Sonora, CA…From the Sonora Police Department…”On 04/30/20, at approximately 9:50 pm, Officers responded to a theft that had occurred at a business in the 100 block of Stockton St. When Officers arrived on scene, multiple people were pointing at a silver Chevy Cruze that was driving away. Officers were able to block the vehicle from leaving and detained the driver, Stephenie Turpen.

A store employee reported that Turpen was attempting to steal groceries from the store when the employee confronted her. Turpen left the groceries in the store and got into her Chevy Cruze, and attempted to leave. A citizen who witnessed the crime stood behind the vehicle to stop Turpen from leaving. Turpen acknowledged that the citizen was behind her vehicle, and proceeded to back up. Turpen backed into the citizen three separate times, almost running her over, and then attempted to drive away. Luckily the citizen did not sustain any injuries from being hit by the vehicle.

Turpen was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, attempted petty theft, and for a felony and misdemeanor warrants.

Our main goal is to protect our members of the community, and ask that you do not put yourself in unsafe situations.”