Shotgun seized – Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Oxnard

Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release

This morning at approximately 9:30 a.m., an undercover officer with the Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) spotted a reported stolen vehicle in a high crime area of Oxnard.  The officer followed the vehicle, which had originally been reported stolen in Pt. Hueneme, until marked patrol units were able to perform a traffic stop.  Ultimately, patrol officers were able to stop and detain the vehicle in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road in Pt. Hueneme.

After the driver was arrested, a search was conducted of his person and several shotgun rounds were located in his possession.  During a search of the vehicle, several more shotgun rounds were located along with a 14” sawed-off shotgun.  The shotgun had been pushed between the center console and driver’s seat.

The driver, later identified as Flavio Gasca, 09/26/93, was interviewed and Gasca admitted to knowing that the vehicle was stolen.  Gasca also admitted to the possession of the shotgun.  Gasca’s charges include unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle, receiving stolen property (motor vehicle), under the influence in possession of a firearm, own/possess/control a firearm in violation of probation, carry a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm on one’s person and two outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Based on the initial stolen vehicle report, Gasca was able to steal the victim vehicle due to a spare key being left in the vehicle with the doors unlocked.  The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:

• Never leave your car unlocked, not even for a minute.
• Never leave your keys in the car, even if you think they are really “hidden.”
• Don’t leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn’t get cold enough here), it is unsafe and illegal, and someone can steal your car.
• Wheel locks, brake pedal locks and steering wheel locks are also effective.

If anyone has any information regarding stolen vehicles please contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at [email protected] or (805) 385-7664.

Flavio Gasca

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