Ceres detectives arrest man on suspicion of attempted murder in hit-run with pedestrian

Ceres police have arrested a suspect in a June 20 incident in which they say the driver of an older model white Ford Ranger deliberately hit a pedestrian and then drove away.

Detectives arrested Ceres resident Jose Ayala, 44, on Tuesday and booked him at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center, according to a news release.

Ayala remained in custody Wednesday afternoon and was being held on suspicion of attempted murder and reckless driving, according to the Sheriff Department’s website. His bail is $510,000.

The release identified the pedestrian who was struck by the pickup as a 38-year-old Oakdale man, who was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. The incident took place about 5:50 p.m. June 20 at Musick Avenue and Lucchesi Lane.

The release states detectives still are investigating the motive behind the incident.

The Ford Ranger was leaking engine fluid, leaving officers a trail to follow to a home in the 1400 block of Nadine Avenue, where they found the vehicle. The driver was not there.

The release states detectives were able to identify Ayala as the alleged driver, served a search warrant and arrested him Tuesday at a home on Glen Meadow Court. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Detective Berlier at 209-538-5616.