Modesto Daily Local Headlines: Meth Bust, Red-Light Cameras, Explosive Injury, Tulip Fields Pause

Modesto, CA starts Tuesday with major public-safety updates and a couple of very local reminders: traffic enforcement is changing, investigators are tracking a serious injury, and spring crowds can be a double-edged sword.

Most newsworthy

Big meth seizure tied to Modesto and Turlock

Authorities say a multi-agency investigation led to search warrants in Modesto and Turlock and the seizure of roughly 2,700 pounds of methamphetamine, along with firearms and marijuana. Eight people were taken into custody, and officials said one person arrested was listed on a national terrorism watch list. Prosecutors are still reviewing what state and federal charges will follow.

Red-light cameras begin rolling out at 10 intersections

The city has started activating automated red-light enforcement at intersections officials describe as high risk for serious crashes. The first location to go live is Briggsmore Avenue at Coffee Road, with a 30-day warning period before citations begin. Police say each camera will have its own warning window, and a red-light citation is expected to run about $485.

Explosive device injures man on Woodland Avenue

A man was airlifted to a specialty hospital after an explosive device caused severe damage to his hand on Feb. 28, according to fire officials. The incident was reported on the 1900 block of Woodland Avenue. Investigators said the early working theory involved a firework-type device.

Also on the local radar

Dutch Hollow Farms pauses after tulip crowds overwhelm fields

A popular Modesto-area tulip attraction said it was closing for the week after heavy crowds damaged parts of the fields. The farm said it is making changes to protect what remains of the season, and it urged visitors to check for updates before heading out.

Sources

• https://www.kcra.com/article/major-drug-trafficking-ring-with-ties-to-3-northern-california-counties-is-dismantled/70581248
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/multi-agency-raid-tied-modesto-005450924.html
• https://www.kcra.com/article/modesto-installs-red-light-cameras-with-hefty-violation-fine/70581969
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/explosive-device-severely-damages-man-184714630.html
• https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/dutch-hollow-farms-closes-week-041521960.html
• https://www.dutchhollowfarms.com/