On 06/06/19 at approximately 1:42 PM, the Sheriff’s Department responded to a call of an armed male suspect who entered a home in the 200 block of Olivero Road with a firearm. Once Deputies arrived on scene, they learned three juveniles, a 12 year old girl, 14 year old boy, and 17 year old girl, were inside the home when the suspect entered. Two of the juveniles were able to escape before Deputies arrived.
They informed the Deputies the suspect had taken the third juvenile as a hostage inside the home. The Sheriff’s Department SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams along with assistance from the Modesto Police Department SWAT Team were activated and responded to the scene. The Hostage Negotiation Team attempted to make contact with the suspect for several hours, but he would not communicate with negotiators.
The juvenile hostage attempted to escape but was prevented from exiting the home by the suspect. The juvenile was rescued from the suspect by the Stanislaus Sheriff’s SWAT Team. During the rescue the suspect was killed. The juvenile did not suffer any major physical injuries during the incident.
The suspect has been identified as 37-year old Jose Jesus Astorga Jr of Modesto. The suspect has an extensive criminal history in California and was currently wanted on a no bail felony warrant for auto theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting arrest from the Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff’s Detectives, along with investigators from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, are still investigating the incident and speaking to witnesses. This is still an active and ongoing investigation. No further details will be released at this time.
If anyone has any information on this investigation please contact Detective Cory Brown at 209-567-4485. If you have any tips, you can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636.
