If an underage person asked you to purchase them alcohol at a convenience store, would you do it, knowing that it was illegal? This question was the premise of a ‘shoulder tap’ operation recently conducted by the Turlock Police Department, in which three individuals were arrested for agreeing to do so.
On December 22nd, 2012, the Turlock Police Department conducted a ‘shoulder tap’ operation at various off-site commercial establishments where alcohol is available for purchase. The operation consisted of two underage decoys that approached customers and asked them to buy alcoholic beverages for them. The decoys approached over twenty people, three of which resulted in offering to purchase alcohol for the underage decoys.
The three individuals arrested during the operation included Michael McCarran, 42-years old of Turlock, Robert Corona, 23-years old of Modesto, and Tino Fayard, 44-years old of Newman.
As a result of this operation, the Turlock Police Department would like to remind the community that it is illegal to purchase alcohol for anyone under the age of 21. It should also be noted that future ‘shoulder tap’ operations will be taking place throughout 2013 in the Turlock community.
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.