The Turlock Police Department’s investigation into a shooting involving an off-duty officer continues as detectives seek a few outstanding witnesses, Lt. Ron Reid said.

The incident was reported shortly before 3 a.m. Sept. 30 in the 2000 block of Waring Road.

Modesto Police Officer Jason Stewart was off duty when he heard the sounds of a vehicle driving through front yards. Stewart investigated and saw fresh damage to two front yards, caused by a vehicle having driven recklessly through them, Reid said.

Stewart was in one of the front yards when he saw a pickup drive slowly into the driveway of one of the victim’s residences.  Believing the vehicle to have possibly been involved, Stewart approached it attempting to obtain the vehicle license number and/or talk to the suspects, Reid said.  As he approached, the vehicle suddenly accelerated and drove toward Stewart, who retreated to avoid injury.  As he did so, the officer fired his weapon at the truck, striking it four times. 

The vehicle fled southbound on Waring Road. 

The registered owner of the truck involved in the incident contacted the Turlock Police Department late Sept. 30.  The registered owner does not appear to have been present at the time of the incident, Reid said.

The driver has subsequently been contacted and was not alone in the truck.  Neither the occupants nor the officer were injured. The names of the occupants in the pickup are not being released at this time as the investigation is continuing and no arrests have been made as of yet. Reid said investigators were seeking the whereabouts of a few witnesses, but their names have not been released.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Brandon Bertram at 664-7323. 

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.