News

Turlock Homelessness Emergency, Cleanup Planned For Thursday

Published

4 years ago

March 18, 2021

TURLOCK – A cleanup was planned for Thursday morning at a West Main Street property where a large homeless encampment established itself near several businesses.

City officials were at the camp Wednesday afternoon handing out notices to people staying there. The camp sits on property on the south side of West Main Street in between South Tully and South Soderquist Road. By Wednesday afternoon several of the campers were already packing up their belongings, and those with vehicles were working to get them roadworthy.

“None of us know where we are going to go,” said Dawn Ross, who temporarily found herself camping at the location for the last week after her vehicle broke down. Ross said she became homeless off and on after losing her job 11 years ago during the great recession.

“I tried to get the part for it, but we got the wrong one,” she said of her car. “Hopefully we can get the car fixed by tomorrow.”

Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak said in a video statement that the city is working toward a solution.

“No one should live like that, no one should have their businesses harmed or the residents harmed by all that’s going on,” the mayor said. “It’s a health and safety hazard for everyone involved.”

Back at the camp, Ross explained that in an ideal situation, no one wanted to be camped at the property. She feels that the cleanups are not a long term solution to the problem.

“I wish Turlock could do something like what Modesto did,” she said. Ross referred to the Modesto Outdoor Emergency Shelter that was implemented in 2019.

“Just designate a space for these people. Somewhere out of sight and out of mind.”

Ross acknowledged that some people experiencing homelessness traditionally have problems that require rehabilitation, but feels there is a lack of services provided in the Turlock area for them.

“This is going to push people into alleyways, into the doorsteps of businesses and parks,” Ross explained. “At least everyone was confined right here.”

Advocates visited the camp Wednesday to offer what little outreach they could to the population there. Some explained that people experiencing homelessness have a hard time transitioning to a shelter due to rules and curfews set at facilities.

“They’re not animals, they’re human beings,” Ross said. “People need to have compassion. We’re all just a few steps away from homelessness, it can happen to anybody.”

News

School Security Increased After Driver Approaches Student

Published

1 day ago

October 3, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

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.

News

Death Investigated After Body Found in Canal

Published

1 day ago

October 3, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

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.

News

Man Arrested in Fatal Turlock Stabbing

Published

5 days ago

September 29, 2024

Carlos Rodriguez

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.