Oxnard Police Department

09/05/2026

09/05/2026

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Fatal Collision/fall Involving scooter rider
LOCATION: 2700 block of Rohdea Drive
Scooter Rider: 57-year-old female resident of Oxnard, name withheld
CONTACT: Juan Morales, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

On September 4th, 2026 at about 5:55 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded with Emergency Medical Services to check the well-being of a female laying on the ground on the 2700 block of Rohdea Drive. Patrol Officers arrived and found a 57-year-old female laying on the walkway with an electric scooter a few feet from her. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced the female deceased on scene.

Traffic Investigators responded and took over the investigation. Based on the investigation, it appeared the female was riding the scooter and for unknown reasons fell causing significant injuries which potentially led to her death.

Anyone who has information regarding this incident is urged to contact Corporal Joseph Clarke at (805)385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805)385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our Watch Commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and can be reached at (805)385-7746 or (805)385-7778.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/fatal-collision-fall-involving-scooter-rider

09/04/2026

News Release: Fatal Traffic Collision (09-04-26)

NEWS RELEASE

DATE: September 4, 2026, 2:30 PM
SUBJECT: Fatal Traffic Crash
LOCATION: West Fifth Street at Portofino Place
Vehicle 1: 2003 Toyota Corolla
Vehicle 2: 2015 Dodge Charger
Driver 1: Sergio Martinez, 52-year-old Oxnard resident
Driver 2: Maria Cortez, 34-year-old Oxnard resident
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

On September 3, 2026 at about 10:52 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded with Emergency Medical Services to a traffic crash at the intersection of West Fifth Street and Portofino Place. Officers arrived and found two vehicles, both with moderate damage, in the intersection. Officers contacted the drivers, Sergio Martinez and Maria Cortez. Cortez had minor injuries, and was transported by ambulance to the Ventura County Medical Center. Martinez was not injured, and refused medical attention. Martinez and Cortez were the sole occupants of their vehicles.
Patrol Officers investigated the crash. They learned Cortez had been driving her Dodge Charger westbound on Fifth Street. Martinez had been driving his Toyota Corolla through an industrial park in the 3400 block of West Fifth Street. Martinez exited the industrial park and entered Fifth Street. He did not yield to Cortez’ Dodge Charger, which resulted in a broadside crash between the two vehicles.

Sergio Martinez displayed signs of impairment by alcohol and/or drugs. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and arrested Martinez for driving while impaired. Martinez was transported by ambulance to St. John’s Regional Medical Center. Martinez complained of pain while in the emergency room of St. John’s. A short time later he became unresponsive and lost consciousness. At about 1:42 a.m., Martinez was pronounced deceased.

Oxnard Police Traffic Investigators and the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office were notified of the crash and subsequent death of Martinez. Traffic Investigators responded to the crash scene and took over the investigation. The investigation by both agencies is ongoing. It did not appear speed was a contributing factor to this crash.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Corporal Joseph Clarke at (805)385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805)385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our Watch Commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and can be reached at (805)385-7746 or (805)385-7778.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/news-release-fatal-traffic-collision-09-04-26

09/04/2026

Working in public safety can mean long days, difficult calls, and a pace that doesn’t always leave much room to decompress. Sometimes, though, a few minutes with a wagging tail and a friendly face can make a difference.

Research into human-animal interaction has found that spending time with therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide a welcome mental and emotional reset. That’s only one of the reasons we’re so grateful for our friends at VIP Dog Teams.

Since 2023, VIP Dog Teams volunteers and their certified therapy dogs have been regular visitors to the Oxnard Police Department, stopping by every few weeks to spend some time with our employees. Their visits give our staff an opportunity to step away for a few minutes, recharge, smile, and—of course—give out a whole lot of scratches and belly rubs.

Yesterday, we were lucky enough to have another visit.

To the volunteers and therapy dog teams at VIP Dog Teams: thank you for your continued partnership with OXPD. What may seem like a simple visit can have a meaningful impact, and we are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our extended OXPD family.

https://vipdogteams.org/

09/04/2026

***TRAFFIC ADVISORY UPDATE*** Friday, 9:29AM***

Traffic lanes are now open.

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TRAFFIC ADVISORY *** Friday, 7:53AM ***
News Release: Traffic Advisory
DATE: September 4, 2026
LOCATION: West Fifth Street at Portofino Place
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant | (805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

Traffic is heavily impacted on West Fifth Street at Portofino Place due to a crash investigation. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the area until the investigation is completed.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/news-release-traffic-advisory-6

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

***UPDATE | Friday 09/04/26 | 7:34AM ***
DATE: September 4, 2026, 7:30 AM
SUBJECT: Serious Injury Crash Involving a Vehicle and Motorcyclist
LOCATION: 200 block West Esplanade Drive
Vehicle 1: 2010 Chevy Silverado
Vehicle 2: 2004 Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Driver 1: Juan Rodriguez, 61-year-old Oxnard resident
Driver 2: 22-year-old male resident of Santa Paula, name withheld
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]
Update (Refer to the original crash information below)
On September 3, 3026 at about 4:21 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded to an injury traffic crash in the 200 block of West Esplanade Drive. One of the involved parties, a motorcyclist, suffered major injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center. At about 10:26 p.m., the Oxnard Police Department received notification from the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office that the motorcyclist had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Oxnard Police Traffic Investigators will continue to investigate this crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department. Refer to the original crash information below.

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NEWS RELEASE---
DATE: September 3, 2026, 8:00 PM
SUBJECT: Serious Injury Crash Involving a Vehicle and Motorcyclist
LOCATION: 200 block West Esplanade Drive
Vehicle 1: 2010 Chevy Silverado
Vehicle 2: 2004 Kawasaki Eliminator 125
Driver 1: Juan Rodriguez, 61-year-old Oxnard resident
Driver 2: 22-year-old male resident of Santa Paula, name withheld
CONTACT: Mike Gens, Sergeant
(805) 385-7847 | [email protected]

On September 3, 2026 at about 4:21 p.m., Oxnard Police Officers responded with Emergency Medical Services to the 200 block of West Esplanade Drive regarding a serious injury crash involving a vehicle and motorcycle. Patrol Officers arrived and discovered the motorcycle and its rider, a 22-year-old male, trapped under the front of a Chevy Silverado pick-up. The rider was suffering from major injuries. He was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition. The driver of the pick-up, Juan Rodriguez, remained on scene and cooperated with Officers.

Traffic Investigators responded to the crash scene. Based on the initial investigation, Traffic Investigators believed Rodriguez was making a left turn onto Esplanade Drive from the Esplanade Shopping Center. As he crossed the westbound traffic lane, he collided head-on with the motorcyclist, who had been riding on west Esplanade Drive. The crash pinned the motorcycle and rider under the front of the truck, which continued eastbound for a short distance. Rodriguez stopped and called police.

Rodriguez was evaluated on scene for signs of impairment. Officers did not believe he was impaired. It is unknown if the motorcyclist was impaired. It is unknown at this time if speed was a contributing factor to this crash.

Anyone who has information regarding this collision is urged to contact Officer Favian Flores at (805)385-7750 or via email at [email protected]. Also, anyone with information regarding this case can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805)385-7600.

If the inquiry is outside of the Investigator’s standard business hours, we encourage the use of the Investigator’s email. We have found that an email message with a callback request is a more effective way to reach the Investigator. Our Watch Commanders will continue to speak to those incidents that center around field operations, and can be reached at (805)385-7746 or (805)385-7778.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/news-release-serious-injury-crash-involving-a-motorcyclist

09/04/2026

***UPDATE - 09/03/26 7:29PM***
The roadway is now open.

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[Original Advisory]
NEWS RELEASE - Traffic Advisory
DATE: September 3, 2026
LOCATION: Esplanade Dr between Vineyard Ave and Oxnard Blvd
CONTACT: Jaime Miranda, Commander | (805) 385-7771 [email protected]

Due to a serious injury traffic collision on Esplanade Dr between Vineyard Ave and Oxnard Blvd, traffic is heavily impacted. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the area until the investigation is completed.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/news-release-traffic-advisory-5

09/03/2026

NEWS RELEASE ---
DATE: September 2, 2026 / 4:20 PM
SUBJECT: Fi***rm Arrest
LOCATION: 1200 Block of North Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard
SUSPECT: Maria Contreras, 34-year-old Oxnard resident
CONTACT: Jason Radcliffe, Sergeant | (805) 385-7644 | [email protected]

On the above date and time, officers from the Oxnard Police Department's Special Enforcement Unit contacted Maria Contreras in the 1200 block of North Oxnard Boulevard. During the contact, Contreras was found to be under the influence of a controlled substance and was arrested. During a search incident to arrest, she was found to be in possession of a loaded sawed-off sh***un. Contreras was charged with gun and drug charges.

The Oxnard Police Department’s Special Enforcement Unit is committed to reducing gang crimes and gun violence in the City of Oxnard through the strict enforcement of laws specifically targeting known, active gang members residing in the city. Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.

https://oxnard.gov/pd-news/firearm-arrest-27

09/03/2026

NEWS RELEASE ---
Following 33 Years of Public Service, Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites Announces Retirement; Assistant Chief Rocky Marquez Named as Next Police Chief

OXNARD, Calif. – Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites announced today that after having completed 33 years of service on November 1, 2026, he will retire that week. His final day in office will be November 3, with a retirement date of November 4.

As part of the department’s leadership transition, City Manager Alexander Nguyen is appointing Assistant Chief Rocky Marquez as the department’s 23rd Police Chief.

“On behalf of the Oxnard community, we thank Chief Benites for his steadfast leadership of the department over the past six years and his decades of service dedicated to keeping Oxnard safe,” said Nguyen. “We’re fortunate to have strong leadership within our Police Department, and I am confident that Rocky Marquez will continue the department’s commitment to excellence and service to our community as our next Police Chief.”

Born and raised in Oxnard and Port Hueneme, Marquez is a proud graduate of Hueneme High School. He began his career with the Oxnard Police Department in 2002. As a 24-year veteran of the department, he has worked his way up through the ranks, beginning as a Patrol Officer before becoming a Sergeant. Marquez was promoted to Commander in 2022, where he oversaw investigative services, and was then promoted to Assistant Police Chief in 2025, where he leads the Investigative and Administrative Services Bureaus.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve as Oxnard’s next Police Chief and to continue serving the community that raised me and where I have spent my entire law enforcement career,” said Marquez. “I look forward to building upon this department’s strong foundation, and I am incredibly proud to serve alongside our dedicated officers and professional staff who work tirelessly each day to keep our community safe. Together we will honor the trust placed in us and make Oxnard proud.”

In recent years, Oxnard has experienced significant reductions in crime. In 2025, reported violent crime decreased nearly 10% compared to 2023, while property crime fell 13.4% compared to 2024.

As Police Chief, Marquez will lead a department of 371 employees, which includes 242 sworn officer positions and 129 full-time professional staff positions.

In his retirement announcement, Chief Benites emphasized the importance of developing internal leaders and sustaining a strong culture of community service. “One of my goals as Chief has been to build and prepare a strong leadership team capable of guiding this agency forward,” said Benites. “We have that. Today, I can confidently say we have the talent, teamwork, vision, and drive to ensure a great transition. Our team will continue to work hard to provide outstanding public safety service delivery to Oxnard, and a safe future for our community.”

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Katie Casey, Deputy City Manager
(805) 816-4330 | [email protected]

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PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 2 de septiembre de 2026

CONTACTO CON LOS MEDIOS:
Katie Casey, Subadministradora de la ciudad
(805) 816-4330 | [email protected]

Después de 33 años de servicio público, el jefe de policía de Oxnard, Jason Benites, anuncia su jubilación; el subjefe Rocky Marquez será el próximo jefe de policía

OXNARD, Calif. – El jefe de policía de Oxnard, Jason Benites, anunció hoy que después de cumplir 33 años de servicio el 1 de noviembre de 2026, se jubilará esa misma semana. Su último día en el cargo será el 3 de noviembre y su fecha oficial de jubilación será el 4 de noviembre.

Como parte de la transición de liderazgo del Departamento de Policía de Oxnard, el administrador de la ciudad, Alexander Nguyen, nombrará al subjefe Rocky Marquez como el vigésimo tercer jefe de policía del departamento.

“En nombre de la comunidad de Oxnard, agradecemos al jefe Benites por su liderazgo al frente del departamento durante los últimos seis años y por sus décadas de servicio dedicadas a mantener segura a nuestra comunidad”, dijo Nguyen. “Tenemos la fortuna de contar con un sólido liderazgo dentro de nuestro Departamento de Policía, y confío en que Rocky Marquez continuará con el compromiso del departamento con la excelencia y el servicio a nuestra comunidad como nuestro próximo jefe de policía”.

Nacido y criado en Oxnard y Port Hueneme, Marquez es un orgulloso graduado de Hueneme High School. Comenzó su carrera en el Departamento de Policía de Oxnard en 2002. Con 24 años de servicio en el departamento, ha ascendido a través de los distintos rangos, comenzando como oficial de patrulla antes de convertirse en sargento. Marquez fue ascendido a comandante en 2022, cargo en el que supervisó los servicios de investigación. En 2025, fue ascendido a subjefe de policía, puesto desde el cual dirige las Oficinas de Servicios de Investigación y Servicios Administrativos.

“Es un honor para mí tener la oportunidad de servir como el próximo jefe de policía de Oxnard y seguir sirviendo a la comunidad que me vio crecer y donde he desarrollado toda mi carrera en las fuerzas del orden”, dijo Marquez. “Me entusiasma poder seguir fortaleciendo el gran trabajo que ya se ha hecho en este departamento, y me da mucho orgullo trabajar junto a nuestros oficiales y nuestro personal, quienes cada día dan lo mejor de sí para mantener segura a nuestra comunidad. Juntos vamos a seguir ganándonos la confianza de nuestra comunidad y haciendo que Oxnard se sienta orgullosa”.

En los últimos años, Oxnard ha experimentado reducciones significativas en los delitos. En 2025, los delitos violentos reportados disminuyeron casi un 10% en comparación con 2023, mientras que los delitos contra la propiedad disminuyeron un 13.4% en comparación con 2024.

Como jefe de policía, Marquez dirigirá un departamento compuesto por 371 empleados, incluidos 242 puestos de oficiales juramentados y 129 puestos de personal profesional de tiempo completo.

En su anuncio de jubilación, el jefe Benites enfatizó la importancia de desarrollar líderes dentro del departamento y mantener una sólida cultura de servicio a la comunidad. “Uno de mis objetivos como jefe ha sido desarrollar y preparar un sólido equipo de liderazgo capaz de guiar a esta agencia hacia el futuro”, dijo Benites. “Lo hemos logrado. Hoy puedo decir con confianza que contamos con el talento, el trabajo en equipo, la visión y la determinación necesarios para garantizar una excelente transición. Nuestro equipo continuará trabajando arduamente para brindar un servicio excepcional de seguridad pública a Oxnard y un futuro seguro para nuestra comunidad”.