Full Notification

On Sunday, November 8, 2020, at approximately 5:22 p.m., Turlock Police Officers responded to a call of an injury collision in the intersection of Lander Ave. and Linwood Ave. between a silver Ford SUV and a red Honda Civic. Officers arrived on scene and discovered an 11-year old female patient from the Honda Civic had suffered major injuries, as a result of the crash, and was immediately transported to a local area hospital where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2018 gray colored Ford SUV had been involved in another collision, just moments before, with a male on a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the 1600 block of Lander Ave. The male riding the motorcycle suffered moderate injuries as a result and was transported to a local area hospital.

Just moments after both collisions, the driver of the Ford SUV fled the scene on foot. The four other occupants of the red Honda Civic all suffered minor injuries and were also transported to a local area hospital.

The Major Accident Investigations Team (M.A.I.T.), Investigators from the Modesto Police Department and Turlock Police Detectives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. This investigation caused road closures for nearly seven hours while investigators examined and collected evidence.

Preliminary information show high speeds were a factor in these collisions and it is not known if alcohol or drugs were a factor.

The driver of the Ford SUV, identified as 25 year old Josue Leyva, resident of Turlock, voluntarily came into the Turlock Police Department this morning for an interview. Leyva was ultimately arrested for his role in these incidents and will be booked on charges of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and multiple charges of hit and run causing injury.

This remains an on-going investigation and the Turlock Police Department asks anyone with information about this investigation to call Officer Gregory Roton (209) 668-6536. 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]