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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Wanted Subject Leads Oxnard Police on a Pursuit |
| DATE/TIME: | 12/19/18 @ 11:14 a.m. |
| LOCATION: | 4500 block of South “G” Street |
| SUSPECT(S): | James Prizzi, 47 years old |
| PREPARED BY: | Crystal Walker, Detective |
| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Enrique Alvarez, Detective
(805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org |
DETAILS:
On 12/19/18 at approximately 11:14 a.m., officers from the Oxnard Police Department received information that a recently stolen vehicle was in the area of Hueneme Road. The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force responded to the area and found the grey, 2008, Honda Accord driving in the 600 block of Hueneme Road. The vehicle was followed into the parking lot of the Playa Inn Motel and parked. The driver of the stolen vehicle observed the officers approaching and began to flee in the vehicle. As the vehicle accelerated out of the parking lot it struck a planter which caused it to land onto “J” Street. As officers pursued the vehicle, it fled onto northbound “J” Street toward the residential neighborhood.
The driver, later identified as James Prizzi, 47 years old, accelerated to speeds in excess of 65 mph and therefore out of an abundance of caution, the pursuit was cancelled. A few minutes later, Prizzi abandoned the vehicle in the 4500 block of South “G” Street. During a subsequent search of the area, a resident called 9-1-1 and advised that they believed that someone might be hiding inside a bedroom. With the assistance of a police K9, Prizzi was located in a closet and was taken into custody.
Prizzi is being charged with vehicle theft, possession of stolen property (vehicle), burglary, felony evading and outstanding felony warrants. Prizzi has a long criminal history which includes robbery, multiple vehicle thefts, possession of burglary tools, assault with a deadly weapon, fraud and narcotics arrests. Due to the gravity of the charges and his past history, a bail increase was completed.
The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.” Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day. 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: 12/19/18 @ 4:30 p.m.
