Oxnard: Arrest for brandishing a loaded handgun

price times;”>On Thursday night, find 12-25-14 about 9pm, Oxnard Police received a call regarding a suspect brandishing a handgun and challenging people in the 200 block of Wilson Avenue. Several witnesses were interviewed who provided descriptions of the suspects and a vehicle description. The suspects fled the area in a grey Chrysler 300 sedan prior to the arrival of police units.

About an hour later, at about 10:45pm, a patrol unit spotted the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the 1000 block of Colonia Road. Four occupants were detained and the vehicle was searched. During the vehicle search a stolen semi-automatic handgun was found concealed in the vehicle along with other evidence connecting the suspect(s) to the crime.

Juan Contreras was identified by witnesses as the person who brandished the handgun and was arrested without incident. Further investigation revealed that Contreras is a documented criminal street gang member. He was booked into the Ventura County jail for several firearms-related violations. The violations include brandishing a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, possession of a stolen firearm, and a gang enhancement alleging that his actions were for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

A juvenile in the car was also arrested for a violation of probation and was lodged into the Juvenile Justice Center.

In an effort to address the recent increase in firearms-related crimes, Oxnard Police launched the Operation Safer and Stronger Initiative, as well as the Firearms Strike Team (FAST) led by the Violent Crimes Unit, to proactively remove firearms from prohibited persons within the city. The objective of the initiative and FAST is to reduce gun violence in Oxnard through education, intervention, and enforcement. Persons with additional information are encouraged to call the Violent Crimes Hotline at (805) 982-7070, or contact the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Persons can also visit the website http://www.venturacountycrimestopper.org/contact.aspx to leave an anonymous tip.

Oxnard Police Department

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