Category Archives: Rescue

Officers rescue submerged teen from Turlock High swimming pool Friday night

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On Friday, August 19th, 2022, at 11:50 pm, the Turlock Fire Department, Turlock Police Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a rescue at Turlock High School, 1600 E Canal Dr, Turlock, after it had been reported that a teenager had drowned and was submerged at the bottom of the swimming pool with his friends unable to get him out.

Officers were the first to arrive on scene and immediately sprung into action, entering the pool, removing the teen, and beginning chest compressions on him. Firefighters and paramedics arrived on scene shortly thereafter and took over chest compressions, eventually ground transporting him to a local hospital.

It’s currently unknown how exactly the teen had drowned and become submerged, however, he was a runaway hanging out with his friends, at least one of which was also a runaway. The group had unlawfully gained access to the school’s closed swimming pool by unknown means.

The teen’s status remains unknown.

The investigation remains on-going.

Four injured after two vehicles crash into two layers of fencing of a residence Wednesday night

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On Wednesday, May 25th, 2022, at 10:50 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in the 400 block of West Ave S, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they found two vehicles involved which had crashed into two layers of fencing of a residence. One was a silver Ford sedan while the other was a black Nissan pickup truck.

There were a total of four patients, three adults who suffered moderate injuries and one juvenile who suffered minor injuries. The driver of the black Nissan pickup truck was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by firefighters. It’s currently unclear which were transported to the hospital and which weren’t.

Both vehicles sustained major damage and were deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring them to be towed away.

It’s currently unknown how the collision occurred.

UPDATE: Good Samaritan from April 14th vehicle fire identified

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On Tuesday, April 26th, 2022, at 3:21 pm, the Turlock Police Department came out with an update regarding the vehicle fire that occurred on Thursday, April 14th, 2022 at 250 D St, Turlock.

The man who saved the victim from the burning vehicle came forward after being urged to do so by a friend who learned of his courageous actions, however, he asked to not be named.

“We were honored to have met and been able to personally thank this hero who risked his own life for another,” said Detective Brandon Bertram. “He saved the victim’s life with no regard for his own safety and well-being. The man said he just knew it was the right thing to do. He refused our repeated requests to recognize him publicly for his bravery and heroism,” he continued.

The victim is currently in a medically induced coma, recovering from his injuries.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, however, arson remains unsuspected at this time.

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.

Original Article

Good samaritan saves man in burning vehicle early Thursday morning

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On Thursday, April 14th, 2022, at 12:09 am, the Turlock Fire Department was dispatched to a reported vehicle fire at 250 D St, Turlock.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a fully involved Chevrolet sedan. Firefighters began fire attack and were able to quickly extinguish the fire, keeping it contained to only the vehicle.

A victim suffering third-degree burns was located nearby. He was airlifted by PHI Air Medical Services to a regional burn center. Surgery was performed and he is currently in critical but stable condition.

The Turlock Police Department and Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit responded to the scene to conduct an arson investigation. At this point in time, this does not appear to be an arson, however, the investigation remains on-going and that is subject to change at any time. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Surveillance footage obtained by detectives showed that the victim had originally been in the back seat of the vehicle and had been pulled out by a good samaritan while the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. The good samaritan did not remain on scene and detectives are asking that they come forward to provide a statement.

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.

Transient woman left locked in Rite Aid Monday night

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On Monday, March 7th, 2022, at 10:44 pm, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a commercial alarm at Rite Aid, 653 N Golden State Blvd, Turlock, after several motion activations were received from inside the business.

When officers arrived on scene and peeked through the windows, they saw a well known female transient walking around inside the store. When she noticed them, she came to the windows and made a motion with her arms that she was stuck.

A keyholder responded to the scene to unlock the doors and let her out.

She consented to a quick patdown to make sure she had not stolen anything, and nothing was found. She was released.

It is currently unknown where she was in the store when she got locked in and how no one noticed her.

Tree falls onto two vehicles, traps and injures one Wednesday night

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On Wednesday, December 15th, 2021, at 11:09 pm, the Turlock Fire Department, Turlock Police Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported rescue at Broadway Park, 501 N Broadway, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they found a large tree that had fallen onto two vehicles, a gray Volvo sedan and a gray GMC SUV.

Both vehicles were parked on the side of the road. The gray Volvo sedan had one occupant who suffered minor injuries but refused to be transported to the hospital. He was trapped in the vehicle and had to be extricated by fire personnel. The gray GMC SUV had two occupants, both of which were uninjured.

Both vehicles sustained moderate damage.

The tree weighed an estimated four thousand pounds. City crews responded to clean up the mess it caused. They were on scene for several hours.

High winds at the time are the suspected culprits that caused the tree to fall.

One injured, seven displaced after house fire Thursday evening

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On Thursday, December 9th, 2021, at 7:27 pm, the Turlock Fire Department, Modesto Fire Department, Turlock Police Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported residential working structure fire at a residence in the 300 block of Alaska St, Turlock.

As crews were responding to the scene, they could see a large column of smoke in the sky from several miles away.

When crews arrived on scene, they found a single story single family dwelling fully involved. Crews worked in the defensive strategy for a while, trying to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent homes, as interior fire attack was too dangerous.

Crews eventually moved into the offensive strategy and entered the home once it was safe, finally putting the fire out.

After the fire was put out, crews still remained on scene for several hours conducting overhaul and other post fire activites.

One victim suffered moderate burn injuries. He was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital.

A total of seven residents were displaced due to the fire, five adults and two children. They were provided assistance by the American Red Cross.

The Turlock Irrigation District and Pacific Gas and Electric responded to secure utilities. American Medical Response provided firefighter and patient care, and the Turlock Police Department provided traffic control, while the Modesto Fire Department and Turlock Rural Fire Protection District provided city coverage while this incident was on-going.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119.

One dead, one injured in early Sunday morning freeway rollover

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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.

Human trafficking victim rescued, suspect arrested Thursday

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On Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, the Turlock Police Department became aware of a possible juvenile human trafficking victim that was believed to be frequenting the Turlock area. The juvenile was considered to be at high risk based on the circumstances in the missing person report.

Officers with the department’s Special Investigations Unit immediately began collaborating with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to locate the victim.

The following day, on Thursday, October 7th, 2021, officers were able to locate the victim in the 100 block of N Tully Rd, Turlock, and rescue them. Officers were also able to arrest the suspect, Angelo Gabriel Fuentes, 22, of Hayward.

The victim was released to Child Protective Services and arrangements are being made to return them back home. Fuentes was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of human trafficking, child abuse, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Monica Maschal at 209-664-7347.

Woman injured after vehicle rolls off of freeway Tuesday evening

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On Tuesday, October 5th, 2021, at 7:54 pm, 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 south of W Taylor Rd, Turlock.

Crews located a single vehicle involved upon their arrival, a silver Chevrolet sedan. It was laying on its side at the bottom of an embankment just east of the freeway.

The vehicle’s only occupant, its driver, suffered minor injuries and was ground transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response after firefighters assisted with getting her out of the vehicle.

The vehicle sustained moderate damage and was deemed inoperable as a result of the collision, requiring it to be towed away.

It is currently unknown how the collision occurred.

Woman dead after drunk husband causes vehicle to roll off of freeway Thursday night

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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.

Dogs rescued from burning home Saturday evening

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On Saturday, September 25th, 2021, at 5:53 pm, the Turlock Fire Department, Modesto Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported residential working structure fire at a residence in the 800 block of N Broadway, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they found moderate amounts of smoke coming from the residence and confirmed that there was a working fire in the interior. Crews worked in the offensive strategy and quickly brought the fire under control, putting it out shortly thereafter. Crews were able to contain the fire to the kitchen.

During search efforts inside the residence, crews did not locate any humans, however, did locate two dogs. They were brought out to safety and were unharmed by the fire.

The Turlock Irrigation District as well as Pacific Gas and Electric Company responded to the scene to secure utilities, while American Medical Response responded to provide firefighter and patient care. The Modesto Fire Department and Turlock Rural Fire Protection District provided city coverage while this incident was on-going.

The fire’s cause is suspected to be an electrical issue in the kitchen, however, that is yet to have been confirmed and still remains under investigation. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119.

Two suffer major injuries in Wednesday afternoon vehicle collision

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On Wednesday, September 1st, 2021, at 1:49 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported vehicle collision with injuries in front of Crane Terrace Apartments, 1318 E Canal Dr, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they located three vehicles involved. One was a blue Ford muscle car, another was a gray Toyota sedan, and the last was a silver Toyota pickup truck. The driver of the blue Ford muscle car, a 68-year old male, was ejected from the vehicle and thrown onto the ground. He was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with major injuries. The passenger of the blue Ford muscle car, a 52-year old female, was pinned in the vehicle and had to be extricated by fire personnel. Once she was extricated, she was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with major injuries. The other two vehicles were parked and unoccupied.

Officers began their investigation and determined that the blue Ford muscle car was traveling eastbound on E Canal Dr approaching Bell St at a high rate of speed, when for an unknown reason, it struck the right rear of the gray Toyota sedan which was parked on the left side of the road. It then struck a tree, which pushed it into a silver Toyota pickup truck where it came to final rest.

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.

Four injured in Sunday evening vehicle collision

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On Sunday, August 1st, 2021, at 7:03 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 West Ave S and High St, Turlock.

When crews arrived on scene, they located two vehicles involved. One was a sedan and the other was a pickup truck. There were a total of four patients, all of whom suffered minor injuries. One of the patients was stuck and had to be extricated. At least two patients were ground transported to a local hospital by American Medical Response.

Witnesses reported that the sedan was traveling northbound on West Ave S approaching High St and that the pickup truck was traveling westbound on High St approaching West Ave S, when for an unknown reason, the pickup truck either failed to stop at the stop sign or pulled out in front of the sedan, causing the collision.

Three perish in early Sunday morning house fire

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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.

Firefighters rescue ducklings from storm drain Sunday afternoon

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On Sunday, May 2nd, 2021, at approximately 3:30 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of an animal rescue at Niagra St and W Monte Vista Ave. Engine 33 was dispatched.

Engine 33 arrived on scene a few minutes later and found a mother duck standing next to a storm drain that a majority of her ducklings had fallen into. Fire Captain Shaun Walker and Firefighter Lance Bickle immediately hopped into action and rescued the ducklings from the nasty smelling drain, reuniting them with their mother.

Cat rescued from mobile home fire Tuesday night

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On Tuesday, April 6th, 2021, at approximately 9:05 pm, the Turlock Fire Department received a call of a working structure fire at Western View Mobile Home Ranch located at 1400 N Tully Rd. The Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, Engine 33, and Engine 34 responded along with the Ceres Fire Department’s Battalion 3 and Engine 15.

The first arriving fire unit located a mobile home with smoke showing. They immediately made entry and began fire attack. Other units began arriving on scene and assisting. The occupants were able to safely get out, however, their cat, who was named Cat was left behind. The Ceres Fire Department’s Battalion Chief, who is an animal lover, found Cat hiding underneath a sofa and rescued her.

The fire was brought under control within a short amount of time and extinguished shortly thereafter. One occupant of the home was transported to a local area hospital by American Medical Response to be treated for minor smoke inhalation. The Turlock Irrigation District as well as Pacific Gas and Electric responded to secure utilities.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Anyone with information regarding this fire is encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mark Gomez at 209-669-2119 or by email at MGomez@turlock.ca.us.

Firefighters extricate collision victim Thursday evening

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On Thursday, April 8th, 2021, at approximately 8:00 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision at N Golden State Blvd and East Ave. Officers responded along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department’s Battalion 4, Engine 31, and Squad 32.

The first officer on scene reported two vehicles involved with two occupants still in one of the vehicles. The driver was able to get out but the passenger was not. Fire crews arrived on scene shortly after and began extricating the pinned passenger. Once the pinned passenger was extricated, herself and the driver were both transported to a local area hospital with minor to moderate injuries.

Both vehicles sustained moderate to major damage and had to be towed away from the scene. The roadway was cleared approximately an hour later.

Man escapes injury in Monday night rollover collision with wires down

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On Monday, April 5th, 2021, at approximately 9:50 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of a rollover injury vehicle collision at Fulkerth Rd and N Washington Rd. 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 units found a pickup truck on its side with its driver, who was the only occupant, sitting on top to avoid electrocution due to hitting a power pole and some wires. The Turlock Irrigation District responded and secured the power which made it safe for the driver to get off of his vehicle. Once off, he was checked out and had no injuries.

The collision caused a power outage in the area. The roadway was blocked for an extended period of time to allow for Turlock Irrigation District crews to work on fixing the power lines and restoring power. It’s unknown at this point how the collision occurred or if speed, alcohol, or drugs were a factor.

Man injured in rollover collision Saturday evening

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On Saturday, December 26th, 2020, at approximately 6:00 pm, the Turlock Police Department received a call of an injury vehicle collision on N Washington Rd in between Fulkerth Rd and W Main St. Turlock Police officers responded along with California Highway Patrol officers, American Medical Response, and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Squad 32, and Engine 34.

When officers arrived, they found a vehicle rolled over in the northbound lane of N Washington Rd just south of the Canal. When they got out to investigate, they discovered that the occupant was still stuck in the vehicle. The fire department arrived shortly after and began working on extracting the driver, who was the only occupant. An air ambulance was requested due to his condition being unknown, however, later cancelled after he was removed from the vehicle. The driver was transported by American Medical Response to a local area hospital. His condition remains unknown.

Freeway crash injures man early Sunday morning

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On Sunday, December 19th, 2020, at approximately 2:00 am, the California Highway Patrol Merced Communications Center received a call of an injury vehicle collision in the area of State Route 99 and W Main St. Modesto Area CHP officers were dispatched along with American Medical Response and the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, and Engine 34.

Squad 32 arrived approximately 5 minutes after dispatched. Captain 32 reported a single vehicle on its side in the grass directly underneath the overpass with one patient still inside. Captain 32 assumed command in the investigation mode.

It was discovered that the patient was entrapped in the vehicle. Crews on Squad 32 used stabilization struts and heavy extrication equipment to free the patient. After being freed, he was transported by American Medical Response to a local area hospital with moderate injuries.

The California Highway Patrol in a statement said that Leonel Dias, 24, of Ceres, was driving his 2001 GMC SUV northbound on State Route 99 approaching W Main St. For unknown reasons, Dias allowed his vehicle to leave the east edge of the roadway. The vehicle then struck the metal bridge rail, continued down an embankment, where it came to rest in the grass just north of W Main St underneath the overpass. The California Highway Patrol further stated that the driver was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the collision and drugs and/or alcohol did not play a role in the collision.

Man killed in early morning freeway collision on Sunday

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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.

Turlock Firefighters rescue trapped rollover victim early Sunday morning

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On Sunday, October 18th, 2020, at approximately 3:10 am, the California Highway Patrol received a call of an injury vehicle collision with a vehicle rolled over into a ditch northbound State Route 99 just south of Lander Ave. The California Highway Patrol, Turlock Police Department, American Medical Response responded as well as the Turlock Fire Department with Battalion 4, Engine 31, Squad 32, and Engine 34.

The first to arrive on scene was a Turlock Police unit just before 3:15 am. Battalion 4 also arrived shortly thereafter, just before 3:20 am. Battalion 4 assumed command and put his units in the investigation mode. Once crews discovered that there was a trapped pin-in victim, they began rescue operations to remove the victim. American Medical Response asked for an air ambulance, so CALSTAR was dispatched. The Turlock Fire Department handled air operations and set up a landing zone at the Turlock Airpark.

The victim was safely removed from the vehicle at about 3:50 am and assessed. Paramedics determined that there were no major injuries or deformities that required the victim to be airlifted, so CALSTAR was cleared to return back to their base. The victim was transported by American Medical Response and the California Highway Patrol remained on scene to continue their investigation. The scene was cleared shortly thereafter and the roadway was reopened.