News

Domestic Abuse Investigation Leads to Discovery of Puppy Mill

Published

1 year ago

May 20, 2022

MODESTO – Detectives with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit served a warrant on a property in relation to a domestic abuse case, leading to the discovery of nearly 150 dogs inside a duplex Thursday afternoon.

The incident happened at a property near the intersection of Roselawn and South Avenues. Investigators were in the process of serving a warrant related to the investigation that began April 30th.

The victim in the case allegedly suffered burns from a butane torch, was beaten with an ash tray, and even had a shock collar placed on her. She was able to escape and call for help. According to a neighbor, several deputies in patrol cars arrived at the home and called for someone to come out of the home, but later left. The neighbor said he saw the resident exit the home at a later time. Authorities opted not to confront the suspect that time to reduce the chances of a violent outcome.

Detectives with the Special Investigations Unit picked up the case and arrested 38 year old Nicholas Dean Baugh at his mother’s house in Modesto.

The puppies were discovered as detectives served the warrant on the duplex. A fire briefly ignited at the home, but was quickly extinguished by deputies. Firefighters with Burbank-Paradise Fire Department responded to ensure the fire was completely out.

Nearly 150 dogs were found in the home. One of them died as a result of the fire, which was said to have started on the stove.

Baugh was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on several charges including domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, torture, rooster fighting, and 146 counts of animal abuse. A hold was also placed on his bail, indicating if funds for bail come from suspected criminal activity, they would not be accepted.

News

Homicide Investigated on Anne Street

Published

3 days ago

September 23, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

STOCKTON – Authorities investigated a fatal shooting late Saturday morning in a South Stockton neighborhood.

Shortly before noon, officers responded to the area of Anne and Tenth Streets for a report of a person shot. Arriving officers found a 40 year old man who had been shot. Medical personnel pronounced the victim deceased.

Detectives took over the investigation, and no suspect information was available Saturday.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Police at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Sheriff’s Investigation Closes Highway 33

Published

3 days ago

September 22, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

STANISLAUS COUNTY – An investigation conducted by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office closed down Highway 33 just outside the City of Newman Friday night.

Highway 33 between Stuhr and Anderson Roads was closed due to a large law enforcement presence. Early reports indicate a pursuit involving an armed suspect with shots fired, however no details have been released by officials.

Several witnesses in the area said they saw several law enforcement vehicles speeding up the highway with lights and sirens, followed by several booms from a nearby orchard.

Several agencies were on scene including Newman and Ceres Police Departments, California Highway Patrol and Merced County Sheriff’s Office. Some officials stated they came from as far as Los Banos due to the severity of the situation.

One ambulance was seen leaving the scene with lights and siren, presumably with the involved suspect.

Further details will be released as they are made available.

News

Murder-Suicide Attempt Claims Life of Child

Published

3 months ago

July 13, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – A man shot and killed an eight year old girl before turning the gun on himself Wednesday evening, according to officials with the Modesto Police Department.

Shortly before 7:00pm, officers were dispatched to a home on the 3700 block of Havenhurst Court for a report of a suicidal person. Arriving officers saw the person through the window of the home armed with a gun. After officers attempted to communicate, the person told officers he was going to come out of the home unarmed.

Before the man exited, officers heard gunfire from inside the residence. Additional officers and deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist. When police entered the home they found 50 year old Donovan Halstead suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Halstead’s eight year old daughter was also found shot in the home. Emergency responders tried to save her life, but she died from her injuries.

Halstead was taken to a hospital but was not expected to survive.

Officials with the Violent Crimes Unit responded to take over the investigation.