NEWS RELEASE
DATE: April 8, 2021 (4:37 PM)
SUBJECT: Good Samaritan intervenes during attempted carjacking
LOCATION: 3700 block W. Fifth Street
VICTIM: Withheld
SUSPECT: Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, Santa Maria resident
CONTACT: Robin Whitney, Patrol Commander
(805) 385-7771 | robin.whitney@oxnardpd.org
On 10/8/21, at about 4:37 p.m., an elderly female victim was walking to her vehicle in the parking lot in the 3700 block of W. Fifth Street when suspect Jose Manuel Rocha, age 27, approached her as she was attempting to enter her vehicle. Suspect Rocha grabbed the victim, including her keys, and demanded her car. An alert good Samaritan witness observed the crime in progress and intervened, causing suspect Rocha to divert his attention towards the witness and aggress on him. At the time, the witness directed the victim to get into her car and leave the scene. The victim followed the witness’ direction and drove away. Suspect Rocha tried fleeing the scene on foot, however the witness entered his vehicle and followed suspect Rocha, keeping him in view the entire time, until police arrived. Rocha was positively identified during an infield lineup and was subsequently arrested for the felony charge of attempted carjacking. Officers later determined that Rocha is currently on parole out of Santa Maria.
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.