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Sheriff's SWAT team called out after suspect flees traffic stop
Hatch Road family terrified when suspect walks right in
Hatch Road SWAT team
Members of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team moved into a house on Hatch Road just outside of Ceres to capture felon Robert Oquendo who fled a traffic stop and invaded a house on the south side of the road.

A parolee who recently was released from prison was arrested Saturday after he fled from a Hatch Road traffic stop and entered a nearby occupied house.

The incident began at 11:26 a.m. in the 700 block of Hatch Road west of Highway 99 when a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy stopped the driver, Robert John Oquendo, 36, of Stockton. Oquendo had expired registration tags on his license plate.

The suspect ran into a nearby house which was occupied by terrified residents. Deputies managed to evacuate the family while he refused demands to come out.

A perimeter was set up around the house. As tactical deputies neared the residence they saw ammunition in view and backed off to call in the SWAT team. As they began entering the residence Oquendo darted out of the back where he was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit.

Oquendo was recently released from prison as a Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) parolee for prior auto theft. He also had prior weapons convictions. His parole agent recently issued a no bail warrant for his arrest.

His charges included residential robbery, auto theft, possession of burglary tools, delaying a peace officer, and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

“I appreciate all the deputies who dropped everything on a Saturday to protect our community,” wrote Sheriff Jeff Dirkse who also rushed to the scene. He added: “Great work! I’m proud of the team!”

Robert Oquendo
Robert Oquendo