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Police search for suspect who shot at deputy
TPD

The Turlock Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a third suspect wanted for shooting at a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy Wednesday night.

The suspect was identified as Ernesto Covarrubias, Jr., 18, of Turlock. 

“If Covarrubias is spotted, do not approach and immediately contact authorities,” said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Michael Parmley.

The deputy shot at during Wednesday night’s incident was not injured.

The incident began at 8:44 p.m. when the sheriff’s department issued a be-on-the-lookout for a white sedan whose occupants had been firing a gun outside Turlock city limits, in the area of Berkeley Road and Alderson Road.

At 9:21 p.m. a sheriff’s deputy located a vehicle matching the description of the responsible vehicle and attempted an enforcement stop in the area of Seasons Park Drive.

One occupant of the vehicle fired at least one shot at the deputy, while the driver sped the vehicle away, Parmley said.

The deputy did not return fire.

A vehicle pursuit ensued with calls going out to multiple law enforcement agencies about the shooting.

The vehicle pursuit quickly ended when the driver stopped the vehicle in the area of Spring Crest Drive and all three occupants fled on foot, Parmley said.

Officers from the Turlock Police Department were quickly on scene to search for the three suspects. Soon, additional officers from Modesto, Ceres, California State University Stanislaus, Modesto and Merced California Highway Patrol, and sheriff’s deputies were at the scene helping with the search. 

“The search and investigation lasted for over six hours, and resulted in two of the three occupants being located and three firearms found,” Parmley said.

The identities of the two other occupants are not being released at this time.

Turlock Police Detectives ask that anyone with information, to call Detective Timothy Redd at (209) 664-7325. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.