On Monday, June 14th, 2021, at approximately 7:45 pm, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a suicidal subject in the 4300 block of Hickman Rd in the community of Denair threatening to harm himself with a knife, handgun, and rifle.
Patrol deputies responded along with the department’s Air Support Unit. Assistance was also requested from the Turlock Police Department. Prior to deputies’ arrival, the helicopter saw a subject outside the home matching the description of their responsible, identified as Javier Cueto-Aldaz, 39, of Denair. Cueto-Aldaz appeared to be armed with a black rifle. Patrol deputies established a command post at a safe and contained distance about a mile down the road. Traffic was also restricted to keep bystanders out of the area.
To avoid a confrontation with a person armed with a knife, handgun, and rifle, deputies began negotiations with Cueto-Aldaz over the phone. The helicopter stayed overhead and noticed Cueto-Aldaz drinking alcohol, walking in and out of his home, and entering vehicles parked on the property. Negotiations continued until Cueto-Aldaz said he was prepared to end his life. He left his home driving a pickup truck north on Hickman Rd at speeds over 100 miles-per-hour towards the command post. The command post had deputies at it, patrol cars, and an armored SWAT vehicle. Fortunately, deputies were able to run to safety in a nearby orchard. The pickup truck collided with three unoccupied patrol vehicles, catching fire, and overturning in a nearby orchard.
Deputies rushed to Cueto-Aldaz and began life saving efforts. They were later relieved by paramedics, but unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Cueto-Aldaz succumbed to his injuries. Investigators are reviewing footage from body-worn cameras and the helicopters. The department plans to release that footage in the near future. The California Highway Patrol responded to investigate the collision. No deputies or community members were injured as a result of this incident.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Darvin Summerton at 209-525-7032 or by email at DSummerton@stansheriff.com.
