Modesto woman is expected to survive robbery shooting behind bar in downtown Turlock
A Modesto woman is expected to survive a gunshot suffered when she was robbed early Sunday in the parking lot behind Staley’s Club on the 400 block of East Main Street, according to Turlock police.
Patterson resident Steven Sawyer has been arrested in the crime, and police are following leads on an additional possible suspect or suspects, the Police Department said in a news release Monday morning.
Multiple callers reported the crime about 1:50 a.m. Sunday. Officers arriving on scene stopped a vehicle they saw leaving the area and arrested 29-year-old Sawyer, who was driving.
The investigation so far shows the woman, 24, and a man were on foot in the parking lot when approached by a robber or robbers, Sgt. Michael Parmley said. They complied, and at some point a gun held by a robber went off, the sergeant said. “It does not appear to be intentional.” The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.
A gun was recovered during Sawyer’s arrest, but it’s not yet known to be the one fired, Parmley said.
Sawyer was booked into jail on suspicion of robbery, possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a stolen firearm.
Anyone who witnessed the crime or has information on additional involved parties is urged to call Detective Paul Inderbitzen at 209-668-6551 or Turlock Police Department dispatch at 209-668-1200.
Anonymous tips also may be made to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636 or the Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550, ext. 6780, or tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
This story was originally published December 16, 2019 at 12:22 PM.
