Four individuals have been taken into custody in connection with a gang-related shooting that occurred in Oxnard last month, leaving three young men injured, the Oxnard Police Department announced yesterday. The suspects, 19-year-old Alejandro Alzalde and three other juveniles, allegedly partook in the shooting on March 4 in Southwinds Park, according to police statements.
At approximately 7:00 P.M., on the day of the incident, first responders attended to the scene where they found three males with gunshot wounds, it was a chaotic scene yet, officers were able to swiftly administer aid and the victims, were all residents of Oxnard, all survived after being transported to area hospitals. The Violent Crimes Unit of the Oxnard Police Department took the lead in the investigation, which led to arrest warrants being issued for Alzalde along with the three minors, who are reportedly involved in local gang activities.
Law enforcement conducted simultaneous search warrants on April 17, which resulted in the apprehension of Alzalde and two of the minors, with the third already in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center on unrelated charges; these searches were coordinated with the assistance of other entities including the Oxnard Police Department's SWAT Team and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. Alzalde and one of the juveniles are facing serious charges, including attempted murder and conspiracy, the former also for the unlawful transfer of a firearm, while the other suspects have been charged with conspiracy and the unlawful transfer of a firearm as well.
All four individuals now also face additional accusations under the Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act due to their confirmed gang affiliations. The Oxnard Police Department has encouraged anyone with information to come forward and has provided multiple channels for contact, including direct communication with Detective Jared Schacher at 805-385-8287 or via email, and tips can also be submitted anonymously through Ventura County Crime Stoppers.
