Newman Police Department
The Newman Police Department received 85 calls for service and reported 36 officer-initiated calls for a total of 121 incidents from May 16 to May 22.
There were 21 cases opened and five arrests. The department issued two traffic citations, three criminal citations and towed two vehicles.
Police arrest underage driver for DUI in Newman
NEWMAN—A man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after officers stopped his vehicle in a Chevron parking lot on May 18.
According to police, officers patrolling the area observed a black Honda parked in the center of the Newman Food parking lot before it exited and improperly changed lanes while entering traffic. Officers followed the vehicle as it crossed an intersection and turned into the parking lot of a nearby Chevron station, where they initiated a traffic stop.
During the stop, officers noticed an open beer bottle in the backseat along with several unopened Modelo beer cans. The driver, identified as Marco Rios-Hernandez, 20, of Gustine was found to be under the legal drinking age. Officers conducted field sobriety tests (FSTs) and later administered a breathalyzer test, which reportedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 on multiple readings.
Rios-Hernandez was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and being under 21 with a BAC of 0.5 or more.
Police arrest driver for DUI after erratic driving report
NEWMAN—A driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI on May 18 after officers responded to reports of erratic driving near Highway 33 and Bambauer.
According to police, Gustine Police Department advised Newman officers to be on the lookout for a white Ford pickup last seen traveling northbound on Highway 33. While en route, officers learned that GPD had located the truck near Highway 33 and Canal School Road. The driver, identified as John Estill, 66, of Gerlach, Nevada, had stopped in the roadway before eventually pulling over.
Initial observations did not indicate impairment, and the only alcohol found in the truck were two sealed bottles of wine stored under the backseat. However, due to the unusual circumstances of the truck stopping in the roadway, officers conducted field sobriety tests (FSTs), which Estill was unable to follow. He later agreed to a breathalyzer test, which registered a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15. He was subsequently arrested for DUI, and his vehicle was towed.
Authorities later confirmed with the reporting party that Estill had been driving erratically, nearly striking multiple semi-trucks, driving the wrong way in a roundabout, running a stop sign, and continuing onto Highway 33 before coming to a stop in the northbound lane.
Two vehicles reported stolen in Newman
NEWMAN—Police responded to reports of two stolen vehicles in separate incidents on May 18 and May 19.
The first incident involved a blue 2018 Subaru Forester, which was left overnight near a local bar after the registered owner opted to avoid driving after drinking with friends. When the owner returned the next day, the vehicle was missing. Authorities entered the vehicle as stolen at 2:14 p.m. The owner later recovered it just two blocks from their residence.
In the second case, a black Infiniti G35 was reported stolen in the early hours of May 19. Officers arrived at the owner's residence on T Street, where they found the front driver’s side window shattered, with broken glass scattered in the roadway. The owner stated they had parked the vehicle the previous night but was awakened by the sound of the car starting. By the time they ran outside, the vehicle was gone. The Infiniti has not yet been recovered.
Police are continuing investigations and encourage anyone with information about the stolen Infiniti to come forward.
Arrests
Alessandro Diaz Villanueva, 24, of Newman was arrested on May 16 for possession of a controlled substance.
Marco Antonio Rios Hernandez, 20, of Gustine was arrested on May 18 for DUI and being a minor in possession of alcohol.
Michelle Stamp, 39, of Modesto was arrested on May 18 for driving on a license that had been suspended or revoked.
John Estill, 66, of Gerlach, Nevada was arrested on May 18 for DUI and DUI of .08 or more.
Gustine Police Department
Arrests
Armando Sepulveda Hernandez, 29, was arrested at 3:53 p.m. on May 19 in the area of 2nd Avenue and 5th Street for felony vandalism.
Shannon Marie Smith, 45, was arrested at 6:35 p.m. on May 17 in the 1600 block of Via Colabria for a bench warrant.
Andrew Joseph Kuker, 27, was arrested at 7:15 p.m. on May 22 in the 500 block of elm Avenue for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and/or dating partner.
