Full Notification

On Sunday January 10, 2016 at 0941 hours Turlock Police Department responded to a report of a fight involving 100 people at the Sikh Temple located in the 1300 Block of 5th Street. Officers arrived and found no fight, however they remained on scene to provide extra patrol due to heightened tension among the members of the Temple

At about 1230 hours Officers were notified of a large fight occurring inside the Temple. Officers went inside and found numerous people involved in several disturbances throughout the temple. Stanislaus Sheriff’s Department, CHP and Merced Sheriff’s Department responded to assist in gaining control of the situation.

Turlock Police Detectives are actively investigating reports of assaults that had allegedly occurred during the disturbance. We are currently reviewing cell phone footage in an attempt to identify suspects, victims and witnesses. We are asking anyone with cell phone footage of the incident to contact Detective Tim Redd at 668-5550 # 6625.

The Sikh temple is currently in a leadership dispute that has caused increased tension among its members. Turlock Police has been attempting to assist the parties associated with this leadership dispute to handle their dispute in an orderly and lawful manner.

City of Turlock Mayor Gary Soiseth stated:

"I'm disappointed with this needless violence," "While communities may have disagreements, we can't resort to such actions. Any level of violence is not representative of the Sikh community as a whole and these actions damage the reputation of a peaceful and generous faith."

"I'll be meeting with Turlock's Sikh leaders to find solutions to their disagreement and to help them refocus on their core principles: philanthropy, inclusion, and equality. Unfortunately, none of this was shown last Sunday."

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.

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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Stephen Webb.

Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Stephen Webb
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7318
Email –[email protected]