….. Second Passenger Also Arrested for Firearm Possession
News Release
On February 8, at approximately 8:48 p.m., officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit (Gang Unit) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1100 blk. of Hemlock St. The right front passenger, identified as suspect Juan Rivera, immediately fled from the vehicle while holding his waistband. Rivera was apprehended and officers recovered a loaded revolver where Rivera was taken into custody. Officers searched Rivera incident to his arrest and found Rivera to be in possession of methamphetamine.
Rivera, a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member, was found to have a felony warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release. Rivera has three firearm convictions. Rivera is on Post Release Offender Supervision, (PROS), for firearm violations. The Post Release Offender Program, created by Assembly Bill 109 – the 2011 Public Safety Realignment – mandates that individuals sentenced to non-violent, non-serious (irrespective of priors) or non-sex offenses will serve their sentences in county jails instead of state prison. The public should be aware that release under AB 109 is based on the offender’s most recent committing offense. Prior convictions are not considered.
Officers at the original traffic stop detained two additional subjects. Officers observed open alcoholic beverage containers in the vehicle and removed the occupants. As officers removed the rear passenger, identified as Cesar Morales, officers observed a semi-automatic handgun on the seat next to where Morales was seated. Morales is a documented Oxnard criminal street gang member who has a prior carjacking conviction as well as additional firearm convictions.
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.
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