Two suspects are in custody at the county jail after they allegedly robbed and stabbed two men during two separate attempted robberies on Thursday, July 3.

Police said that a 51-year-old man came to Ceres Fire Station #4 on Fowler Road at 3:11 a.m. in need of medical attention for a stab wound to his abdomen. The victim said he had been walking his bike on a canal bank when he was attacked by an off-leash pit bull being walked by a man and woman. As the dog attacked the man, he used his bike and backpack as a shield but the woman took the items as he was attacked and stabbed by the man.

A second attack occurred about 20 minutes later when Ceres police found a 21-year-old male standing in the middle of the street waving his hands for help with a stab wound. The second victim reported that he was driving on Mitchell Road when the man, woman, and the off-leash pit bull were jay-walking in the street. The driver said he was unable to avoid colliding with the dog in the road. The victim pulled over to check on the animal and apologize to the owners when he was attacked and stabbed in the abdomen.

The area was searched but nobody was found. However, just before 4 a.m., a security guard reported seeing a male, female, and dog matching the description of the suspects in the area of Rose Avenue and 10th Street. A perimeter was set up and 18-year-old Ceres resident Randy Salazar was taken into custody and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail for robbery and attempted murder.

Krysta LaFrancis, 19, of Ceres, was arrested at Ceres Police Department when she attempted to collect her personal property from the scene the night before. She was booked at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for robbery and attempted murder.

Both victims are expected to make a full recovery and the status of the dog is unknown.

Witnesses or anyone who has information about these incidents should contact Detective Derek Perry by calling 538-5730 or emailing derek.perry@ci.ceres.ca.us.
Anonymous tips can also be reported to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers,1 (866) 60-CRIME, or by texting tips to 274637 with TIP704 somewhere in the wording. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.