By Redacción
[email protected]
A person wanted for armed robbery was arrested on October 3, after officers from the Oxnard Special Enforcement Unit, also known as the Gang Unit, assisted the Violent Crimes Unit with an investigation that began in September.
The suspect, identified as Maciel Ayala, was found and detained while seated in a parked vehicle on the 3400 block of South Rose Avenue. Ayala was taken into custody under an arrest warrant issued for the armed robbery charges.
During a subsequent search of Ayala’s vehicle, conducted under a search warrant, officers located a loaded 9-millimeter Glock semi-automatic handgun. This discovery led to additional felony charges against Ayala, including violations related to firearms possession within a designated gun-free school zone. The arrest occurred within 1,000 feet of Oxnard College, which is home to a child development center, thus constituting a breach of California’s Gun-Free School Zone Act.
Authorities have emphasized their commitment to reducing gun violence and gang-related crimes throughout the city. The Special Enforcement Unit and the Violent Crimes Unit of the Oxnard Police Department are focused on implementing strict enforcement measures to tackle criminal activity involving known gang members.
The police urge residents with any information regarding this case or other criminal activity to come forward. Individuals can contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600 or visit the department’s website at www.oxnardpd.org and click on “Report Suspicious Activity.” Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or submit a tip online at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.
The arrest is part of ongoing efforts to address the city’s gang issues and improve public safety. Law enforcement remains vigilant in investigating and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activity, especially those posing a risk to community members by violating weapons laws near school zones.
The Gun-Free School Zone Act of California was enacted to protect children and prevent gun violence near educational facilities, which makes possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school a serious offense. By strictly enforcing this law, authorities aim to ensure the safety of students and residents alike.
The Oxnard Police Department has reiterated that they will continue collaborating with other specialized units to track down offenders and disrupt gang operations in the area.
