News

Amber Alert Suspect, Children Located in Modesto

Published

4 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

Traffic Collision Reported on Claus Road

Published

3 days 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

4 days 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.

News

Highway Traffic Stalled by Overturned Vehicles

Published

6 days ago

March 20, 2025

Carlos Rodriguez

MODESTO – Highway 99 traffic was stalled Thursday night by a crash near Briggsmore Avenue.

The crash happened at about 9:15pm on the southbound lanes, with early reports indicating a sedan and pickup truck were both involved in the crash. At least one of them was reported overturned with major damage.

CalTrans was requested to assist with a hard closure and traffic was diverted off the highway. Sweepers were called to help clean a large amount of debris. At least one vehicle was towed for evidence in the investigation.

At publication time there was no update on extent of injuries.