On Thursday, September 23rd, 2021, at 10:53 pm, the Turlock Police Department, Turlock Fire Department, and American Medical Response were dispatched to a reported hit and run with injuries at the intersection of Lander Ave and E Glenwood Ave, Turlock.
When crews arrived on scene, they found no vehicles involved, but a pedestrian that was struck by a vehicle laying unconscious in the middle of the road. He was ground transported by American Medical Response to a local hospital with major injuries. Two firefighters accompanied the ambulance crew to the hospital to provide extra manpower.
A few minutes later, a witness who had seen the collision called dispatch and reported that she had followed the involved vehicle to the parking lot of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 2602 S Walnut Rd, Turlock. Officers responded there and met with the witness, who pointed out a gold Toyota minivan with visible damage to it, consistent with striking a pedestrian and other fixed objects.
The witness reported that its driver had taken off on foot in the field adjacent to the parking lot. Officers set up a perimeter surrounding the field and immediate surrounding area, and the California Highway Patrol and Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office were requested to respond to assist with searching.
Other officers and deputies arrived on scene arrived on scene, including the sheriff’s office’s airship and a deputy with a canine, and they began searching the field and immediate surrounding area. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to locate anyone.
The gold Toyota minivan was towed away from the scene and taken to the Turlock Police Department to be used as evidence in the crime.
A few hours later, at 3:00 am, a juvenile male showed up at the Turlock Police Department claiming to be the driver of the involved vehicle and wanting to comply. A statement was taken from him and he was later released. Charges may later be brought against him as the investigation progresses.
As of the time of writing this, the victim is in critical but stable condition, and he underwent surgery earlier.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Richard Fortado at 209-664-7399.
