Ventura County Crime Blog

November 30, 2009

On November 28, 2008, Lucia Cardoza was driving a eastboung on Highway 126. Cardoza's vehicle then swerved out of control, slamming into a guardrail. Cardoza's son was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother was arrested for suspicion of drunk driving.



Video Courtesy of the Ventura County Star
By Adam Foxman

Related Links
>Fillmore boy, 4, dies in 126 crash, mother arrested on suspicion of DUI
>Crash kills 4 year old boy, injures 6 others

INCIDENT:
246 P.C. – Shooting Into a residence
DATE/TIME:
11-24-08 / 2306
LOCATION:
3000 block So. L St
VICTIM/S:
46 year-old Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT/S:
Victor Franco, 24 Yrs-old, Coachella City Resident
David Estrella, 22 Yrs-old, Oxnard Resident
Javier Garcia, 22 Yrs-old, Oxnard Resident
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
Silver Hyundai Elantra (STOLEN OUT OF CATHEDRAL CITY, CA.)
PREPARED BY:
Det. Charles Buttell

DETAILS:

On 11-24-08 at approximately 2306 hours, officer responded to a call of shots fired in the 3000 block of South “L” Street. The victim came out of her residence and confronted subjects who were vandalizing her vehicle. Subjects return to an awaiting vehicle and as they fled the scene the vehicle stops in front of the victim’s residence and several shots were fired into the residence.

The vehicle flees the area and officers locate the vehicle within minutes of the shooting. The driver, Victor Franco (who is on parole for robbery), fled in the vehicle and was apprehended in the rear yard of a residence in the 3500 block of South B Street. The two passengers, Javier Garcia and David Estrella, were apprehended inside the vehicle without incident.

The vehicle was found to be a carjacking vehicle out of Cathedral City, Ca. A weapon possibly used in the shooting was found in the yard where Franco was apprehended.

Franco was arrested for the carjacking, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and violation of parole.

Garcia and Estrella were arrested for their possible involvement in the shooting but were later released pending further investigation and forensic testing.

The incident is believed to involve rival tagging crews in the City of Oxnard.

An investigation is continuing.

Incident:
Sobriety and Driver’s License Checkpoint
Date:
November 21, 2008
Event:
DUI Check Points in the City of Oxnard

Details:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a multi-location sobriety and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, November 21, 2008, from 5:30 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. The checkpoints were conducted on the following locations.

1. Westbound Pleasant Valley Road at Jefferson Square.
2. Westbound Channel Islands Blvd. at “M” Street.
3. Northbound Ventura Road at Seventh Street.
4. Northbound Victoria Avenue at Wooley Road.

Officers screened 1011 motorists who passed through the checkpoints.
There were two drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. 43 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations. 24 vehicles were towed and the owners of the vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue conducting Sobriety and Driver’s License checkpoints in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. The checkpoints are funded through a Driving Under the Influence Enforcement and Education grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

By: Senior Police Officer Humberto Jimenez
Oxnard Police Department Traffic Coordinator

Remember, it's cheaper to call a cab than get a D.U.I.!

INCIDENT:
187 PC Homicide
DATE/TIME:
11-20-2008 2210 hours
LOCATION:
800 Block Borrego Way
VICTIM/S:
Jovany Cahuantzi, 19 years, Oxnard resident
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Jim Seitz, Major Crimes Supervisor

COLONIA COURTS COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP DAY
PART II

November 22, 2008
8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Southwest corner of Del Sol Park or walkway north of Bernarda and Carmelita Courts


Please join us in completing the park project we started back in July! Oxnard Housing and the Oxnard Police Department, in conjunction with the Seabees of Pt. Hueneme, Oxnard P.D. Explorers, Boyscouts, Girlscouts, and volunteers, will be replacing sand with soil and sod, replanting a flower and vegetable garden, placing of a fence around the garden and general clean-up of the area.

Any additional sand will be used to refill playground boxes along the walkway.

Food will be provided for volunteers courtesy of Oxnard Housing.

To volunteer, contact Gil Guevara (805)385-7576, Ofc. Crystal Walker (805) 982-7152 or Sr. Officer R. Vazquez 207-5327

INCIDENT:
Gang Related Shooting
DATE/TIME:
November 15, 2008/2133 hours
LOCATION:
Residence Inn Marriott (2101 W. Vineyard Avenue)
VICTIM/S:
Unknown
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Senior Officer Williams

DETAILS:

On 11/15/08 at approximately 2133 hours Oxnard Police Officers were dispatched to shots fired at the Residence Inn Marriott located at 2101 West Vineyard Avenue. When officers arrived they were unable to locate any one that had been injured. Several uncooperative juveniles were detained at the scene, interviewed and released.

According to witnesses a fight occurred in the parking lot between two groups of rival gangs. During the altercation several shots were fired and the suspect/s fled prior to officers arriving.

If you have any information regarding this incident please contact Detective Williams at (805) 486-6228 or you can remain anonymous by calling 982-7070.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Shots Fired
DATE/TIME:
11-13-08 at 2300 hours
LOCATION:
2000 block of Napoleon Avenue
VICTIM/S:
No injuries
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On 11-13-08 at approximately 2300 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 2000 block of Napoleon Avenue.

The circumstances of the incident are unclear. Witnesses to the incident reported either a vehicle with multiple subjects inside or two subjects on foot approached persons standing in front of a residence on Napoleon Avenue. Shots were then fired at the group. Evidence of gunfire was recovered at the location. No injuries were reported.

Police believe the incident may be gang-related.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Oxnard police Detective Alex Arnett at (805) 486-6297 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line anonymously at (800) 222-TIPS or https://www.tipsubmit.com.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Bank Robbery
DATE/TIME:
11/07/08
1630 hrs
LOCATION:
Rabobank
155 South A Street, Oxnard, Ca 93030
VICTIM/S:
De Ortiz, Diana (54 year old Oxnard resident)
SUSPECT/S:
Hispanic male, 40 yrs, 5-06, 145 pounds, Blk beanie, tan jacket, black pants
SUSPECT VEHICLE:
Unknown
LOSS:
Unknown amount of money
PREPARED BY:
Detective Paul Knapp

DETAILS:

On 11/7/08 at about 1630 hours, the suspect entered the bank and demanded money. No weapon was simulated or mentioned. The suspect fled in an unknown direction with an unknown amount of currency.

Anyone with further information is requested to contact Detective Paul Knapp at 805-385-7796.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Several Street Robberies and Arrests
DATE/TIME:
November 5, 2008 between 9:40 PM and 10:16 PM
LOCATION:
Area of Seventh and “E” Streets
VICTIM/S:
33 year-old Oxnard resident
21 year-old Oxnard resident
18 year-old Oxnard resident
SUSPECT/S:
24 year-old Gabriel Salazar was charged with two counts of robbery and conspiracy.
20 year-old Alex Salazar was charged with conspiracy and witness intimidation.
19 year-old Julio Chavira was charged with conspiracy and attempted robbery.
23 year-old Kathleen Mackey was charged with interfering with an ongoing investigation.
25 year-old Edgar Mendoza was charged with interfering with an ongoing investigation.
(All the suspects arrested are Oxnard residents)
LOSS:
U.S. currency, cellular phones, and clothing where taken by suspects.
PREPARED BY:
Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2008, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to several reports of street robberies that had occurred between 9:40 PM and 10:16 PM. During those incidents, victims were walking in the area of Seventh and “E” Streets when they were contacted by the listed suspects. During those contacts the suspects demanded the victims’ cellular phones, cash and shoes. After the crimes, the suspects were seen entering a residence in the 600 block of West Seventh Street.

During their investigation a subject matching the description of the suspects stepped out of the residence and was detained by officers. Several others from inside that residence were detained and later arrested for charges ranging from conspiracy to commit robbery, intimidating witnesses and interfering with an ongoing robbery investigation.

Detectives followed up with a search warrant at that residence. Several items belonging to the victims of the earlier robberies were recovered. Detectives believe there was a party at the residence and the crimes were done by these suspects to impress the females witnessing these incidents.

All suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail with bails ranging up to $55,000 each.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Armed Robbery to Business
DATE/TIME:
November 5, 2008 2:40 AM
LOCATION:
2201 East Gonzales Rd (7/11 Store)
VICTIM/S:
Business
SUSPECT/S:
Male Hispanic, Wearing beanie with eyes cut out, black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, and gloves.
LOSS:
Undisclosed
PREPARED BY:
Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On November 5, 2008 at 2:40 AM Oxnard Police Officer’s responded to an alarm at the business. Upon their arrival they contacted the clerk he stated that he was stocking items in the store. The suspects entered the store and upon contact with the employee demanded he walk to the register and give him all the cash. The suspect was armed with an approximately 14 inch knife. With the clerk being in fear of being stabbed he complied with the suspects demands.

The suspect then exits the store heading east away from the business on foot. This suspect is similar to the other 7/11’s robberies that took place in late September and early October 2008.

If anyone has information about this incident they are urged to contact Det. Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7796 or the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Home Invasion / Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:
November 4, 2008 9:25 PM
LOCATION:
5100 block of Justin Way
VICTIM/S:
68 year old Oxnard resident (Multiple Injuries)
SUSPECT/S:
3 Hispanic Males 16-18 years all wearing dark clothing
LOSS:
No property was obtained by suspect(s)
PREPARED BY:
Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On November 4, 2008 at 9:25 PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a call of a home invasion in the 5100 block of Justin Way. When officers arrived they found the victim suffering from multiple injuries from the assault. The 68 year old victim was transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in serious but stable condition.

It appears the victim was watching the election results in his garage when the three suspects approached. The suspects demanded money and when the victim got up to retrieve the money he was hit and cut with an unknown weapon. The suspect(s) fled the residence and it appears that they did not take any property.

If anyone has information about this crime they are urged to contact Det. Paul Knapp at (805) 385-7796 or the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
Possible Gang Shooting
DATE/TIME:
November 4, 2008 6:20 PM
LOCATION:
4200 Block of Frost Dr
VICTIM/S:
20 year old Oxnard resident (shot in hip)
26 year old Oxnard resident (shot in chest)
SUSPECT/S:
Male Hispanic No Further Description
PREPARED BY:
Violent Crimes Sergeant Terry Burr

DETAILS:

On November 4, 2008 at 6:20 PM officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to a shooting in the 4200 block of Frost Drive. Upon their arrival they located two gunshot victims. Both victims were treated and transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center in critical condition.

Violent Crimes Investigators responded to the scene where information was scarce. The victims stated they were followed and shot as they exited their vehicle. Detectives feel the motive is possibly gang related and investigators are looking into the victims past history of any gang affiliation.

Investigators are requesting anyone with information please contact Det. Jeff Long at (805) 486-6506 or the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070. If you want you can remain anonymous.

An investigation is continuing.

INCIDENT:
207 P.C., Kidnapping
10851 C.V.C., Stolen Vehicle
215 P.C., Carjacking
273a(b) P.C., Child Endangerment
DATE/TIME:
November 3, 2008, 0815 hours
LOCATION:
Greenbrook Drive, Oxnard, CA
VICTIM/S:
2-Year Old child
SUSPECT/S:
Hispanic male, dark complexion, 25 years of age 5’8”, weighing 180 pounds, wearing a black and white checkered Pendleton jacket, black shirt, and black pants, with a white stud earring in his right ear. His hair is cut extremely short on the sides and back and is approximately one inch long on top.
VICTIM VEHICLE:
1996 two-door burgundy Honda Accord
PREPARED BY:
Officer Jeff Miller, 385-7650

DETAILS:

On November 3, 2008 at 0815 hours, on Greenbrook Drive, a mother stopped to pick-up a friend and left her car, a burgundy 1996 Honda Accord, two door, running with her two-year old daughter in the vehicle. She walked up to the residence to contact her friend. As she was walking back to her car, she saw that it was being driven backward. She grabbed the passenger door handle in an attempt to open the door, and the driver backed away, causing her to lose her grip.

She described the suspect as a Hispanic male, dark complexion, 25-years of age 5’8”, weighing 180 pounds, wearing a black and white checkered Pendleton jacket, black shirt, and black pants, with a white stud earring in his right ear. His hair is cut extremely short on the sides and back and is approximately one inch on top.

An immediate search by Oxnard police officers ensued. The suspect abandoned the child alone in the industrial area of the 1700 block of Statham Boulevard, and the child was found by officers and reunited with her mother.

Any assistance from the public in locating this suspect would be appreciated. Sgt Kevin Baysinger can be contacted at 385-7632 with any information.

An investigation is continuing.

Periods of heavy rain across the Oxnard plain caused roadway flooding at the following locations:

Doris Avenue and Patterson Road
Gonzales Road east of Ventura Road
Gonzales Road and Lantana Street in the construction area
North side of Channel Islands Boulevard west of J Street

Motorists are cautioned not to enter flooded roadways unless they know the true depth of the water. Additional areas in Oxnard may also be subject to flooding.

0830 hours: A water main break in the 3000 block of S. “F” Street required street closure due to flooding and possible undermining of the roadway bed.

City crews are on scene and/or en route to handle all of these incidents.

INCIDENT:
Assault with a Deadly Weapon
DATE/TIME:
11/1/08 at 0215 hours
LOCATION:
1100 Block of West Fir Avenue
VICTIM/S:
Gutierrez, John (41 year-old male)
Arias, Jose (32 year-old male)
Navarro, Candice (22 year-old female)
15 year-old Hispanic male
(The cities of residence for each of the victims was not known at the time of this release)
SUSPECT/S:
Unknown
PREPARED BY:
Detective Paul Knapp

DETAILS:

On 11/1/08 at about 0215 hours, officers from the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 1100 block of West Fir Avenue regarding a large fight. Two adult Hispanic males and one juvenile Hispanic male sustained numerous stab wounds. One pregnant Hispanic female sustained numerous contusions. All four were transported to St. John’s Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening wounds.

Victims and witnesses are uncooperative and did not provide any suspect descriptions.

No arrests have been made and the suspect has not been identified. If anyone has information relating to the assault, please contact Detective Jeff Long at 486-6506.

An investigation is continuing.

Incident:
Sobriety Saturation in the City of Oxnard
Date:
October 31, 2008
Location:
Citywide

Details:

The Oxnard Police Department Traffic Division conducted a sobriety Saturation on Friday, October 31, 2008, from 6:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M.

-8 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
-25 drivers were issued citations for various drivers’ license violations.
-14 vehicles were towed and the owners of the vehicles will face a minimum tow fee of $494.00.

The Oxnard Police Department will continue conducting Sobriety Saturations, looking for drivers who are driving impaired, in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol related crashes and to make our roadways and community safer. We also remind people that if they see an impaired driver to dial 911. The Saturations are funded through AVOID the 14 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

Cheaper to call a cab than get D.U.I.!