Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release
On January 22, 2021, Oxnard Police and Fire Department Arson Investigators concluded a month-long investigation into a series of dumpster fires with the arrest of 46-year-old Oxnard resident Jose Bernal. In January, the Oxnard Fire Department responded to a total of 18 dumpster fires in the 1800-1900 block of San Gorgonio Avenue. No injuries were reported as a result of these fires. Once the fires were determined to be arson, the Oxnard Police Department began to investigate the fires, a felony in California.
During the investigation, multiple surveillance cameras in the area were reviewed, and Bernal was identified as a suspect. On January 22, 2021, Oxnard Police Department patrol officers took Bernal into custody on unrelated charges. Oxnard Police Department Arson Investigators interviewed Bernal, who confessed to lighting multiple fires throughout the City of Oxnard, including the fires on San Gorgonio Avenue. Bernal, in the end, was arrested for the arson series.
The Oxnard Police Department is thankful for Oxnard residents’ assistance who reported the fires and provided video surveillance to investigators. Fires, big or small, are all dangerous and carry serious consequences that could result in arrest. All arsons are classified as felonies and if convicted, carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison.
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 also stay 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.
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