NEWS RELEASE
DATE: December 18, 2020, 9:40 P.M.
SUBJECT: Arrest for Firearms Possession and Controlled Substances for Sale
LOCATION: 600 Block of Kamala Street and 1200 Block of South “K” Street
CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant
(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org
On December 18, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop on a black Nissan Altima for a vehicle code violation at the 600 block of Kamala Street. Officers contacted Leslie Blanco (29yrs) and Patricio Rocha (22yrs) in the vehicle. Blanco is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard and is currently on probation with search terms. Rocha is a known criminal street gang member and a prohibited person from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a loaded .38 Special Revolver concealed in the vehicle and found to be in Rocha’s possession. Rocha was also in possession of methamphetamine, and Xanax packed in a way consistent with controlled substance sales. The firearm was not registered to Rocha. Rocha was arrested for firearms and controlled substances violations.
Detectives from the Oxnard Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) responded and authored a search warrant for Rocha’s residence at the 1200 block of south “K” Street. During the service of the search warrant, officers located a large quantity of additional Xanax along with additional ammunition.
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 this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. 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.