Port Hueneme Police Department

08/28/2026

NEWS RELEASE:
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that Samuel Matthew Rocha (DOB 01/25/93), of Port Hueneme, pled guilty on August 24, 2026, to second-degree murder in the death of Pedro Valdez. Rocha had previously been convicted by a jury in April of four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of battery. The jury was unable to reach verdicts on the remaining counts. The jury found the special allegation of causing great bodily injury in commission of a felony to be true. Now, four months later, Rocha pled guilty to murder and admitted to using his car as a deadly weapon.

“Rocha made the deliberate decision to use his vehicle as a weapon, killing 16-year-old Pedro Valdez and injuring four other young bicyclists,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Richard Simon said. “This conviction holds him accountable and brings a measure of justice to Pedro, his family, and the other victims.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4gU6yxO

08/23/2026

Another car goes to car jail! On Friday evening, one of your Port Hueneme Police Patrol Officers was in the area of Surfside Drive along Hueneme Beach. The officer heard a vehicle driving recklessly and then drove towards the vehicle only to see the driver continuing to drive recklessly in the area. The vehicle then sped off. ( this was possibly to get out of the area before one of our protective beach area residents called the police, but unfortunately for the driver, the police were already in the area. )

Your PHPD Officer caught up to the vehicle as it continued to drive recklessly on Hueneme Road into the City of Oxnard driving at high speeds and running red lights. The vehicle was stopped, the driver was arrested and the vehicle was impounded. DO NOT COME TO HUENEME BEACH AND DRIVE RECKLESSLY! You and your vehicle could go to jail. Your PHPD Officers are dedicated to keeping your streets and neighborhoods safe every day and every night.

08/05/2026

Thank you to all our community members that joined us last night at our Community Center for our 2026 Port Hueneme Police National Night Out event. Fun times were had by all!

08/04/2026

Good Boy Giorgio!!!

Last week PHPD K9 Officer Joel Magana and K9 Giorgio (George) assisted our partners with the Santa Paula Police Department on a threats investigation and weapons search. With the help of K9 George, they located a gun during the search. The suspect was a prohibited person from having fi****ms and had pending criminal cases. Public safety is teamwork!

08/03/2026

Join us tomorrow from 5pm to 7pm at our Community Center, 550 Park Avenue.

08/01/2026

The Port Hueneme Police family mourns with the Nieves family and the Oxnard Police family in the passing of retired Oxnard Police Commander Ralph Nieves. He started his law enforcement career as a Reserve Police Officer here at Port Hueneme PD prior to becoming an Officer with the Oxnard Police Department.

Rest in peace Commander Nieves, you have left an incredible legacy.

Today, we join the Nieves family in mourning the loss of Retired Oxnard Police Department Commander Rafael "Ralph" Nieves, who peacefully passed away this morning at the age of 74.

Commander Nieves dedicated 25 years of service to the Oxnard Police Department, beginning his career in September 1978 and retiring in October 2003. Throughout his distinguished career, he served in Patrol, Investigations, Traffic, the Field Tactical Unit, the Colonia Storefront, and as Commander of the Investigations Division. He was widely respected for his professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, unwavering integrity, and commitment to serving the people of Oxnard.

Before joining the Oxnard Police Department, Commander Nieves proudly served in the United States Navy, and following his retirement from OXPD, he returned to military service. His distinguished naval career ultimately concluded with his retirement at the rank of Captain, reflecting a lifetime devoted to serving both his community and his country.

Above all, Ralph was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife, Jill, their daughters, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and all who knew and loved him.

Thank you, Commander Nieves, for your 25 years of dedicated service to the Oxnard Police Department, your service to our nation, and the lasting impact you made on those who had the privilege of serving alongside you.

Rest in peace, Commander.

07/24/2026

In honor of Parks & Recreation Month, the City is hosting a “Kite Day” at Hueneme Beach! We invite you to get out and come fly a kite with us! Enjoy some music and the beautiful coastline our beach provides TOMORROW from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

Through “The Power Of Nature”, we will have access to the outside that restores, inspires, and improves the quality of life.

Check-in will be located next to the Alaska Airlines Memorial right behind Parking Lot B.

Questions? Please call Recreation at 805-986-6542

07/24/2026

Join us on Saturday, July 25th, to continue celebrating Parks & Recreation Month as we build “The Power of Community” to watch Mulan! Showtime is 8:15pm. There will be free popcorn while supplies last. Please note, this is NOT a drive-in. The movie will be shown on the sand. So, please bring blankets or chairs. If you have any questions, please call Recreation at 805-986-6542.

***Please note, movie nights are subject to be changed or canceled at any time due to the weather or other circumstances deemed appropriate by the City of Port Hueneme.

07/23/2026

07/20/2026

On Saturday, July 18th, three of our new Explorers, Martin Hernandez, Miguel Juarez and Miguel Saldana graduated from the 2026 Law Enforcement Explorer Academy hosted by the Port Hueneme and Oxnard Police Departments, where they put in the hard work to grow their skills, confidence, and leadership.

Explorer Juarez received the Physical Fitness Award and Explorer Hernandez received the Fallen Officer Spirit Award.

A well-earned congratulations to all nine of the Explorers who graduated from the rigorous three and a half week program and a special thanks to the Academy Staff and Explorer Advisors who mentor these young leaders!

If you are interested in becoming a PHPD Explorer, we are looking for recruits from 14 to 21 years of age to join our Police Explorer team. For further information contact Senior Officer Henry Montelongo at 805-986-6634 or email him at: [email protected]

Photo credit: Paige Keyser