News

San Joaquin County Correctional Officer Arrested

Published

3 years ago

December 2, 2021

Photo: San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office

STOCKTON – A San Joaquin County Correctional Officer was arrested and charged following an internal investigation based on sexual assault allegations.

The investigation stemmed from a report made in July according to a release from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office. Details surrounding the investigation were not released, but the involved officer, Alex Tafoya, was placed on administrative leave.

“Based on the findings of our investigation, the case was forwarded to the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office for their review,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Tafoya was arraigned on Thursday and remanded into custody. He was booked on charges including oral copulation by force, sexual penetration by force, false imprisonment by violence fraud or deceit, and assault by a police officer.

“When allegations of this nature are brought to our attention, we take them extremely seriously,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “Conduct of this nature is a dishonor to our Office, the Oath that we take, and the badge that we wear.”

Tafoya is expected to remain in custody throughout his trial.

News

Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Published

4 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.