Oxnard – With specific areas of the City of Oxnard reporting weekly gang activity with its attendant potential for deadly violence, those who survive personal attacks are frequently to be counted among “the lucky ones”.
Samuel Lopez, 18, an Oxnard resident, is apparently one of those fortunate victims of gang violence. After he was approached while seated in his vehicle by three other young men who challenged him, he attempted to drive away to avoid any further confrontation. Apparently unable to effectively evade, he drove his car into a local business storefront, causing structural damage and making his own escape all the more difficult. He made every effort to flee on foot, but his attackers set upon him with such deadly ferocity that he ultimately suffered multiple arm and chest wounds. After his attackers fled, Lopez was rushed by ambulance from the scene of the mayhem directly to Ventura County Medical Center for treatment.
Donald Reyes
Pursuant to the attack, investigators moved their attention from the blood-stained downtown sidewalk where the attack upon Lopez took place to Oxnard area gang members. With the Oxnard Police Department Violent Crimes Unit taking over the investigation, sources revealed Donald Reyes, 25, Tare Rincon, 24, and an unnamed 17-year-old juvenile as the prime suspects in the cast.
According to Oxnard Police Department spokesman Sgt. Alex Arnett, the three suspects were subsequently contacted by detectives, and pursuant to interviews with the young men and various witnesses, each of them was taken into custody. All three were transported to Ventura County Jail where they were booked on charges of attempted murder, various weapons violations, and conduct committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
With the investigation ongoing, members of the public with any information regarding this incident or any others involving Reyes and/or Rincon are urged to call Oxnard Police Department Detective Jeff Long at (805) 486-6505.
Photos: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
Read more:
Citizens Journal: Victim stabbed in murder attempt
VCSTAR: Three arrested in connection with stabbing in Oxnard
