Ceres Police Department

CERES POLICE DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION: Please be aware that our front Lobby area (inside and outside) will be closed for Maintenance on Sunday, February 28, 2021, during the morning hours. This includes the call button to Dispatch and the Valley First ATM.

Have you seen this person? Ceres Police is asking for the public's help identifying this female who was involved in a burglary last month. Please contact Detective Jon Vera with any information at 209-538-5730 or email him at [email protected] Follow us on twitter @CeresPD... Like us on Facebook Ceres Police Department Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-866-60-CRIME(27463) or 209-521-4636 See more

***UPDATED PRESS RELEASE*** Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police February 4, 2021 For immediate release ... Contact: Officer Freddie Ortiz, PIO or Sgt. Greg Yotsuya, PIO Ceres, Calif.-Update. On February 4, 2021, Ceres Police served two search warrants in connection with this homicide. One search warrant was served in the 2200 block of Venus Dr., and the other was served in the 400 block of Sundance Way, in the City of Modesto. The search warrants lead to the arrest of a 17-year-old male, from Ceres, who was later booked into Juvenile Hall for murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of an assault weapon. No further information will be released at this time as this is an ongoing investigation. We are asking for anyone with information about this homicide, contact Detective Matthew Berlier at 209-538-5616. _______________________________________________________________________ NEWS RELEASE February 4, 2021 Ceres Police Department Public Information Unit Office of Chief Rick Collins Ceres, CA. On January 21, 2021, at approximately 6:28 PM, officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Magnolia St., regarding a male who collided into a parked vehicle and appeared to have been shot. Officers arrived shortly after and located a white Honda Accord that appeared to have collided into a parked vehicle. Officers located a male in the driver’s seat of the Honda with gunshot wounds. Officers pulled the driver from the Honda and began life-saving measures until an ambulance arrived. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The decedent was identified as Alexis Perez, a 26-year-old male, out of Ceres. Ceres Detectives were called to take over the investigation; they will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. At this point, the investigation is in the infancy stage. We will update this press release with additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Detective Matthew Berlier at 209-538-5616. Follow us on twitter @CeresPD Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CeresPoliceDepartment Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-866-60-CRIME(27463) or 209-521-4636

NEWS RELEASE January 22, 2021 Ceres Police Department Public Information Unit Office of Chief Rick Collins... Ceres, CA. On January 21, 2021, at approximately 6:28 PM, officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Magnolia St., regarding a male who collided into a parked vehicle and appeared to have been shot. Officers arrived shortly after and located a white Honda Accord that appeared to have collided into a parked vehicle. Officers located a male in the driver’s seat of the Honda with gunshot wounds. Officers pulled the driver from the Honda and began life-saving measures until an ambulance arrived. The driver was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The decedent was identified as Alexis Perez, a 26-year-old male, out of Ceres. Ceres Detectives were called to take over the investigation; they will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation. At this point, the investigation is in the infancy stage. We will update this press release with additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to contact Detective Matthew Berlier at 209-538-5616. Follow us on twitter @CeresPD Like us on Facebook Ceres Police Department Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-866-60-CRIME(27463) or 209-521-4636

*****roadway is now open***** Please avoid the area of Whitmore between Morgan and Malik. Ceres Police traffic Unit is currently on scene of an injury traffic collision. Whitmore between Morgan and Malik will be closed until further notice. For further information please contact PIO Ortiz.

Public Announcement Over the past few months the Ceres Police Department has received a significant increase in the amount of thefts reported within the City. Thieves have been targeting parked vehicles during night time hours stealing the catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are a vital part of a vehicles exhaust system and cost a significate amount of money to be replaced. The Ceres Police Department is asking for the public’s help to stop these crimes from continuing. By citizens monitoring their neighborhoods and reporting suspicious people, we can end this rise in crime. Together we achieve!

This past week Ceres Police Sergeant Trenton Johnson and Modesto Police Sergeant Kalani Souza formally graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute after a yearlong course of study. The course was held in Anaheim California where both Sergeant’s would travel one week per month for class sessions. The Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (SBSLI) is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in Cali...fornia law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work. The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships. Graduates of SLI have the ability to earn college credit upon completion of the program through California State University Long beach. Sergeant Johnson joins several other current and past leaders of the Ceres Police Department who have completed this course to include: Chief Rick Collins, Captain Patrick Crane, Lieutenant Chris Perry, and Sergeant Keith Griebel. Sergeant Kalani Souza joins several leaders in the Modesto Police Department who have complete this prestigious course as well. Of his experience at SLI, Sgt. Johnson had this to say "SLI has instilled a leadership quality I didn't know I had. I now feel better prepared to take on any leadership role within the organization." Ceres Police Chief Rick Collins, Lieutenant Chris Perry, and Sergeant Greg Yotsuya traveled to Anaheim this week to congratulate and support both Sergeant Johnson and Sergeant Souza on their accomplishment. Former Modesto Police Assistant Chief and current Anaheim Police Assistant Chief Rick Armendariz attended to show his support as well. Assistant Chief Armendariz and Sergeant Souza both started their careers in law enforcement as Ceres Police Explorer Cadets.

***UPDATED PRESS RELEASE*** Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police October 22, 2020 For immediate release Contact: Officer Freddie Ortiz, PIO Sgt. Greg Yotsuya, PIO ...Continue reading

***** Darrian has been located ****** The Ceres Police Department is looking for the help to locate a missing juvenile. The juvenile's name is Darrian Bottley, described as a 15 year old black male approximately 5'8" and 155 lbs. He was last seen wearing a blue zip up sweater and khaki pants (see pictures). If you see Darrian, please contact the Ceres Police Department immediately by calling (209) 538-5712.

PRESS RELEASE Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police... October 8th, 2020 For immediate release Contact: Lt. Chris Perry, PIO Ceres, Calif. On September 23, 2020 at 8:32 PM Ceres Police Officers responded to the Vineyard 76 gas Station located at 1240 E. Whitmore Avenue in Ceres regarding an altercation between two males in the parking lot. While officers were in route to the call it was reported one of the males had been run over by a dark colored Honda sedan before it fled the area. When officers arrived on scene, they located 37-year-old Donald James Robins Jr. of Ceres lying on the ground between the McDonald’s and the Vineyard 76. Robins was bleeding from the face and complained of pain to his legs. AMR ambulance was summoned to the scene. Robins was transported to a local area hospital where he was treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. As Officers investigated the incident further, they determined Robins had been involved in a physical altercation with another male individual. At some point during the altercation Robins was run over by the dark colored Honda driven by a pregnant female who fled the scene in the vehicle. Officer were able to obtain video evidence at the scene which captured several aspects of the incident. The videos helped officers identify the female driving the Honda as 35-year-old Christina Lynn Coleman of Ceres. On October 7, 2020 at 12:10 PM Ceres Police Detectives located Coleman at her residence in Ceres. Colman was transported to the Ceres Police Department for an interview regarding this incident. At the conclusion of the interview Coleman was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for felony attempted murder. This investigation is still ongoing and Detectives believe there are other witnesses that may have recorded the incident with their cell phones. Detectives are urging anyone with information or video evidence related to this altercation to please notify Ceres Police Detective Berlier at (209) 538-5616 or email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be reported to the Stanislaus area Crime stoppers hotline at 1-866-60-CRIME or (209) 521-4636.

NOTICE Repairs will be done to the Ceres Police Department Building on Saturday, October 10th. The front of the building will be barricaded off and the following amenities will not be accessible: Lobby Doors Dispatch Call Box... ATM Machine Please use your cell phone to call our non-emergency Dispatch number at 209-538-5712 or 5713 if you need to speak to Dispatch or request an Officer. Thank you for your patience.

PRESS RELEASE Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police... September 29, 2020 For immediate release Contact: Ofc. Freddie Ortiz (209) 538-5678 Ceres, Calif. On September 29, 2020 at approximately 7:14 PM, officers were dispatched to Mitchell Rd. and E. Whitmore Ave., regarding a report of an automobile collision involving a motorcycle. Officers arrived shortly after and located a male laying in the northbound number one lane of Mitchell Rd., just south of E. Whitmore Ave. Preliminary investigation revealed a dark colored van, possibly a Dodge, was northbound on Mitchell Rd. This van was traveling at an unknown speed and drove into the two way left turn lane. The van began passing vehicles who were stopped for the red light at E. Whitmore Ave. As this van was passing vehicles, a pedestrian was crossing Mitchell Rd. As the pedestrian stepped into the left turn lane, he was struck by the van. The driver stopped and stepped out of the van, appearing to look at what he hit. The driver then quickly left the area by driving across northbound lanes of Mitchell Rd. and made an eastbound turn onto Whitmore. The pedestrian, a 56-year-old male identified as Isaac Ishak, who lived in Ceres succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. Witnesses that were contacted gave the following description of the driver of the van, Hispanic male in his early 30’s, thin build with short hair wearing a white tank top. Witnesses stated the van had a shattered windshield and had a missing passenger rearview mirror. The photo of the van is attached. Ceres Police traffic unit was called to take over the investigation. The traffic unit will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation as to the cause of the collision. At this point, it is unknown if drugs/alcohol were a factor in this collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation. We will update this press release with additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information about this traffic collision or where this vehicle might be located, are asked to contact Traffic Officer Freddie Ortiz at 209-538-5678. Follow us on twitter @CeresPD Like us on Facebook Ceres Police Department Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-866-60-CRIME(27463) or 209-521-4636

***Roadway is open*** ***Roadway closed*** The Ceres Police Department is on scene of a major injury traffic collision at Mitchell just south of Whitmore. The northbound traffic lanes on Mitchell is blocked from Roeding Rd. Please avoid the area if possible.... -PIO Traffic Officer Ortiz

******* The roadway is now open******* Ceres Police currently have Service Rd closed between Moore Rd and Mitchell Rd. Police and the Fire Department are on scene of a vehicle that was driven into the canal. The driver is ok and out of the vehicle. Please avoid the area until further notice.

PRESS RELEASE Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police... August 14th, 2020 For immediate release Contact: Sergeant Greg Yotsuya On August 13th at 9:17 PM, the Ceres Police Department received a call from a woman reporting that her husband’s friend had just shot a woman in the 3900 Blk Suncrest Dr. We also received information that the woman might have shot herself. Officers arrived on scene locating a 29 year old female on the ground next to the driveway suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. A male, identified as Daniel Garcia, 29 Yrs of Ceres was found knelt down next to the victim when Officers arrived. Officers immediately administered CPR and detained Daniel Garcia. Officers cleared the house to ensure nobody else was injured inside the home or if any suspects remained outstanding. Once the scene was safe, Ceres Fire and AMR Paramedics arrived and took over life saving measures. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. A small caliber pistol was found in near proximity of the victim. Daniel Garcia was transported to the Police Department for questioning. So far it has been determined that Daniel had been staying with friends at the home in the 3900 Blk of Suncrest Ct. The victim was not staying at the home with Daniel. Daniel and the victim have children together. The status of their relationship and the events of what lead up to the shooting are still under investigation. Daniel was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center for homicide. This investigation is still in the early stages. No further information will be released at this time. The identity of the victim will not be released until her family is notified. Anyone who might have seen what occurred in front of the residence or may have any information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Ceres Detective Berlier at 209-538-5616.

With the new school year beginning, our partners at the Ceres Unified School District have shared the following message, which we fully endorse. #togetherweachieve #ourcerescommunity

PRESS RELEASE Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police... July 7th, 2020 For immediate release Contact: Ofc. Freddie Ortiz (209) 538-5678 Ceres, Calif. On July 7, 2020, at approximately 4:38 AM, officers were dispatched to E. Whitmore Ave. and Rockefeller Dr., regarding a major injury automobile collision. Officers arrived shortly after and located a male laying in the westbound number one lane of E. Whitmore Ave. Preliminary investigation revealed a white 2016 Nissan Versa was westbound on E. Whitmore Ave. when it struck a pedestrian in the roadway, just west of Fairview Dr. When The Nissan struck the pedestrian, the driver pulled over to call police to report the collision. Just after the collision, another vehicle described as a royal blue and gray, two toned, 2 door smart car also struck the pedestrian and continued westbound on Whitmore Ave. At this time we have no further information on this vehicle. The pedestrian, a 36 year old male who lived in Ceres succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision and was pronounced deceased on scene. The identity of the pedestrian is being withheld until family is notified. The driver of the Nissan, a male identified as David Gil 54 years old from Ceres, reported no injuries. Ceres Police traffic unit was called to take over the investigation. They will conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation as to the cause of the collision. At this point drugs/alcohol do not appear to be a factor in this collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation. We will update this press release with additional information when it becomes available. Anyone with information about this traffic collision are asked to contact Officer Jerry Kessler at 209-538-5620. Follow us on twitter @CeresPD Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/CeresPoliceDepartment Crime Stoppers Tip Line: 1-866-60-CRIME(27463) or 209-521-4636

Due to COVID-19, National Night Out 2020 has been cancelled.

Just a reminder: the Lobby of the Ceres Police Department is still closed due to COVID-19. You may call the Records Department at 538-5714 to arrange an appointment with one of the Records Clerks, if needed.

Ceres, California Ceres Police Department Rick Collins- Chief of Police June 30th, 2020... For immediate release Ceres, Calif. The City of CERES, the CERES Police Department and the CERES Fire Department working with TNT Fireworks is enhancing the city’s current illegal fireworks campaign by utilizing a dual platform smartphone mobile app that will allow residents to take pictures of illegal fireworks and email these photos, along with the GPS coordinates to the Ceres Police Department. The email notifications are used to coordinate response of police officers and fire personnel to investigate, confiscate, cite or arrest those responsible for illegal fireworks. This unique smartphone app, appropriately named, Nail’em, which was developed by TNT Fireworks, places the power of illegal fireworks enforcement in the palm of any Californian’s hands. It will allow them to report the possession, sale and/or use of illegal fireworks in their community along with photos and GPS locations. The citizen’s complaint will automatically be routed to the correct law enforcement and fire personnel. This Nail’em app is being provided to communities throughout California and their residents, free of charge, as a public service of TNT Fireworks. The Nail ’em app is available today through the App Store and Google Play and has been developed for both the iPhone and Android platforms. There are 158 jurisdictions throughout California that now receive varying levels of Nail’em illegal fireworks reports. Ceres is now one of them. In addition to the Nail’em app residents can report illegal fireworks directly to the police and fire departments by utilizing the telephone hotline at 209-538-LOUD (5683) or email at [email protected]