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Police investigate hate crime at Columbia Park
TPD

A juvenile was arrested for attempted homicide and hate crimes after an assault at Columbia Park on Tuesday afternoon that left one injured.

The Turlock Police Department received a call of an aggravated assault that was occurring at Columbia Park around 3 p.m. Tuesday. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim who fled the park after sustaining non-life threatening stab wounds.  

Additional officers arrived at the park and located two male subjects who were actively fighting in the park, one of which matched the description of the assault suspect.  Both subjects were detained and the incident was investigated. 

 The investigation revealed that the juvenile male suspect had approached the victim and told him to leave the park, based on his ethnicity.  As the victim complied with the order and attempted to run away, the suspect obtained a knife and lunged at the victim, stabbing him. 

 The investigation further revealed the other adult male, who had been actively fighting with the juvenile suspect upon the arrival of additional officers, had intervened, allowing the victim to get away.  He was released from custody and declined to provide a statement.   

 The adult male victim was treated for his injuries on scene and declined further treatment.  

The juvenile suspect was positively identified during an in-field show-up.   The juvenile suspect was transported to a local area hospital for treatment, and was later booked at the Stanislaus County Juvenile Hall for attempt homicide.  After further review of the investigation, hate crime charges were added and the suspect was re-booked. 

 The knife used in this attack was recovered.

 The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation to call Officer Colton Bickle at (209) 668-5550 extension 6311.  You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us