Update: More details released about south Modesto homicide

Modesto police are investigating a homicide that occurred early Wednesday in south Modesto.

Officers were dispatched to a report of a man shot in the area of Monticello Lane, just south of West Hatch Road, around 4:30 a.m., Police Department spokeswoman Sharon Bear said.

An adult man was found in a vehicle, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, where he died, according to Modesto Police.

Radio traffic of the incident indicated the shooting might have been the result of an interrupted vehicle break in.

There was a report in the area of three men dressed in black trying to break into a vehicle. Shortly afterward, a dispatcher updated officers that a verbal argument had ensued and “someone has been shot.”

Several 911 callers reported seeing a truck fleeing the area and entering an orchard west of Monticello. Officers found a truck that had crashed into a tree and a shooting victim inside, according to radio traffic.

The victim’s name and age has not been released.

Detectives are asking witnesses to contact Detective Grant at Grantj@modestopd.com or to call Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.

This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 7:56 AM.