News

San Joaquin County Correctional Officer Arrested

Published

1 year 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

Two Injured in Downtown Assault

Published

2 months ago

February 11, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Police closed off a section of Tenth Street early Saturday Morning after a report of a stabbing that sent two victims to hospitals.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight at a nightclub near Tenth and J Streets. People leaving the area on foot who wished to remain unidentified said they were inside of the Rancho Fresco Cantina when they noticed what appeared to be a fight break out.

Two ambulances were called to the scene to treat the victims and take them to hospitals for care. At time of publication there was no word on either victim’s condition. Bloody clothing was left in a planter on Tenth Street and in the alleyway behind the businesses.

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

News

Officer Involved Shooting Investigated in Tracy

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Officers examine a corner of Mosswood Court Friday afternoon where an officer involved shooting took place.

TRACY – One person who was said to be armed with a knife was rushed to a hospital Friday afternoon after being shot by a police officer.

Shortly before 2:00pm officers were called to the area of Mosswood Court for a report of a person with a knife chasing another. During the encounter an arriving officer fired his gun at the person said to be armed with a knife.

Officials at the scene said the person shot was rushed to a hospital in unknown condition. They had identified that person but were holding that information for a proper time.

The neighborhood was closed off while investigators responded to determine what took place.

No other injuries were reported.

News

Aircraft Emergency Investigation Closes Mitchell Bridge

Published

2 months ago

January 18, 2023

Carlos Rodriguez

Emergency personnel examine a crashed airplane near the Mitchel Road Bridge Wednesday afternoon.

MODESTO – An investigation into an aircraft emergency closed the northbound lanes of the Mitchell Road Bridge Wednesday afternoon.

At about 1:00pm emergency crews were dispatched to the fields east of the Mitchell Road Bridge north of the Tuolumne River for a report of a plane crash.

Arriving rescuers found a plane crashed face down into the ground near a group of trees. One person was deceased in the aircraft according to an official at the scene.

One witness at the scene said he was driving down Hatch Road when he noticed the plane at an awkward angle, but thought nothing of it at first.

No cause of the crash or estimated time of opening for Mitchell Road was available at time of publication.