NEWS RELEASE
DATE: May 30, 2021, 5:30 P.M.
SUBJECT: Gang Member Arrested for Possession of a Firearm and Controlled Substances for Sale
LOCATION: 1900 Block of Ives Avenue
CONTACT: Martin Cook, Sergeant
(805) 385-7600 | martin.cook@oxnardpd.org
On May 30, at approximately 5:30 p.m., Officers from the Oxnard Police Department Special Enforcement Unit (gang unit) conducted a traffic stop of a blue BMW 3301 in the 1900 block of Ives Avenue. Officers contacted the sole occupant of the vehicle, Joel Ruiz (18yrs). Ruiz is a known criminal street gang member within the City of Oxnard. Ruiz has had prior arrests for involvement in a criminal street gang and for conspiracy to commit a crime.
Officers had Ruiz exit the vehicle, and Ruiz was found to have a loaded 40 caliber Glock 23 semi-automatic handgun concealed in his front waistband. Ruiz was also found in possession of graffiti tools, concentrated cannabis and psilocybin edibles for sale. During a records check of the firearm, it was found to not be registered to Ruiz, and to have been involved in an officer-involved shooting in San Bernardino County. Ruiz was arrested for multiple felony firearm and controlled substance offenses.
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.