One dead, one in custody in Salida hit-and-run

A man in a truck drove onto the front lawn of a house in Salida, fatally hitting another man before driving off. Authorities said they are investigating the incident as a homicide and have arrested the driver.

Authorities arrested William Paioni, 28, of Salida. In a news release, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department said, “It appears the incident was intentional.”

“We’re trying to determine what happened,” according to Deputy Anthony Bejaran, a spokesman for the department.

Authorities responded to the 5100 block of San Michele Drive just after 9 a.m., Bejaran said. They found the victim, identified as Elias Rosas Arguello, 31, of Salida with serious wounds. He was taken to an area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The truck also mowed down a stop sign at San Michele and St. Jean Place, authorities said.

Shortly after deputies arrived at the scene, Paioni went to the California Highway Patrol office in Modesto to speak with officers about the incident. He was arrested there. His white pickup was taken from the CHP office to the Sheriff’s Department for processing.

Detectives recovered a rifle on the house’s lawn; authorities said Monday evening that it was not clear to whom it belonged or why it was there.

The man who died lived at the home where the incident occurred, Bejaran said.

Sheriff’s and CHP investigators remained in the area late Monday morning, talking with neighbors and investigating.

One neighbor said she heard several loud bangs before the incident occurred.

“That’s just how that house is,” said the woman, who didn’t want her name published because she fears retribution.

Bejaran said he could not confirm whether there was any history of criminal activity at the home. He also said investigators had not determined whether any shots had been fired from the gun found at the scene, or any other.

The neighbor also said when she looked outside to see what was going on, she saw a woman kneeling next to the man who had been hit. She said the woman was screaming.

“I know there’s obviously more to this story,” the neighbor said.

Investigators ask anyone with information about the case to call Detective Cory Brown at (209) 567-4485.

This story was originally published January 26, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "One dead, one in custody in Salida hit-and-run."