The Turlock Police Department has learned that some of the suspects in Friday's home invasion robbery wore police type clothing during the crime. Some of the police clothing was recovered, however, there may be more outstanding and the TPD is urging residents to call 9-1-1 if they believe they are being contacted by a person who is impersonating an officer.
The police arrested two Turlock teens on Friday in connection with an armed home invasion robbery and is seeking the whereabouts of a third.
Juan Lugogarcia,18, and a 17 -year-old juvenile, both of Turlock, were arrested for home invasion and discharging a firearm during the commission of a robbery.
The two teens were arrested after they and an unknown suspect led law enforcement on a pursuit during the early morning hours on Friday.
The home invasion robbery that led to their arrest was reported at 1:30 a.m. Friday in the 1000 Block of Boxwood Way. While responding to the area, the police department was informed the suspects had discharged a firearm. While checking the area, officers located a vehicle that appeared to be involved. A traffic stop was initiated but the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.
After a short pursuit, the vehicle yielded and Lugogarcia and the juvenile were taken into custody without incident. A third suspect fled from the vehicle and is still at large. The only description given of the third suspect is that he is possibly an adult male.
The property that was taken from the victim’s residence was recovered inside the suspect’s vehicle. Two firearms are believed to have been used during the commission of this crime and those weapons are still outstanding. This suspect should be considered armed and dangerous, according to police.
No one was injured during this incident.
Due to the possibility of outstanding police style clothing from the robbery, the TPD is urging residents to be cautious of someone posing as a law enforcement officer. Residents can ask for identification from someone stating they are a police officer or contact that officer's department to verify their employment.
If stopped while driving a vehicle by an unmarked police vehicle, the TPD recommends pulling over in a well-lit and or well-populated area and to be extra cautions if the person who has stopped you is wearing plain clothing or a partial uniform. If you suspect the person stopping or contacting you is not an officer call 9-1-1 immediately. Fleeing from an actual officer without justification, however, could result in criminal charges.
Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Paul Inderbitzen at 668-6551.
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.