Full Notification

Modesto, CA –
 
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department investigators are currently investigating an officer involved shooting which took place at approximately 2 a.m. this morning on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.  Patrol deputies attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop of a small, four-dour compact car near the intersection of Torrid Avenue and N Carpenter Road in Modesto.
 
When the driver of the vehicle failed to comply with our deputy’s instructions, and instead fled the scene of the traffic stop, a pursuit exceeding some seven miles throughout city and county streets ensued.  The car was occupied by five juveniles of various teen-aged years, which was unknown to our deputies at the time.  
 
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by members of the Modesto Police Department.  Both law enforcement agencies attempted to end the chase by employing Police Intervention Techniques, which are also commonly referred to as a “PIT” maneuver.  Those attempts were not successful, and at one point during the pursuit through downtown Modesto, the vehicle attempted to use their car as weapon by driving towards law enforcement vehicles.
 
We are still examining the facts and circumstances which led up to the conclusion of the pursuit near the intersection of S McClure and Finch Roads.  The area is primarily industrial and close to the Modesto airport.  We can report the suspect’s vehicle collided with the side of the roadway near its final resting place.  An officer involved shooting followed shortly thereafter, where two individuals inside the vehicle were struck by gunfire. 
 
No law enforcement personnel on-scene were injured.  Only Sheriff’s Department personnel discharged their weapons; however, Modesto Police officers were on-scene.  The driver of the car, a 17-year-old male juvenile, was critically wounded by law enforcement gunfire.  He was transported to a local area hospital.  The other four occupants were examined, treated, and released by hospital staff.
 
We are still in the early stages of this investigation and ask for the community’s patience as we continue to review video surveillance, obtain witness statements, and collect evidence.  We will release additional details as they become available and share body worn camera imagery as soon as possible.  The Sheriff’s Office is working closely with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, as well as with members of our Internal Affairs unit to ensure department policies and procedures were followed. 
 
Members of the community are urged to contact Detective Gonzalez at 209-567-4485 if they have witness information to share.  Tipsters can choose to remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-866-602-7463 or download the P3 Tip application for your mobile device.  Callers could be eligible for a cash reward in certain instances. 
 
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Jeff Dirkse, Sheriff – Coroner
 
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