At a Glance
- Oxnard Police Cmdr. Scott Aaron, 51, was discovered deceased in his Orange County hotel room at 9:20 a.m. on January 9.
- He had missed training sessions on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, prompting a welfare check.
- Aaron served more than 21 years with the Oxnard Police Department and was promoted to commander in May 2024.
- Why it matters: The sudden loss of a high-ranking officer mid-training has shocked the department and community he served for over two decades.
Oxnard Police Cmdr. Scott Aaron was found dead in a hotel room while attending a weeklong training course in Southern California, authorities announced Saturday, January 10.
Aaron, 51, had been scheduled to complete the training on Friday, January 9, but failed to appear for sessions on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning, according to the Oxnard Police Department.
Discovery and Investigation
Concerned by his absence, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department conducted a welfare check at his hotel.
“Commander Aaron was located inside his hotel room, and was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:20 a.m. on January 9,” police said.
The cause of death remains under investigation. The Orange County Coroner’s Office will perform an autopsy in the coming days.
Authorities emphasized:
- No foul play is suspected.
- His death is not expected to be attributed to anything beyond natural causes.
A 21-Year Career of Service
Aaron joined the Oxnard Police Department on November 20, 2004, and held numerous roles throughout his tenure.
His assignments included:
- Patrol Officer and Sergeant
- Field Training Officer
- Range Master
- Traffic Officer
- Beat Coordinator
- Family Protection Investigator and Supervisor
- Major Crimes Sergeant
- Professional Standards Sergeant
- Patrol Watch Commander
Before his promotion to commander in May 2024, Aaron had already built a reputation for excellence.
“Scott served our department and community with the utmost dedication, compassion, and professionalism,” said Oxnard Police Chief Jason Benites. “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.”
Early Career and Military Background
Aaron’s law-enforcement journey began in 1996 with the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office in Virginia. He returned to California six years later.
Prior to civilian policing, he served with:
- A Marine Corps security force company
- The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, California
Community and Family Impact
Chief Benites highlighted Aaron’s deep connection to Oxnard: “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.”
Aaron is survived by:
- His wife
- Two children
- His mother
- One grandson
The department has not yet released details about memorial services or ways the public can offer support.
Key Takeaways
- Cmdr. Scott Aaron’s unexpected death occurred while he was away for professional training, underscoring the risks faced even off-duty.
- With more than two decades of service, his loss leaves a significant void in the Oxnard Police Department’s leadership.
- Investigators await autopsy results, though early indications point to natural causes.
