News

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Releases Shooting Video

Published

5 years ago

September 3, 2020

MARIPOSA – Authorities released a video Wednesday detailing a shooting involving a deputy and an armed suspect on August 28th.

The bodycam video shows the deputy arriving at the suspect’s property on the 4000 block of Dawn Road to serve a restraining order. After initially contacting the deputy, the resident goes back into the home. Moments later he appears behind the home armed with a rifle and engages the deputy in a shootout.

The deputy was able to return fire and strike the suspect in the shoulder. The deputy retreated to a safe distance and was able to call for help.

The suspect fled to a storage container on the property and barricaded himself inside. Shortly before 8:00pm the suspect’s adult son called 911 saying he and his elderly mother were still inside the home. They were safely evacuated by authorities.

Residents in the area were asked to shelter in place as they attempted to apprehend the suspect.

Shortly before 10:00pm the suspect, identified as Douglas Popke, was taken into custody. He was airlifted to a valley hospital for treatment of his gunshot wound.

The deputy was not injured and was placed on administrative leave while the incident was investigated.

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Carlos Rodriguez

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.

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News

Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Published

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months 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.