News Release
On Monday, September 11, 2023, at about 8:40 a.m., the Oxnard Police Department responded to the 3700 block of Ketch Avenue after firefighters reported hearing gunfire from an upstairs apartment after answering a structure fire call inside the same unit.
Police evacuated the apartment complex, and a perimeter was formed. Neighboring residents were advised to stay inside. The man, who lived alone, Joseph Grijalva, surrendered to police after an hour-long standoff. No one was injured.
It was believed that Grijalva, who lived on the top floor of the apartment complex, had set a trashcan inside the unit on fire and shot rounds into the ceiling.
Grijalva was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, negligent discharge of a firearm, and arson. He was booked into Ventura County Jail.
Investigators served a search warrant at the unit and seized several weapons and ammunition, including a 12-gauge shotgun, two 25-caliber pistols, and a semi-automatic rifle with a suppressor.
Police will seek a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) that allows law enforcement to work with courts to temporarily remove guns and prevent the purchase of new firearms by individuals who pose a significant risk of harm to themselves or others. GVRO offers families of loved ones, household members, and law enforcement a judicial pathway for temporarily removing firearms and prohibiting future gun purchases for the duration of the order.
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 by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477. You can also visit their website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org, to submit a tip via text or email.
