Bomb squad called after officers discover suspected devices during traffic stop
Oxnard police arrested a man Saturday evening after officers located what were believed to be improvised destructive devices in his vehicle while responding to a report of a suspicious person in the 3100 block of Saviers Road.
Officers contacted the man, identified in police reports as Rettberg, at about 6:10 p.m. on Oct. 18. During the encounter they learned he had an outstanding arrest warrant and took him into custody. A subsequent search of his vehicle turned up items that investigators suspected were either complete devices or materials intended to be used to construct them.
Because of the potential hazard, responding officers cleared the immediate area and evacuated nearby businesses. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad was summoned and rendered the items safe at the scene, according to the Oxnard Police Department. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public following the controlled response.
Charges and law-enforcement warnings
In addition to the outstanding warrant, Rettberg faces multiple charges tied to the suspected devices. Those charges include possession of materials with the intent to manufacture a destructive device and possession of a destructive device in certain public places, per the police statement.
The Oxnard Police Department has asked anyone with information about the case or related criminal activity to contact the department directly or submit tips through its website. Residents may also provide anonymous tips through Ventura County Crime Stoppers.
"Report Suspicious Activity."
Local impact and community context
The incident temporarily disrupted business activity along a commercial stretch of Saviers Road and prompted a multi-agency safety response. While police said the scene was secured and businesses were notified once it was safe to return, the event underscores how encounters over outstanding warrants can escalate into broader public-safety incidents when hazardous materials are discovered.
For Oxnard — a city juggling commercial corridors, industrial zones and public-facing businesses — the episode highlights two recurring public-safety themes: the importance of rapid, coordinated responses to potential explosive threats, and the role of community reporting in alerting police to suspicious persons or items.
- Date/time: Oct. 18, about 6:10 p.m.
- Location: 3100 block of Saviers Road, Oxnard
- Response: Oxnard Police Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad
- Actions taken: Arrest, area evacuation, on-scene device rendering
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suspected devices | Found in vehicle; rendered safe on scene |
| Primary suspect | Rettberg (arrested) |
| Key charges | Possession of materials to manufacture a destructive device; possession in certain public places; outstanding warrant |
How residents can help
Police encourage community members to report suspicious behavior or items. The Oxnard Police Department can be reached at (805) 385-7600 or through its website, where citizens can submit reports online. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or via www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit tips by text or email.
Incidents involving explosive devices require specialized handling and coordination between local police and county bomb technicians. Officials emphasize that members of the public should avoid approaching suspicious objects and should call authorities immediately so trained personnel can assess and, if necessary, neutralize threats.
The Oxnard Police Department said there is no further danger to the public related to this case. Investigators continue to process the scene and pursue leads as part of the ongoing inquiry.
