Man arrested in assault at Sikh Temple in Turlock

A 58-year-old man was arrested at the Sikh Temple in Turlock on Thursday, the seventh arrest this year at the place of worship where two factions have been in a power struggle over management of the temple’s affairs.

Turlock Police responded to the Temple at 5 p.m. for a report of a disturbance involving a weapon, according to a press release. The suspect fled in a vehicle while officers were being dispatched to the scene but officers found him driving in the area and pulled him over.

Through the course of the investigation it was determined the suspect was armed with an expandable baton and assaulted the victim. No one was injured during the incident.

The suspect, Sukhjit Singh Dhillon, was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, making terrorist threats, and being in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Six people were arrested in January following a large fight at the temple and charged with felonies ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to elder abuse.

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Officer Gina Giovacchini at 209-668-5550 extension 6746. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 209-668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us. The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 4:04 PM with the headline "Man arrested in assault at Sikh Temple in Turlock."