Modesto council OKs $526k replacement armored vehicle for police
The Modesto Police Department is getting a new armored vehicle that will cost taxpayers over half a million dollars.
On Tuesday, Modesto’s City Council unanimously approved the $526,154 purchase of a Lenco Bearcat to replace the Police Department’s sole armored vehicle, which is 20 years old.
Discussion about the purchase happened after the item was pulled from the council’s consent calendar — a list of agenda items that are all voted on at once to save time.
As has happened at nearly every council meeting since June, several people attended Tuesday to demand council members repeal the city’s mask ban for protesters. A few of those who called for the repeal asked the council to vote against the armored vehicle purchase as well.
“Almost half a million dollars for a militarized vehicle is not an investment in public safety, it’s an investment in intimidation,” said Julissa Ruiz Ramirez, co-founder of Central Valley Black, Indigenous, People of Color Coalition. “Communities of color in Modesto already experience policing that feels hostile, excessive and discriminatory. Adding an armored vehicle only deepens distrust and fear.”
Chief of Police Brandon Gillespie defended both having an armored vehicle in the department’s arsenal and the need for a new one. Gillespie said the current vehicle has “exceeded its operation lifespan.” The current armored vehicle, a 2004 Lenco Bear worth about $300,000, doesn’t have working air conditioning. This, the chief said, creates a health and safety issue for officers using it.
He also said, “Over the past two decades, the Modesto Police Department’s armored vehicle has played a critical role in preserving life and enhancing safety during high-risk incidents. It’s been deployed in active shooter incidents, barricaded subject calls and other life-threatening emergencies and directly contributed to the safe resolutions of these events.”
Gillespie cited the vehicle’s successful use when officers arrested 19-year-old Jadon Sieng after he allegedly shot multiple rounds into a residence and tried to strike an MPD officer with his car in August. Sieng was unarmed when he was found, but police say they found a weapon in his car, which was nearby. Sieng was shot in the arm by the officer he allegedly tried to strike before he fled.
Two public commenters expressed concern that the city’s inaction surrounding its controversial mask ban for protesters combined with the purchase of a new armored vehicle sent the wrong message to those who criticize the police.
Out of the six members of the public who spoke on this item, four opposed it and two supported it. None of the public comments, however, swayed any of the council members’ opinions about it.
“It’s important that we have the right equipment for the right jobs and I don’t think this corresponds to the issues we’re having with masks on any level…. I don’t think there’s any connection there,” Councilmember Chris Ricci said.
The new armored vehicle will feature off-road capabilities, upgraded gun ports, a 360-degree camera, six weapon mounts, a public-address system and a 6.7L turbo diesel engine.
It is being paid for mainly by Measure H funds, with about $19,000 coming out of the city’s Fleet Replacement fund. About $106,000 is coming from state funds allocated for the Police Department. Because Lenco Armored Vehicles is based in Maine, the city will also have to pay about $36,000 in taxes.
This story was originally published September 24, 2025 at 4:13 PM.
