At about 2:07 am Sunday morning, the Turlock Police Department was dispatched to a reported assault and battery that had just occurred behind Staley’s Club, 426 East Main Street, Turlock, involving several individuals.

Before officers could arrive on scene, everyone involved had left the area, however, an additional victim who lives on East Avenue called to report that he too had been attacked by the same group of individuals who had followed him home.

Officers responded to the residence and checked the area, however, they were unable to locate any of the involved parties. That victim suffered serious injuries to his face and torso. Evidence later confirmed that the attack was unprovoked.

Officers began investigating and learned that the group of individuals responsible for the attacks were a part of a criminal street gang, however, the victims were not. The attacks were committed to further the gang’s status.

The following day, detectives and members of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) partnered together to work the case. Through hours of investigation, they were able to identify Jose Aguilar, 29, of Turlock, Vincente Ruiz, 41, of Modesto, Arthur Peralta, 30, of Turlock, and Angelica Lopez, 33, of Turlock as those involved in the attacks. Warrants were sought and authorized for all four.

This morning, Thursday May 5th, multiple local law enforcement agencies served those warrants in the 900 block of North Olive Avenue, the 200 block of North Thor Street, and the 1100 block of Bethany Avenue in Turlock, as well as the 2600 block of River Creek Circle in Modesto.

All the subjects named above were arrested, as well as Adrian Peralta, 25, of Turlock, who was arrested as a result of items located inside his residence during the service of one of the warrants.

All five arrested face assault, inchoate, gang, and weapon related charges.

“The safety of our community is our number one concern,” said newly promoted Captain Steve Rodrigues. “We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners who assisted in the apprehension of these violent gang members,” he continued.

Two Turlock schools were advised of this operation in advance and were briefly placed on soft lockdowns out of an abundance of caution.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Jake Young at 209-668-6575.