On Friday, June 2nd, 2023, at 10:46 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus State Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported aggravated assault that had just occurred at a residence in the 2800 block of Majestic Ct, Turlock, after a teen had been stabbed and was on the floor without a pulse.
Officers were the first to arrive on scene and found Dylan Dooling, 17, of Turlock, on the northeast corner of Castleview Dr and N Daubenberger Rd with at least one stab wound.
Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures on Dooling until relieved by firefighters and paramedics. Dooling was transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, accompanied by a firefighter for extra manpower.
Unfortunately, despite best efforts, Dooling succumbed to his injuries at about 11:40 pm.
Detectives responded to the scene and began their investigation.
Through preliminary interviews with witnesses, detectives learned that Dooling had been at a house party at the previously mentioned residence on Majestic Ct along with several of his friends and others celebrating their recent from Pitman High School.
As Dooling was leaving the party, he was confronted by a group of males down the street, a fight occurred, and he was stabbed.
The group of males then fled the scene by unknown means. One of the original callers reported that they fled in a black sedan, however, that has yet to be confirmed. The males are suspected to either be White or Hispanic and in their late teens or early 20s.
Investigators and victim advocates from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene to offer their assistance.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Francisco Navarro at 209-664-7319.
Dooling is survived by his mother Holly, father Joseph, stepfather Jared, and sister Layla. He was looking forward to what the future held and was excited to start at Modesto Junior College.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help offset expenses. If you’d like, you may donate at https://gofund.me/97d4d546.
On Wednesday, May 17th, 2023, at 9:25 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported sick person in the dirt field at 2333 Lander Ave, Turlock, who was possibly deceased.
Officers were the first to arrive on scene and began CPR on the man, however, when firefighters and paramedics arrived, they immediately declared him deceased.
The man was identified as Albert Barr, 61, of Turlock.
Officers began interviewing witnesses who stated that they believed Barr had ingested narcotics prior to the incident.
Barr was picked up by the on-call deputy coroner and transported to the coroner’s facility, where an autopsy will ultimately be conducted to determine his cause of death.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Cherish Hood at 209-668-6529.
On Saturday, April 8th, 2023, at 12:17 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported sick person at Pedretti Park, 2400 N Tegner Rd, Turlock, who was unresponsive inside a vehicle.
Paramedics were the first to arrive on scene and immediately declared Tommy Lantis, 69, of Turlock, deceased.
Lantis was a transient with pre-existing medical conditions who slept in his vehicle in the park’s parking lot, just like many others. The woman who found Lantis was also transient and claimed that the Coronavirus had been going around among those in the area. It’s currently unclear if that contributed to his death.
Lantis’ vehicle was impounded for evidentiary purposes.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Tyler Gursky at 209-668-6552.
On Wednesday, April 5th, 2023, at 8:06 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of E Main St and N First St, Turlock, after a train had struck a bicyclist.
The first arriving officer found a man later identified as Jose Rodriguez, 56, of Turlock, on the ground near his bicycle unresponsive without a pulse. He began CPR until being relieved by paramedics and firefighters, who ultimately transported Rodriguez to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Officers began investigating and determined that Rodriguez had been riding his bicycle across the railroad tracks while the crossing arms were down, when he was struck by the northbound Union Pacific freight train.
The train was able to stop about a quarter of a mile north of where the collision occurred, blocking all railroad crossings between E Olive Ave and E F St for several hours.
On Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, at 7:52 am, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries northbound State Route 99 just north of E Keyes Rd, Keyes.
When crews arrived on scene, they found three vehicles involved. The first was a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, the second was a 2010 Kia Soul, and the third was a 2015 Ford Fusion.
The motorcyclist, later identified as Ireland Rolon, 24, of Hughson, suffered major injuries which she succumbed to at the scene. The drivers of the other two vehicles, a 40-year-old woman of Merced and a 23-year-old woman of Turlock, were uninjured.
Officers began investigating and determined that Rolon had been splitting lanes at a high rate of speed while traveling northbound when she clipped the right front side of Soul. The collision propelled Rolon and her motorcycle forward into the back of the Fusion, before Rolon was ejected from her motorcycle and came to final rest in the middle of the freeway lanes.
Rolon was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision. It’s currently unclear if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision.
On Thursday, March 30th, 2023, at 12:46 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the homicide that had occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, January 14th, at the intersection of Market St and S Broadway, Turlock.
The Turlock Police Department announced the arrest of Gary Jackson, 22, of Patterson, who they suspect shot Romeo Portillo, 21, of Patterson, and another 20-year-old of Patterson, killing Portillo and wounding the 20-year-old.
We previously reported that Jackson had been arrested for carrying a loaded firearm while transporting Jackson and the other 20-year-old victim to the hospital. As the investigation progressed, detectives identified him as the shooting suspect and obtained a warrant of arrest against him on Thursday, March 23rd, for murder and attempted murder.
On Tuesday, March 28th, Jackson walked into the Cobb County Police Department in Georgia to apply for an alcohol permit. During the process, police in Georgia discovered the California warrant and arrested Jackson on it without incident a few minutes later.
Jackson was booked into the Cobb County Adult Detention Center and then picked up by Turlock Police Department on Monday, April 3rd. He is expected to be booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center in a short while.
The Turlock Police Department also announced that they served several search warrants during the investigation and believe to have recovered all firearms used in the incident. Additionally, all the individuals involved in the incident have been identified and interviewed.
Although Jackson and Portillo were known to each other, the motive for the crime was not released.
“We will not tolerate violent crime here in Turlock,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “Our team is relentless and they will not stop until those who commit crime in our community are arrested, charged, and held accountable for their actions,” he continued.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
On Thursday, March 16th, 2023, at 11:32 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported sick person in the parking lot of The Mobile Source, 231 W Canal Dr.
Officers arrived on scene first and found a man unresponsive in a white 2023 Toyota Tacoma. Officers removed the man from the vehicle and performed chest compressions until firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene.
Paramedics immediately declared the man deceased.
During the investigation, the decedent’s son told officers that his father had vomited earlier in the day. When the son attempted to call his father, he did not answer so the son set out to locate his father. The son tracked his father’s phone and eventually found him unresponsive in his vehicle.
Officers did not find any signs of foul play or anything suspicious. The body was released to a funeral home.
On Wednesday, March 8th, 2023, at 3:15 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in the 4200 block of W Linwood Ave, Turlock.
While crews were responding, they were advised that it was a rollover and that the vehicle involved was starting to catch fire.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a gray 2007 Hyundai Tucson. The vehicle was on its side and was fully involved.
The vehicle had a single occupant, its driver, later identified as Brandi Kane, 40, of Turlock. Kane suffered major injuries and was air transported by PHI Air Medical Services to a local hospital. A short time after her arrival at the hospital, Kane became unresponsive and succumbed to her injuries.
After firefighters were able to put the fire out, they found a deceased dog. A second dog which was still alive was also found, however, had to be euthanized due to its injuries.
It’s currently unknown how the collision occurred.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Michael Simbalenko at 209-668-6523.
On Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, at 7:13 pm, Turlock Police detectives and investigators in Los Banos were conducting follow-up on the homicide that had occurred on Sunday, January 15th, behind The Udder Place, 110 W Main St, Turlock, when they came across their suspect.
With the assistance of the Los Banos Police Department, Alejandro Ortuno, 23, of Los Banos, was stopped in the 1200 block of W I St and arrested.
Ortuno was transported to the Turlock Police Department where he was interviewed about the incident. Afterward, he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on a no-bail felony Ramey warrant for murder.
With the assistance of the Merced County Sheriff’s Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team, Turlock Police detectives and investigators then searched two Los Banos homes in the 200 block of Wisteria Ave and 2300 block of Rock Creek Dr for evidence in the investigation.
“I’m proud of the work our investigative teams put into this investigation,” said Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos. “Our team is continuing to work on this investigation, and other recent crimes, to bring those responsible to justice,” he continued.
“Our sympathy goes out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of Ortuno starts to bring some sense of closure as they continue to mourn the loss of Robert,” said Turlock Police Detective Raul Garcia, whose in charge of the case
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314.
On Tuesday, February 7th, 2023, at 11:11 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a security check at 511 Lander Ave, Turlock, after a man had been seen passed out inside of the building with something coming out of his mouth.
Officers arrived on scene and attempted to force entry into the building due to the exigent circumstances, however, were unable to do so. Firefighters eventually arrived and were able to help out.
Immediately after entry was forced, the man was declared deceased.
It’s unclear at this point what exactly happened or if there was any foul play involved.
On Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at 12:17 pm, we received additional information about the homicide that had occurred early that morning behind The Udder Place, 110 W Main St, Turlock.
The victim who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital has been identified as Robert Morgan, 31, of Turlock.
So far, the investigation has revealed that Morgan was a security guard at The Grand Cru, but had a day off and was hanging out with friends at the bar. While there, on-duty security guards got involved in an altercation with several Hispanic male patrons and were able to move them outside. The altercation continued outside and Morgan stepped out to assist his on-duty coworkers.
Morgan was reportedly in an altercation with someone behind The Udder Place when an unidentified occupant of a dark-colored sedan stopped, got out, and fired multiple shots at Morgan before getting back into the sedan and fleeing the scene.
According to Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos, this homicide and the one from the prior morning are unrelated.
Detectives continue to investigate the incident with the assistance of investigators from the department’s Special Investigations Unit and Major Accident Investigations Team.
Jerry Powell, who owns The Udder Place, The Grand Cru, and Cuts Steakhouse, has voluntarily closed The Grand Cru for two weeks to review internal procedures related to evaluating and improving safety measures at the establishment.
“I had a discussion with Mr. Powell regarding this tragedy at Grand Cru, and he let me know he is heartbroken at the loss of a valued staff member and friend,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “He also informed me that he is closing his business immediately to conduct a review and ensure that Grand Cru is a safe place for both patrons and employees. I am employing new, state-of-the-art technologies and resources to combat violent crime in our city to keep our residents and businesses safe and secure. We will not tolerate this kind of activity and want our residents to know we are working hard and will continue to update the public as information can be shared during these investigations,” he continued.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Turlock Police Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314.
On Sunday, January 15th, 2023, at 1:38 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported aggravated assault that had just occurred behind The Udder Place, 110 W Main St, Turlock.
When officers arrived on scene, they found bystanders providing aid to a man who was down on the ground suffering from several gunshot wounds. They assisted the bystanders until being relieved by firefighters and paramedics a few minutes later.
The victim was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at 2:16 am, shortly after his arrival. His identity has yet to be released, however, witnesses were circulating information that he was an off-duty security guard who worked at The Grand Cru.
The parking lot behind the bars in the 100 block of W Main St and S First St between W Main St and A St were closed for several hours while detectives were called out to process the scene’s dozens of pieces of evidence and interview witnesses. The department’s Special Investigations Unit and Major Accident Investigations Team also responded to assist.
No suspect information has been made available at this point and it’s unclear whether or not this homicide is related to the one early Saturday morning.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Turlock Police Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314.
On Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at 12:14 pm, we received additional information about the homicide that had occurred early that morning near the intersection of Market St and S Broadway, Turlock.
The victim who succumbed to his injuries at the hospital has been identified as Romeo Portillo, 21, of Patterson.
The second victim’s name has not been released yet, however, he’s been identified as a 20-year-old of Patterson and remains in the hospital in stable condition.
Evidence located at the scene suggested that more than one firearm was used in the shooting and that there were two groups of people involved.
It’s now been confirmed that the incident was not a random act of violence and was the result of a dispute that had started at a nearby bar.
Additionally, one of the two subjects who were arrested during the incident has been identified as Gary Jackson, 22, of Patterson. He was who was transporting the two victims to the hospital and was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on the charge of carrying a loaded firearm.
The other man who was arrested was simply a witness who was unable to care for himself due to his level of intoxication. No charges will be filed against him.
“This investigation is a top priority for our detectives and we ask that anyone who may have information about the identity of any involved individuals to please come forward,” said Turlock Police Sergeant Victor Barcelos. “The safety of the public is our number one concern,” he continued.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
On Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at 2:06 am, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a reported weapon offense that had just occurred near the intersection of W Main St and Lander Ave, Turlock.
When officers arrived in the area and began checking, they found several shell casings, a bloody sweater, and other pieces of evidence laying in the middle of Market St just west of S Broadway.
An officer began making his way to Emanuel Medical Center to check for any possible victims and while doing so, was flagged down at the intersection of Bonita Ave and E Main St by subjects in a silver Honda Civic. Witnesses had already told officers that a silver vehicle was somehow involved in the incident and this vehicle had bullet holes in it along with a shot-out window.
Inside the vehicle, the officer found two victims with gunshot wounds. The Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived at the scene, transporting both victims to local hospitals.
Unfortunately, one of the victims succumbed to his injuries at 3:05 am, shortly after his arrival at the hospital.
Market St was closed between Third St and S Broadway until shortly after 4:00 am while detectives were called out to the scene to process it, interview witnesses, and do a variety of other things. Additionally, the silver Civic that the victims had been located in was towed to the Turlock Police Department to be processed for evidence.
During this incident, two subjects were arrested, however, they have not been booked or cited yet so we don’t know their identities or what they were arrested for. Information indicates that they are likely not the shooting suspects.
No suspect information has been made available at this point, however, information indicates that this likely isn’t a random act of violence and was the result of a dispute that had started at a nearby bar.
The deceased victim has yet to be identified, however, appeared to be a black man in his 20s.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Turlock Police Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
On Sunday, January 1st, 2023, at 3:36 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported aggravated assault that had just occurred at a residence in the 400 block of E Linwood Ave, Turlock.
As crews were responding, they received information that a man had a stab wound, however, it may have been self-inflicted rather than an assault.
Crews arrived on scene and found a man later identified as Freddy Gil, 29, of Turlock, suffering a single life-threatening stab wound to his chest. Gil was not breathing and life-saving efforts were immediately started, however, they were unsuccessful and Gil succumbed to his injuries at 3:51 am.
It’s still not been determined if this is a homicide or suicide.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Colton Bickle at 209-668-1200.
On Friday, December 30th, 2022, at 11:52 pm, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a reported sideshow in progress at the intersection of South Ave and S Orange St, Turlock.
When officers arrived on scene, they found about 30 vehicles and 200 pedestrians from those vehicles crowding the area, with several vehicles actively doing burnouts. An additional 30 to 40 vehicles were also seen exiting the freeway onto W Main St and making their way towards the sideshow.
Officers requested assistance from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office due to the large number of people involved and stood by while unknown participants began pointing lasers at them.
Deputies arrived on scene and began assisting officers with dispersing the crowd. Several traffic stops were made and a pursuit also occurred. The pursuit ended with the suspect vehicle colliding into an uninvolved bystander’s vehicle at the intersection of northbound State Route 99 and W Main St. The California Highway Patrol responded to handle the collision and we’re unaware of their findings, however, no one suffered any notable injuries. We’ve reached out to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and are waiting for additional information from them regarding the pursuit.
The group eventually left the city, however, were noticed by the sheriff’s airship which was overhead about an hour later, returning and reassembling at the intersection of Fulkerth Rd and N Tegner Rd.
Officers responded and as they began arriving in the area, heard what they believed to be about five gunshots coming from the crowd. Their suspicions were quickly confirmed after the sheriff’s airship reported seeing at least one person down in the intersection and dispatch becoming inundated with several 9-1-1 calls reporting a shooting at the location.
Within two minutes, officers teamed up and entered the crowd as several vehicles began fleeing the area, finding two shooting victims and detaining several individuals. An officer ordered one of the fleeing vehicles to stop, however, its driver ignored the officer’s order and continued to drive off.
One of the two victims, who was later identified as Dayron Ledezma, 20, of Tracy, was found to be unconscious with life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound. Officers began lifesaving efforts and were relieved by members of the Turlock Fire Department a short time later, however, Ledezma unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The other victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries also from a gunshot wound and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.
The vehicle whose driver had previously ignored an officer’s order to stop was followed by the sheriff’s airship which guided deputies on the ground to it. Deputies attempted to make a traffic stop on the vehicle, however, it fled and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended with the vehicle colliding into a canal at the intersection of E Taylor Rd and N Gratton Rd in Denair. The California Highway Patrol responded to handle the collision and we’re unaware of their findings, however, no one suffered any notable injuries. We’ve reached out to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and are waiting for additional information from them regarding the pursuit.
While all of this was going on, a third man arrived at Emanuel Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Officers responded and interviewed him, being told that he had been shot at an unknown location about twenty minutes away. Detectives are currently still investigating to determine whether or not this victim had anything to do with the sideshow and the homicide that occurred during it.
Detectives and members of the department’s Major Accident Investigations Team were called out to the scene, where they spent over eight hours processing it, interviewing witnesses, and doing a variety of other things.
So far, it’s been revealed that the shooting occurred as a result of a previous conflict and that it was not a random act of violence. It’s not yet been revealed, however, if either of the victims were the intended targets or if they were accidentally struck.
“Detectives are relentlessly working this investigation to determine why this crime occurred,” said Turlock Police Detective Brandon Bertram. “These incidents are a huge drain on our local resources, I would like to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and California Highway Patrol for their help in response to this incident. We are asking anyone who was a witness to this incident to contact us. We are also asking anyone with videos of the illegal sideshow or shooting to contact Detective Raul Garcia at 209-664-7314,” he continued.
Turlock Police Sergeant Michael Parmley added to that, saying, “The Turlock Police Department would like to advise the public that we take these illegal sideshow incidents very seriously, as they are very dangerous to our residents and other motorists. The Turlock Police Department continues to dedicate resources to combat these types of illegal sideshow activities in cooperation with our allied agency partners.”
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Turlock Police Detective Brandon Bertram at 209-664-7323.
On Saturday, December 24th, 2022, at 12:55 am, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision on the southbound State Route 99 off-ramp at E Keyes Rd, Keyes.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a Toyota SUV, which had crashed into a tree and was on fire in the embankment along the off-ramp.
Firefighters quickly began fire attack and were able to get the fire knocked down within twenty minutes of their arrival.
The vehicle had a single occupant, its driver, who was found in the rear portion of the vehicle and later identified as Tyler Klaproth, 40, of Turlock. He had suffered major injuries which he unfortunately succumbed to at the scene.
The vehicle had sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision and fire, requiring it to be towed away.
Officers began investigating and determined that Klaproth had been traveling southbound on State Route 99 north of E Keyes Rd, when for an unknown reason, he allowed his vehicle to leave the freeway off the west road edge. The vehicle continued in a southerly direction into a dirt and grass area before colliding into a tree, catching fire, and coming to final rest.
It’s currently unknown if alcohol, drugs, or speed were a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Matthew Pender at 209-545-7440.
On Monday, December 19th, 2022, at 4:37 pm, we received information that the bicyclist who had been riding in a crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle on Sunday, December 4th, 2022, at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave, Turlock, has died at a local hospital.
He was identified as Mark Prater, 56, of Denair.
We have no additional information available besides what was mentioned in the original article.
On Thursday, December 22nd, 2022, at 5:21 pm, we received information that the armed robber who had shot himself in the head while running from officers on Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, near the intersection of S First St and W F St, Turlock, has died at a local hospital.
He was identified as Jaymar Brown, 44, of Turlock.
We also learned how the robbery had occurred. Brown had entered the business, approached the counter, and pointed the gun at the clerk. He demanded money from the register and the clerk complied, handing over the $800.
The $800 was also recovered at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Officer Gavin Allison at 209-668-1200.
On Monday, December 12th, 2022, at 12:13 pm, Turlock Police officers responded to a suspicious incident at 1307 W Linwood Ave, Turlock, after they had received a tip that they could locate a man who had possibly been assaulted inside of the abandoned building.
Officers entered the building and located a deceased man in a partially burned room.
Detectives were notified and they responded to take over the scene. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the location and were able to take a closer look at the evidence located, which indicated that the man was indeed an assault victim.
The Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit also responded and they spent several hours at the location processing the scene with detectives.
Detectives and investigators with the Turlock Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit began interviewing potential witnesses and working leads, which ultimately led to Danny Stevens, 58, of Turlock, being identified as a person of interest.
The following day, Tuesday, December 13th, while detectives were interviewing a potential witness at a residence, Stevens came by on a bicycle and left when he discovered that detectives were there.
Shortly later, at 2:20 pm, investigators with the Turlock Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit located Stevens near the intersection of Esperanza Ct and Montana Ave. He was arrested.
Stevens was transported to the Turlock Police Department to be interviewed for the incident.
Afterward, he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder. He is currently being held on a no-bail status.
Stevens is believed to have only known the victim for a short amount of time, leaving the motive for the incident unclear. However, there is no indication at this time that this was a random act of violence.
“Detectives are relentlessly working this investigation to determine why this senseless crime occurred,” said Turlock Police Captain Steve Rodrigues. “Please help by calling if you have any information about this crime,” he continued.
The name of the deceased has yet to be released, pending next of kin notification.
The investigation remains ongoing, anyone with information that could assist in it is encouraged to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
On Monday, November 21st, 2022, at 11:44 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in front of a residence in the 1200 block of Geer Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a man later identified as William Hanson, 36, of Turlock, down in the roadway with a weak pulse and the vehicle that had struck him gone.
Officers immediately began chest compressions and were relieved by firefighters minutes later. Unfortunately, despite everyone’s best efforts, Hanson had suffered major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene around 12:05 am.
The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene to process it, which required both southbound lanes between Twentieth Century Blvd and Wayside Dr to be closed until just before 4:00 am.
Originally, the involved vehicle was believed to be a silver SUV, however, that information has since been updated to a white 2000s Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon. It’s unknown which direction the vehicle went after the collision, however, it was headed southbound prior to it.
It’s currently unknown how the collision occurred, besides the fact that Hanson was in the roadway outside of a crosswalk in the southbound lanes.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399.
On Saturday, November 5th, 2022, at 10:14 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in the 1600 block of W Main St, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a silver Toyota sedan, which had struck a woman.
The vehicle had a single occupant who did not suffer any injuries. The woman that the vehicle had struck, later identified as Maria Castillo Rodriguez, 71, of Hayward, suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital. She unfortunately succumbed to her injuries shortly after her arrival at the hospital.
The vehicle sustained minor damage and was able to be driven away from the scene.
Officers began investigating and determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound in the left lane of W Main St from N Tully Rd, while Rodriguez was crossing W Main St in a northerly direction while not in a crosswalk. Rodriguez successfully made it across the eastbound lanes and the turn lane, however, was struck by the vehicle when she arrived in the westbound left lane. The driver of the vehicle claimed that she did not see Rodriguez until she was right in front of her and was unable to stop in time.
Officers also determined that neither alcohol nor drugs were a factor in this collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Mike Simbalenko at 209-668-6523.
On Thursday, October 13th, 2022, at 5:00 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the hit and run that had occurred on Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, in the 2100 block of Fulkerth Rd, Turlock, which left an 83-year old man dead.
The Turlock Police Department announced the arrest of the responsible driver, the recovery of the involved vehicle, and the identity of the deceased victim.
At about 10:30 am, Armando Michael Arreola, 25, of Turlock, went to the Turlock Police Department to turn himself in as the responsible driver.
Arreola was interviewed by the Major Accident Investigation Team and the interview led to the discovery of the whereabouts of the involved vehicle. At the request of the Turlock Police Department, the Modesto Police Department responded to the 600 block of E Coolidge Ave, Modesto, and recovered the vehicle. It was taken to the Turlock Police Department where it will eventually be processed for evidence associated with the hit and run.
At the conclusion of the interview, Arreola was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of hit and run causing injury or death and manslaughter.
The deceased victim was identified as Santiago Estrada-Gonzalez, 83, of Delhi.
“The investigation into this incident is not over with the arrest of Arreola and the recovery of the involved vehicle,” said Turlock Police Acting Captain Russell Holeman. “The Traffic Safety Unit will be serving additional search warrants and will continue their work to gather evidence to solidify this investigation. We offer our sincere condolences to Santiago’s family during their time of loss,” he continued.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399.
On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, at 3:31 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported hit and run with injuries in the 2100 block of Fulkerth Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a pedestrian down in the westbound lanes of Fulkerth Rd directly in front of the bus stop.
The pedestrian was later determined to be an 83-year old Hispanic man with a last known address in Modesto. He was suffering major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene. His identity is yet to be released, pending next of kin notification.
The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team responded to the scene to investigate the collision. The roadway was closed for nearly four hours as they processed the scene and gathered evidence. It’s currently unknown how the collision occurred, however, officers were told by witnesses that the vehicle that had struck the pedestrian was a small white sedan which was last seen westbound on Fulkerth Rd. Through investigation, the vehicle was later determined to be a white 2004 Acura TL, bearing California license 8LMZ774. The vehicle has damage to its front windshield and front right side. If spotted, immediately call 9-1-1.
“This investigation is a top priority for the Traffic Safety Unit,” said Turlock Police Officer Richard Fortado. “I ask that anyone who may have information about the identity of the responsible suspect or who may have seen the damaged white Acura TL, to please contact me,” he continued.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399.
On Monday, September 12th, 2022, at 5:22 pm, Turlock Police investigators near the 200 block of E Tuolumne Rd, Turlock, spotted one of the outstanding suspects from the homicide that had occurred on Friday, September 9th, 2022, at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave.
Investigators, along with detectives and officers, were able to arrest David Rivera Cruz, 30, of Turlock, without incident.
Cruz was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury.
Despite the relentless efforts of the Turlock Police Department, the final remaining suspect of the three, Alfonso Garcia, 23, of Turlock, remains on the loose. The Turlock Police Department asks for your assistance in locating Garcia. If he is spotted, immediately call police. Do not approach him as he is considered dangerous.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.
On Monday, September 12th, 2022, at 2:39 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the homicide that had occurred on Friday, September 9th, 2022, at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave, Turlock.
The deceased victim has been identified as David Gomez Mendoza, 28, of Modesto, while the two additional suspects have been identified as Alfonso Garcia, 23, of Turlock, and David Rivera Cruz, 30, of Turlock.
The Turlock Police Department asks for your assistance in locating Garcia and Cruz. If either men are spotted, immediately call police. Do not attempt to approach them as they are both considered dangerous.
The first suspect who was arrested within hours of the homicide, Manuel Maldonado, 29, of Turlock, remains in custody at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center. He currently has a no bail status.
“Detectives are relentlessly working this investigation in an effort to bring the remaining two suspects to justice,” said Turlock Police Detective Frank Navarro. “Please help by calling if you see either of these two men,” he continued.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.
On Friday, September 9th, 2022, at 8:18 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported aggravated assault that had just occurred at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave, Turlock, after a man had just been stabbed.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a 28-year old Hispanic male suffering from at least one life threatening stab wound to the chest. He was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officers began investigating and learned that three Hispanic males had arrived at 7 Star Liquor, 952 Lander Ave, in a black GMC SUV. The men surrounded and targeted several other men, including the deceased victim. After a brief altercation, the deceased victim ran across Lander Ave in an attempt to get away from the three men, however, was chased by two of them. One of the two men was able to catch up to him and stab him at least once in the chest, before all three of them got back into their black GMC SUV and fled northbound on Lander Ave.
Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation, working with investigators and officers. The scene was processed and evidence was gathered.
Detectives were able to identify one of the involved men, Manuel Maldonado, 29, of Turlock, who was the registered owner of the getaway vehicle.
Shortly later, investigators were able to locate the getaway vehicle parked in the 600 block of Vermont Ave. They began a stakeout on it, eventually observing who was later determined to be Maldonado begin to drive off in it. Investigators conducted a high risk stop on it at the intersection of Vermont Ave and Sunnyside Dr and took Maldonado into custody at 11:20 am, just three hours after the stabbing.
Detectives continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the two outstanding men.
Although what led up to the stabbing remains unknown, detectives have preliminary information to suggest that it was gang related and not a random act of violence.
“Gang violence will not be tolerated in Turlock,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “We have one suspect in custody and our detectives and special investigations unit will not stop until we have all of the suspects involved, in police custody. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this morning’s homicide victim as they mourn the loss of their son and brother,” he continued.
The victim’s identity remains unknown at this time.
Maldonado was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.
On Friday, September 3rd, 2022, at 11:37 pm, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in the 3100 block of N Washington Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a Honda. Its driver was found underneath it.
The vehicle had two occupants, its driver, a 51-year old man of Stockton whose identity has not yet been released, and his passenger, Victor Bedoy, 22, of Stockton. The vehicle’s driver suffered major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene, while Bedoy did not suffer any injuries.
The vehicle sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.
Officers began investigating and determined that the vehicle was traveling westbound on W Monte Vista Ave approaching N Washington Rd at about sixty miles per hour. As the vehicle approached the intersection, it failed to stop for the stop sign and continued in a westerly direction onto a private dirt road. A few seconds later, the front left side of the vehicle collided with a power pole. The vehicle’s driver was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle, thrown in its path, and run over by it. The vehicle came to final rest a short time later.
Officers believe that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Aaron Fay at 209-545-7440.
Less than two hours later, at 1:12 am, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to another reported vehicle collision with injuries, this one in the 5700 block of E Keyes Rd.
When crews arrived on scene, they found two vehicles involved. One was a Mazda sedan and the other was a Chevrolet pickup truck.
Both vehicles only had a single occupant, their drivers. The identity of the driver of the Mazda sedan has not yet been released, however, the Chevrolet pickup truck was being driven by Richard John Agresti, 31, of Ceres.
The driver of the Mazda sedan suffered major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene, while the driver of the Chevrolet pickup truck suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.
Both vehicles sustained major damage and were deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring them to be towed away.
Officers began investigating and determined that the Mazda sedan was traveling eastbound on E Keyes Rd from Pioneer Rd, while the Chevrolet pickup truck was traveling westbound on E Keyes Rd from Mountain View Rd. As the two vehicles met in the 5700 block of E Keyes Rd, for an unknown reason, the Mazda sedan veered to the left into the westbound lane and collided head-on with the Chevrolet pickup truck. The Mazda sedan’s driver was ejected from his vehicle and landed in the roadway. The Mazda sedan came to final rest on its wheels on the south shoulder of the roadway facing northwest, while the Chevrolet pickup truck came to final rest on its wheels in an orchard facing southwest.
It’s currently unclear whether alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Matthew Pender at 209-534-7440.
On Friday, August 19th, 2022, at 12:16 am, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries near the intersection of N Golden State Blvd and W Barnhart Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a silver Ford sedan, which had struck a pedestrian who was down in the roadway.
The pedestrian, later identified as Michael Burks, 51, of Modesto, was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with major injuries which he later succumbed to. The driver and only occupant of the silver Ford sedan, Kaisee Budworth, 32, of Turlock, did not suffer any injuries.
Budworth’s vehicle sustained minor damage.
Officers began investigating and determined that Budworth was traveling southbound on N Golden State Blvd at a speed between forty and 45 miles per hour, while Burks was walking in the middle of the southbound lane just south of her vehicle wearing all black clothing. As Budworth approached Burks, the front of her vehicle collided with him as she was unable to see him and stop in time due to the limited lighting in the area and the fact that he was wearing dark clothing.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Jeff Abrahamson at 209-545-7440.
On Friday, July 15th, 2022, at 6:21 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries southbound State Route 99 at Fulkerth Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a Chevrolet SUV just west of the freeway on-ramp.
The vehicle had a single occupant, a 54 year old man of Hughson, who was not wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision and had been ejected. The man was pinned underneath the vehicle and had suffered major injuries which he had succumbed to prior to crews’ arrival. His identity has yet to be released.
The vehicle sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.
Officers began investigating, and the preliminary stages of their investigation indicate that the man had been traveling southbound in the right lane of the freeway at an unknown speed approaching Fulkerth Rd, when for an unknown reason, he allowed his vehicle to drift into the middle lane. The man then turned his vehicle sharply to the right. The vehicle proceeded in a southwesterly direction, crossing over the right lane and eventually leaving the freeway. The vehicle overturned several times and came to final rest on its wheels just west of the freeway on-ramp on top of the man who had been ejected at some point because he was not wearing his seatbelt.
It’s currently unclear whether or not alcohol or drugs played a factor in this collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call California Highway Patrol Officer Brandon Whittemore at 209-545-7440.
On Tuesday, July 12th, 2022, at 10:30 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries northbound State Route 99 just south of Lander Ave, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which was east of the freeway by a cornfield.
The motorcycle had a single rider, a 65 year old male of Twain Harte, who suffered major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene. His identity has yet to be released.
The motorcycle sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.
Officers began investigating, and the preliminary stages of their investigation indicate that the motorcyclist was traveling northbound in the middle lane of the freeway approaching Lander Ave at an unknown speed, when for an unknown reason, he allowed his motorcycle to veer to the right. The motorcycle entered the right lane and then continued in a northeasterly direction as it eventually left the freeway. The motorcycle then entered a dirt and grass area before colliding with a barbed-wire fence, causing the motorcyclist to be ejected.
It’s currently unclear whether or not alcohol or drugs played a factor in this collision. The motorcyclist was wearing a helmet when the collision occurred.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call California Highway Patrol Officer Dustin Jorrick at 209-545-7440.
On Friday, May 20th, 2022, at 1:26 pm, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries southbound State Route 99 just south of Lander Ave, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found two vehicles involved. One was a Buick SUV and the other was a Kenworth tractor trailer.
The Buick SUV had a single occupant, a 51-year old female of Livingston, whose identity has not yet been released pending next of kin notification. She suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital. Eventually, while at the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries. The Kenworth tractor trailer also had a single occupant, Daljit Singh, 54, of Bakersfield, who was uninjured.
The Buick SUV sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away, while the Kenworth tractor trailer sustained minor damage and was able to be driven away from the scene.
Officers began investigating and learned that Singh was traveling southbound on State Route 99 and had a mechanical failure with his truck, so he pulled it off to the right shoulder of the freeway. A little later, the Buick SUV was traveling in the same direction as Singh, and for an unknown reason, its driver allowed her vehicle to enter the right shoulder behind Singh, colliding with the back of Singh’s trailer at before coming to final rest.
Officers determined that the driver of the Buick SUV was not wearing her seatbelt at the time of the collision. Due to the lack of intrusion inside the Buick SUV, it is believed that she would have survived the collision if she was properly restrained. “The CHP would like to remind all motorists that seatbelts, when worn properly, have the ability to save lives when involved in a collision,” said California Highway Patrol Officer Thomas Olsen.
On Saturday, May 14th, 2022, at 5:59 pm, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries on N Washington Rd just north of W Taylor Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved, a Chevrolet pickup truck.
The vehicle had a single occupant, Eric Duane Vaughn, 46, of Stevenson, who suffered fatal injuries after being ejected from the vehicle during the collision.
The vehicle sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.
Officers began investigating and determined Vaughn was traveling northbound on N Washington Rd at an unknown speed, when for an unknown reason, he allowed his vehicle to veer to the left. His vehicle traveled off the roadway into the west dirt shoulder and collided with two trees, causing it to overturn. The vehicle came to final rest on its side next to an orchard. While overturning, Vaughn was ejected from the vehicle causing his fatal injuries because he was not wearing his seatbelt.
At this point, it remains unknown if Vaughn was or was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
On Wednesday, April 13th, 2022, at 4:30 pm, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a reported juvenile abuse at Emanuel Medical Center, 825 Delbon Ave, Turlock, after hospital staff had called to report that an infant had died as a result of suspected abuse.
When officers arrived on scene, they met with hospital staff who told them at Joseph Anthony Rendon, 23, of Turlock, had brought in his two-month old daughter after she had unexplainably stopped breathing at his home. Although hospital staff performed life saving measures on the victim, she was ultimately not able to be revived and was pronounced deceased.
Initially, no one was able to find a cause of death, however, an autopsy was performed the following day by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office’s Coroner Division. The autopsy was witnessed by Turlock Police detectives and it revealed that the infant had sustained serious injuries which pointed to severe abuse.
Within hours, detectives authored and served search warrants for Rendon’s residence and vehicle, and Rendon voluntarily went to the Turlock Police Department to be interviewed.
After the interview, Rendon was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder and causing unjustifiable physical pain, injury, or mental suffering to a child.
“This is devastating and difficult to understand why this happened,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the child’s family during this difficult time. These cases have an emotional impact on our officers and everyone involved in these types of investigations. We can only pray that the arrest of Joseph Rendon brings some sense of healing to the family and community,” he continued.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Brandon Bertram at 209-664-7323.
On Wednesday, March 9th, 2022, at 12:03 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the aggravated assault that had occurred on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022, at O’Rielly Auto Parts, 1144 Geer Rd, Turlock.
The Turlock Police Department announced that the victim, Zobeyda Esquerra, 22, of Livingston, succumbed to her injuries while at the hospital.
Police also identified their suspect who was arrested after a manhunt yesterday as Juan Francisco Ibarra-Tapia, 22, of Livingston. Ibarra-Tapia was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder, attempted murder, flight from a peace officer, discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony, and discharging a firearm during the commission of a felony causing great bodily injury or death.
During the preliminary investigation, detectives revealed a couple of things. They revealed that this was not a random act of violence and that Ibarra-Tapia had previously been arrested in October of 2021 for stalking Esquerra. They also revealed that Ibarra-Tapia had shot at two employees of O’Rielly Auto Parts when he shot Esquerra. Luckily, those shots missed.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, and we hope the arrest of the suspect brings some sense of closure as they mourn the loss of Zoe,” said Officer Gina Giovacchini.
Ibarra-Tapia is currently being held on a no-bail status.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-6539.
On Friday, December 10th, 2021, at 11:51 am, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a reported sick person in the 500 block of C St, Turlock, where a subject had called 911 reporting that he was feeling suicidal and was about to shoot himself with a gun.
The subject stayed on the phone with dispatch for a few minutes, however, ultimately hung up before officers could arrive. A few seconds later, someone else called to report that someone had just shot themselves. The Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response were dispatched.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a 42-year old male suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Crews attempted life-saving measures, however, despite their best efforts, the subject succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The gun used was a Glock 17 9 millimeter. It was recovered at the scene.
On Sunday, November 28th, 2021, at 10:53 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported attempted suicide at a residence in the 100 block of Memory Ln, Turlock, where a man had shot himself in the head.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a 47-year old male with no pulse, not breathing, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Crews attempted life-saving measures, however, the subject succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The gun used was a Glock 22 .40 caliber. It was recovered at the scene.
On Sunday, November 21st, 2021, at 1:40 pm, the California Highway Patrol, Keyes Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries southbound State Route 99 just north of E Keyes Rd, Keyes.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a single vehicle involved, a Lincoln Sedan. The vehicle had two occupants, its driver, Humberto Gonzalez, 38, of Turlock, and his passenger, a 17-year old male juvenile. Gonzalez had struck a pedestrian, who was later identified as Cesario Nepomoceno, 22, of Merced.
Gonzalez and his passenger were not injured. Nepomoceno suffered major injuries which he succumbed to at the scene.
Officers began investigating and determined that Gonzalez was traveling southbound State Route 99 in the left lane at approximately 70 miles per hour, while Nepomoceno was attempting to cross the freeway in an eastbound direction. Nepomoceno began crossing and successfully made it across the right and middle lanes, before eventually being struck by Gonzalez in the left lane. Prior to the collision, Gonzalez attempted to avoid Nepomoceno by applying his brakes and swerving to the left, however, it was already too late.
It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Milton Rafael at 209-545-7440.
On Sunday, November 21st, 2021, at 2:32 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries on northbound State Route 99 just north of W Monte Vista Ave, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a single vehicle involved, a Chevrolet SUV. The vehicle had two occupants, its driver, Luis Mojarro, 29, of Galt, and his passenger, Fernando Herrera, 21, of Lodi. Mojarro had been ejected from the vehicle and was laying on the on-ramp while Herrera was trapped in the vehicle.
Both subjects suffered major injuries and were ground transported by American Medical Response to local hospitals. Mojarro later succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.
Officers began investigating and determined that Mojarro was traveling northbound State Route 99 in an unknown lane, when for an unknown reason, he turned his vehicle to the right near W Monte Vista Ave. The vehicle then left the roadway and overturned, coming to final rest in an embankment. At some point during this, Mojarro was ejected from the vehicle.
Currently, it is unknown if alcohol, drugs, or speed were a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Jason Zimmerman at 209-545-7440.
On Wednesday, November 17th, 2021, at 4:54 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of Lander Ave and 9th St, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a single vehicle involved. The vehicle was a gray GMC pickup truck which had struck a pedestrian, later identified as Martha Barajas, 66, of Turlock.
The gray GMC pickup truck had three occupants, a driver and two passengers, all of which were uninjured. When crews arrived on scene, Barajas was laying unresponsive in the middle of the roadway and an off-duty nurse was performing CPR on her. Barajas suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries at.
The gray GMC pickup truck sustained minor damage and would have been able to be driven away from the scene, however, it was authority towed to the police department to be processed for evidence.
Officers began investigating and determined that the gray GMC pickup truck was traveling northbound in the left lane of Lander Avenue, approaching Barajas, who was walking eastbound across the street in a crosswalk. For an unknown reason, the driver of the gray GMC pickup truck did not see Barajas until it was too late and he struck her.
At this point, alcohol, drugs, and speed do not appear to be a factor in the collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Martin Marquez at 209-668-5550 extension 6761.
On Monday, November 8th, 2021, at 4:21 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of N Golden State Blvd and Pedras Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located two vehicles involved. One was a black motorcycle and the other was a white Hyundai sedan.
The motorcycle’s only rider, later identified as Owen McDonald, 32, of Turlock, suffered major life threatening injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to those injuries. The white Hyundai sedan had two occupants, a driver and a passenger. The driver suffered moderate injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital, which she was later released from. The passenger did not suffer any reported injuries.
Both vehicles sustained moderate damage and were deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring them to be towed away.
Officers began investigating and determined that McDonald was traveling northbound in the left lane of N Golden State Blvd going through Pedras Rd, when for an unknown reason, the white Hyundai sedan which was traveling westbound on Pedras Rd and making a southbound turn onto N Golden State Blvd, failed to yield the right of way to him and pulled out in front of him, causing him to collide with its left side. Currently, officers do not suspect that alcohol, drugs, or speed were a factor in the collision.
The roadway was partially blocked for several hours while officers investigated, collected evidence, and took laser scans.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Mike Simbalenko at 209-668-6523.
On Monday, October 18th, 2021, at 2:37 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of E Olive Ave and N First St, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a pedestrian and train involved.
The pedestrian, later identified as Frank Fink, 41, of Turlock, suffered major injuries which he succumbed to upon impact. The train’s crew was uninured.
The train sustained no damage and was able to be driven away from the scene.
Officers began investigating and determined that the train was traveling northbound through the area when it struck Fink who was on the tracks and wearing all black. The train was stopped for about an hour and half to allow officers to investigate which caused all crossing between W Canal Dr and W F St to be blocked.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Cherish Hood at 209-668-6529.
On Thursday, September 30th, 2021, at 10:37 pm, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries on southbound State Route 99 just south of W Monte Vista Ave, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a single vehicle involved which was a silver Ford SUV. The vehicle was on its roof in a dirt patch just west of the freeway and there was a female laying next to it unresponsive.
The vehicle had a total of six occupants. Its driver, Luis Rodriguez, 35, of Merced, suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital after being extricated from the vehicle by fire personnel. Its front seat passenger, the wife of Rodriguez, Eva Mendoza, 31, of Merced, suffered major injuries which she succumbed to prior to responders’ arrival. She was the unresponsive female who was found laying on the ground next to the vehicle. The vehicle had an additional four occupants, ages 3, 2, 1, and 6 months, who were Rodriguez’s and Mendoza’s children. They were all uninjured but were ground transported by American Medical Response to local hospitals as precautionary measures.
Officers began investigating and determined that the vehicle had just passed the W Monte Vista Ave exit while traveling southbound on State Route 99 when Rodriguez lost control of it and it veered off of the freeway. When this happened, the vehicle collided with a chain linked fence, overturned, and landed on its roof, ejecting Mendoza and making her hit the ground in the process. Officers also determined that Rodriguez and Mendoza were not wearing seatbelts, while their kids were, and that Rodriguez was under the influence of alcohol.
The vehicle sustained major damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.
Rodriguez was arrested however later released to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. Upon his release from the hospital, he will be booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated causing injuries.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Juan Nava at 209-545-7440.
On Thursday, September 16th, 2021, at 6:32 am, the California Highway Patrol, Denair Fire Protection District, Keyes Fire Protection District, Turlock Rural Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries on Santa Fe Ave just south of E Monte Vista Ave, Denair.
When crews arrived on scene, they located three vehicles involved. One was a Subaru SUV, one was a Toyota sedan, and the other was a Nissan SUV.
The driver of the Subaru SUV, Kenneth Williams, 63, of Modesto, who was its only occupant, suffered major injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the Toyota sedan, Trinidad Magana, 62, of Hughson, who was its only occupant, was airlifted by PHI Air Medical Services to a local hospital with major injuries. The driver of the Nissan SUV, Ricardo Gallegos, 48, of Modesto, who was its only occupant, was uninjured.
Officers began their investigation and determined that Williams was traveling northbound, while Magana was traveling southbound with Gallegos right behind him. Williams attempted to pass a vehicle that was in front of him by crossing into the southbound lane, when he collided head-on with Magana. The collision then pushed Magana’s vehicle back and caused it to collide with the front of Gallegos’ vehicle.
It is currently unknown if alcohol or drugs were a contributing factor in this collision. All vehicles involved sustained major damage and were deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, which required them to be towed away from the scene.
Santa Fe Ave was temporarily closed between E Monte Vista Avenue and N Vincent Rd while officers were on scene investigating.
The California Highway Patrol would like to remind all motorists when safe to do so. The consequences of not doing so could be deadly, as seen in this example. The California Highway Patrol would also like to remind all motorists that the speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway is 55 miles per hour, unless otherwise indicated.
On Saturday, August 14th, 2021, at 9:38 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported man down at Valley Industrial Park, 401 S Walnut Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a male subject, later identified as Alec Jacobs, 26, of Oakland, with obvious signs of death and already in rigor mortis laying on the ground behind the sign of the complex.
Jacob’s cause of death remains unknown.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Martin Marquez at 209-668-5550 extension 6761.
On Wednesday, August 11th, 2021, at 9:05 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Rural Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of E Harding Rd and Youngstown Rd, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a single vehicle involved that had struck a horse being ridden by a subject. The vehicle was a Chevrolet pickup. Its driver, later identified as Isaac Leal, 27, of Delhi, was uninjured. The horse rider, later identified as Summer Vigil-Gardner, 19, of Turlock, was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with major injuries. She later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. The horse was immediately killed in the collision.
Officers began investigating and determined that Leal was traveling northbound on Youngstown Rd approaching E Harding Rd which is a sweeping left turn, while Vigil-Gardner was traveling westbound on E Harding Rd approaching Youngstown Rd on the right edge of the road. Leal admitted to looking down for a few seconds to grab something and when he looked up, he saw Vigil-Gardner directly in front of him. He immediately made a hard left turn, which caused the pickup truck to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The rotation caused the right side of the pickup truck to collide with Vigil-Gardner, ejecting her from the horse and throwing her onto the ground.
The California Highway Patrol would like to remind all motorists that at 50 miles per hour, your vehicle is capable of traveling half the length of a football field in just a matter of two seconds. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind focused at all times. The consequences of not doing so could be deadly, as seen in this example.
On Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021, at 2:54 am, the California Highway Patrol, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries on southbound State Route 99 just north of W Main St, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a male, later identified as Thomas Paul Kelly Jr., 27, of Delhi, laying in the fast lane with no involved vehicle around. Crews checked on Kelly and immediately pronounced him deceased.
The California Highway Patrol began its investigation and determined that an unknown vehicle was traveling southbound on State Route 99 just north of W Main St in the fast lane when its front bumper collided with Kelly, who was walking in the fast lane, at an unknown speed. Kelly was knocked down to the ground and immediately killed. The vehicle then continued southbound without stopping.
It is currently unknown if alcohol, drugs, or speed were a factor in the collision. The vehicle should have front end damage consistent with striking a pedestrian.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Anthony Bond at 209-545-7440.
On Friday, July 30th, 2021, at 6:18 am, the California Highway Patrol, Hughson Fire Protection District, Keyes Fire Protection District, Denair Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries at the intersection of E Keyes Rd and Mountain View Rd, Hughson.
When crews arrived on scene, they found two vehicles involved. One was a 2009 Toyota sedan and the other was a 2015 Mack semi truck. Crews immediately declared the driver of the Toyota, later identified as Sukhjit Dhaliwal, 56, of Turlock, deceased. Her passenger, later identified as Avtar Thiara, 58, of Turlock, sustained minor injuries and was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital. The driver of the Mack, later identified as Larry Pearson, 65, of Atwater, sustained moderate injuries and was also ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.
The California Highway Patrol began their investigation and determined that Dhaliwal was driving southbound on Mountain View Rd approaching E Keyes Rd when for an unknown reason, she pulled out in front of Pearson as he was driving westbound on E Keyes Rd approaching Mountain View Rd. Pearson attempted to avoid the collision by swerving to the left, however, he was unable to and the two vehicles collided. The Mack struck the left side of the Toyota causing it to leave the roadway in a northwesterly direction while the Mack left the roadway in a southwesterly collision, rolled over onto its right side, and struck an almond tree.
E Keyes Rd was temporarily closed during the investigation. A detour was put in place with minimal delay to the motoring public. The California Highway Patrol would like to remind all motorists to constantly be aware of their surroundings and obey all traffic signage. The consequences of not doing so could be deadly, as seen in this example.
On Thursday, July 29th, 2021, at 10:37 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries behind Ace Hardware, 3051 Geer Rd, Turlock.
When firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene, they located a man, later identified as Alan Cole, 44, of Turlock, on the ground unconscious at the loading dock behind the business. He had been run over by a delivery van backing into the loading dock. Police say that Cole was believed to be sleeping when the collision occurred.
Firefighters and paramedics provided medical aid to Cole before he was ground transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response. Later at the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the delivery van remained on scene and was cooperative with police. Alcohol, drugs, or speed do not appear to be a factor in the collision. The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Frank Neves at 209-668-5550 extension 6707.
On Friday, July 9th, 2021, at approximately 8:55 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision involving a motorcycle in front of Foster Farms located at 4002 W Main St. Officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, and Squad 32.
Officers arrived on scene a couple minutes later to find a motorcycle and tractor trailer involved in a collision, with the motorcyclist, later identified as Nicholas Hays, 34, of Turlock, showing obvious signs of death and the driver of the tractor trailer suffering no injuries. When fire crews arrived on scene, they later confirmed that Hays was indeed deceased and that life saving efforts would have zero effect.
Officers began investigating and determined that both vehicles were traveling in the same direction when for an unknown reason, the Hays rode into the back of the tractor trailer. At this time, it remains unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved in the collision, however, speed definitely was. The roadway was closed for several hours while officers investigated the incident.
Officers have yet to receive any statements from uninvolved witnesses and the investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Michael Simbalenko at 209-668-6523 or by email at MSimbalenko@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Friday, June 18th, 2021, at approximately 5:30 am, the California Highway Patrol received a call of an injury vehicle collision southbound State Route 99 just south of W Taylor Rd. The caller reported that they had located a vehicle on its roof in an orchard just west of the freeway that appeared to have driven off the freeway. California Highway Patrol officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a Ford sedan rolled over on its roof in an orchard with one patient trapped. Upon freeing that patient, he was immediately declared deceased. His identity is currently not being released, pending next of kin notification, however, we do know that he is a 40 year old male of Dinuba.
The California Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the vehicle was traveling southbound on State Route 99 just south of W Taylor Rd, when for an unknown reason, he allowed his vehicle to veer to the right, leaving the west edge of the road. The vehicle continued in a southwesterly direction, entered a dirt ditch, and traveled through a barbed wire fence. The vehicle then overturned and came to rest on its roof.
The driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision. It is unknown at this time if alcohol, drugs, or speeds were a contributing factor in the collision. The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Brandon Whittemore at 209-545-7440 or by email at BWhittemore@chp.ca.gov.
On Monday, June 14th, 2021, at approximately 7:45 pm, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a suicidal subject in the 4300 block of Hickman Rd in the community of Denair threatening to harm himself with a knife, handgun, and rifle.
Patrol deputies responded along with the department’s Air Support Unit. Assistance was also requested from the Turlock Police Department. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the helicopter saw a subject outside the home matching the description of their responsible, identified as Javier Cueto-Aldaz, 39, of Denair. Cueto-Aldaz appeared to be armed with a black rifle. Patrol deputies established a command post at a safe and contained distance about a mile down the road. Traffic was also restricted to keep bystanders out of the area.
To avoid a confrontation with a person armed with a knife, handgun, and rifle, deputies began negotiations with Cueto-Aldaz over the phone. The helicopter stayed overhead and noticed Cueto-Aldaz drinking alcohol, walking in and out of his home, and entering vehicles parked on the property. Negotiations continued until Cueto-Aldaz said he was prepared to end his life. He left his home driving a pickup truck north on Hickman Rd at speeds over 100 miles-per-hour towards the command post. The command post had deputies at it, patrol cars, and an armored SWAT vehicle. Fortunately, deputies were able to run to safety in a nearby orchard. The pickup truck collided with three unoccupied patrol vehicles, catching fire, and overturning in a nearby orchard.
Deputies rushed to Cueto-Aldaz and began life saving efforts. They were later relieved by paramedics, but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Cueto-Aldaz succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are reviewing footage from body-worn cameras and the helicopters. The department plans to release that footage in the near future. The California Highway Patrol responded to investigate the collision. No deputies or community members were injured as a result of this incident.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Darvin Summerton at 209-525-7032 or by email at DSummerton@stansheriff.com.
On Tuesday, June 1st, 2021, at approximately 10:35 pm, the California Highway Patrol began receiving multiple calls reporting a wrong way driver in a red Ford Focus travelling northbound in the southbound lanes of State Route 99 north of Lander Ave.
When officers arrived in the area, they located the vehicle stopped in the center median of southbound State Route 99 facing northbound just under the W Linwood Ave overpass. Officers approached the vehicle and noticed that the engine was running, the headlights were on, the transmission was in drive, and the driver was slumped over behind the wheel. Officers also noticed several empty beer bottles on the floorboard. Officers made several attempts to wake up the driver before he suddenly woke up and accelerated forward, failing to obey the orders of the officers to stop. The vehicle struck the front of the patrol vehicle before continuing to drive northbound in the southbound lanes.
About three minutes later, the vehicle was involved in a fiery head-on crash with gray Chevrolet Silverado just underneath the W Canal Dr overpass. California Highway Patrol officers arrived on scene immediately after the crash happened and requested assistance from the Turlock Police Department. American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34 were also dispatched.
When crews arrived on scene, they declared the wrong-way driver deceased after extricating him from the vehicle. He was identified as Marvin Hernandez, 44, of Daly City. The driver of the vehicle Hernandez struck, Luis Torres-Perez, 21, of Delhi, and his passenger, Emily Garcia, 20, of Turlock, both survived the crash and are expected to make it. Torres-Perez was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries and Garcia was transported to a local area hospital with major injuries.
The southbound lanes of State Route 99 were closed for several hours to conduct the investigation. Alcohol is suspected to be the primary collision factor.
On Sunday, May 30th, 2021, at approximately 1:45 am, the Denair Fire Protection District received a call of a working structure fire in the 3500 block of Fresno Ave. Units from Denair, Turlock Rural, Keyes, and Hughson Fire Protection Districts were dispatched as well as a member of the Stanislaus Fire Investigation Unit.
Denair Chief 2 was the first to arrive. Upon his arrival, he found a single story single family residence fully involved with power lines down. He was then told that there were two kids possibly stuck in the home. At that time, he immediately put crews into rescue mode and requested a second alarm which brought in units from the Turlock Fire Department as well as the Stanislaus Consolidated Fire Protection District. Crews began rescue efforts and made entry into a portion of the residence, but were forced to pull out due to heavy fire and collapsing roof.
Crews worked to extinguish the fire and upon doing so, located three victims deceased in the house. They have been ideified as Sergio Inostros Jr., 25, of Denair, Mason Mulgado, 8, of Denair, and Bennet Inostros, 3, of Denair. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded at that point to take over the investigation.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Detective Dalton Gonzalez at 209-595-8686.
On Monday, May 3rd, 2021, at approximately 12:35 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury hit and run vehicle collision in front of Turlock Auto Parts located at 430 Lander Ave where a pickup truck had struck a bicycle and fled the scene. Officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, and Squad 32.
While officers were responding to the scene, a caller reported that they were following the pickup westbound on Fulkerth Rd leaving town at high rates of speed. That caller continued to follow the pickup northbound on Crows Landing Rd until it rolled over near W Taylor Rd. The caller then reported that the driver leg bailed through a field in the area. Officers saturated the area and set up a perimeter but were unable to locate him.
Meanwhile, back at the original scene, the bicyclist, who was later identified as Juan Moralez, 50, of Turlock, was down on the ground not breathing. Paramedics and firefighters attempted to resuscitate him, but were unsuccessful in their efforts. He was pronounced deceased upon arrival at a local area hospital.
Throughout the course of the investigation, officers were able to identify the driver of the pickup as Francisco Javier Castellon-Gonzalez, 22, of Modesto. Castellon-Gonzalez was contacted and agreed to go to the Police Department for an interview. After the interview, Castellon-Gonzalez was placed under arrest and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of hit and run causing injury and vehicular manslaughter.
The preliminary investigation was a coordinated effort that lasted over 18 hours with members of the Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team, Special Investigations Unit, and Investigations Unit.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399 or by email at RFortado@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, at approximately 8:50 pm, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a shooting that had just occurred at Martha Ave and Seventh St in the community of Keyes. Sheriff’s deputies responded along with Keyes Fire Protection District Engine 40 and American Medical Response.
Keyes Fire personnel arrived on scene, later joined by American Medical Response, and began life-saving efforts on a teenage victim, identified as Evan Robinson, 16, of Modesto, who, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Sheriff’s deputies began their investigation and learned that several people were eating at nearby taco trucks when a fight broke out. At that point, shots began to be fired and Robinson was accidentally struck by them. Witnesses reported a silver car, possibly a Toyota Corolla, speeding away the scene. It is believed to be the suspect vehicle.
At some point during the investigation, detectives were able to identify Ruben Perez, 19, of Keyes, as a suspect. Detectives determined that Perez was on probation for aggravated assault and regularly attended classes at the Probation Department’s Day Reporting Center located on the same campus as the Sheriff’s Office. Detectives and other deputies set up at the Day Reporting Center on Wednesday, June 16th, 2021 and waited for Perez to arrive at one of his classes to take him into custody. At 1:30 pm, Perez arrived and was safely taken into custody by deputies. After being interrogated by detectives, Perez was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on one count of homicide.
At another point during the investigation, detectives were also able to identify Anthony Joseph Pando, 22, of Ceres, as another suspect. For an unknown reason, on Thursday, June 17th, 2021, at approximately 2:55 pm, the Medford Police Department in Oregon made contact with Pando during a traffic stop, and upon conducting a records check on him, revealed that he was wanted in connection to this case. They arrested Pando and booked him into their jail, awaiting extradition back to Stanislaus County.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective David Hickman at 209-525-7042 or by email at DHickman@stansheriff.com.
On Monday, April 12th, 2021, at approximately 1:50 pm, the California Highway Patrol received a call of an injury vehicle collision involving a Kubota utility vehicle and Ram pickup on N Washington Rd just north of W Taylor Rd. California Highway Patrol officers responded along with the Keyes Fire Protection District, Turlock Rural Fire Protection District, and American Medical Response.
American Medical Response arrived on scene first a few minutes after being dispatched and immediately pronounced the driver of the Kubota deceased. He was identified as Daniel Hernandez, 50, of Gustine.
The California Highway Patrol’s preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the Ram was travelling southbound on N Washington Rd approaching W Taylor Rd when he rear-ended the Kubota causing the driver to be ejected and the vehicle overturned into an adjacent orchard. Drugs or alcohol were not a factor in the collision.
The driver of the Ram, Eric Mays, 30, of Turlock, suffered minor injuries but declined medical aid. He was cooperative with officers and told them he was traveling approximately 35 miles per hour when the collision occurred.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Modesto office of the California Highway Patrol at 209-545-7440.
On Sunday, March 28th, 2021, at approximately 12:20 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision next to America’s Tire located at 3500 W Monte Vista Ave. Officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Squad 32, and Engine 34. The caller reported that a single vehicle had collided into a fire hydrant and irrigation box next to the business.
The first officer who arrived on scene located three occupants in the vehicle including a backseat passenger who was pinned and needed to be extricated. The Turlock Fire Department and American Medical Response arrived on scene shortly after and began extrication on the pinned passenger as well as life saving efforts on the other two occupants.
All occupants of the vehicle were transported to a local area hospital by ambulance where unfortunately, the driver, who was identified as William Shawn Pizarro, 19, of Newman, who was also a Aviation Machinist Mate in the Navy, succumbed to his injuries. The other two occupants, a 20-year old male and an 18-year old male suffered moderate non-life threatening injuries.
The investigation revealed that speed was a factor in the collision, but alcohol nor drugs were not.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399 or by email at RFortado@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Monday, March 22nd, 2021, at approximately 9:30 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an attempted suicide in the 1300 block of East Ave. The Turlock Police Department responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4 and Engine 33. The caller reported that her child, a 14 year old female shot herself in the head.
When the first officer arrived on scene, she located the child still breathing with a self inflicted gunshot wound to her head. Fire and medical units arrived on scene shortly after and immediately began lifesaving efforts. The child was loaded onto an ambulance and transported to a local area hospital accompanied by two Turlock firefighters. Unfortunately, despite all lifesaving efforts, the child succumbed to her injury.
In a statement, the Turlock Unified School District confirmed that the child was a student at Turlock High School and identified her as Emily Gonzalez, 14, of Turlock.
While on the subject, Turlock Area News would like to remind you that there is help available if you need it. You are not alone. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Turlock Police Department at 209-668-1200 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
On Monday, March 15th, 2021, at approximately 6:50 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision involving a pedestrian at W Monte Vista Ave and Dels Ln. The Turlock Police Department responded along with the Stanislaus State Police Department, American Medical Response, and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34.
The first arriving officer found an unresponsive 27 year old male with major injuries laying in the roadway. He and an off-duty firefighter began doing CPR until relieved by the first arriving fire unit. Once an ambulance arrived, the victim was immediately loaded onto it and transported to a local area hospital where he was later unfortunately pronounced deceased. He has been identified as Anthony Eric Gonzales, 27, of Merced.
The driver of the vehicle that struck him, a 41 year old female of Denair in a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe stayed on scene and was cooperative throughout the course of the investigation. At this point, alcohol, drugs, nor speed do not appear to be a factor in this collision.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Martin Marquez at 209-668-5550 extension 6761 or by email at MMarquez@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Saturday, March 6th, 2021, at approximately 7:15 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of a hit and run injury vehicle collision involving a bicycle on N Front St just north of Almond Ave. Turlock Police officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Squad 32, and Engine 34.
The first arriving officer located a male unconscious in the roadway with a major head injury. Paramedics and firefighters arrived on scene shortly after and began patient care. The victim was loaded onto an ambulance and transported to a local area hospital by American Medical Response accompanied by two Turlock Firefighters.
Officers began their investigation and speaking to witnesses. Witnesses reported that a dark gray 2014-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 struck the bicyclist and then fled the scene. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate a matching vehicle.
Later at the hospital, the victim, who was identified as Johnny Romo, 44, of Turlock, succumbed to his injuries. Officers are asking for your help in locating the suspect vehicle. It should be missing a passenger side mirror and turn signal and could possibly be at an auto body repair shop.
Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399 or by email at RFortado@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Monday, February 8th, 2021, at approximately 1:50 pm, the Turlock Police Department received multiple calls reporting an injury vehicle collision at N Golden State Blvd and W Monte Vista Ave where a train had struck an SUV. Turlock Police officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34.
When officers arrived on scene, they located a blue Subaru SUV with the driver laying unconscious on the floor next to his vehicle. Fire and medical units arrived on scene about a minute later and unfortunately pronounced the driver of the vehicle deceased. His identity is currently not being released, however, he was an 81 year old male of Turlock. This article will be updated once his name is released.
The Turlock Police Department’s preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle was traveling southbound on N Golden State Blvd when he attempted to make a westbound turn onto W Monte Vista Ave at the intersection. While attempting to make that turn, he was struck by a northbound Union Pacific freight train approximately 1,500 feet in length. The train pushed the vehicle approximately 300 feet north of the intersection where it rolled on its side. The train made an emergency stop and came to rest approximately 2,000 feet north of the intersection near Roberts Rd.
The railroad’s crossing signals and arms were working properly at the time of the collision. A Union Pacific spokesperson said that the train’s crew did not sustain any injuries. The Union Pacific Police Department also responded to conduct their own investigation.
There were no roadway closures as a result of this collision and the scene was cleared at approximately 4:30 pm.
On Wednesday, May 20th, 2020, at approximately 1:00 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of a shooting that had just occurred in the 4300 block of Cherry Blossom Ln. Officers responded and located a deceased male at the scene who had suffered a single gunshot wound. He was identified as Izrael Villegas, 18, of Turlock.
Detectives from the Investigations Unit were called out and conducted an investigation. Detectives learned that the motive for the shooting was drug related. Detectives worked leads which led to Robert Omar Branche, 22, of Modesto, Jose Carmona, 30, of Modesto, and Owen Ramos, 23, of, Modesto being identified as the suspects.
On January 5th, Branche was in the Stanislaus County Public Safety center on an unrelated charge. He was pulled out by detectives and interviewed regarding this investigation and later rebooked on murder and robbery charges.
On January 6th, Carmona was spotted in Modesto and later contacted in Oakdale where he was arrested. He was also booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on murder and robbery charges.
On March 10th, Owens voluntarily went to the Turlock Police Department and was subsequently arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on robbery charges.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319 or by email at FNavarro@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Monday, November 30th, 2020, at approximately 5:20 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision in front of the Venice Motel located at 1114 N Golden State Blvd. Officers were dispatched along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department.
Officers arrived on scene within minutes and located a 52-year old Hispanic male in the road that had suffered major injuries. Life saving measures were performed on scene by officers and paramedics. The patient was transported to a local area hospital by ambulance where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was notified and responded to the scene to handle the investigation. The investigation caused road closures for approximately five hours while investigators examined and collected evidence.
The investigation revealed that the driver of a 1994 Ford Van was travelling southbound on N Golden State Blvd when he struck the pedestrian who was walking westbound across the street. The driver remained on scene and was cooperative with police during their investigation. The department did have multiple recent contacts with the pedestrian where he was intoxicated, however, at this point, speed, alcohol, or drugs do not appear to be a factor in this collision.
The pedestrian has been identified by police as Lennie Hanslovan, 52, of Turlock.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Allen Samano at 209-668-5550 extension 6753 or by email at ASamano@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Monday, November 16th, 2020, at approximately 3:40 pm, the Turlock Police Department received multiple calls reporting that a male that had been shot multiple times in front of Liberty Tax Service located at 1607 Lander Ave. Officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Squad 32, and Engine 34. One caller stated that the victim was unconscious but breathing and another stated that the victim was conscious but having trouble staying conscious.
Officers arrived on scene within minutes and began rendering first aid to the victim, awaiting firefighters and paramedics’ arrival. When paramedics arrived on scene, they took over first aid and immediately placed the victim into their ambulance to start transporting him to a local hospital accompanied by two Turlock firefighters.
Detectives from both the Investigations Unit and Special Investigations Unit were called out to conduct an investigation. They remained on scene with patrol officers for about three hours canvassing the area for any other evidence they may find or witnesses who may have seen what happened. The victim’s vehicle, a white Toyota SUV, which the victim was shot just outside of, was towed as evidence and a search warrant was authored in hopes of finding more evidence inside the vehicle. The victim, who was identified as Joel Lopez Guzman, 39, from Turlock, succumbed to his injuries later at the hospital.
Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives were able to identify the suspect, Jeramie Hoover, 22, of Turlock. Detectives authored an arrest warrant for Hoover, which was approved. On January 7th, at approximately 3:15 pm, Hoover was located by the Okmulgee Police Department in Oklahoma. He was booked into their jail and will be extradited back to Stanislaus County soon.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jason Tosta at 209-664-7324 or by email at JTosta@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Sunday, November 8th, 2020, at approximately 5:20 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision involving two vehicles on Lander Ave just north of E Linwood Ave. The Turlock Police Department responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, and Engine 34.
Officers, firefighters, and paramedics all arrived on scene within minutes to find two vehicles that had collided resulting in four people suffering minor injuries and an 11 year old female unconscious suffering major injuries. Officers also discovered that the driver of one of the vehicles had fled the scene on foot. The 11 year old female was immediately loaded onto the first ambulance to arrive on scene and transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. The other four occupants were all loaded in to a second ambulance and also transported to a local hospital.
While officers were investigating this collision, they noticed a male down just south of their location. They went to him and he reported that he was sideswiped while riding his motorcycle and that the driver had failed to stop. An ambulance was requested for him and he was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries. It was later determined that the vehicle that had hit him was the same one involved in the original collision that the driver had leg bailed from.
The vehicle that the male had leg bailed from was a gray Ford SUV. The other vehicle involved was a red Honda sedan. Both vehicles sustained moderate to major damage. The motorcycle involved was a Harley Davidson that had suffered moderate damage.
The Turlock Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) was called out along with both Turlock and Modesto Police detectives to investigate the collision. The investigation caused roadway closures for nearly seven hours. Preliminary information shows that high speeds were a factor in these collisions. It is currently unknown if drugs or alcohol were involved.
The owner of the Ford SUV voluntarily went to the Turlock Police Department the following morning for an interview. He was identified as Josue Leyva, 25, of Turlock. After determining he was the driver of the vehicle at the time, he was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of vehicular manslaughter and multiple counts of felony hit and run.
The investigation remains on going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Officer Gregory Roton at 209-668-6536 or by email at GRoton@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Sunday, November 8th, 2020, at approximately 1:05 am, the California Highway Patrol received a call of an injury vehicle collision southbound State Route 99 just north of Gold Rd involving a sedan and a semi truck. The California Highway Patrol responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, and Engine 34.
Squad 32 arrived on scene at approximately 1:15 am, after the California Highway Patrol and American Medical Response. Captain 32 reported two vehicles involved with major damage to one. Captain 32 assumed command and put Squad 32 into the investigation mode. Fire crews were told by paramedics that there was a confirmed pin in and that they had already requested an air ambulance.
Fire crews worked to extricate the patient and when they successful got him out, found him not breathing and without a pulse. He was immediately declared deceased and the air ambulance was cancelled. Fire and medical crews both left at this time and left the California Highway Patrol to investigate.
During the preliminary investigation, California Highway Patrol Officers determined that the sedan, which was a gold Toyota Corolla, was travelling southbound in the #3 lane, at an unknown, but high rate of speed. They furthermore determined that the semi, which was a white Freightliner Cascadia, was travelling southbound in the #3 lane ahead of the sedan. The sedan then rear ended the semi causing major front end damage to it, instantly killing the driver.
The deceased’s name is currently not being released, pending family notification, however, was identified as a 25 year old male of Atwater. The semi was being driven by Brian Marie Moil, a 23 year old male of Lemoore. He did not sustain any injuries. It is currently unknown if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision.
On Sunday, September 20th, 2020, at approximately 9:45 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision involving a moped in the intersection of W Main St and N Washington Rd. The Turlock Police Department and American Medical Response responded, as well as the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Squad 32, and Engine 34.
Officers arrived on scene within two minutes to find a citizen doing CPR on the victim. Officers took over CPR until medical could arrive. Squad 32 arrived on scene at approximately 9:50 pm, as well as American Medical Response. Captain 32 assumed Main command and put Squad 32 in the investigation mode. Firefighters and paramedics began providing patient care, relieving officers from doing CPR. It was then determined that this was actually just out of city limits, so the California Highway Patrol and Turlock Rural Fire District were called out.
American Medical Response loaded the patient onto their ambulance and began the trip to a local hospital, with two Turlock firefighters on Squad 32 accompanying them to provide extra assistance with patient care.
The driver of the other vehicle remained on scene and was cooperative with police. The patient later died at the hospital. He was identified as Miguel Naranjo, 38, of Turlock. The moped did not have the proper lighting equipment to be driven on the road, as required by the California Vehicle Code.
On Monday, September 7th, 2020, at approximately 4:15 am, the Turlock Police Department received multiple calls reporting shots fired at the Days Inn located at 185 N Tully Rd. Officers arrived on scene within two minutes to hear shots still being fired, however, unknown from exactly where at the hotel. Witnesses reported seeing a white Acura possibly involved in the shooting taking off when officers arrived. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate it. Officers located a Hispanic male inside the hotel that had suffered a single gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries during surgery.
A second suspect was located on scene who was detained and brought in for questioning. After questioning, he was placed under arrest for attempted homicide, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, participating in gang activity, and assault with a deadly weapon. He has been identified as Miguel Saldate, 19, of Ceres. It is currently unknown if Saldate’s charges are associated with the death of the victim, and if so, why he was charged with attempted homicide rather than homicide.
The original suspect, that fled in the white Acura, was located and taken in for questioning by detectives on September 9th, 2020. He was then subsequently booked into Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of homicide, attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He has been identified as Juan Jose Cruz Jr., 19, of Modesto.
A third suspect was located on September 17th, 2020, shortly before 9:50 am at the Hamlet Motel located at 27101 State Route 33 in Newman. He lead officers on a short pursuit before abandoning his vehicle near State Route 33 and Anderson Rd and then bailing. After receiving assistance from the California Highway Patrol, Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Newman Police Department, he was located later that afternoon several miles away in the 100 block of 5th St in Crows Landing and taken in for questioning. He was subsequently arrested and booked into Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of homicide, attempted homicide, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, participating in gang activity, and felony evasion. He has been identified as Eric Rodriguez, 26, of Patterson.
Detectives are currently investigating and working leads on identifying other involved parties. This homicide has been confirmed as gang related. The victim has identified as Mario Meza, 26, of Modesto.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Tim Redd at 209-664-7325 or by email at TRedd@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Tuesday, August 4th, 2020, at approximately 1:00 am, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an aggravated assault in progress in the 200 block of Twentieth Century Blvd. Officers arrived on scene within a minute and located a Hispanic female inside a vehicle who had been hit by a bullet. She sustained life threatening injuries and was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
The actual shooting occurred in the 500 block of Twentieth Century Blvd but the victim had fled to the 200th block of Twentieth Century Blvd. The suspect had left the scene prior to officers’ arrival. The victim was mostly unresponsive, but was able to tell officers that the suspect was driving a dark maroon SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Tahoe with a bullet hole in the door. The victim was also able to identify the driver as a Hispanic male and the passenger as a Hispanic female.
The victim has been identified as Amythest Rochelle Cortez, 27, of Gustine. Unfortunately, later that day, herself and her unborn child both succumbed to their injuries.
Detectives have been working tirelessly on this case since the morning of the shooting. Early on in the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as Robert Penaloza Jr., 29, of Turlock. It was learned that he immediately fled the area and was believed to be in Mexico. An arrest warrant was issued for him.
The Turlock Police Department worked with the United States Marshals Service and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to locate the suspect. Information was received that he was possibly living in Tijuana, Mexico. The information was given to Mexico authorities who ultimately located and arrested him. He was turned over to the Marshals Service and returned to the United States a short time later on Thursday, April 8th, 2021, where he was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on two counts of homicide, one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle, one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, as well as two unrelated warrants with various charges.
The investigation is still on going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Brandon Bertram at 209-664-7323 or by email at BBertram@turlock.ca.us. You can also leave an anonymous tip at the Turlock Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
On Tuesday, July 7th, 2020, at approximately 1:20 am, Turlock Police received a call from Union Pacific advising that one of their trains had hit a pedestrian in the downtown area. Police, fire, and medical units rushed to the scene. Around 1:25 am, a police officer located a victim and confirmed that obvious signs of death were present.
The woman killed has been identified as Rayleen Ray, 37. The train engineer had seen Ray sitting on the tracks and trying to move off of them just prior to the collision.
Turlock Area News 