A longtime Oxnard Police Department commander was found dead in his hotel room after he failed to report to training sessions in Southern California, authorities said.
In a Saturday, Jan. 10 news release, Oxnard police announced the death of Cmdr. Scott Aaron, a more than 21-year veteran of the department. The Ventura County Star reported he was 51.
Police said Aaron was in Orange County for a weeklong training course and was scheduled to complete it on Friday, Jan. 9. After he did not appear for training Thursday afternoon or Friday morning, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducted a welfare check at his hotel.
“After not showing up to training on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, a welfare check was conducted at his hotel by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department,” police said. “Commander Aaron was located inside his hotel room, and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:20 a.m. on January 9.”
The Oxnard Police Department said the cause of death has not been determined and remains under investigation. The Orange County Coroner’s Office is expected to conduct an autopsy in the coming days.
“No foul play is suspected, and it is not suspected that his passing will be attributed beyond natural causes,” the department added.
Aaron joined the Oxnard Police Department on Nov. 20, 2004, according to authorities.
“Scott served our department and community with the utmost dedication, compassion, and professionalism,” Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites said in the release. “He was a very hard-working and talented officer — an example for others to follow. If we needed something handled, and handled with excellence, we called on Scott. He loved Oxnard, he was proud of his service, and he was a dedicated husband and father. He will be remembered fondly with love and respect.”
Before joining Oxnard police, the department said Aaron served with a Marine Corps security force company and was later assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, California.
Authorities also said Aaron began his law enforcement career with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia in 1996, before returning to California six years later.
“Commander Aaron served in many and varied assignments,” police said, “including as a Patrol Officer and Sergeant, Field Training Officer, Range Master, Traffic Officer, Beat Coordinator, Family Protection Investigator and Supervisor, Major Crimes Sergeant, Professional Standards Sergeant, and Patrol Watch Commander.”
Aaron was promoted to commander in May, police said.
He is survived by his wife, two children, his mother, and a grandson, according to the department.
