Riverbank deputies responded to a report of a carjacking on Friday, May 22; the incident in the 3800 block of Patterson Road occurred shortly before 3 p.m.
Deputies responded to the parking lot at the location and met with the adult female victim who said the suspect, later identified as Patrick Solis, 48, of Modesto, tried to grab her car keys from her hands, but she fought back. After a brief struggle, Solis was able to take the victim's keys from her, jump into her vehicle, and flee the area. Deputies quickly developed a description of the suspect and the vehicle, including a license plate number, and provided the information over their radio.
The Sheriff's Air unit was already in the area assisting with the call. The air unit located the victim’s vehicle westbound on River Road from Santa Fe Avenue in San Joaquin County. Deputies were directed to the vehicle by the helicopter, and they tried to initiate a vehicle stop near River Road and Jack Tone Road in Ripon. The suspect fled and a pursuit ensued. The suspect entered Highway 99 and headed north with Deputies and the air unit pursuing. After an eight-minute pursuit, the suspect stopped in Manteca near Moffat and Powers Avenue, where he was successfully apprehended without further incident. No one was injured during the incident, including the victim. Solis is currently on probation for robbery and was arrested for felony carjacking, parole violation, and felony evading.
“This is another example of excellent teamwork by RPS deputies and the availability of the Sheriff's Air Unit,” said RPS Chief Ed Ridenour. “I am very proud of everyone's professionalism and commitment to keeping this community safe. We ask the public to continue and be vigilant of their surroundings and to keep their valuables out of sight in their vehicles. We want the public to know their deputies are working had to keep them safe.”
Deputies earlier in the week conducted a probation search of Roberto Rocha, 28, in the 3600 block of Sierra Street around 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Rocha is a known felon who was out on bail from a prior possession of methamphetamine and bringing a controlled substance into the jail, said officials. His bail release was prior to COVID-19. During the search Deputies located three rifles, two handguns, 400 rounds of ammunition and six pounds of illegal marijuana. Two of the rifles were found in a hidden compartment in the garage.
Rocha was arrested for child endangerment as there were minor children in the home and they had access to loaded firearms. He was also arrested for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammo, illegal marijuana for sale, and possession of methamphetamine. One of the rifles appeared to be stolen out of the Fresno area.
“Another example of the hard work and the keen eye that our deputies have,” stated Chief Ridenour. “They knew Mr. Rocha was up to no good, however they have had trouble locating him. Last night they finally spotted Rocha and completed the search. I am very proud of these fine young men and the work they do every day.”
