Release Date/Time: 7/20/2014 12:42 PM
Incident: Police Arrest Man Found Sleeping in Parking Lot With Weapon
Report #: 14-070948
Date: Sunday, 7/20/2014
Time: 9:55 AM
Location: 341 Williams Rd. - OHS Laundromat

A Salinas Police Officer was flagged down by a concerned citizen who wanted to report a man with a gun. She told the officer, she noticed a green Oldsmobile parked in front of the laundromat at 341 Williams Rd. There was a male seated behind the wheel who appeared to be asleep. Her husband was about to wake him up when he noticed a handgun tucked inside the man's waistband. As Jose Duran (27) continued to sleep, several officers responded to stop nearby traffic and clear the crowded parking lot of bystanders. Duran awoke as officers were preparing to make contact with him. He complied with commands to surrender and to not reach for the weapon.  As a result, he was safely taken into custody without incident. Duran was found to be in possession of a BB gun that was virtually identical in appearance to a real handgun. He told officers he had recently found the gun, but offered no explanation to why it was in his waistband. Duran was booked in jail for three traffic warrants and the city code ordinance prohibiting possession of a dangerous weapon.

Release Authorized by: Commander Henry Gomez
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/21/2014 1:52 AM
Incident: Strong Armed Robbery Arrest, Vehicle Pursuit, Gang Enhancement, Criminal Conspiracy, etc...
Report #: 14-070957
Date: Sunday, 7/20/2014
Time: 4:21 PM
Location: 400 block of Towt Street

The 51 year old male was walking home when for no reason two suspects, Manuel Chan, 19 and a 17 year old Hispanic male juvenile struck him on the back of his head causing him to fall to the ground. Both suspects repeatedly beat the victim as they robbed him of his identification, bank cards, ATM's etc from his pockets. The victim sustained abrasions as a result of the robbery but did not require medical treatment. After the robbery the two suspects, ran to their vehicle, a silver pickup with red lettering on the back and fled at a high rate of speed.  Officer Jacky Bohn happened to be driving in the area and observed the vehicle driving away from the scene.  She was also flagged down by victim who reported the robbery to her.  Officer Steve Hoyte was a block away and also observed the vehicle leaving the area.  Officer Hoyte attempted to stop the vehicle but Chan led the officers on a high speed pursuit.  The vehicle was stopped on the 1400 block of Tecopa and both suspects were arrested without incident.  All of the victims property was recovered.  Both suspects are gang members from Greenfield.  Both were booked; the 17 year old juvenile at Juvenile Hall and Chan at the Monterey County Jail.

Release Authorized by: Commander David Crabill
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/21/2014 8:58 AM
Incident: Threatening a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, Felony Vandalism
Report #: 14-070973
Date: Monday, 7/21/2014
Time: 9:25 PM
Location: 1800 Blk of Cherokee Dr.

Officers were dispatched to a North Salinas apartment complex regarding Nicolas Vela, 21, who was calling 911 saying he was "crazy", he had a gun and that he is going to kill someone. Upon arrival, officers found him standing in the upstairs window, above the front door, yelling and threatening officers that he was going to shoot them. Throughout the incident, Vela appeared in the window with a several objects, which he repeatedly pointed at officers. Some of those objects included a shard of broken glass, a beer can and a glass bottle. Vela pointed these objects at the officers simulating them as firearms. Vela threw the glass bottle at officers but no injury or damage was sustained. An officer from the Hostage Negotiations Team spoke with Vela for an extended period of time. Vela broke out several windows and tossed various items to the ground below. An inner and outer perimeter was established and traffic was controlled in the area. A group of about 50 spectators lined the parking lot at the Olive Garden Restaurant. Some of the individuals yelled anti-police comments and profanities towards the officers that were dealing with Vela. Some were yelling directly at Vela in an effort to further incite him but the officers were eventually successful in discouraging their behavior. Emergency Medical Services staged with physician authorization to sedate Vela upon arrest, if necessary. After over 2-hours of negotiating, an officer deployed a 40-millimeter direct impact launcher. The projectile struck Vela in his abdomen as he exposed his upper torso in the window. An entry team entered and immediately engaged Vela, who was partially incapacitated by the impact of the 40mm projectile. A diversionary device or "flashbang" was deployed. Vela physically resisted but was quickly overcome by the entry team. Vela was transported to Natividad Medical Center for a jail check. His injuries were superficial and once he was medically cleared, Vela was booked into Monterey County Jail for the above charges. The stand-off lasted for 2 hours, 20 minutes (9:50pm to 12:10am). None of the bystanders were arrested.

Release Authorized by: Sheldon Bryan
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/21/2014 6:29 PM
Incident: Search Warrant
Report #: 14-070880
Date: Friday, 7/18/2014
Time: 9:49 AM
Location: 200 Block of Central Avenue

On July 8th, Salinas Police Officers arrested Branden Morrison (32) for possession of illegal narcotics and possession of a loaded firearm. Salinas Police Department case investigation led to obtaining a signed search warrant for Morrison's apartment and Monterey County STING Task Force helped in serving the warrant on July 18th.  During the execution of the search warrant, a subject who resided with Morrison, Ricky Dinola (31), was seen leaving the apartment and was stopped and detained by STING agents. Dinola was found to be on Parole/Probation Release Community Supervision (PRCS) and had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest. When STING agents entered the apartment to serve the search warrant, they found Morrison in his bedroom, a Michael Walraven (31) in the spare room, and Sierra Papageorgas (21) in the bathroom. It appeared that Pappageorgas was flushing or destroying evidence while in the bathroom. Papageorgas was searched by a female officer and she was found in possession of a small amount of heroin.

During the search of Morrison's bedroom, officers found methamphetamine packaged for sale, a digital scale, narcotics related indicia, .22 caliber ammunition, and a large amount of US currency. The quantity of methamphetamine and the packaging was consistent of illegal narcotics sales. Walraven who has been contacted and arrested several times over the past several months for narcotics sales and illegal weapons possession, was out on bail. A search of his back pack revealed a large quantity of heroin packaged for sales and a small amount of methamphetamine. Officers searched the room belonging to Dinola and found a loaded 9mm semi-auto handgun, a high capacity round magazine (not loaded), and some .38 special ammunition. A records check on the handgun showed that it was not properly registered. He was also in possession of small amount of concentrated THC (butane honey oil).

All the above subjects were transported, booked, and lodged at the Monterey County Jail for multiple narcotic related and weapon charges.

Release Authorized by: Eulalio Villegas Jr.
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/23/2014 2:03 PM
Incident: Shooting
Report #:
Date: Monday, 7/21/2014
Time: 11:40 AM
Location: 1800 Blk. Cherokee Dr

On July 21^st at 11:40 am Salinas Police responded to the 1800 block of Cherokee Dr.  regarding a victim of a shooting.  When officers arrived on scene they contacted a male victim (34) who was suffering from a single gunshot wound to his lower body.  Investigations revealed that during an argument and altercation between the victim and the suspect, a handgun was brandished and the victim was shot.  The victim in this case has been uncooperative and was treated and released from the hospital.   On July 22^nd the shooter from the previous day's incident voluntarily came to the Salinas Police Department to provide a statement.  At this time the investigation is ongoing and we are in consultation with the District Attorney's Office to determine the appropriate charges.

Release Authorized by: Commander Vincent Maiorana
Telephone: (831) 758-7350

Release Date/Time: 7/23/2014 1:47 PM
Incident:Salinas Police Department Annual Award Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, 7/23/2014
Time: 1:47 PM
Location: City Hall Rotunda  200 Lincoln Ave.

On July 23, 2014 at 3:00pm the Salinas Police Department will hold its annual award ceremony in the Salinas City Hall Rotunda at 200 Lincoln Avenue.  Several officers will be honored for their efforts during 2013.

Release Authorized by: Crd. Dave Shaw
Telephone: 831-758-7271

Release Date/Time: 7/24/2014 11:58 PM
Incident:Att. Murder
Report #: 14071177
Date: Thursday, 7/24/2014
Time: 9:09 PM
Location: 1300 block Las Cruces Ct

The victim was standing in his driveway when he observed a male in dark clothing standing across the street. The male pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing at the victim from across the street before running N/B to a dark colored SUV. Rounds struck the victims house and vehicle, however no one was injured. 

Release Authorized by: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/24/2014 11:58 PM
Incident:Att. Murder
Report #: 14071177
Date: Thursday, 7/24/2014
Time: 9:09 PM
Location: 1300 block Las Cruces Ct

The victim was standing in his driveway when he observed a male in dark clothing standing across the street. The male pulled a gun from his waistband and began firing at the victim from across the street before running N/B to a dark colored SUV. Rounds struck the victims house and vehicle, however no one was injured. 

Release Authorized by: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/27/2014 12:20 AM
Incident: Attempted Murder Shooting
Report #: 14-071242
Date: Saturday, 7/26/2014
Time: 8:31 PM
Location: Atlantic Street and Cari Court

The two teenaged victims were driving southbound in a car on Atlantic St behind a light colored sedan. The sedan stopped in the roadway in front of the victims' vehicle and a male passenger exited the car with a handgun. He fired at them several times and rounds struck their car. The suspect then got back into the sedan, which fled onto Garner Avenue. One of the victims received minor injuries from flying glass caused by the gunfire.

Release Authorized by: James Godwin
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/28/2014 2:53 PM
Incident: Fatal Hit and Run update
Report #: 14-070208
Date: Monday, 7/28/2014
Time: 2:43 PM
Location: Natividad Road and Los Coches

On July 5th at approximately 3am, Adrian Garcia, 27, was riding his bicycle through the crosswalk at Natividad Road and Los Coches Avenue when he was struck by a car and killed. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene. The investigation by Salinas PD traffic investigators has found that the car involved in this fatal hit and run collsion is a 2010 or newer white Ford Mustang. Investigators are asking for the public's help. If anyone knows of a 2010 or newer white Ford Mustang that was damaged on or near July 5th, or if anyone has any other information about this tragic incident, please call Officer Lek Livingston at (831) 758-7980 or Sergeant Gerry Ross at (831) 758-7975.

Release Authorized by: Gerard Ross
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/31/2014 2:18 PM
Incident: 664/187pc
Report #: 14071431
Date: Wednesday, 7/30/2014
Time: 6:20 PM
Location: 1140 Pacific Ave Apt A

Officers were dispatched to a victim of a stabbing.  When they arrived, they found Jose Sanguino(27) lying in the driveway with a life threatening injury.  Sanguino had been stabbed with a lettuce knife and had been partially disemboweled.  The investigation has revealed that Sanguino had been drinking outside with several friends to include Bernardo Villareal Gonzalez(49).  Gonzalez and Sanguino got into a verbal argument that carried over into the house.   Once inside, the argument escalated into a physical fight which culminated in Gonzalez producing a lettuce knife and slashing Sanguino.  Gonzalez fled the scene with the lettuce knife.  Gonzalez' whereabouts are unknown and he is wanted for questioning.    Gonzalez is a 49 year old Hispanic male who stands five feet six inches tall.  He is currently clean shaven with short black hair.  Gonzalez was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, grey short sleeved shirt, green shorts with white flower pattern, and brown tennis shoes.  

If anyone has information on the whereabouts of Gonzalez, they are encouraged to contact 911 or the Salinas Police Department at 758-7133 or 775-4222.  They can also contact Detective Roman at 758-7913.  

Release Authorized by: Sergeant Jeff Gibson
Telephone: (831) 758-7128

Release Date/Time: 7/30/2014 8:56 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder
Date: Wednesday, 7/30/2014
Time: 6:20 PM
Location: 1100 block of Pacific Ave

The 28 year old victim and the suspect are roomaates.  They, along with several other residents, were drinking in the back yard portion of the complex when the two began arguing about money. The suspect went inside the residece and the victim soon followed, with the argument continuing on.  The suspect pulled out a lettuce knife and stabbed the vicitm in the side, partially disemboweling him. The suspect had fled by the time police arrived and the investigation is working towards obtaining a positive identification on him and his current whereabouts. The victim was immediately life-flighted to a Bay Area trauma center for treatment   The suspect is described as a 40 yr old HMA 5'9", 150 lbs last seen wearing a gray shirt and green shorts with white flowers, similar to board shorts.  If anyone has information about this crime they are urged to contact the Salinas Police Department or the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463)

Release Authorized by: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

U.S. Marshals CAPTURE FUGITIVE WANTED FOR BRUTAL STABBING OF TEENAGER

***THE FOLOWING PRESS RELEASE WAS AUTHORED AND ISSUED BY THE US MARSHALS SERVICE***

SALINAS, CA – U.S. Marshal Donald O'Keefe is proud to announce the arrest of Angela ZUNIGA, who was sought by the Salinas Police Department for her role in the stabbing death of, 14 year old, Ricardo Ruiz.  ZUNIGA was a featured fugitive on the Northern California's Most Wanted website.   

In May of 2013, ZUNIGA confronted Ruiz as he walked with friends at the intersection of East Alisal and North Madeira Ave. in Salinas.  It's alleged that ZUNIGA asked Ruiz what gang he was affiliated with.  When Ruiz confirmed he was in a gang, ZUNIGA immediately began stabbing Ruiz in the neck.  A Good Samaritan attempted to save Ruiz by transporting him to Natividad Medical Center, but later died after family decided to take him off life-support.    

Information was obtained that ZUNIGA had fled to Mexico immediately after the stabbing.  ZUNIGA believed that by fleeing to Mexico she would be untouchable.  The Salinas Police Department requested the assistance of the United States Marshals Service to assist in the investigation.    

On July 30, 2013, Mexican Authorities were able to locate and apprehend ZUNIGA in Tijuana, Mexico.  ZUNIGA, who is a United States citizen, was deported from Mexico and turned over to U.S. Marshals custody at the San Ysidro Port of Entry and booked into Las Colinas Detention Center, where she awaits extradition back to Monterey County.  

  Due to the relentless investigation of the Salinas Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Mexican Investigative Liaison (MIL) Units in San Jose and San Diego, ZUNIGA will be finally brought to Justice. 

                'This is example of how close cooperation between local, state, federal and foreign Law Enforcement are apprehending fugitive gang members who think they can operate with impunity in the Salinas community,” said US Marshal Donald O'Keefe. 

The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency charged with conducting fugitive investigations throughout the United States and abroad. The U.S. Marshals Service regularly works in concert with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to seek out and arrest violent fugitives and sex offenders, and has established task forces throughout the nation to facilitate the apprehension of fugitives.

Release Date/Time: 8/2/2014 8:41 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder - Shooting
Report #: 14-080060
Date: Saturday, 8/2/2014
Time: 5:19 PM
Location: 1500 block of Cherokee Drive

Salinas Police Officers were dispatched to the above location regarding a victim of a shooting. They located a 21 year old male victim suffering from two gunshot wounds; one to his leg and one to his arm.  It appears the victim was inside of his garage when the suspect walked up the driveway and began shooting into the garage.  The suspect was described as an 18/19 year old Hispanic male, 5-6/170, bald, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt and white shorts.  This was gang related and was not a random shooting.  The suspect was last seen running northbound Cherokee Drive from the scene.  If you have any information regarding this shooting contact Detective Gerry Magana at 831-758-7129.

Release Authorized by: Commander David Crabill
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/3/2014 11:42 PM
Incident: Armed Robbery - Business
Report #: 14-080104
Date: Sunday, 8/3/2014
Time: 8:38 PM
Location: Little Caesars Pizza - 45 South Sanborn Road #A

2 Hispanic male suspects in their 20's entered the business armed with silver colored handguns.  One suspect was 5-6 medium build and the second was 6-0 thin build. Both were wearing painters masks, gray hooded jackets and blue jeans.  They obtained an unknown amount of money from the business.  They were last seen running toward the rear of the business on McGowan Drive. 

Release Authorized by: Commander David Crabill
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/4/2014 11:12 PM
Incident: Armed Robbery - Business
Report #: 14-080155
Date: Monday, 8/4/2014
Time: 10:15 PM
Location: 605 North Sanborn Road - 7 Eleven Store

The suspect, a Hispanic male adult, early 20's, tall/thin wearing a black and red jacket, black pants, gloves and a black bandana covering his face entered the store with a handgun.  He ordered the clerk, at gunpoint, to open the register.  He obtained an unknown amount of money from the register. The suspect fled on foot westbound from the store to North Madiera.

Release Authorized by: Commander David Crabill
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/4/2014 1:32 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder
Report #: 14-080133
Date: Monday, 8/4/2014
Time: 12:05 PM
Location: 300 Block of Noice Dr.

A 27 year-old male was outside in the 300-block of Noice Dr. when a vehicle slowly approached.  The passenger fired several rounds at the victim, with at least one striking him in the upper torso.  He was flown to a Bay Area trauma center and it is believed his wounds were not life-threatening.  The suspect vehicle was last seeing fleeing southbound on Noice Dr.  It was described as a white older model, possible Toyota Camry with dark tinted windows.  It had a dent on the right front fender near the door and other miscellaneous scratches throughout the right side.  There is no additional information avaialble at this time, however, this incident is being investigated as gang-related. 

Release Authorized by: Commander Henry Gomez
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Since early this morning, the Salinas Police Department has received numerous calls and emails from concerned members of the public wanting to report information about Julissa Romero, a girl reported missing by our agency in May of this year.  On 8/5/14, an unknown person posted GPS coordinates on anonymous chat site Omegle, claiming he had buried her there.  This is a complete hoax.  Julissa has been contacted and accounted for. 

Release Date/Time: 8/7/2014 9:21 PM
Incident: Attempted Robbery
Date: Thursday, 8/7/2014
Time: 12:49 AM
Location: 1305 N Main 7-11

Adrian Chacon (28) entered the 7-11 and brandished a large knife at the clerk, telling him it was a robbery and call the police. The clerk did as instruced and Chacon remained in the store at the counter holding the knife.  Once he saw that units arrived, he dropped the knife and awaited instructions. He came out and complied with officers, being taken into custody without incident. A 8" kitchen knife was found  just inside the doors. Chacon was lodged into County Jail for attempted robbery.

Release Authorized by: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/10/2014 2:49 AM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 14-080415
Date: Saturday, 8/9/2014
Time: 9:09 PM
Location: Fairview Ave / Sharon Dr

On Saturday August 9^th at approximately 9:03 pm Officers responded to a report of a victim of a shooting near the intersection Fairview Ave and Sharon Dr. On arrival they found two victims, ages 26 and 22 both suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. One of the victims died at the scene, and the second was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. A single male suspect was described as wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt. The identity of both victims is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin. At this point it is unknown if this incident is gang related.

Salinas Police Detectives are looking for witnesses or anyone who may information regarding this incident. Witnesses are encouraged to contact Detective David Poulin at 831-758-7270 or Detective Robert Zuniga at 831-758-7276.  If you would like to remain anonymous, you can also call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222 or the We-Tip-Line at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Release Authorized by: James Arensdorf
Telephone: (831) 758-7250