News

Amber Alert Suspect, Children Located in Modesto

Published

3 years ago

September 18, 2021

MODESTO – Police located a man and two children who were the subject of an Amber Alert out of Riverside County Friday night.

Nicholas Zeko was taken into custody by Modesto Police Officers around midnight. Zeko and the two children were found at the Tiki Lodge on McHenry Avenue, along with the vehicle authorities were searching for. The gold trim of the vehicle appeared to have been spray-painted white, with some paint staining at least one of the tires. The license plate was also removed.

An ambulance was called for Zeko to have him medically cleared. The man and two children appeared to have been staying in an upstairs room at the motel. Police taped off a portion of the parking lot and vehicle with crime scene tape. The children appeared unharmed.

There was no sign of 32 year old Mariela Costello, who authorities in Riverside County said was a previously unreported missing person in the case. Her out of state relatives grew worried when they did not hear from her.

Zeko told her relatives via text message that he had dropped her off in the area of Sunnymead Ranch Parkway and Village Road in Moreno Valley. Zeko was said to have taken her wallet and cell phone. He later told authorities the same thing.

Riverside authorities said Costello and the children have a protective order against Zeko, and that he was also wanted on several felony and misdemeanor charges including terrorist threats, battery on a former spouse, and willful cruelty to a child.

Mariela Costello is five feet, five inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. Her last known clothing is unknown. She has not been seen or heard from since September 16th.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at (951) 776-1099.

News

Threat Cancels Class at Modesto High School

Published

7 days ago

September 12, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Classes were canceled Thursday morning at Modesto High School after police were notified of a threat.

A message sent out by Modesto City Schools read in part “Modesto Police Officers are at Modesto High this morning investigating a threat of a possible explosive device. There will be no school this morning until the campus can be deemed safe.”

A police spokesperson said out of an abundance of caution the campus is being cleared.

As of this post, authorities were still searching the campus.

News

Parents Arrested, Charged in Death of 2 Year Old

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

STOCKTON – The parents of a two year old girl were arrested and charged in her death after police say she was malnourished and neglected.

The incident began early Monday morning, when fire and medical personnel were dispatched at about 3:15am to a home on the 300 block of West Oak Street. The report indicated help was needed for a two year old girl who was unresponsive. She was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead.

Police say the girl was malnourished, appeared extremely emaciated, and had clear signs of neglect. Detectives and CPS officials responded to the home to investigate.

Both parents were taken into the police department for questioning. Gregorio Ornelas, 61, and Jessica Chavez, 39, were both arrested and charged with child abuse resulting in death.

Both parents were booked into the San Joaquin County Jail without possibility of bail. They are due in court Wednesday afternoon.

News

Victim Shot During Robbery

Published

1 week ago

September 9, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

Stockton Police Department

STOCKTON – A 19 year old man was hospitalized after he was shot during a robbery Sunday afternoon.

Shortly after 1:30pm, Stockton Police Officers were called to the 10000 block of Hidden Cove Circle for a report of a shooting.

Officers learned that the suspect shot the victim, took his property, and fled the area. The victim was taken to a hospital to be treated for his injury. He is expected to recover.

The only description available of the suspect was a black male in his 20’s.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stockton Police Department or Crime Stoppers at (209) 946-0600.