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Police Make Arrest in Modesto Homicide

Published

4 years ago

December 18, 2020

Gaby Muro

Darren Womack Booking Photo - Modesto Police Department

MODESTO – Police on Friday announced the arrest of a man in connection to a homicide that took place on December 14th.

Darren Womack, 24, was arrested for the murder of 18 year old Lisandro Mendez. The incident took place shortly before 10:30pm on the 1600 block of Larkin Avenue. Womack is also facing burglary and gun enhancement charges.

Police responded to the home Monday night to find Mendez inside of a home who was shot at least once. Officers began providing aid until medics arrived to take over and transport the victim to a hospital. Mendez was later pronounced deceased.

Police searched the area after a possible involved vehicle was found crashed near Oregon Drive and Thrasher Avenue. Authorities found evidence of a possible connection to the shooting, and used a K-9 to conduct a search. The search led them to a residence on the 500 block of Kerr Avenue, however authorities are still unsure of the connection to the people who were contacted there.

About a half hour later, police received a report of a second shooting victim that arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound. Police said that person appeared to be connected to the shooting, and were expected to survive their injuries.

No further details were released on Friday.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

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News

Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

Published

3 days 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 days 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.

News

Highway Traffic Stalled by Overturned Vehicles

Published

6 days ago

March 20, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

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.