Full Notification

On Monday, September 7, 2020, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Turlock Police Officers responded to the 200 block of N. Tully Road and discovered a shooting had occurred. The victim, Mario Meza, 26 year-old male from Modesto, had been shot and later succumbed to his injuries while in surgery at an area hospital.

The initial investigation lead to the arrest of 20 year-old Ceres resident, Miguel Saldate, who was arrested on attempt homicide and various other felony charges.

Detectives assigned to this investigation followed up on leads and were able to identify another involved subject, identified as Juan Jose Cruz Jr., a 19 year-old Modesto resident.

On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Cruz was questioned at the Turlock Police Department and subsequently arrested for homicide, attempt homicide, aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cruz was later booked in the Stanislaus County Jail.

This remains an on-going investigation and Detectives are working to identify all of the parties involved in this incident.

Turlock Police Detectives ask that anyone with information, to call Detective Timothy Redd at (209) 664-7325. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at [email protected].

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 Sergeant Michael Parmley.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345
Email – [email protected]