Oxnard Officer Injured While Searching for Clues
An Oxnard police officer was seriously injured Monday when he fell through the roof of a building where he was searching for evidence from a burglary, authorities said.
Officer Ron Zavala, who fell through the metal roof of the All American Car Wash at 11 S. Oxnard Blvd., was listed in fair condition at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.
Zavala and officer Eugene Rodriguez were investigating a burglary at the carwash about 4:30 a.m. when Zavala climbed onto the roof of the establishment to retrieve evidence, Rodriguez said.
The two officers had retrieved several pieces of ripped clothing and tools used in the crime when Zavala stepped onto a four-foot-high metal roof next to the building’s main roof, Rodriguez said.
Zavala lost his footing, fell backward through the main roof of the business and became stuck, Rodriguez said.
Members of the Oxnard Fire Department used a hook and ladder to remove Zavala from the building. He was transported to the medical center with major muscular damage to his left shoulder, back and neck, Rodriguez said.
The suspect in the burglary was still at large, police said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
