News

Turlock Man Charged With Contacting Minor For Sex

Published

8 months ago

September 5, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Santiago Cornejo - Turlock Police Department

TURLOCK – Police investigators arrested a man Thursday on charges of contacting a minor for sex.

Santiago Cornejo, 21, was arrested by Turlock Police Detectives after they received a report that Cornejo had contacted and met a 13-year-old for sexual activity.

Police first learned of the incident on August 31st, when they learned that Cornejo had allegedly had inappropriate interactions with an underage girl for two weeks. Police say Cornejo had met her at a gas station in Denair, and kept contact through Snapchat. Police say the two had occasional meetings, and they believe there may be additional victims.

Investigators contacted Cornejo at his home Thursday and took him to the police department where he was arrested on three counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14, and three counts of arranging a meeting with a minor under the age of 18 with the intent to engage in sexual conduct.

Detectives are asking anyone with any information regarding this case, or any additional victims, to come forward.

“The Turlock Police Department remains steadfast in our fight against child exploitation and is dedicated to protecting the safety and wellbeing of children in Turlock and the surrounding communities,” said Detective Giovacchini in a statement. “Ensuring the safety of our youth from predators is our top priority.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call (209) 668-6539, or the tip line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780.

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.