Ceres Police Department

10/22/2026

Sergeant Fred Y. Perez

Fred Y. Perez joined the Ceres Police Department in 1971, following his service in the United States Army from 1967 to 1970. During his career, Fred served as both a patrol officer and a detective before being promoted to sergeant in the early 1980s.

For the majority of his career as a sergeant, Fred served as a watch commander, helping lead officers and oversee daily patrol operations. He also served approximately five years as the Investigations Sergeant, contributing to the department's investigative efforts and commitment to public safety.

Sgt. Perez retired from the Ceres Police Department in 2002, concluding a distinguished career dedicated to serving the Ceres community.

Beyond his professional life, Fred was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and a talented local musician. Following his retirement, he maintained close relationships with former colleagues and continued visiting the Ceres Police Department. In his own way, Fred remained connected to the department and took pride in knowing that its commitment to public safety, professionalism, and community service continued.

Those who knew Fred understood the pride he took in every aspect of his professional and family life. His integrity, honor, and strong character were qualities he valued deeply and sought to instill in his family and those fortunate enough to know him.

Fred's dedication to his profession, his family, and his community left a lasting impression on those whose lives he touched. His service and the example he set remain an important part of the Ceres Police Department's history. Fred passed away at the age of 72 in 2018.

10/22/2026

The Ceres Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 72-year-old Ajit Kaur who was last seen on 8/23/26 at approximately 1:45am near Whitmore Ave and Mitchell Road in Ceres, CA.

If you have any information regarding Ajit’s whereabouts or any information that may assist in locating her please submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.

If your tip helps, you could receive a cash reward‼️💰

To submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-866-60-CRIME, text “Stan CS” to 738447, go online to stancrimetips.org or download the P3 app.

To contact the Ceres Police Detectives Unit, call 209-538-5672.

10/22/2026

The Ceres Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 72-year-old Ajit Kaur who was last seen on 8/23/26 at approximately 1:45am near Whitmore Ave and Mitchell Road in Ceres, CA.

If you have any information regarding Ajit’s whereabouts or any information that may assist in locating her please submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.

If your tip helps, you could receive a cash reward‼️💰

To submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-866-60-CRIME, text “Stan CS” to 738447, go online to stancrimetips.org or download the P3 app.

To contact the Ceres Police Detectives Unit, call 209-538-5672.

The Ceres Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 72-year-old Ajit Kaur who was last seen on 8/23/26 at approximately 1:45am near Whitmore Ave and Mitchell Road in Ceres, CA.

If you have any information regarding Ajit’s whereabouts or any information that may assist in locating her please submit a tip to Crime Stoppers.

If your tip helps, you could receive a cash reward‼️💰

To submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers:
Call 1-866-60-CRIME, text “Stan CS” to 738447, go online to stancrimetips.org or download the P3 app.

To contact the Ceres Police Detectives Unit, call 209-538-5672.

10/21/2026

On October 20, 2026, Traffic Sgt. Ferreira observed two minors riding an electric motorcycle fail to stop at a stop sign near Roeding Road and Rose Avenue. Neither rider had a driver’s license, and the motorcycle was not properly licensed for roadway use. The driver was cited for multiple violations, the motorcycle was towed, and both minors were released to their parents.

⚠️ With fatal traffic collisions on the rise in Stanislaus County, including those involving electric-powered vehicles, we remind parents, riders, and motorists to follow traffic laws and make safe decisions.

✅ For riders:
Obey all traffic signs and signals.
Operate only vehicles that are legally permitted on public roadways.
Follow applicable licensing and equipment requirements.
Never put yourself or others at risk through unsafe riding.
🚗 For motorists:
Stay alert and watch for bicycles, e-bikes, motorcycles, and other roadway users.
Drive defensively and maintain a safe distance.
Share the road and remain aware of your surroundings.

Visit the Ceres Police Department's website and navigate to the Traffic Enforcement Unit page to find our
E-Bike Safety Brochure.

Let's work together to keep our roads safe for everyone.

10/15/2026

Chief LeRoy Cunningham :1956–1983

In the early 1950s, LeRoy Cunningham was known for taking photographs for the Ceres Fire Department and documenting traffic accidents for the Police Department. According to department history, Cunningham was asked to serve as a police officer for six months during the summer. He remained with the department, although he reportedly took a leave of absence to serve during the Korean War.
In 1956, Cunningham was appointed Chief of Police, beginning a tenure that lasted until his retirement in 1983. Serving for 27 years, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving police chief in Stanislaus County history.

Chief Cunningham led the Ceres Police Department through decades of significant change in law enforcement. During his tenure, police practices, training, equipment, and communications continued to evolve. The department introduced police vehicles and one-way radios for officers and clerk-dispatchers, improving communication and coordination in the field.
In the early years of his career, officers had limited means of communicating with the department while on patrol. The introduction of vehicle radios and, eventually, portable radios represented important advancements in officer communication and safety.

Dispatch operations also evolved during this period. Cunningham hired the department’s first clerk-dispatcher in 1957. As emergency communications developed throughout Stanislaus County during the 1970s, the county began planning for a 911 system and established its consolidated Communications Department in 1978. Ceres Police maintained its own dispatch operations rather than joining the consolidated county center.

Chief Cunningham’s 27 years of leadership helped shape the department into the organization it is today, leaving a lasting mark on the history of law enforcement in Ceres.

Chief Cunningham remained a Ceres resident and lived on Acorn Lane with his wife Kathy until his death on January 7th, 2005. His funeral was held inside the bay of Ceres Fire Station 1 which had served as the Ceres Police Department until the new building had been constructed in 1987.

10/14/2026

Honoring the Life and Service of Sgt. John King - End of Watch: October 8, 2021

Today, we remember and honor Sgt. John King, who passed away following a line-of-duty exposure to COVID-19 contracted during a call for service while serving with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada. On October 8, 2021, John’s life was cut short, reminding us that the dangers of law enforcement extend beyond the moments we can see.

John’s courage and commitment to protecting others were evident long before his final assignment. On January 9, 2005, during the tragic incident in which Sgt. Stevenson was killed and Officer Ryno was shot, John played a critical role in protecting fellow officers. As the suspect advanced toward Officers Ryno and Melton while firing an assault r***e, John engaged the suspect with gunfire. His quick response and sustained fire drove the suspect away from the officers and around the building toward the front, helping prevent further tragedy that night. His actions demonstrated extraordinary courage under fire and a deep commitment to the safety of his fellow officers.

Throughout his career with the Ceres Police Department, John served as a member of the SWAT team and as a motor officer. After leaving Ceres in 2014, he continued his career in public service, serving as an officer in South Lake Tahoe, Chief of Police in Susanville, California, a state trooper with the Nevada Highway Patrol, and ultimately a deputy sheriff with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office in Nevada.
John’s career reflected a life dedicated to service, leadership, and protecting others. From standing shoulder to shoulder with fellow officers during one of the most difficult nights in Ceres law enforcement history to continuing his service across California and Nevada, John left a lasting legacy of courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

Though his End of Watch came on October 8, 2021, his service and the lives he helped protect will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Sgt. John King. Thank you for your service, your bravery, and your unwavering commitment to your brothers and sisters in law enforcement. You will always be remembered.

End of Watch: October 8, 2021

10/13/2026

In light of recent fatal traffic collisions around Stanislaus County, the Ceres Police Department will be conducting increased traffic enforcement focused on any and all forms of unsafe driving.

With the increased vigilance of our traffic unit and patrol officers, there will be zero tolerance of impaired or distracted driving. As a driver, pedestrian safety is your responsibility. Be aware of crosswalks and traffic signals, bicycle lanes and non-vehicle traffic on roadways.

Your driving awareness can save a life.

10/13/2026

Ceres Police Department monthly stats for September 2026.

10/12/2026

UPDATE:
Christine has been located. We would like to thank the public for their assistance.

The Ceres Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in locating 17 year old Christine Black who is considered at risk due to her age. If you have seen Christine or have any information on her whereabouts please contact Ceres Police at 209-538-5712 or local law enforcement.

10/08/2026

Throwback Thursday:

A remarkable look back at a group of men who began their law enforcement careers together at the Ceres Police Department and went on to make an incredible impact in communities across California and beyond.

The group photo was taken at a Charity Black Tie event in Ceres, where George Piro served as the keynote speaker. The other photographs show each of these men early in their careers with the Ceres Police Department.

Mike Borges - Retired from Ceres PD as Deputy Chief and went on to become Chief of Police for the Escalon Police Department.

Adam Christensen - Left Ceres in the early 1990s and joined the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to Lieutenant before being elected Sheriff of Stanislaus County multiple times. He later retired.

Brent Smith -Served the Ceres community beginning in 1994 and retired as Chief of Police in 2019.

Patrick Sullivan - Retired as a Sergeant with the Ceres Police Department after 35 years of dedicated service to the community.

Adam McGill - Left Ceres PD in the late 1990s for the Modesto Police Department, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant. He later served as Chief of Police for the cities of Newman, Truckee, and Novato before retiring from law enforcement and becoming a City Manager.

George Piro - Left Ceres PD in the late 1990s and briefly served as a Stanislaus County District Attorney’s investigator before joining the FBI. He became an FBI Special Agent and was part of the team tasked with interviewing Saddam Hussein. George later served for several years in the FBI’s Washington counterterrorism office and ultimately became Special Agent in Charge of the Miami-Dade FBI office.

From their early days serving Ceres to leadership positions throughout California and the FBI, these careers represent decades of public service, leadership, and commitment.
A great reminder of where a career can begin, and the many places service can lead us.