By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Selfie and dropped phone lead to identity of Turlock robbery suspect
Jeremy Lynd
Jeremy Lynd

The suspect in a Turlock armed robbery has been identified but remains on the loose and is considered armed and dangerous.

The suspect has been identified as Jeremy Lynd, 32 of Elk Grove. Lynd is also known to frequent areas in Turlock and Ceres.

The identification of Lynd as the suspect in the Monday afternoon robbery came about because Lynd dropped his cell phone at the scene of the robbery and a picture of himself was used as his screensaver. The Turlock Police Department shared the photo with area law enforcement agencies, social media sites, and it was published in The Journal. Turlock Police Detective Jason Tosta, who is investigating the case, said an officer with the Ceres Police Department recognized the suspect as Lynd. Facebook messages also named the suspect as Lynd.

Lynd is currently wanted for violating his parole for a previous conviction of armed bank robbery. A warrant is also being obtained for Lynd’s arrest for the Monday robbery in Turlock.

The robbery occurred around 4:30 p.m. Monday at the College Vista Apartments at 3501 Crowell Road.

The female victim had just parked her vehicle when she was approached by a white male in his 20s, who pulled out a handgun and broke her car window. The suspect stole the woman’s purse and cell phone.

“I think when he pulled out his gun is when he dropped his cell phone and didn’t notice it,” Tosta said.

Lynd was later implicated in a crime spree in Sacramento, including a carjacking and a pursuit. He was able to avoid capture, but his vehicle was impounded and processed for evidence. Tosta said he recovered the victim’s stolen property, as well as a gun.

Monday’s robbery is not Lynd’s first foray with area law enforcement. In December 2015, he was arrested by officers from the Ceres Police Department after he was found asleep behind the wheel with his car idling at an intersection. A search of his vehicle turned up methamphetamine.

In 2005, Lynd entered a guilty plea in federal court to two counts of armed bank robbery. The robberies occurred at a Bank of the West in Walnut Creek and a Farmers and Merchants Bank in Modesto. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Lynd’s LinkedIn profile states he works for a plumbing company based in San Leandro.

Anyone with information about Lynd’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Jason Tosta at 664-7324. Anyone spotting the suspect should call 911 and do not approach him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.