Ceres, California — On Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11:40 a.m., Ceres Police Department officers responded to the 3400 block of Dirk Court for a report of an argument between family members, including 22-year-old Alexander Yepez Ortega, who was brandishing a knife. Dispatch determined and confirmed Ortega had a warrant for his arrest for multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence, all related to a Modesto Police Department incident.
Once officers arrived to the scene Ortega ran from them through the yards of residential homes. With the assistance of a Modesto Police K9 officer, Sergeant Blount and officer Chrim began searching for Ortega and located him hiding inside a vehicle on the property. Ortega exited the car and started swinging a knife at officer Chrim, at which time an officer involved shooting occurred. Immediately after, officers began rendering medical aid but Ortega was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel. Officer Chrim sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the attack. No other officers or residents were injured.
