DRUG BUST NETS ARRESTS: KEYES - A nine-month investigation by several law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of multiple suspects, seizure of $840,000 in cash and several pounds of methamphetamine. The investigation began in October of last year when the Stanislaus Drug Task Force, which includes local, state, and federal agencies, received a tip about a drug distribution network operating in Stanislaus and Merced counties. During the investigation several suspects were identified. On March 11, investigators arrested Noel Castillo, 36, Denice Hector, 33, and Alfredo Ayala, 30, all of Turlock.
During the March 11 arrest investigators located and seized $700,000 in cash and three pounds of meth. The investigation continued and culminated into multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction operation that took place Thursday in both Stanislaus and Merced counties. During the operation, eight search warrants were served - including a house in the 3900 block of Hollywood Street in Keyes - with arrests. One of the arrests was of Keyes resident Tiffany Jantz, 36. Others arrested were from Turlock and Delhi.
Ten weapons were also seized, two stolen weapons were recovered and a hand-grenade was discovered.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Stanislaus Drug Task Force at 558-6300.
AIR RIFLE DRAWS POLICE: CERES - Two teenage boys will probably think twice about brandishing an air rifle after a March 30 incident that drew police attention.
At 10:19 a.m., Officers Ron Collins and Vanessa Garcia were dispatched to the 1900 block Richland Avenue for a report of two juveniles who appeared to be armed with a handgun. The boys, aged 13 and 17, were found at Richland and Evans and the older boy was armed with a replica air soft gun. The gun was purchased at a flea market, and were shooting at signs. Both were released to their respective parents after they were advised of the danger of carrying replica gun in public.
The next day the same officers were dealing with a similar incident. At 1:26 p.m., the officers were called out to the 3300 block of Central Avenue for a report of a man sitting on his front porch as he shot a rifle. They found a 19-year-old male inside the house and searched for the weapon. They found two B-B guns inside the house, one with a scope attached. Both weapons were confiscated and he was issued an administrative citation for violating the city municipal code for discharging a weapon in the city limits. The citation carries a $100 fine.
DERANGED MAN ARRESTED: CERES - A 48-year-old Ceres man who was holding a knife and "hearing voices" in his head was arrested by officers at 4:08 p.m. on April 3.
Police dispatchers received a 911 call hang-up from a home in the 2000 block of Evans Road. Police Sgt. Pat Crane located the man who thought his neighbors were out to get him. He had put down the knife prior and was transported to mental health for evaluation.
FOUR ARRESTED IN ALLEGED DRUG HOUSE : CERES - Four persons were arrested on Tuesday, March 31 after police checked out a tip that minors were using drugs in the 1500 Moffett Road. Officers Brinton Moore and Coey Henson arrived at 9:51 p.m. and found a large group inside the home where drugs were being used. No minors were located in the house but several adults went to jail.
Patricia DeJesus, 27, and Ronald Pugh 26, both of Ceres, were located inside of a locked bedroom and found to be under the influence of drugs. Both were arrested possession of a control substance for sale. A further search of the room located a large amount of what police believe to be heroin.
Joshua Henke, 28, of Modesto, was arrested on a Manteca police warrant for battery.
Aleth Scott, 37, of Manteca, was arrested on a Modesto police warrant for petty theft.
POLICE FIND THREATENING GRAFFITI: CERES - A vacant home in the 2000 block of Donna Way was discovered spray-painted with gang graffiti threatening the lives of officers.
Messages were found on April 2 on the inside of a carport area and on the back of the home. The messages included "187 CPD." 187 is the penal code for murder. It appears Norteno gang members were targeting Ceres police as well as southern gang members.
The graffiti can be considered gang graffiti due to the reference of "Scraps," a derogatory term Nortenos use towards southern gang members.
MAN TASERED: CERES - Police officers used a Taser on a 36-year-old Ceres man who was belligerent toward others on April 3.
At 12:33 a.m. officers went to the 1700 block of Richland after it was reported that the man was standing outside yelling and causing a disturbance. Officers Chris Melton and Mike Perez talked the man - he may have had mental problems - into going back into his apartment to calm down. Within 30 minutes they were called back due to the man yelling and becoming violent. The officers returned and went to his room to speak to him but he started trying to kick the door shut and challenged them. Melton deployed his Taser to take him into custody. His charges were to be resisting and interfering with a police officer.
VAN TAKEN FROM AUNT : CERES - Twenty-year-old Anthony Chavez of Ceres was arrested April 6 for allegedly stealing his aunt's van.
Officer Daniel Fairchild made at traffic stop in the 1700 block of Hatch Road at 9 p.m. and noticed that the van's steering column was damaged. Chavez lied to the officer and said the damage occurred when the 1992 Ford van was stolen once before. Chavez couldn't produce a license and lied about his name. He later admitted the fake name when confronted with having his fingerprints checked.
Chavez's aunt said her nephew didn't have permission to take the van. He was arrested for auto theft and giving false information to a police officer.
DUI HIT-AND-RUN CRASH : CERES - Two parked cars in the 1600 block of Don Pedro Road were damaged when an alleged drunk driver ran into them on Tuesday, April 7.
Police said Tyler Smith, 22, of Ceres, drove a 1991 Honda Accord into the back of a 2007 Ford pickup on the south side of Don Pedro, and pushed into a 2004 Ford pickup parked in front of it. Two occupants fled on foot after the 11:37 p.m. crash. Witnesses said they ran onto Dano Court. Officers located Smith in the back yard in the 3800 block of Dano Court where Smith had previously been drinking. His passenger, a 22-year-old Turlock man, was inside the house and suffering shoulder pain.
Both of the parked vehicles sustained moderate damage, and the Honda had major damage. Smith was arrested for felony hit-and-run, as well as felony DUI due to the injury to his passenger.
BURGLARY SUSPECTS NABBED : CERES - Burglary suspects were caught a day after they allegedly broke into a Beachwood Drive home and stole household items last week.
Neighbors saw the suspects at the house and reported the type of vehicle they left in during the 5:41 p.m. April 7 burglary in the 2200 block. The next day at 6:36 p.m. Sgt. Dennis Perry was southbound Central Avenue at Whitmore when he saw a vehicle that matched the suspects' description. He stopped the car and while dealing with the four suspects, the burglary victim happened by and saw some of the stolen property inside the vehicle and advised Perry. Neighbors identified all four occupants and the vehicle. The car was searched and police located several items taken in the burglary.
Arrested were Peter Moreno 19, of Patterson, for burglary and possession of stolen property; a 17-year-old Modesto girl charged with burglary and possession of stolen property; Neneb Haddad, 22, of Modesto, charged with possession of stolen property and a parole violation; and Phillip Moreno, 18, of Hayward, for possession of stolen property.
THREE ARRESTED IN CUSTODY SQUABBLE : CERES - Three persons were jailed in a custody squabble that drew attention to them on Thursday, April 9 at Colony Park Estates Mobilehome Park.
Officers were called to the park at 3:18 a.m. to see about two feuding parties. Police found one vehicle in a driveway at the park, and the second was stopped at Service and Moffet. The ruckus was between the father of a child and his estranged girlfriend. It was disclosed that Librado Madrigal 24, of Ceres, was possibly armed. He denied having a weapon, but Officer Joe Wren found a loaded 9mm handgun in his front waist band during a pat-down search. Librado was in the processing of taking his children from the car and Officer Wren was able to get the gun and child away from him before anything took place. Librado was also found with smoking pipes and a substance believed to be methamphetamine. He was arrested for child endangerment, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a control substance, carrying a load firearm in public, and possession of control substance smoking devices.
At the traffic stop at Service and Moffet, Librado's estranged girlfriend, Gabriella Vargas 21, of Waterford, was found intoxicated and arrested for DUI. Her passenger, parolee Naun Lopez, 31, of Modesto, was arrested for driving on suspended license, a parole violation, and permitting someone to carry a firearm in a vehicle.
WHACKS WIFE IN THE HEAD: CERES - Gilberto Ochoa, 32, of Ceres, was arrested for spousal abuse Saturday after he allegedly struck his wife in the head with a stick and she sustained cuts to her left hand as she tried to block the blows. The couple's 14-year-old daughter called 911 during the 11:30 a.m. assault in the1600 block of Boothe Road.
The wife refused medical treatment and a protective order was issued.
PAROLEE ARRESTED FOR THREATS: CERES - Parolee Mark Woodman, 43, of Modesto, was arrested Saturday after making previous threats to kill.
Woodman was arrested for parole violation, making threats, brandishing a weapon, and possession of an illegal weapon.
According to police on April 7 Woodman pointed a gun at a man in the 2500 block of Fifth Street and told him he was going to kill him. The threat was not reported to the police but on Saturday Woodman returned to the residence where he had another confrontation and threatened to shoot several people. Those who were threatened were afraid and refused to cooperate with the police and originally wanted the 7:11 p.m. incident documented only so they could shoot Woodman if he returned.
Officer Chris Melton learned that Woodman was at another location in Ceres, possibly armed and not wanting to go back to prison. Before officers could locate him, Woodman was found at the scene of another unrelated fight at Evans and Richland Avenue. Woodman tried to throw a knife away as officers arrived but it was recovered. He was arrested without incident. No guns were located on him.
YOUNG PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR GUNS, DRUGS: CERES - Five persons were arrested Sunday after they left the scene of a Smyrna Park fight in which a gun was reportedly seen.
As Sgt. Dedra Borges was arriving at 7:50 p.m., dispatchers were told one of the parties involved in the fight was leaving the park in a white Suburban. She followed the vehicle and when other officers arrived they conducted a high-risk car stop at Hatch and Mitchell roads. Two adults and three juveniles were detained. Two handguns were found hidden inside of air vents tucked within the headliner. Also located were cocaine, Ecstasy pills and a scale.
Arrested was driver Atanacio Reyes-Zapada, 20, and Hugo Lagunas, 26, both of Ceres. They were both arrested for possession of control substance for sale, carrying concealed firearms in a vehicle, child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The three Ceres boys, one who was 14, and two 15-year-olds, were arrested for possession of control substances and carrying concealed firearms in a vehicle.
The victims from the original fight call could not be located.
GANG GRAFFITI AT SCHOOL: CERES - Sgt. Pat Crane responded to a Sunday evening call of a suspicious person hanging out at Carroll Fowler School and found extensive gang and drug related graffiti to a classroom wing.
The incident happened at 7:43 p.m.
During the March 11 arrest investigators located and seized $700,000 in cash and three pounds of meth. The investigation continued and culminated into multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction operation that took place Thursday in both Stanislaus and Merced counties. During the operation, eight search warrants were served - including a house in the 3900 block of Hollywood Street in Keyes - with arrests. One of the arrests was of Keyes resident Tiffany Jantz, 36. Others arrested were from Turlock and Delhi.
Ten weapons were also seized, two stolen weapons were recovered and a hand-grenade was discovered.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Stanislaus Drug Task Force at 558-6300.
AIR RIFLE DRAWS POLICE: CERES - Two teenage boys will probably think twice about brandishing an air rifle after a March 30 incident that drew police attention.
At 10:19 a.m., Officers Ron Collins and Vanessa Garcia were dispatched to the 1900 block Richland Avenue for a report of two juveniles who appeared to be armed with a handgun. The boys, aged 13 and 17, were found at Richland and Evans and the older boy was armed with a replica air soft gun. The gun was purchased at a flea market, and were shooting at signs. Both were released to their respective parents after they were advised of the danger of carrying replica gun in public.
The next day the same officers were dealing with a similar incident. At 1:26 p.m., the officers were called out to the 3300 block of Central Avenue for a report of a man sitting on his front porch as he shot a rifle. They found a 19-year-old male inside the house and searched for the weapon. They found two B-B guns inside the house, one with a scope attached. Both weapons were confiscated and he was issued an administrative citation for violating the city municipal code for discharging a weapon in the city limits. The citation carries a $100 fine.
DERANGED MAN ARRESTED: CERES - A 48-year-old Ceres man who was holding a knife and "hearing voices" in his head was arrested by officers at 4:08 p.m. on April 3.
Police dispatchers received a 911 call hang-up from a home in the 2000 block of Evans Road. Police Sgt. Pat Crane located the man who thought his neighbors were out to get him. He had put down the knife prior and was transported to mental health for evaluation.
FOUR ARRESTED IN ALLEGED DRUG HOUSE : CERES - Four persons were arrested on Tuesday, March 31 after police checked out a tip that minors were using drugs in the 1500 Moffett Road. Officers Brinton Moore and Coey Henson arrived at 9:51 p.m. and found a large group inside the home where drugs were being used. No minors were located in the house but several adults went to jail.
Patricia DeJesus, 27, and Ronald Pugh 26, both of Ceres, were located inside of a locked bedroom and found to be under the influence of drugs. Both were arrested possession of a control substance for sale. A further search of the room located a large amount of what police believe to be heroin.
Joshua Henke, 28, of Modesto, was arrested on a Manteca police warrant for battery.
Aleth Scott, 37, of Manteca, was arrested on a Modesto police warrant for petty theft.
POLICE FIND THREATENING GRAFFITI: CERES - A vacant home in the 2000 block of Donna Way was discovered spray-painted with gang graffiti threatening the lives of officers.
Messages were found on April 2 on the inside of a carport area and on the back of the home. The messages included "187 CPD." 187 is the penal code for murder. It appears Norteno gang members were targeting Ceres police as well as southern gang members.
The graffiti can be considered gang graffiti due to the reference of "Scraps," a derogatory term Nortenos use towards southern gang members.
MAN TASERED: CERES - Police officers used a Taser on a 36-year-old Ceres man who was belligerent toward others on April 3.
At 12:33 a.m. officers went to the 1700 block of Richland after it was reported that the man was standing outside yelling and causing a disturbance. Officers Chris Melton and Mike Perez talked the man - he may have had mental problems - into going back into his apartment to calm down. Within 30 minutes they were called back due to the man yelling and becoming violent. The officers returned and went to his room to speak to him but he started trying to kick the door shut and challenged them. Melton deployed his Taser to take him into custody. His charges were to be resisting and interfering with a police officer.
VAN TAKEN FROM AUNT : CERES - Twenty-year-old Anthony Chavez of Ceres was arrested April 6 for allegedly stealing his aunt's van.
Officer Daniel Fairchild made at traffic stop in the 1700 block of Hatch Road at 9 p.m. and noticed that the van's steering column was damaged. Chavez lied to the officer and said the damage occurred when the 1992 Ford van was stolen once before. Chavez couldn't produce a license and lied about his name. He later admitted the fake name when confronted with having his fingerprints checked.
Chavez's aunt said her nephew didn't have permission to take the van. He was arrested for auto theft and giving false information to a police officer.
DUI HIT-AND-RUN CRASH : CERES - Two parked cars in the 1600 block of Don Pedro Road were damaged when an alleged drunk driver ran into them on Tuesday, April 7.
Police said Tyler Smith, 22, of Ceres, drove a 1991 Honda Accord into the back of a 2007 Ford pickup on the south side of Don Pedro, and pushed into a 2004 Ford pickup parked in front of it. Two occupants fled on foot after the 11:37 p.m. crash. Witnesses said they ran onto Dano Court. Officers located Smith in the back yard in the 3800 block of Dano Court where Smith had previously been drinking. His passenger, a 22-year-old Turlock man, was inside the house and suffering shoulder pain.
Both of the parked vehicles sustained moderate damage, and the Honda had major damage. Smith was arrested for felony hit-and-run, as well as felony DUI due to the injury to his passenger.
BURGLARY SUSPECTS NABBED : CERES - Burglary suspects were caught a day after they allegedly broke into a Beachwood Drive home and stole household items last week.
Neighbors saw the suspects at the house and reported the type of vehicle they left in during the 5:41 p.m. April 7 burglary in the 2200 block. The next day at 6:36 p.m. Sgt. Dennis Perry was southbound Central Avenue at Whitmore when he saw a vehicle that matched the suspects' description. He stopped the car and while dealing with the four suspects, the burglary victim happened by and saw some of the stolen property inside the vehicle and advised Perry. Neighbors identified all four occupants and the vehicle. The car was searched and police located several items taken in the burglary.
Arrested were Peter Moreno 19, of Patterson, for burglary and possession of stolen property; a 17-year-old Modesto girl charged with burglary and possession of stolen property; Neneb Haddad, 22, of Modesto, charged with possession of stolen property and a parole violation; and Phillip Moreno, 18, of Hayward, for possession of stolen property.
THREE ARRESTED IN CUSTODY SQUABBLE : CERES - Three persons were jailed in a custody squabble that drew attention to them on Thursday, April 9 at Colony Park Estates Mobilehome Park.
Officers were called to the park at 3:18 a.m. to see about two feuding parties. Police found one vehicle in a driveway at the park, and the second was stopped at Service and Moffet. The ruckus was between the father of a child and his estranged girlfriend. It was disclosed that Librado Madrigal 24, of Ceres, was possibly armed. He denied having a weapon, but Officer Joe Wren found a loaded 9mm handgun in his front waist band during a pat-down search. Librado was in the processing of taking his children from the car and Officer Wren was able to get the gun and child away from him before anything took place. Librado was also found with smoking pipes and a substance believed to be methamphetamine. He was arrested for child endangerment, being an ex-felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a control substance, carrying a load firearm in public, and possession of control substance smoking devices.
At the traffic stop at Service and Moffet, Librado's estranged girlfriend, Gabriella Vargas 21, of Waterford, was found intoxicated and arrested for DUI. Her passenger, parolee Naun Lopez, 31, of Modesto, was arrested for driving on suspended license, a parole violation, and permitting someone to carry a firearm in a vehicle.
WHACKS WIFE IN THE HEAD: CERES - Gilberto Ochoa, 32, of Ceres, was arrested for spousal abuse Saturday after he allegedly struck his wife in the head with a stick and she sustained cuts to her left hand as she tried to block the blows. The couple's 14-year-old daughter called 911 during the 11:30 a.m. assault in the1600 block of Boothe Road.
The wife refused medical treatment and a protective order was issued.
PAROLEE ARRESTED FOR THREATS: CERES - Parolee Mark Woodman, 43, of Modesto, was arrested Saturday after making previous threats to kill.
Woodman was arrested for parole violation, making threats, brandishing a weapon, and possession of an illegal weapon.
According to police on April 7 Woodman pointed a gun at a man in the 2500 block of Fifth Street and told him he was going to kill him. The threat was not reported to the police but on Saturday Woodman returned to the residence where he had another confrontation and threatened to shoot several people. Those who were threatened were afraid and refused to cooperate with the police and originally wanted the 7:11 p.m. incident documented only so they could shoot Woodman if he returned.
Officer Chris Melton learned that Woodman was at another location in Ceres, possibly armed and not wanting to go back to prison. Before officers could locate him, Woodman was found at the scene of another unrelated fight at Evans and Richland Avenue. Woodman tried to throw a knife away as officers arrived but it was recovered. He was arrested without incident. No guns were located on him.
YOUNG PEOPLE ARRESTED FOR GUNS, DRUGS: CERES - Five persons were arrested Sunday after they left the scene of a Smyrna Park fight in which a gun was reportedly seen.
As Sgt. Dedra Borges was arriving at 7:50 p.m., dispatchers were told one of the parties involved in the fight was leaving the park in a white Suburban. She followed the vehicle and when other officers arrived they conducted a high-risk car stop at Hatch and Mitchell roads. Two adults and three juveniles were detained. Two handguns were found hidden inside of air vents tucked within the headliner. Also located were cocaine, Ecstasy pills and a scale.
Arrested was driver Atanacio Reyes-Zapada, 20, and Hugo Lagunas, 26, both of Ceres. They were both arrested for possession of control substance for sale, carrying concealed firearms in a vehicle, child endangerment and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The three Ceres boys, one who was 14, and two 15-year-olds, were arrested for possession of control substances and carrying concealed firearms in a vehicle.
The victims from the original fight call could not be located.
GANG GRAFFITI AT SCHOOL: CERES - Sgt. Pat Crane responded to a Sunday evening call of a suspicious person hanging out at Carroll Fowler School and found extensive gang and drug related graffiti to a classroom wing.
The incident happened at 7:43 p.m.
