Officer Injured in Scuffle With Driver

OXNARD — A police officer received minor injuries while arresting an 18-year-old man who allegedly tried to escape during a traffic stop.

Jose Rodriguez Cuevas of Oxnard remains in Ventura County Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail. Cuevas is being held on suspicion of possession of heroin, being under the influence of a controlled substance and assaulting a police officer.

Officer Andrew Salinas stopped Cuevas in an alley north of Cooper Road, between Hayes Road and Harrison Avenue, for a vehicle code violation about 11:20 a.m. Monday, said Oxnard Police Sgt. Timothy Combs.

Salinas said that during the stop Cuevas was clutching a crumpled package and was nervous while talking to him. Combs said Cuevas suddenly turned and ran down the alley, tossing the package into a backyard. Salinas chased and caught Cuevas, who fought with the officer, Combs said.

Cuevas was taken into custody and officers recovered the package, which Combs said contained materials for injecting heroin and a syringe still containing heroin.

Salinas, who was taken to St. John’s Regional Hospital where he was treated and released, returned to work later that day.