Between November 2nd and November 10th 2021, the City of Oxnard began experiencing an increase in commercial armed robberies. Investigators from the Special Operations Division began investigating the robberies and quickly determined that there were similarities between several of the robberies.
Location of Busines/victims and date of incident:
11/02/21, La Michoacana, 2444 Saviers Road
11/05/21, 76 Gas, 3650 Saviers Road
11/06/21, Spirit Smoke Shop, 2136 Saviers Road
11/09/21, Speedway Express, 1501 West Gonzales Road
11/10/01, 76 Gas, 303 North Oxnard Boulevard
During the investigation, investigators learned that four armed robberies and one attempted armed robbery were committed by the same suspect. In each case, the suspect entered the business and brandished a firearm while demanding money. After obtaining money from the victims, the suspect would flee the business.
After conducting an extensive investigation, investigators were able to identify the suspect as 24-year-old Port Hueneme resident Angel Tejada Cortez. Cortez has prior arrests for robbery and is currently on parole for a robbery conviction.
On November 12th, investigators and officers from the Special Operations Division located Cortez in a vehicle in the parking lot of Taco Bell, located at 1725 North Oxnard Boulevard. Cortez was uncooperative with officers and initially refused to exit the vehicle however, Cortez eventually complied and was taken into custody for a parole violation without further incident. In addition to Cortez, the driver, Melany Perez, a 30-year-old Oxnard resident who is a Post Release Offender, was arrested for a violation of probation and possession of narcotics. Both Cortez and Perez were later booked into the Ventura County Jail.
On November 19th, investigators contacted Cortez at the Ventura County Jail and arrested him for his involvement in the four armed robberies and one attempted robbery. Based on his prior convictions, Cortez’ bail was set at $400,000.00. The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are encouraging anyone with any information about this incident to contact Detective Kevin Gormley at (805) 385-7686 or kevin.gormley@oxnardpd.org.
The Oxnard Police Department’s Violent Crimes 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 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.