On Wednesday, August 17th, 2022, at 10:48 am, a Turlock Police officer assigned as a neighborhood resource officer as well as a Turlock Police neighborhood preservation officer were conducting an enforcement contact on an illegally parked recreational vehicle in the 2600 block of Polous Dr, Turlock.

As Neighborhood Resource Officer Ian Rodriguez approached the side door of the RV, two aggressive dogs emerged and charged at him. In an effort to get the dogs to stop, Rodriguez deployed pepper spray at them and began retreating. As Rodriguez was retreating, he lost his footing and fell to the ground.

Realizing his pepper spray canister was depleted, the dogs were still aggressing towards him, and in fear for his own safety and that of the nearby neighborhood preservation officer, Rodriguez drew his firearm and an officer involved shooting occurred.

After Rodriguez discharged a single round, both dogs retreated back into the RV. The owner of the dogs then came out and cooperated with officers.

The Turlock Police Department’s Animal Services Unit responded to the scene and took custody of the dog who suffered what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries from the gunshot.

“Although this unfortunate incident could have been avoided, had the dogs been properly contained, the Turlock Police Department will ensure the injured dog gets medical treatment,” said Turlock Police Lieutenant Russell Holeman. “We are pleased that neither of our officers, or the dog owner, were injured as a result of this incident,” he continued.

The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Detective Brandon Bertram at 209-664-7323.