Press Release
Tuesday, September 28, 2021Hit and Run Leaves Pedestrian Critical, Seeking Additional Witnesses
On Thursday, September 23, 2021, at 10:53 p.m., Turlock Police Dispatch received reports of a vehicle vs. pedestrian collision in the intersection of Lander Avenue and E. Glenwood Avenue. As officers were responding, a witness updated Dispatchers that they were now following the responsible driver who was on scene, but was now leaving in their vehicle.
The witness followed the responsible to the parking lot of a church in the area of S. Walnut Road and Greenway Avenue, where the responsible parked their vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby orchard. As officers arrived, air support and a K9 were requested from the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office to help locate the suspect, however, the suspect was not found. The vehicle was towed as evidence.
Later, in the early morning hours of Friday, September 24, 2021, the driver of the involved van, a sixteen year old male juvenile, arrived at the Turlock Police Department with a parent to speak with officers about the collision. No arrests have been made at this time. The juvenile is cooperating with this investigation.
The victim, a 41 year old male from Turlock, was transported to a local area hospital with serious injuries. As of Monday September 27, 2021, the victim is still in critical condition.
Officers are conducting their investigation, which includes gathering video surveillance. Surveillance shows that at the time of the collision, there were additional witnesses that have not yet been interviewed. Officers are requesting these witnesses make contact with Officer Richard Fortado at (209) 664-7399.