The Ceres Police Department investigated illegal dumping of toxic materials into a storm drain on the 1500 block of East Whitmore Avenue, first reported on Monday. Evidence indicated the dumping occurred last Friday, including a 55-gallon container and video footage from local businesses, as reported by the Ceres Police Department.
Authorities used the surveillance footage to identify and arrest the suspect, 47-year-old Ceres resident Jose Gutierrez. The incident poses potential risks to public health and the environment, as stated by the Ceres Police Department.
According to the Ceres Police Department on their Facebook page, Gutierrez was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on felony charges for allegedly dumping hazardous substances into a storm drain and illegally disposing of hazardous waste. Ceres Public Works and the Stanislaus County Department of Environmental Resources are handling the situation. The amount and extent of the contamination are still unknown. Residents can find information on safe hazardous waste disposal on the Stanislaus County website. Anyone with information is asked to contact Community Service Officer David McCann.
