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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Oxnard Police Arrest Two For Arson and Insurance Fraud |
| DATE/TIME: | 10/31/18, 7:30a.m. |
| LOCATION: | 200 block E. Channel Islands Boulevard, Oxnard
Hillcrest Drive/Ventu Park Drive, Newbury Park |
| SUSPECT(S): | Felix Hernandez – 40 years old
Manuel Abrego – 31 years old |
| PREPARED BY: | Charles Buttell, Detective |
| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Charles Buttell, Detective
Charles.Buttell@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7755 |
DETAILS:
On 10/31/18 at approximately 7:30 a.m., detectives from the Oxnard Police Department arrested two subjects involved in the arson and insurance fraud of an automobile after a 1 ½ year long investigation.
On 03/02/17 at approximately 10:19 p.m., personnel from the Oxnard Fire Department and the Oxnard Police Department responded to a vehicle fire in the alley in the 1900 block of South “F” Street. A 2015 Toyota Prius was found at the scene and was fully engulfed in fire. Evidence at the scene led detectives to believe that the fire was an arson. The registered owner of the vehicle, Manuel Abrego of Newbury Park, reported the vehicle stolen to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and filed several insurance claims on the vehicle. Factors surrounding the arson and Abrego’s actions led detectives to believe that he was involved in the crime of arson. Abrego was able to collect approximately $17,000.00 in insurance payments for the vehicle.
The investigation led to the discovery of a second suspect identified as Felix Hernandez of Oxnard. Hernandez is believed to be the subject who actually set the fire to the vehicle.
Detectives working closely with Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, gathered enough evidence for arrest warrants to be issued for Manuel Abrego and Felix Hernandez. Both subjects were arrested on 10/31/18 for their outstanding warrants.
Abrego and Hernandez were booked for arson and insurance fraud related charges and are awaiting court proceedings.
Residents are encouraged to be “Partners in Public Safety” and are reminded to report suspicious activity to police. Residents can report anonymously and translators are available 24/7. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 11/05/18, 2:45 p.m.
