Full Notification

NEWS RELEASE
Release Date: January 9, 2017
Modesto Police Department
Media Relations Unit
Office of the Chief of Police
600 10th Street, Modesto, CA 95354
Author: Heather Graves

Modesto, CA – Two suspects were arrested after a lengthy investigation into a shots fired call and collision near Sipherd Elementary.

This morning at about 7:00 a.m., officers responded to Sipherd Park to investigate several 9-1-1 calls of a shots fired. When they arrived, they found a car abandoned across from the park that had collided with a light pole. The occupants of the car, including a man armed with a handgun, fled on foot into an adjacent neighborhood prior to officers’ arrival. The driver, identified as 18-year-old Brian O’Connell of San Jose, remained at the scene and was taken into custody.

Sipherd Elementary School was placed on lockdown for the safety of students and staff as officers attempted to find the fleeing suspects. Three men and a female juvenile were eventually found and taken into custody at a residence in the 1300 block of North Pointe Place. A gun was also recovered from the home.

Officers believe the group went to Sipherd Park after leaving a party. They continued to drink in the park until 18-year-old Sergio Garcia of Modesto shot at the ground with a handgun multiple times. As the group drove away from the park, the driver lost control of the car and collided with the light pole.

Garcia was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for possession of a firearm in a school zone and possession of a loaded firearm. O’Connell was booked into the Stanislaus County Jail for driving under the influence.

If you have any information regarding criminal activity, please call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tipsters may also text information to Crime Stoppers at 274637. Just type “TIP704” along with your message.

Follow us:
www.twitter.com/modestopolice
www.instagram.com/modestopolicedept

Like us:
www.facebook.com/modestopolice

See what crime may be occurring in your neighborhood. Visit us at:
www.modestopolice.com or Crimemapping.com and select “Modesto Police”