RIVERBANK – Two schools were placed on lockdown after a threat was found written on a bathroom wall Friday afternoon.
Deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to Riverbank High School after a threatening message was found written on the wall of a bathroom stall.
One mother who waited outside for her son to be released from the high school shared a photo that was sent to her through a message from her son. The message read “I’m shooting this school up at lunch Be Ready” with a smiley face drawn below.
The woman said her son was frustrated with the situation, but she understood that authorities had to take it serious.
Several patrol cars were parked in front of and around the school while deputies worked to ensure there was no threat on campus.
Meanwhile down the road at California Avenue Elementary School, dozens of parents stood outside waiting to pick up their children. Deputies were also present at the school, one using a loud speaker to announce which classes were being released in both English and Spanish.
In a social media post authorities said all threats were unfounded, and many of the rumors were circulated by students.
“Please know we are working diligently to investigate any threats and to ensure the safety of our community,” the post said.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, 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.
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.
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.
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.