MODESTO – School officials planned to add additional security Thursday after a report of a driver that approached a student.

A message sent to parents reported a driver in a gray or green Honda Civic approached a Mark Twain Junior High School student near Marshall Elementary Wednesday afternoon. The message went on to say Modesto Police Department was notified, and that both officers and School Security Guards planned to patrol the area.

The message also encourages students to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious people or behavior right away.

STANISLAUS COUNTY – Authorities investigated a death after a deceased person was found in a canal Thursday morning.

At about 7:30am deputies with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Church Street and Garst Road for a report of a possible drowning. Arriving first responders located the deceased person west of the intersection in the Lateral Two canal, near railroad tracks.

The circumstances surrounding the death were not available at time of publication. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.

TURLOCK – Police arrested a man on murder charges in a fatal stabbing that took place Friday night.

Ahmad Abweny, a 28-year-old Modesto man, was identified and arrested with the assistance of the Modesto Police Department.

The incident occurred Friday night at about 10:30pm, when officers were called to a report of a person stabbed near the intersection of Monte Vista Avenue and Golden State Boulevard. Enrique Gomez, a 49-year-old Turlock resident, was found on the ground stabbed. Emergency personnel provided aid, but Gomez died at the scene.

Detectives with the Turlock Police Department responded to investigate and learned that the stabbing was the result of a road rage argument that took place at a nearby apartment complex. Through evidence and witness statements, investigators were able to identify the suspect and the involved vehicle.

Within hours, Abweny was located with the use of license plate reader technology and with help from the Modesto Police Department. He was arrested and booked into jail on murder charges.

In a released statement, Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden credited the use of the license plate readers in helping find Abweny in a short amount of time.

“The case demonstrates the power of modern technology in enhancing public safety and ensuring prompt resolution for any crime committed in our city,” the statement said in part.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Detective Ulrich at (209) 668-6570.