NEWS RELEASE
DATE: December 2, 2020, 10:00 a.m.
SUBJECT: Auto Theft / Narcotic Sales Arrest
SUSPECTS: Juan Lopez, 30 Year Old Oxnard resident
Ismael Lopez, 22 Year Old Oxnard resident
Michael Martinez, 30 Year Old Oxnard resident
LOCATION: 400 Block of Helena Way, Oxnard
CONTACT: Brandon Ordelheide, Sergeant
805-256-5121, Brandon.Ordelheide@oxnardpd.org
On December 2, 2020, the Oxnard Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) completed a narcotics sales investigation involving two brothers, Juan Lopez and Ismael Lopez. Both brothers are Oxnard residents and on active probation with search terms. Detectives requested assistance from the Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) to locate and detain the Lopez brothers pursuant to their search terms. Juan Lopez was located by a NPT Officer while he was seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Michael Martinez was seated in the driver’s seat and both subjects were using tools to remove the stereo from the vehicle. During the investigation, NPT officers learned that the vehicle was stolen from an Oxnard resident earlier in the morning and had not been reported stolen. Oxnard Auto Theft Detectives responded and assisted with the investigation. Juan Lopez and Michael Martinez were placed under arrest for auto theft, a felony. Detective’s learned that Martinez was currently out on bail for burglary and grand theft, both felonies.
DEU, NPT, and Auto Theft Detectives conducted a probation search at Lopez’ residence. Detective’s knocked on the door and Ismael Lopez refused to allow the detective’s entry into the residence. Detective’s forced entry into the residence and detained Ismael. During a search of the residence, detectives located a large quantity of Alprazolam (Xanax), US Currency, concentrated Cannabis, Cocaine, LSD, packaging material, scales, and other evidence linking both Juan Lopez and Ismael Lopez to narcotics sales.
Ismael and Juan Lopez were additionally charged with possession for sale of Xanax. All three subjects were booked into Ventura County Jail.
The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing drug overdoses in the City of Oxnard. 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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers. at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.