News
Update: Merced Man Charged With Homicide in Fatal Hit and Run
MODESTO – Authorities arrested a 39 year old Merced man on homicide charges after the intentional hit and run of two pedestrians claimed the life of one early Wednesday morning.
Shortly after midnight police were called to the area of Maze Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr Drive for a report of a person hit by a vehicle.
Officers arriving at the scene located a man and woman who were both struck by a vehicle. A woman was found in the alley behind the convenience store at the intersection. A man who was also struck and injured crawled toward the front of the store for help.
The 61 year old woman who was found in the alley next to a tent was unresponsive. Police officers began performing CPR on her until medics arrived. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. The 30 year old male victim was also taken to a hospital by ambulance and was taken straight into treatment. Officials believe both victims may be related but as of late Wednesday morning those details had not been confirmed.
Authorities believed a possible argument had led up to the incident according to Lieutenant Chris Adams. Witness accounts indicated the act appeared intentional, the Lieutenant explained. Police were also reviewing surveillance video.
One witness who declined to be identified said he saw the vehicle strike a person, back up and then hit them again. He explained he then saw the vehicle drive away from the area.
Police officers closed off the alleyway with crime scene tape as detectives and crime scene technicians responded to investigate and gather evidence.
While officers worked the scene, a police cadet spotted a vehicle nearby matching the description. The cadet, identified as Mason Lewis, followed the vehicle and guided patrol officers to its location. Officers were able to stop the vehicle and detain the driver, identified as Cruz Diaz, to be interviewed.
Cadet Lewis has been with the department since his signing up as an explorer and is on his way to the police academy Lieutenant Adams said.
The Nissan sedan suspected of being involved in the crash was seized as evidence by police. There was visible damage on the vehicle and it was missing a mirror. The front passenger tire was flat.
Diaz was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail on homicide charges.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Booza at boozag@modestopd.com or Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.
An officer provides aid to the victim of a hit and run behind the A&M Market 
Officers provide aid to a 30 year old man who was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning. 
The vehicle officers seized after a fatal hit and run near the A&M Market. 
Officers close off the alley where a fatal hit and run occurred Wednesday morning.
STOCKTON – A 41 year old man was arrested by authorities in connection to a homicide that took place on February 14th of this year.
Shortly before 3:00am that morning, police officers responded to the 600 block of North El Dorado Street for a report of a person down. Arriving officers located a 60 year old man who was suffering from stab wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Throughout the course of the investigation, authorities were able to identify and arrest 41 year old Robert Lee Sandoval Friday in connection to the case. He was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail without possibility of bail on a murder charge.
Sandoval is due in San Joaquin County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon.
-
Government3 years agoPolitical Candidate Signs Damaged, Defaced in Ceres
-
Traffic3 years agoChild Airlifted From Ceres Car Crash
-
News2 years agoStockton Amber Alert Suspect Now Wanted for Murder
-
News3 years agoStabbing Investigated in South Modesto
-
News2 years agoStabbing Investigated at Orangeburg Motel
-
News2 years agoCeres Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested
-
News2 years agoFundraiser Established For Ceres Homicide Victim
-
News3 years agoMajor Crash Investigated in Tracy