Press Release
Friday, September 18, 2020HOMICIDE **SECOND UPDATE**
On Monday, September 7, 2020, at approximately 4:15 a.m., Turlock Police Officers responded to the 200 block of N. Tully Road and discovered a shooting had occurred. The victim, Mario Meza, 26 year-old male from Modesto, had been shot and later succumbed to his injuries while in surgery at an area hospital.
The initial investigation lead to the arrest of Miguel Saldate, a 20 year-old male from Ceres, who was booked for attempt homicide and various other felony charges.
Detectives assigned to this investigation followed up on leads and were able to identify a second involved subject, identified as Juan Jose Cruz, Jr., 19 year-old male from Modesto.
On Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at approximately 4:15 p.m., Cruz was questioned at the Turlock Police Department and was subsequently arrested for homicide and several other charges.
On Thursday, September 17, 2020, Detectives developed additional information regarding the identity of another involved suspect and determined his whereabouts. At approximately 9:48 a.m., Detectives located Eric Rodriguez, a 26 year-old male from Patterson, at a hotel in the 27000 block of California Highway 33 in Newman. Upon contacting Rodriguez in a vehicle, he fled and led officers on a brief pursuit. Rodriguez drove into a nearby orchard, abandoned his vehicle and continued to flee on foot.
Rodriguez was ultimately apprehended several miles away in the 100 block of East 5th Street in Crows Landing.
Rodriguez was questioned at the Turlock Police Department and was subsequently arrested and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail for homicide, attempt homicide, shooting at an occupied vehicle, evading a peace officer, felon in possession of a firearm and participating in a criminal street gang.
This case remains an on-going investigation and Detectives are working to identify all of the remaining parties involved in this incident.
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information call Detective Timothy Redd at (209) 664-7325. 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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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Michael Parmley.
Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345
Email – mparmley@turlock.ca.us
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