OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

INCIDENT:	Wanted Subject Arrest Leads to Recovery of Two Stolen Vehicles and Stolen Property
DATE/TIME:	01/10/19 @ 2:10 p.m.
LOCATION:	1600 Block Visalia Street
SUSPECT(S):	Jonathan Sandoval, 29 years old Jorge Sarmiento, 41 years old
PREPARED BY:	Crystal Walker, Detective
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO:	Crystal Walker, Detective crystal.walker@oxnardpd.org or (805) 385-7668

DETAILS:

On 01/10/19 at approximately 2:10 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department were in the area of the 1600 block of Visalia Street when they observed a wanted subject, identified as Jonathan Sandoval, 29 years old. Officers first observed Sandoval seated inside of a black Toyota Corolla that was parked in front of a home. Officers approached and Sandoval immediately reversed his vehicle in an attempt to flee. As the vehicle was travelling in reverse, Sandoval exited the vehicle. Sandoval failed to clear the path of the open driver’s side door and was struck by it, thus ending his attempt to escape from the pursuing officers. During further investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle out of the city of Ventura and it contained several items of stolen property.

As the investigation continued, officers were alerted to a van that was parked on a driveway next to where Sandoval was first observed. It was discovered that the van was previously stolen out of the city of Oxnard. A resident of the home, identified as Jorge Sarmiento, 41 years old was contacted. Officers on scene familiar with Sarmiento were aware that he had warrants for his arrest. Sarmiento upon seeing the officers began to flee through his home and out the back but was quickly apprehended. Evidence at the scene connected Sarmiento to the stolen van.

Sandoval was subsequently charged with felony evading, vehicle theft, possession of stolen property (vehicle), possession of narcotic paraphernalia, possession of a prohibited weapon and for felony and misdemeanor warrants. Sandoval has previously been arrested for vehicle theft (twice), possession of burglary tools and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Sarmiento was charged with possession of stolen property, possession of narcotic paraphernalia and resisting arrest. He has prior arrests for theft-related crimes.

In 2019, the Oxnard Police Department is doubling-down on its commitment to combat auto theft. The Oxnard Police Department cannot be alone in this crime prevention effort and need our community to join us in this endeavor.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
Do not leave your keys in your Car, on or off. A large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles being left on and left alone.
A majority of cars stolen are from in front of the owner’s own home.
Do not leave your garage door opener in your vehicle. It can be stolen and used to return and enter your house.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. We are depending on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity. Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity. Translators are available 24/7.

DATE / TIME PREPARED: 01/10/19 @ 6:51 p.m.