News

Amber Alert Suspect, Children Located in Modesto

Published

2 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

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.