On Friday, September 9th, 2022, at 8:18 am, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported aggravated assault that had just occurred at the intersection of Lander Ave and Bernell Ave, Turlock, after a man had just been stabbed.
When crews arrived on scene, they found a 28-year old Hispanic male suffering from at least one life threatening stab wound to the chest. He was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officers began investigating and learned that three Hispanic males had arrived at 7 Star Liquor, 952 Lander Ave, in a black GMC SUV. The men surrounded and targeted several other men, including the deceased victim. After a brief altercation, the deceased victim ran across Lander Ave in an attempt to get away from the three men, however, was chased by two of them. One of the two men was able to catch up to him and stab him at least once in the chest, before all three of them got back into their black GMC SUV and fled northbound on Lander Ave.
Detectives responded to the scene to assume the investigation, working with investigators and officers. The scene was processed and evidence was gathered.
Detectives were able to identify one of the involved men, Manuel Maldonado, 29, of Turlock, who was the registered owner of the getaway vehicle.
Shortly later, investigators were able to locate the getaway vehicle parked in the 600 block of Vermont Ave. They began a stakeout on it, eventually observing who was later determined to be Maldonado begin to drive off in it. Investigators conducted a high risk stop on it at the intersection of Vermont Ave and Sunnyside Dr and took Maldonado into custody at 11:20 am, just three hours after the stabbing.
Detectives continue to work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the two outstanding men.
Although what led up to the stabbing remains unknown, detectives have preliminary information to suggest that it was gang related and not a random act of violence.
“Gang violence will not be tolerated in Turlock,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “We have one suspect in custody and our detectives and special investigations unit will not stop until we have all of the suspects involved, in police custody. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this morning’s homicide victim as they mourn the loss of their son and brother,” he continued.
The victim’s identity remains unknown at this time.
Maldonado was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of murder.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro at 209-664-7319.
