The Turlock Police Department is investigating a brazen daylight robbery attempt at the one-time residence of former California State University, Stanislaus President Hamid Shirvani.
The suspect was not able to gain entrance into the home and no injuries were reported.
The residence in the 2200 block of N. Quincy Road was the home of Shirvani before he left in May for a new position in North Dakota. A new family has since moved into the home.
The incident began around 6:30 a.m. Saturday when a female resident went outside and saw a man step forward in her backyard, said Turlock Police Sgt. Stephen Webb.
The woman quickly ran back inside the home and locked the door behind her, Webb said.
The suspect ran to the door and attempted to open it. Finding it locked, the suspect fled.
The woman called the police and a perimeter was set up around the neighborhood, but the suspect eluded capture.
The woman told investigators the man was dressed entirely in black, including a ski mask over his face.
The police department has no previous reports of break-ins at the residence, Webb said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Turlock Police Department at 668-5550.