News

Fire Burns House at Scene of Double Homicide

Published

4 years ago

December 24, 2021

MODESTO – Hours after authorities announced the arrest of three people in Tuesday’s double homicide, fire damages a house at the scene of the crime.

At about 12:25am, firefighters were dispatched to the area of Oregon Drive and Thrasher Avenue for a report of a structure fire. Being that the area was the scene of Tuesday’s double homicide, officers with the Modesto Police Department responded before fire crews.

Emergency personnel found fire from the front of a home where the incident occurred. Police officers established a perimeter in the neighborhood while firefighters worked to bring the fire under control. Heavy fog made it difficult to see, but there was visible damage to the front of the home, and smoke puffing upward from the top.

Reports indicate this was not the first night something similar occurred at the location. Wednesday night, firefighters and police also responded to a report of a fire at the location, but found a burning vehicle in the driveway.

A fire investigation officer was on scene working to determine the cause. A large memorial with candles, photos and flowers lined the fence in front of the property where 19-year-old Taurean Travis and 20-year-old Julian Sisk were shot and killed Tuesday afternoon.

Thursday evening police announced the arrest of three individuals in the case. They were identified as 20-year-old Amber Gartin, 24-year-old Manuel Alejandro Licea-Valencia, and 28 year old Salvador Licea-Valencia. No further details regarding the circumstances of the arrests were made available.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 where callers can remain anonymous.

News

Turlock Police Officer Injured in Motorcycle Crash

Published

6 months 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

6 months 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

6 months 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.