Ceres Police arrested a man believed responsible for the dumping of hazardous materials into the storm drain system at the unfinished Tuscany Village project in the 1500 block of East Whitmore Avenue last week.

Police received a tip about the illegal dumping at 9:34 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 22.  After contacting local businesses in front of the abandoned housing site, officers believed the dumping occurred on Friday, Dec. 19 but was not reported immediately. Officers combed evidence from the scene, including a 55-gallon container. Ceres Public Works and Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) were requested to respond and assist.

A local business provided video surveillance showing a man dumping the toxic substance. Officers learned the suspect still might be in the area and were able to locate and identify the suspect as Jose Gutierrez, 47, of Ceres. Chief of Police Trenton Johnson said Gutierrez and another man were squatting in the vacant unfinished houses.

Gutierrez was arrested for dumping hazardous substances into a storm drain and illegal disposal of hazardous waste, both felonies. He was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

Officials were unable to determine the amount of toxic substance illegally dumped.

The disposal of hazardous materials into storm drains is illegal and can contaminate soil, enter waterways, or reach the city’s wastewater treatment system.

Residents are encouraged to properly dispose of hazardous waste. Information on safe disposal options is available through Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources at https://www.stancounty.com/er/hazmat/household-hazardous-waste.shtm

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Community Service Officer David McCann at 209-538-5700, ext. 1010, or via email at David.mccann@ci.ceres.ca.us.