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Attempted car theft ends with shots fired, foot chase
Alexander Araujo
Alexander Araujo

A man attempting to break into a car in a Turlock parking lot pulled a gun on a security guard and fired off some shots before running from police.

A security guard working in the 700 block of W. F Street contacted the Turlock Police Department at 10:22 a.m. Thursday and reported that a suspicious person with a gun was attempting to break into a parked vehicle. While the security guard was on the phone with police dispatch, the suspect fired a weapon in the direction of the security guard and another person in the area.

Turlock police responded in force and found the suspect fleeing the area on foot. According to police, the suspect began jumping fences, going through residential properties in an attempt to elude officers. A perimeter was set, and at 10:56 a.m., Alexander Araujo, 24, of Turlock, was taken into custody. 

Araujo was booked in the Stanislaus County Jail for attempted murder in addition to several other weapon-related offenses. Additionally, Araujo had several outstanding felony and misdemeanor warrants that he was booked for.

“The response that our officers and detectives had in this incident is a great example of the high level of security that we provide to the citizens of Turlock,” said Chief Nino Amirfar. “In this highly volatile and evolving incident, our officers, their sergeant, detectives, lieutenants and captains responded. This was a perfect example of the utilization of all our available resources to ensure the safety of the citizens of Turlock.” 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Officer Jake Young at (209) 668-1200. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us, if you wish to remain anonymous. 

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.