Press Release
Friday, May 27, 2022PRESS RELEASE: BURGLARY SUSPECT LINKED TO HANDGUN FOUND AT SCHOOL
On May 27, 2021, at approximately 3:26 a.m., Turlock Police Department received a burglary alarm call at Turlock Junior High School, 3951 N Walnut Rd. When they arrived, they located a juvenile male in the office and took him into custody. Further investigation revealed the juvenile male was burglarizing the office. He was booked into Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall for 459PC – burglary, a felony.
Approximately 31/2 hours later at 7:07 a.m., Turlock Police Department received a call in which a gun was found in a backpack style purse near the Walnut Elementary School at 4219 N Walnut Rd. The purse was unique and contained other personal items. The astute responding officer was aware of the burglary that occurred prior to his shift at Turlock Junior High School which is two blocks from where the purse and gun were found. While checking the suspect’s belongings, evidence led him to a business which provided surveillance video. That video showed the suspect carrying the unique purse that contained the gun.
The gun is believed to have been recently stolen from a nearby residence. Detectives are actively investigating the many aspects of this case and following up on leads. There will more information released at a later time.
Chief Jason Hedden said, “the safety of our children is paramount for our officers. They left no stone unturned to quickly come to a resolution. It appears the gun found on the schoolgrounds was fruits of an earlier burglary and had nothing to do with school nor does it appear the suspect had any intent to use it at the school.”
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this incident, to call Detective Raul Garcia at (209) 664-7314. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Lieutenant Neil Cevenka.
Any media requests should contact: Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345 Email – mparmley@turlock.ca.us
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