News

Fire at Homeless Camp Investigated as Homicide

Published

3 years ago

July 8, 2022

STOCKTON – A fire at a homeless camp that claimed the life of a man and critically injured a woman was investigated as a homicide Thursday afternoon.

At about 5:30pm Thursday officers with the Stockton Police Department responded to Mormon Slough near Airport Way after two burn victims were found. A 35 year old man and 40 year old woman were critically burned and airlifted to UC Davis medical center where the man died from his injuries. The woman was said to be critical Friday afternoon according to Officer Joseph Silva, a police department spokesman.

Investigators discovered that a woman found both victims in a tent and poured an accelerant on it before setting it on fire and walking away.

“The suspect had no regard for human life,” Officer Silva said. Both victims suffered severe burn injuries. He described the suspect as being a girlfriend of the male victim.

A neighboring camper described the victim as his best friend who he had known for two decades. He said the woman suspect had previously harassed the male victim’s life, and followed through with her threats on Thursday.

No arrests have been made in the case as of Friday, and the case remains an active investigation, but authorities are urging anyone with information to call police at (209) 937-8377 or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Published

3 weeks ago

April 2, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

Photo: Turlock Police Department

TURLOCK – A Turlock Police Officer was injured when he was involved in a crash while trying to stop a speeding vehicle Tuesday.

The crash happened in the area of Palm Street and Hawkeye Avenue. The officer, whom authorities identified as Gavin Allison, had his lights and sirens on as he was trying to catch up to a speeding driver when he was involved in a collision with another motorist.

Officer Allison suffered moderate injuries that required stitches to his arm and leg, but is expected to make a full recovery. The other motorist involved in the crash was not injured. Drugs or alcohol do not appear to be a factor in the crash.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Officer Rocha at (209) 668-5550 extension 6130.

News

Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

Published

4 weeks ago

March 24, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Emergency crews responded to a report of a vehicle collision on Claus Road Monday morning.

The crash was reported near the area of Claus Road and Cedar Creek Drive at about 8:00am. Early reports indicate a pickup truck and another vehicle collided before the pickup hit a tree.

Arriving personnel reported one motorist appeared to have a broken leg.

Expect momentary traffic delays in the area.

News

Merced County Crash Claims Lives of Ceres Man, Child

Published

4 weeks ago

March 23, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MERCED COUNTY – A 20 year old woman was arrested early Saturday morning on charges of DUI and vehicular manslaughter after a crash claimed the lives of two people.

The crash was reported at about 12:19am on Highway 165 near Turner Avenue. According to California Highway Patrol, 20 year old Melissa Rosales of Los Banos was driving a BMW SUV at high speeds south on Highway 165 when she crossed lanes at a curve. Her vehicle crashed into an oncoming Honda Accord driven by a 41 year old man from Ceres with a juvenile passenger. Both occupants of the Honda were killed in the crash.

Rosales suffered major injuries and was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Officials say she was under the influence at the time of the crash and faces DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges.

All involved persons were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.