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Are you for or against the legalization of marijuana?

Submit your thoughts for our upcoming editorial regarding the pros and cons.
marijuana debate

Are you sleeping with the enemy?

Malaika Cohen, author of SHACKLES- Overcoming Domestic Abuse a Modern Day Taboo, shares her experience as a domestic abuse survivor and how you can help others in similar situations.
sleeping with the enemy

Unsolved Murder: Mike Grair

On October 10, 2008, Michael Grair's body was found inside his white Cadillac Escalade behind a vacant commercial center he owned. The engine was still running. His murder has yet to be solved and his family is offering $100,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the killer or killers.
mike grair

Ventura County Crime Library

Our newest feature Includes gang information, unsolved murders and high profile cases.
ventura county crime library

The Parent Toolbox

Safety & Prevention Resources
Order your free Child Safety Kit, learn how to discuss bullying with your child and how to help prevent child abductions.

Among the resources include how to deal with internet safety and cyberbullying, and how to empower your child so they will be prepared when dealing with dangerous situations.
>Read the full story

Davina & Brock Husted

Unsolved Murder
On May 20, 2009, an intruder wearing a dark jumpsuit and a motorcycle helmet, entered the home of Davina & Brock Husted. After a brief confrontation, the suspect murdered both the husband and pregnant wife while the children were at home.

The case has not been solved and has yet to be determined if it was targeted or random.
>Read the full story

Employment Opportunities

Jobs & Careers
The City of Ventura is currently hiring to fill temporary jobs ranging from $8.23 to $40 an hour. This includes after school programs, sports official, and driving positions.

The City of Oxnard also has employment opportunities, but don't delay, as some have deadlines. Listings include application instructions.
March 9, 2009 : Read the full story

Oxnard PD's Guide to Twitter

Social Media Guide
We compiled a list of Oxnard PD's twitter feeds, according to beat sections.

We encourage you to add the appropriate account and get to know your beat officers.
May 2, 2009 : Read the full story
Persons appearing in our blog may not have not been convicted of the charges for which they are accused and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Update: Murder of David Laut

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 1 Response
September 3, 2009

Oxnard Police Chief John Crombach and District Attorney Gregory Totten announced today that detectives are making significant progress in the investigation into the August 27th killing of Oxnard resident David Laut. Evidence collected by Oxnard police investigators indicates that Mr. Laut was not the victim of random violence by a prowler.

Investigators are pursuing several leads and are confident that an arrest will be made in the case. Mr. Laut (DOB 12-21-56) was serving as the Hueneme High School athletic director at the time he was killed.

While we understand there is a great deal of interest in this case - it is important to note that there will be no further information about the case released at this time. We respectfully ask that the community understand that this investigation is at a very sensitive point right now, and be patient with us as this case proceeds to an arrest .

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Ventura: Fatal Pedestrian Traffic Accident: Susan Jeanne Herman (Victim)

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 2 Responses
August 24, 2009

Incident: Fatal Pedestrian Traffic Accident
Location: Shoreline Drive west of Figueroa Street, Ventura, CA
Date/Time Occurred: August 24th, 2009 / 6:05 p.m.
Officer(s) Involved: Traffic Sergeant Ryan Weeks, Numerous Patrol Officers
Victim(s): Susan Jeanne Herman (deceased), 60 years, Casitas Springs
Suspect(s): None
Report #: 09 - 11511

Narrative:

On August 24th, 2009 at about 6:05 p.m. Ventura Police received an emergency 911 call of an injury traffic accident that had just occurred on Shoreline Drive west of Figueroa Street in Ventura. Witness statements indicate that the pedestrian (Herman) was walking her dog across Shoreline Drive from the Derby Club area of the Fairgrounds toward the promenade beach area. As she began crossing the street she was struck by a westbound vehicle driven by a 16 year old male juvenile.

When Officers arrived the female pedestrian was in critical condition and her dog was deceased, Ventura Fire Department and AMR personnel attempted to save the victim but she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

VPD Traffic Sgt. Ryan Weeks and additional traffic investigators responded to the scene and are continuing to conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Weeks said that an independent witness at the scene said it appeared that the 16 year juvenile was traveling at a safe speed just prior to the collision.

Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office was also contacted and they made notification to the victim’s family, they also said that the cause of death is still under investigation. Ventura County Animal Control Units responded and took possession of the deceased dog which appeared to be a mixed collie breed black in color.

Any other witnesses that may have observed this collision are encouraged to contact the Ventura Police Department Traffic Division at (805) 339-4309.


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Federal Jury Clears Oxnard Police Department Sergeant in Trial of Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 2 Responses
August 18, 2009

Occurrence/Event:
Federal Jury Clears Oxnard Police Department Sergeant in Trial of Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Day/Date/Time:
Tuesday, August 18, 2009 @ 11:20am
Location:
United States District Court
Los Angeles, CA

Involved Parties:

Plaintiff Tomas Barrera
Represented by:
Gregory A. Yates, Encino, CA (310) 858-6944

Plaintiff Maria Lazos
Represented by:
Jenny Scovis and Kim Scovis, Thousand Oaks

Defendant Sgt. Andrew Salinas
Represented by:
Alan E. Wisotsky and Dirk DeGenna, Oxnard

Prepared By:
Alan E. Wisotsky

Narrative:

A Los Angles federal jury unanimously found in favor of Sgt. Andrew Salinas on Tuesday following a week-long trial of a Civil Rights/Wrongful Death lawsuit brought by the parents of Thomas Barrera, Jr. who was shot and killed on October 3, 2007 in Oxnard, CA.

Barrera, a 22 year-old Oxnard resident, was believed to have been burglarizing a truck in the early morning hours on Fifth Street near Hobson Way. Salinas stopped to investigate and engaged in a foot pursuit of Barrera when he fled the scene.

During the pursuit, Barrera threw a wrench set at Salinas which struck the officer. Moments later, Barrera turned again and brandished a 6-inch knife, swinging at Salinas from a distance of 5-8 feet. Faced with this imminent threat, Salinas fired four shots from his department-issued handgun, striking Barrera three times. Barrera died at the scene.

Salinas presented testimony from Dr. William Lewinski, a Minnesota State University professor who has conducted research and studies in “Force Dynamics” for the past 25 years. Dr. Lewinski addressed the action/reaction, turning movements and “stop-shooting” dynamics which play a role in lethal force encounters.

The jury began deliberating late Monday afternoon and returned with its verdict Tuesday morning.

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Ventura: 911 Services not affected by phone outage

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 0 Responses
July 6, 2009

Incident: Widespread telephone outage affects emergency calls throughout Ventura County
Location: Ventura County
Date: July 6, 2009, 12:05 p.m.

Narrative:

A widespread telephone outage has occurred throughout many portions of Ventura County which has affected many local 9-1-1 services.

Currently, telephone systems within the City of Ventura, including the 9-1-1 emergency call center, are operational. Should you experience an emergency within the City of Ventura please call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergency calls and information please call 805-650-8010.

In the event of an emergency outside of the Ventura City limits please go directly to your nearest police or fire station to report the emergency.

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Oxnard: Massive Phone Outage

Reporter: Elidet Reyes 0 Responses
July 6, 2009

The city of Oxnard is experiencing a massive telecommunications outage. This includes the Oxnard 9-1-1 system and cellular service to some carriers. Initial reports indicate the outage is throughout a major portion of California .

Citizens needing assistance are asked to come to the Oxnard Police station at 251 South “C” Street, or any local fire station for help in Oxnard.

Emergency Numbers:
(805) 210-0474
(805) 210-0475
(805) 210-0476

The city of Oxnard has established an email address for the temporary reporting of emergencies in Oxnard only: 911info@OxnardPD.org.

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Oxnard: Fireworks by the Sea Update

Reporter: Ellen Rodriguez 0 Responses
July 5, 2009

Large, Calm Crowds were reported by officers assigned to the Fireworks By the Sea fireworks show in the Channel Islands Harbor. Officers noted much larger crowds from the previous year. Parking was at a premium near Oxnard State Beach and along Harbor Boulevard as people arrived early to barbeque, play catch, and take walks on the beach. Many of the beach-goers were out-of-towners. There were few disturbances with the only arrest made being for a theft of a traffic cone. Officers did cite persons for drinking in public and possessing fireworks (which are illegal in Oxnard).

11 officers were assigned for crowd control in and around Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard Shores. These officers were supported by a large traffic contingent which was charged with providing an orderly arrival and departure for the fireworks spectacular.

“All-in-all we were pleased with the results this year,” commented Special Projects Commander Marty Meyer, “But we were disappointed with what seemed to be an increase in the use of fireworks at this year’s event.”

PREPARED BY:
Marty Meyer, Special Projects Commander

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Oxnard: Homicide Victim: Melissa Rodriguez

Reporter: Ellen Rodriguez 0 Responses
July 4, 2009

INCIDENT:
187 PC Homicide
DATE/TIME:
07-03-2009 / 2330 Hrs
LOCATION:
1700 Block Ironbark Ct
VICTIM:
Melissa Rodriguez, 19 yrs
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Jim Seitz, Homicide Supervisor

DETAILS:

On 07-03-2009 at approximately 11:30 pm, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of an injury traffic accident in the 1700 block of Ironbark Ct. While officers were en-route to that location, dispatch received additional calls of possible shots fired heard in the same area.

Upon the officer’s arrival they located the victim, 19 year old Melissa Rodriguez lying in the roadway next to her vehicle. The car had crashed into a tree at the scene. Officers and paramedics performed CPR on the victim who was not breathing. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. It was determined a short time later that the victim had sustained a gunshot wound to her head which was not initially visible.

Investigators are asking anyone that may have heard or seen the incident to contact Detective Adam Wittkins at Adamwittkins@Oxnardpd.org or leave a message on the Violent Crimes Hotline at 982-7070.

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Ventura: Angel Alamilla: Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Vandalism/Pursuit

Reporter: Ellen Rodriguez 0 Responses
July 4, 2009

Incident: 245 PC-Assault with a Deadly Weapon/ 594 PC-Vandalism/Vehicle Pursuit
Location: Rite Aid parking Lot, 131 W Main St Ventura
Date/Time Occurred: 7/4/09 0210
Officer(s) Involved: Patrol Officers
Victim(s): 27 yr old Oxnard Resident
Suspect(s): Angel Alamilla 34 year old Ventura resident

Narrative:

Officers responded to a stabbing victim in the parking lot of Rite Aid at 131 W Main Street. Investigation revealed the victim and his friends were walking to their parked car after visiting a nearby nightclub. The suspects confronted the victim and friends in the parking lot and an argument ensued.

Three subjects including Alamilla got out of their car and slashed the tires to the victim's vehicle. The victim intervened on the tire slashing when Alamilla stabbed him in the leg. Alamilla fled in a vehicle that was spotted by responding officers. Officers tried to stop the vehicle, however it fled.

Officers pursued the vehicle as it fled on streets in the Downtown and Ventura Ave area. Alamilla and the two other subjects fled on foot after abandoning the suspect vehicle near Olive St. and W. Simpson Street. Alamilla was arrested after a brief foot pursuit.

Investigation identified Alamilla as the stabbing suspect and he was booked at the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. The victim was transported to VCMC where he received treatment for a stab wound to his leg. The victim's injuries were not life threatening.


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Ventura: Daniel Gilberg: Assault with a deadly Weapon

Reporter: Ellen Rodriguez 0 Responses
July 4, 2009

Incident: 245 PC- Assault with a deadly Weapon
Location: Ventura County Medical Center Emergency Room, 3291 Loma Vista Rd, Ventura
Date/Time Occurred: 7/4/09 0145
Officer(s) Involved: Cpl. Mike Anselmo and Officer Karl Reyes
Victim(s): VCMC Nurse and Staff
Suspect(s): Daniel Gilberg, 42 year old Lancaster resident.

Narrative:

Gilberg was a patient at VCMC emergency room where he was receiving treatment for a head injury he sustained when he fell. He was intoxicated and belligerent. Gilberg grew impatient with his treatment and pulled out intravenous lines and a catheter. He demanded that he be released from the emergency room.

He got out of the hospital bed and armed himself with a pair of scissors he obtained from his hospital room. Gilberg was bleeding profusely because he removed the IV lines and he confronted two nurses in the hall near his emergency room bed.

Gilberg held the scissors over his head and threatened the nurses with his demands to be released. The nurses retreated from the room and yelled for help.

Cpl. Mike Anselmo and Officer Karl Reyes were in the emergency room conducting a separate investigation when they heard the nurses yelling for help. Officers saw Gilberg advancing on the nurses and waving the scissors.

Officers said Gilberg got within 10 feet of the nurses. The officers saw Gilberg hold the scissors above his head while he shouted at the nurses. The officers described that Gilberg was nude and covered in his own blood. Gilberg refused to stop when ordered to do so by the officers. Gilberg turned and started walking towards the exit of the emergency room and refused to stop or disarm himself of the scissors.

Gilberg was shot with a Tasar as he tried to open one of the exit doors to the emergency room. The Taser stopped Gilberg’s behavior. Gilberg was arrested and booked at the Ventura County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon after he was treated at the Ventura County Medical Center.

No one was injured as a result of the incident.

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Ventura: Drive-by Shooting/Homicide: Victim: Ida Medina

Reporter: Ellen Rodriguez 0 Responses
July 3, 2009

Incident: Drive-by Shooting/Homicide
Location: 1200 Block Of Mead Av
Date/Time Occurred: 7/03/09 0045 hrs
Officer(s) Involved: Patrol, Major Crimes Detectives
Victim(s): Ida Medina 46 yrs Ventura Resident
Suspect(s): Unknown

Narrative:

On 7-3-09 at about 0045 hours the Ventura Police Department responded to a shooting victim in the 1200 block of Mead St. The victim, Ida Medina, was located inside her residence suffering from a gunshot wound.

The initial investigation revealed that several shots were fired at the residence striking the victim who was inside.

Medina was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where she was treated by emergency room staff. Medina succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

It appears that this incident is gang related. This investigation is on going. This is the second homicide at this residence within the last 6 months.

The Ventura Police Department urges anyone with information about this shooting to contact Det. Boon at 339-4479 or the Watch Commander at 339-4416.

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