Turlock hostage situation turns violent, two sent to hospital with major injuries
A hostage-involved police standoff in Turlock resulted in two people being sent to the hospital for treatment of major injuries on Monday night, according to a police statement.
Officers from the Turlock Police Department initially responded to a “verbal disturbance” call on the 1700 block of Elmcrest Court at about 7:45 p.m. The situation escalated, however, and by the end of it, a forced entry by a SWAT team was needed to rescue two hostages, according to TPD.
The “verbal disturbance” was further detailed by the calling party, who said that Gerardo Partida — a 26-year-old Turlock man who had a felony no-bail warrant out for his arrest — had threatened to assault her. He was reported to have a firearm and be under the influence of drugs.
The reporting party, a female whose age was not released, had apparently locked herself in a bathroom with a relative of Partida’s. They waited until officers arrived, as Partida continued to make threats through the locked door, read the release.
Eventually, the pair fled out a window. However, officers were told two other family members still were in the house.
At about 12:30 a.m., A SWAT team and Hostage Negotiations Team arrived and tried to make contact with Partida or the family members. It was determined at some point that the family members were being held against their will.
SWAT team members then began a forced entry into the house and rescued both of the hostages. The two were treated for “major injuries inflicted by Partida.” The nature of the injuries was not specified.
One of the hostages was reported to be the 78-year-old grandmother of Partida’s, the other a 46-year-old uncle.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims as they continue undergoing care for their significant injuries at a Modesto area hospital,” Chief Jason Hedden said in the release.
Partida was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of false imprisonment, two counts of making terrorist threats and one count of elder abuse. TPD said a weapon was recovered but would not disclose what type.
The Turlock Police Department asks that anyone with information on the case call Detective Navarro at 209-664-7319. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550, ext. 6780, or by email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be made by calling Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or texting “StanCS” to 738447.
