Press Release

Saturday, January 14, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: Downtown Altercation Results in Shooting

Turlock, CA – At 2:06 a.m. this morning, Turlock Police Dispatch received a 9-1-1 call from a man who reported a shooting in the vicinity of Market Street and South Broadway in Downtown Turlock. Officers responded to the scene and identified evidence that indicated at least one person had been struck by gunfire, but individuals involved were no longer at the crime scene.

Officers assigned to the investigation were able to locate a gray 2018 Honda sedan in the area of East Main Street and Bonita Avenue. The driver has been identified as Gary Jackson, age 22, and passengers included two men in their twenties, who both suffered gunshot wounds. All three men reside in Patterson.

Officers provided immediate medical care for the two gunshot victims until ambulance personnel arrived and transported them to local area hospitals. 21-year-old Romeo Portillo died as a result of his injuries and the unidentified 20-year-old victim remains in the hospital and is in stable condition.

Mr. Jackson, the driver, was arrested for possession of a firearm and transported to the Turlock Police Department for questioning, then booked at the Stanislaus County Jail for possession of a loaded and concealed firearm.

The evidence at the scene of the shooting and the vehicle involved is being processed and analyzed. Evidence collected at this point suggests the shooting included more than one firearm was used and further suggests there were two groups of individuals involved.
 
The motive for the shooting is not yet clear, but evidence further suggests the shooting stemmed from an altercation at a local bar and does not appear to be a random act of violence.

Detective-Sergeant Victor Barcelos said, “This investigation is a top priority for our Detectives and we ask that anyone who may have information about the identity of any involved Individuals to please come forward. The safety of the public is our number one concern.”

The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information about this investigation to call Detective Gina Giovacchini at (209) 668-6539. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

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.
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