Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release
On June 7, 2020, at about 9:00 PM, officers from the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) were on patrol in the area of Pleasant Valley and Cypress Roads when they observed a vehicle traveling in front of them without a rear license plate. The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled into a random driveway in the 5100 block of Cypress Road. SEU officers contacted three occupants inside the vehicle. The driver, identified as Marco Anthony Cerda (age 21), was detained after he walked away from the vehicle and dropped a key. Officers checked the Vehicle Identification Number and determined the vehicle was stolen. Officers arrested Cerda for a felony charge of possession
of a stolen vehicle. A second occupant in the vehicle was arrested for three outstanding misdemeanor warrants.
Cerda has an extensive criminal history relating to stolen vehicles and is currently on probation for the same. Within the past nine months, Cerda has been arrested on four separate occasions for felony charges of being in possession of a stolen vehicle, including one less than a month ago, during the State of Emergency. However, in that case, Cerda was released on $0 bail pursuant to the California Judicial Council Zero Bail Order from April 6th, which applies to most misdemeanors and some low level felony crimes.
Given Cerda’s significant criminal history related to stolen vehicles, in addition to his recent criminal activity which shows no signs of being deterred, officers completed a Declaration in Support of Exception to Emergency Bail, in an attempt to keep Cerda in custody.
Since the State of Emergency was imposed March 19, 2020, the city has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles. From January 18, 2020, to March 19, 2020 (pre-COVID-19), there were 80 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard. From March 20, 2020, to May 20, 2020 (COVID-19 stay at home period), there were 193 reported stolen vehicles in the City of Oxnard, a 141% increase.
To reduce the number of stolen vehicles, residents are encouraged to lock their vehicles, activate vehicle alarms, use theft prevention devices such a steering wheel locks, never leave the keys inside a vehicle, or leave a vehicle running and unattended.
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. Any witness can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477, or visiting www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
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To Marco:
It may be time to consider a new occupation and education! Life is full of opportunities for those willing to apply themselves!