NEWS RELEASE
DATE: February 23, 2021
SUBJECT: Oxnard Resident Arrested for Arson
LOCATION: 300 Block of South K Street
VICTIM: City of Oxnard, Oxnard Navigation Center
SUSPECT: Jose Leyva, Oxnard Resident
CONTACT: Jared Schacher, Arson Investigator
(805) 385-7755 | Jared.Schacher@oxnardpd.org
On February 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators concluded an investigation into a fire that was intentionally set to the Oxnard Navigation Center, a homeless shelter located at the former Oxnard National Guard Armory, with the arrest of 55-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Leyva.
On February 18, 2021, Oxnard Police and Fire Department Investigators responded to the Oxnard Navigation Center regarding a bag of clothing that was set on fire and thrown onto the roof. No injuries were reported by anyone inside of the Oxnard Navigation Center and the result of the fire was only minor damage to the roof.
Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators assigned to investigate the case reviewed video surveillance footage and identified Leyva as the suspect.
On February 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department patrol officers located Leyva and arrested him. At the time of arrest, Leyva was wearing the same clothing that he had on when the fire was set and was also in possession of items seen in the surveillance footage.
Leyva was known to have received services from the Oxnard Navigation Center.
Arson investigators are also following up on other reported arsons to see if there is a connection to Leyva. All arsons are classified as felonies and if convicted, carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison.
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 also stay 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.