Department is committed to significantly reducing the number of motor vehicle thefts in 2019 by using innovative and creative techniques to proactively address the problem. However, the Department cannot do it alone, and needs the assistance of our residents.

The Department reminds our residents to:

Lock vehicles and remove valuables. An unlocked vehicle is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows. An auto thief can gain access to a vehicle through the smallest of openings.
Do not leave keys in the ignition or in the car. Many motor vehicle thefts occur as a result of vehicles left running.
Do not leave a garage door opener in a vehicle. A thief can use it to gain access to a residence.

Residents can help in combating this problem by reporting suspicious persons or activity to the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.

The Department will continue with educating the public on this problem and conducting enforcement operations targeting owners who leave their vehicles running and unattended.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 18, 2019 / 3:30 p.m.

INCIDENT:	Traffic Stop leads to Firearm Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 18, 2019 @ 10:40PM
LOCATION:	Spruce and “E” Streets, Oxnard
SUSPECT(S):	Pedro Benitez, 24-year-old, Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Kevin Baysinger, Commander Kevin.Baysinger@OxnardPD.org; 805-385-7771

DETAILS:

On the above date and time, Oxnard Police officers responded to the area of Spruce and “E” Streets reference a vehicle disturbing in the area. Officers located a truck suspected of causing the disturbance, and stopped the vehicle for vehicle code violations. Officers contacted the occupants of the vehicle and learned that one of the passengers was on probation with search terms.

Officers searched the vehicle. During the search, officers located a loaded .45 caliber firearm underneath the seat of one of the passengers, Benitez. The firearm was reported stolen back in 2013.

Benitez was arrested for firearms related charges, including possessing a loaded concealed firearm in a vehicle, a felony.

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 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 19, 2019 @ 2:00AM

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Police Seek the Public’s Assistance on the Fourth Anniversary of Luis Amaro’s Death
DATE/TIME:	January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m.
LOCATION:	200 block of Balsam Street, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	Luis Amaro, 41-year old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT(S):	Unknown
PREPARED BY:	Sergeant Scott Aaron (805) 385-7763 Scott.Aaron@OxnardPD.org
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669 Ken.Tougas@OxnardPD.org

DETAILS:

On January 21, 2019, marks the 4th anniversary of the death of Luis Amaro. On January 21, 2015, at approximately 6:50 p.m., as Mr. Amaro stood outside his residence located in the 200 blocks of Balsam St. he was confronted by an unknown subject. Mr. Amaro was ultimately transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was pronounced dead as a result of a gunshot wound.

Witnesses recalled hearing multiple gunshots being fired and a vehicle speeding away from the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model sedan, possibly a dark colored Honda.

The Oxnard Police Department is encouraging anyone with information about this incident to contact Detective Ken Tougas (805) 200-5669. 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: January 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Armed Suicidal Subject In Possession of Knives
DATE/TIME:	1/16/19, 11:30 p.m.
LOCATION:	1300 block of Althea Court
VICTIM(S):	Name Withheld
PREPARED BY:	Robin Whitney, Commander
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Robin Whitney, Commander (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 16, 2019, at about 11:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1300 block of Althea Court, regarding a suicidal adult male threatening with a knife. Officers contacted the subject in the living room and began negotiations with him, as he held two knives to his throat and threatened suicide. Officers learned there were additional family members locked in an upstairs bedroom that were unable to leave the residence. Officers requested the assistance of the Fire Department to respond with a ladder, at which time the officers evacuated the occupants through a second story window. Officers negotiated with the suicidal subject for approximately 30 minutes, as he held the knives to his throat, before he voluntarily put the knives down and surrendered to authorities without incident. The subject was subsequently placed on an involuntarily hold for a mental health evaluation.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/17/19, 1120 hours

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Search Warrant / Gun Arrest
DATE/TIME:	January 16, 2018, 5:00 A.M.
LOCATION:	400 block Park Avenue, Port Hueneme 600 block Dorena Drive, Newbury Park
SUSPECT(S):	Joseph Villareal, 39 year old Newbury Park resident
PREPARED BY:	Mike Johnson, Sergeant mike.johnson@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6211
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Carey Everhart, Detective carey.everhart@oxnardpd.org (805) 486-6228

DETAILS:

On January 16^th, at approximately 5:00 a.m., investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit, members of the Oxnard Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics teams, and the Oxnard Police Department K-9 Unit, conducted search warrant services in the 400 block of Park Avenue in the City of Port Hueneme and the 600 block of Dorena Drive in the City of Newbury Park.

The Search warrant was in reference to a robbery and assault with a deadly weapon, which occurred on December 14^th, 2018, in the 1800 block of Saviers Road. During the search, two firearms, a handgun and an assault rifle, were located and seized, in addition to evidence related to the robbery. One suspect, Joseph Villareal, a 39 year old Newbury Park resident, was detained and later arrested for robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and firearms related charges. The investigation is ongoing.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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. 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 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: JANUARY 16, 2019 / 1330 HOURS

/news-release-search-warrant-and-firearms-arrest-16-01-19/

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Subjects in Possession of a Loaded Firearm
DATE/TIME:	January 15 , 2019, @ 3:00 P.M
LOCATION:	Wooley Rd. @ Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard
VICTIM(S):	State of California
SUSPECT(S):	Kevin Fernandez, 23 year old Oxnard resident Miklo Serrato, 18 year old Oxnard resident Anna Vergara, 21 year old Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Robert Flinn, Sergeant
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Christopher Williams, Commander Christopher.williams@oxnardpd.org 805-207-7234

DETAILS:

On January 15, 2019, at approximately 3:00 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit conducted a traffic enforcement stop in the area of Wooley Rd. and Oxnard Blvd. Officers contacted the three occupants of the vehicle and obtained their information. It was found that two of the occupants were on probation with search terms. Officers searched their vehicle pursuant to their probation terms and located a loaded handgun and ammunition. It was also found that subject Serrato had two outstanding misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. Fernandez and Serrato are prohibited from owning or possessing any firearm or ammunition per the conditions of their probation and are documented gang members in the City of Oxnard. All three occupants were arrested on various charges that include 25850 (c) (6) P.C Felony, 25400 (a) (3) P.C Felony, 25850 (a) P.C Felony and 25400 (a) (1) Felony.

The Oxnard Police Department’s 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. 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 (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

You can also visit this site http://www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.apx to submit at tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: January 15, 2019, at 530 PM.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Stolen Vehicle Arrest

DATE/TIME:	January 14, 2019 – 5:09 a.m.

LOCATION:	100 Block S. Rose Ave, Oxnard

VICTIM(S):	Withheld

SUSPECT(S):	Hector Hill, 24 year old, Oxnard resident

PREPARED BY:	Dale McAlpine, Sergeant

CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Dale.Mcalpine@OxnardPD.Org (805) 385-7771

DETAILS:

On January 14, 2019, at approximately 5:09 a.m. an officer with the Oxnard Police Department observed a white 2016 Hyundai parked in the 100 block of South Rose Avenue. Hector Hill, 24 year old Oxnard resident, was contacted as he was removing items from the vehicle. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was a reported stolen vehicle that had been taken while the keys had been left inside the vehicle.

Hector Hill was arrested and booked into Ventura County Main Jail for the unlawful taking/driving of a motor vehicle (California Vehicle Code 10851) and possession of stolen property (California Penal Code 496d (a)). Two additional occupants of the vehicle were released at the scene.

Our city is currently experiencing a significant increase in stolen vehicles. To combat the problem, the Police Department is prioritizing taking a proactive comprehensive approach in the prevention, enforcement, and investigation of stolen vehicles.

A significant percentage of the stolen vehicles are preventable. The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent a vehicle from being stolen:

Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe, illegal, and someone can steal your car.
Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/14/19, 7:20 a.m.

Hector Hill

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Serious Injury Traffic Collision
DATE/TIME:	January 13, 2019 / 2:00 a.m.
LOCATION:	Pleasant Valley Road at Longfellow Way, Oxnard
VEHICLE/OCCUPANTS:	White 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser Driver: Maximino Diaz, 23 year old Oxnard resident Passenger: 36 year old Male Oxnard resident Passenger: 26 year old Male Oxnard resident
PREPARED BY:	Paul Knapp, Senior Officer
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Alvaro Pulido, Traffic Officer (805) 385-7750 alvaro.pulido@oxnardpd.org

DETAILS:

On January 13, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department and emergency medical personnel responded to a traffic collision in the area of Pleasant Valley Road and Longfellow Way in the City of Oxnard. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a white 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser was involved in a single vehicle traffic collision. The vehicle left the roadway and collided with a palm tree and a brick wall. The driver, identified as Maximino Diaz, received minor injuries. The two male passengers received serious injuries and were transported to Ventura County Medical Center where they are currently listed in critical condition.

Based on the preliminary investigation, traffic investigators determined the Chrysler PT Cruiser was travelling westbound on Pleasant Valley Road at a high rate of speed when it lost control and left the roadway. The driver, Maximino Diaz, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He was cooperative with officers and after an investigation, he was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, a felony.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Traffic Officer Alvaro Pulido at (805) 385-7750 or via email at alvaro.pulido@oxnardpd.org.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 1/13/19 @ 5:00 a.m.