A simple traffic stop near a busy freeway on-ramp turned into a major bust for Oxnard’s specialized crime units. When police pulled over a car at Rose Avenue and the 101, they found much more than just a traffic violation.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Friday morning, officers from the Oxnard Police Department’s Gang Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, and K9 unit teamed up to stop a vehicle. They contacted three men inside: Alejandro Arroyo, Silvestre Virrueta, and Terry Woelefer.

During a search of the car, officers discovered a firearm and a stash of drugs. Arroyo and Virrueta were arrested on the spot for weapons and drug charges. The third man, Woelefer, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

The Gang Unit stated that this stop was part of their ongoing effort to pull guns and drugs off the street by targeting known, active gang members. All three men were taken into custody without a fight.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

3 men from Oxnard were taken into custody.

• 1 firearm was recovered from inside the vehicle.
• 2 specialized units (Gang and Violent Crimes) were involved in the stop.
• 11:35 AM was the time of the police activity.
• 1 K9 officer helped search the car for the illegal items.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

Why did it take the Gang Unit, the Violent Crimes Unit, and a K9 team to stop one car? This show of force suggests that police were likely watching these individuals before they ever hit the freeway.

The story behind the story is about the "invisible" war on local crime. While thousands of people drove past Rose Avenue on their way to work, a high-stakes arrest was happening just feet away. It makes you wonder how many loaded guns are moving through our city’s main intersections every single day.

THE OTHER SIDE

The suspects will have a chance to defend themselves in court. Their lawyers may look into whether the police had a legal reason to pull the car over and if the search of the vehicle followed proper rules.

However, since police found a firearm and drugs in the same car, the defense has a tough road ahead. The fact that three different specialized units were involved usually means the police have been building a case and have their facts lined up.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Alejandro Arroyo and Silvestre Virrueta are facing serious charges that could lead to prison time, especially if they have prior criminal records. Terry Woelefer faces charges related to drug use.

The Oxnard Police are asking anyone with more information about these men or other local crimes to come forward. For now, one more gun is off the streets and in the evidence locker.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Was the gun loaded or used in any recent local shootings?

• What kind of drugs were found, and was there enough to suggest they were being sold?
• Were these men planning a specific crime before they were stopped near the freeway?