Crime

UPDATE: Modesto PD says suspect is shot by police near Vintage Faire Mall, taken to hospital

A suspect was shot by police near Vintage Faire Mall and taken to a hospital, the Modesto Police Department reported.

It happened at about 1 p.m. Monday, March 17, on the 3200 block of Dale Road, an MPD news release said. It did not identify the person who was shot.

The release said no threat to the public remains, but it should expect a continued police presence in the area. It is at Dale and Standiford roads, just east of Highway 99.

Police have not yet released other details, including the nature of the injuries, the reason for the shooting, and whether gunfire was exchanged.

On scene, officers appeared focused on the Muscle Max Sports Nutrition store, entering and exiting through its front door.

The store shares a building with Velvet Grill & Creamery. An employee of Velvet Grill spoke with The Bee while the area was taped off for the investigation.

“The cops came in and they warned us. They told us to get on the ground just in case any bullets went flying,” said Ethan Amesquita. “They told us to get behind cover, and then when the gunshots were over, they came in and told us to evacuate the building.”

About 11 employees were working at the restaurant, which was closed for the day, he said. Amesquita saw a few officers with riot shields enter through the rear of Muscle Max as other officers approached the front entrance.

The fast-food restaurant Wendy’s also was impacted by the incident. Though its dining room remained open, its drive-thru was closed.

Check back at modbee.com for updates on this breaking story.

Police crime scene tape blocks access to Max Muscle on the 3200 block of Dale Road as Modesto Police Department investigates a shooting involving police and at least one suspect on Monday 17, 2025.
Police crime scene tape blocks access to Max Muscle on the 3200 block of Dale Road as Modesto Police Department investigates a shooting involving police and at least one suspect on Monday 17, 2025. Jeff Farrow
Police crime scene tape blocks access to Max Muscle on the 3200 block of Dale Road as Modesto Police Department investigates a shooting involving police and at least one suspect on Monday 17, 2025.
Police crime scene tape blocks access to Max Muscle on the 3200 block of Dale Road as Modesto Police Department investigates a shooting involving police and at least one suspect on Monday 17, 2025. Jeff Farrow

This story was originally published March 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM.

John Holland
The Modesto Bee
John Holland covers agriculture, transportation and general assignment news. He has been with The Modesto Bee since 2000 and previously worked at newspapers in Sonora and Visalia. He was born and raised in San Francisco and has a journalism degree from UC Berkeley.
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