Turlock Police Officer Involved in Physical Altercation with Suspect at AM-PM

Another Turlock police officer was assaulted this week, this time suffering minor injuries, after getting in a physical altercation while trying to stop a thief at an AM-PM Wednesday night.

Turlock police responded to the AM-PM on the 2000 block of West Main Street at approximately 11:34 p.m. on the report of a theft in progress, said Turlock police spokesperson Officer Mayra Lewis.

Upon arriving, the officer attempted to contact the suspect, later identified as Robert Mendoza, 32, who was allegedly opening and concealing unpaid merchandise.

Mendoza then became uncooperative. The officer was allegedly standing in front of the door to stop Mendoza, but Mendoza pushed passed the officer, Lewis said.

Both fell to the ground, and a physical altercation ensued, Lewis said.

Officers were eventually able to apprehend Mendoza.

The officer suffered minor injuries in the altercation, Lewis said.

Mendoza was arrested for battery of a peace officer, resisting arrest, theft, and violation of probation.