Full Notification

WHAT: Arrest of Turner Newman-
Supplemental Media Release

WHERE: Parking lot of Heritage Oaks Bank, 1503 Froom Ranch Rd.

WHEN: March 13, 2013

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Captain Keith Storton – 805.781.7118


Original Media Release (3/13/2013)
On March 13, 2013 at approximately 6:30 a.m., an alert employee of the Heritage Oaks Bank called the San Luis Obispo Police Department regarding a suspicious male in a vehicle parked in the parking lot. When the bank employee came to work a male subject got out of this vehicle and made the bank employee nervous. The female bank employee thought the male subject was either going to hurt her or rob the bank so she called the police.

When the police officers arrived the male subject, later identified as Turner Newman, exited his vehicle. The officer asked Newman if he had any guns in his vehicle and Newman told him that he did. Newman gave the officers consent to look in his vehicle. The officers found a loaded shotgun, a loaded handgun, ammunition, handcuffs, leg restraints, duct tape, zip ties and a large machete.

Newman was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle and for carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle. While in custody, he was also charged with possession of a firearm within 1000 feet of a school. All of the suspicious items were seized and the investigation regarding Newman’s actions are being investigated.

Supplemental Media Release (4/3/2013)
In late March San Luis Obispo Police detectives served a search warrant in the 200 block of Ranchito Lane in the City of San Luis Obispo to search the suspect’s residence and recover a computer owned by Newman.

A preliminary search and analysis of the computer revealed some concerning information to police detectives to include search data focusing on methods in which to drug, render unconscious, maim, and/or kill people. While the intentions of Newman on the date of his arrest remain unclear, the preliminary results of data found on his computer coupled with the items found in his possession at the time of arrest are of public safety concern. Police detectives are uncertain if Newman has acted on any of the information that he obtained during his internet searches. We are seeking anyone who may have been a victim of criminal or suspicious activity involving Newman to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

Turner Newman remains in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail without bail.