RIVERBANK – Authorities with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Modesto man on charges related to a homicide that took place Thursday night.
At about 9:45pm, deputies were called to the Applebee’s restaurant on Claribel Road for a report of a person down in the parking lot after a shooting. The victim, identified as 40 year old Salvador Ramos of Riverbank, was rushed to a hospital by ambulance. Authorities said Ramos suffered multiple life-threatening gunshot wounds and was in grave condition. He underwent surgery but later died of his injuries.
According to a press release, the suspect was believed to have fled the area in a vehicle. That vehicle was quickly spotted by the Sheriff’s Air Support Unit near Oakdale Road and Sylvan Avenue. Patrol deputies later caught up to the vehicle near Peppermint Drive and conducted a high risk traffic stop. Jonathan Alexander Ray, 28, was detained without incident. Authorities said he was in possession of a firearm.
Detectives responded to investigate the incident, closing off much of the restaurant parking lot. They believe a dispute took place inside the bar of the restaurant shortly before the shooting took place. The circumstances of the dispute were still under investigation. The area was packed with families celebrating recent graduations when the shooting occurred, officials said. Investigators were still reviewing surveillance video and witness statements as of Friday morning.
One witness said they heard the altercation and gunshots, followed by screaming. They then ran in the opposite direction in fear of being shot themselves. Videos submitted to us by viewers on condition of anonymity showed a dispute taking place at the bar of the restaurant. Another video showed a man shouting in the parking lot shooting a firearm close to Claribel Road.
No other injuries were reported, and there were no additional suspects in the case, authorities said.
Ray was booked without bail on charges of homicide and assault with a deadly weapon.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Martin at (209) 525-7093, or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.
Carlos Rodriguez is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist specializing in public safety and natural disasters. His passion for local news stems from a deep commitment to his community, with a selfless mission to inform the citizens of the valley. As he worked on assignment for 19 days at the devastating Camp Fire in Paradise, California, he spent most of his time helping survivors contact their loved ones to let them know they were ok. Carlos is a veteran of Univision, FOX, and Telemundo TV stations and a native of Modesto, California.
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.
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.
MODESTO – Highway 99 traffic was stalled Thursday night by a crash near Briggsmore Avenue.
The crash happened at about 9:15pm on the southbound lanes, with early reports indicating a sedan and pickup truck were both involved in the crash. At least one of them was reported overturned with major damage.
CalTrans was requested to assist with a hard closure and traffic was diverted off the highway. Sweepers were called to help clean a large amount of debris. At least one vehicle was towed for evidence in the investigation.
At publication time there was no update on extent of injuries.