Release Date/Time: 3/11/2016 12:08 AM
Incident: Hit and Run/ Power Outage
Report #: 16 03 0497
Date: Thursday, 3/10/2016
Time: 8:59 PM
Location: N. Sanborn Rd/ Circle Dr.

A solo vehicle collision resulted in the loss of power to approximately 1,200 customers in East Salinas. A 29-year-old male lost control of his vehicle and collided with a power pole near N. Sanborn Road and Circle Drive. The driver fled on foot from the scene of the collision but was located by officers a few hours later and admitted he was the driver. The case was submitted to the DA's Office for review for prosecution of hit and run.

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 3/12/2016 12:48 AM
Incident: Vehicle Pursuit - Felony DUI - Gang Case
Report #: 16-03-0540
Date: Friday, 3/11/2016
Time: 9:21 PM
Location: Kern St / E. Market St.

A 26-year-old man, was driving on Kern St. when he was cut off by a Black Camaro and blew his horn. The Camaro began tailgating him as he drove to the dead end of Kern Street. The man pulled into the reception area of the Holiday Inn hoping the occupants of the Camaro would move on, but they remained in the dead end and began "spinning donuts" in an attempt to intimidate him. The Camaro eventually moved on and the man drove southbound on Kern. As he reached the McDonald the Camaro pulled out in front of him and blocked his path. The occupant exited the vehicle and approached his vehicle yelling and throwing gang signs. The man backed up and drove around them, called 911, and pulled into the Arco gas station. A nearby officer arrived on scene and attempted an enforcement stop on the suspect vehicle. The Camaro took off at a high rate of speed spinning its tires and drove southbound on Kern. The Camaro passed two cars on Kern and tried to make the left turn on to Market and lost control careening into the Shell gas station striking the concrete center pillar resulting is severe damage to the vehicle and airbag deployment. Three of the occupants fled on foot, the driver, Ramon Nunez (25), was taken into custody after having to be tased. The front passenger, a 17-year-old male, and rear passenger Jesus Lopez (18), also fled on foot but were captured shortly thereafter. The fourth occupant, Ivan Alcala (19), remained in the vehicle.

The driver, Nunez, was cited for felony DUI as a result of injuries sustained by one of his passengers, and was booked in County Jail with additional charges including evading arrest, challenging to fight, and gang enhancements. The remaining three were issued citations pending court appearance for charges including resisting arrest, challenging to fight, and gang enhancements.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

On March 13, 2016, at approximately 11:14 pm, officers responded to the 1000 block of Ramona Ave. for victims of shooting. Upon arrival they found two victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. One 21-year-old victim, seated in a vehicle, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Another 18-year-old victim was located in the area and he was transported to Natividad Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.

A witness described a dark SUV had pulled up next to the victim vehicle before the suspect began shooting.  The vehicle continued south on Ramona Ave and turned East on Pacheco St. 

One of the victims has had gang contacts with the Salinas Police Department and this is being investigated as gang related.   This is the 6^th and 7^th Homicide of the year. We are withholding the name of the victim until the family has been notified. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Sivertson at (831) 758-7124. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

On Saturday, March 12, 2016, at approximately 6:30 pm, officers responded to the area of Woodside Drive and Greenwood Place on the report of a suspicious vehicle. When officers arrived they contacted a man and young girl inside the vehicle. The male, identified as Adolfo Castillo, age 23, was engaged in inappropriate conduct with a female minor. Castillo was arrested and taken to the Salinas Police Department. The investigation revealed Castillo is an assistant Junior Varsity wrestling coach at Salinas High School and a volunteer wrestling coach at Washington Middle School.

The Salinas Union High School District and both schools have been notified and are assisting with the investigation.  The Salinas Police Department Investigations Bureau is asking anyone with information regarding past or present suspicious conduct by Castillo to contact Detective Byron Gansen at (831) 758-7137 or email him at byrong@ci.salinas.ca.us. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME, or text information to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Date/Time: 3/14/2016 10:02 AM
Incident: St. Patrick's Day DUI patrols
Report #: N/A
Date: Monday, 3/14/2016
Time: 9:09 AM
Location: Monterey and San Benito Counties

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.

Keep the streets safe this St. Patrick's Day! Don't drink and drive.

As one of the country's most popular holidays, St. Patrick's Day has long celebrated the roots of 34.2 million Americans with Irish ancestry, and many more who just want to partake in the festivities. This year, if you'll be drinking alcohol, remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Tragically, March 17 has become one of the nation's deadliest holidays. In fact, from 2010 to 2014, almost three-fourths of the drunk-driving fatalities during this holiday period involved drivers who had BACs well above the .08 limit, with 266 drunk-driving fatalities total nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To help lower deaths and injuries, The Avoid the 20 of Monterey and San Benito Counties DUI Task Force will be deploying extra officers on overtime targeting problem areas with high numbers of DUI collisions and DUI arrests. These DUI patrols along with routine nightly patrols will be looking for the tell-tale signs of impaired driving to include weaving, crossing the center line, etc. And keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to drink: Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. So whether you've indulged a little or a lot, law enforcements wants to remind everyone to drink and drive is a crime —you put yourself at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal.

Let's make 2016 safer. Use this party-planning checklist to stay safe this St. Patrick's Day.

• PARTY PREPARATION: Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely. Find the name of a taxi company (or two), and keep their numbers in your phone, or download the California Office of Traffic Safety DDVIP (Designated Driver VIP) mobile app is now available for free download on iOS and Android devices. Launched in 20014, the DDVIP app offers enhanced features, allowing users to 'Map a Spot” with their current location to find DDVIP partnering establishments in their area or a 'List of Spots” to search all participating bars and restaurants throughout California. Users will be offered free incentives at each bar to celebrate their life saving role. They can stay up-to-date with the latest from DDVIP and see what other users are saying via its social tab. Also through the app, for those who want to imbibe but also make it a point to plan ahead, users can easily order a sober ride from Uber, Lyft or Curb – all from one screen.

• ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend. Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober evening. If you're the designated driver, do not drink. Your friends are relying on you, as are the people with whom you share the road. Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and tweet your VIP (very important partygoer) status online using the hashtag #designateddriver.

• EVERY DAY: First, commit to driving sober today, St. Patrick's Day, and every day. Second, always keep the number of a taxi company in your phone or in your wallet so you have a backup plan if you find yourself in need of a sober driver. Last, if you're impaired, don't let pride get in the way of calling a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. Help spread the word about the dangers of drunk or buzzed driving, and the resources available to keep the streets safe.

• Recent statistics reveal that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you're taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects. Remember, driving after drinking or impaired by drugs should never be an option. The Avoid DUI Task Force holiday enforcement campaign is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Next DUI campaign is set for Cinco de Mayo.

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

On March 13, 2016, at approximately 11:15 pm, officers responded to the 1000 blk of Ramona Ave. on the report of a shooting. The shooting incident resulted in the deaths of Luis Cardiel San Pablo (age 21) and, his brother, Adair Cardiel San Pablo (age 18). Luis and Adair were seated in their vehicle when a dark colored SUV pulled up and fired multiple gunshots into the vehicle. The dark colored SUV was last seen fleeing the scene southbound on Ramona Ave. toward Pacheco St. Both victims were struck several times. Luis was pronounced deceased at the scene while Adair was taken to Natividad Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

This double homicide is being investigated as gang related. It is the 6^th and 7^th homicides in Salinas this year. If anyone has information regarding these murders, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Sivertson at (831) 758-7124. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Date/Time: 3/16/2016 12:50 PM
Incident: Court Sting Operation
Report #: Several
Date: Wednesday, 3/16/2016
Time: 11:22 AM
Location: 240 Church Street

Today the Salinas Police Department conducted a court sting operation at the Monterey County Courthouse at 240 Church Street between the hours of 8 am through 12 pm. Undercover officers stationed themselves inside the courtroom as the court conducted arraignments. Several of the defendants were told by the judge that they could not drive until licensed and insured.

Officers would follow the defendants outside the courtroom. Most of the defendants made the right decision and either had someone else drive them home or walked from the courthouse. However, eight of the defendants, got into a car and drove away.

The undercover officers then gave a description and location to marked patrol units who would conduct traffic stops on the cars as the defendants drove from the courthouse. All eight of these drivers were cited for driving on a suspended license (a misdemeanor) and their cars were towed and impounded for 30 days. "A person's driving privilege can be suspended for many reasons," said Sergeant Gerry Ross. "It could be for a DUI arrest, driving recklessly, or for getting too many tickets, among other things. But we do know that suspended and unlicensed drivers cause a much higher percentage of injury traffic collisions than do licensed drivers."

Funding for this operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

Release Date/Time: 3/16/2016 11:58 PM
Incident: Battery with Significant Injuries
Report #: 16 03 0792
Date: Wednesday, 3/16/2016
Time: 10:37 PM
Location: 1923 Natividad Rd

Two men suffering significant injuries and were transported to a local hospital following a fight on Wednesday evening.

Officers responded to a report of a fight in the parking lot of a business located on the 1900 block of Natividad Road. The officers arrived on scene to find a 26-year-old male, semi-conscious, with significant injuries, laying in the parking lot.  The victim was transported to an area hospital and was admitted with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.

A second victim who appeared to have been involved in the fight, a 19-year-old male, was located near Klamath Drive and Calaveras Drive. The second victim was also transported to an area hospital where he was treated for significant injuries consistent with a fight.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: John Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 3/19/2016 1:15 AM
Incident: Brandishing / Carrying a Concealed Firearm
Report #: 16 03 0926
Date: Friday, 3/18/2016
Time: 9:32 PM
Location: 200 Block of Main Street

David Camel (44), was arrested for brandishing a firearm in the 200 block of Main Street.

Officers responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm in front of an event taking place in Old Town. A citizen reported that David Camel lifted his shirt and exposed a pistol tucked in his waistband in order to threaten him and another group of men. The citizen provided a good description and Officers quickly located Camel in the immediate area. Despite being challenged at gunpoint by the officers, Camel hid behind a car, did not heed commands, and bobbed and weaved in and out of sight in an aggressive and threatening manner. 'This was a tense and volatile set of circumstances in a dark street. The officers acted on their training and kept this from being much worse.” – Cmdr. John Murray

Camel disappeared from view and when he stepped out from behind the vehicle he challenged officers, and continued to disregard their commands. Officers deployed their Tasers to no immediate effect, and had to physically take him into custody.

A loaded .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol was located under the vehicle Camel used as cover to evade officers. Camel was booked into County Jail for brandishing, resisting arrest, felon in possession of a firearm, and other charges related to carrying a concealed firearm. A second subject, Devin Camel (26), was arrested nearby and booked on warrants.

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 3/19/2016 2:50 AM
Incident:  Shooting
Date: Saturday, 3/19/2016
Time: 12:43 AM
Location:  1300 Block of N. Sanborn Rd.

An adult male was driving in the area of N. Sanborn and Del Monte.  A vehicle began following him and the occupant shot at the victim multiple times in the 1300 block on N. Sanborn Rd.  The victim was transported to a local hospital with, what appear to be, non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by:  Sgt. Danny Warner
Telephone:  831-758-7250

On March 20, 2016, at approximately 3:50 am, Monterey County Communications received a 911 call regarding a victim of a shooting at a residence in the 1100 block of Ranchero Dr.  The caller, who was not at the scene, said the shooting had occurred about 30 minutes prior to calling in but reported the male was dead in the living room of the residence.  Officers arrived, looked through a living room window and saw a male on the living room floor.  Officers forced entry into the residence and found 21-year-old Ruben Estrada suffering from gunshots wounds.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation has revealed there was a party at the residence during the evening, into the early morning hours.  For unknown reasons there obviously was some type of altercation, ending in the shooting of Estrada.  There was no call to 911 when the actual shooting occurred and, although there were several people at the party, no one was at the residence when officers arrived. 

Estrada is not a known gang member with the Salinas Police Department and the motive for this Murder is unknown.  This is the 8^th homicide in Salinas this year.

If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective Gansen at (831) 758-7137 or by email at byrong@ci.salinas.ca.us; or Detective Sivertson at (831) 758-7132. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Date/Time: 3/26/2016 11:52 PM
Incident: Stabbing
Report #: 16 03 1294
Date: Saturday, 3/26/2016
Time: 8:06 PM
Location: Soledad St.

A 47-year-old homeless man was stabbed in Chinatown. The man was walking to his tent on Soledad Street when he became involved in an argument with another male. They exchanged words, their dispute became physical, and the suspect stabbed the man one time resulting in a small laceration. The suspect fled the area, and the victim would provide no information. Despite a number of people on Soledad Street, there were no witnesses willing to discuss what had occurred, however, an anonymous 911 caller described the suspect as a HMA, approximately 19 years old, wearing a dark clothing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 3/26/2016 9:22 AM
Incident: Vehicle vs. Ped Fatality, Hit & Run
Report #: 16-031271
Date: Saturday, 3/26/2016
Time: 4:27 AM
Location: E. Market Street / King Street

Officers responded to E. Market Street & Kings Street on a report of a vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic collision. The suspect vehicle was described as a small white pick-up truck, possibly a Toyota leaving the scene. On arrival, Officers found a 65-year old male in the roadway. He was unconscious and had no pulse. Emergencey medical personnel arrived on scene and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. It appears the victim was crossing E. Market Street (northbound) when he was struck. It is unknown at this point if alcohol or drugs were a factor. The Monterey County Coroner was notified and an autopsy and toxicology screening will be conducted. Salinas Police Department asks anyone with information to contact the Watch Commander at 831-758-7250 or leave a message on the anonymous tip line.

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

Release Date/Time: 3/28/2016 8:01 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder-Shooting
Report #: 16-031382
Date: Monday, 3/28/2016
Time: 5:10 PM
Location: E. Market / 1st St

A 32-year old Hispanic male was walking on E. Market toward Williams Rd when he sustained multiple gunshots to his lower extremities. The injuries appear to be non-life threatening. He ran around the corner and the suspect vehicle fled. Nothing was said before the shots and the attack appears to be unprovoked. The suspect vehicle is described as a white, late model SUV. The case is being investigated as gang related.

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

Release Date/Time: 3/30/2016 1:44 PM
Incident: National Distracted Driving Month
Report #: N/A
Date: Wednesday, 3/30/2016
Time: 12:43 AM
Location: Salinas

Distracted driving is such an important safety issue that April is recognized as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. In California, Police, Sheriff and CHP officials are joining the Office of Traffic Safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), as well as law enforcement throughout the country, working together to focus on education as well as enforcement. The purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in an attempt to change behavior and save lives, not just in April but also year-round.

The Salinas Police Department will join statewide enforcement campaigns on April 7th and 20th, 'zero tolerance days,” when all agencies will be especially vigilant for distracted drivers. Although the purpose of the campaign is not to write as many citations as possible, sometimes citations are necessary for drivers to understand the importance of focusing on their driving.

Distracted driving continues to be a problem, especially as the use of Smartphones increase. Although such crashes are often difficult to prove, California had at least 84 fatal distracted driving collisions in 2013, 85 in 2014 and 67 in 2015, with the actual number of cases likely higher. The number of injury collisions for the same three-year period shows an increase: 10,078 in 2013; 10,463 in 2014, and 11,023 in 2015. NHTSA data for 2014 show nationwide, 3,179 people died in distracted driving collisions, which is 10 per cent of all crash fatalities. An additional 431,000 people, or 18 per cent, were injured in motor vehicle collisions involving distracted drivers. 'As we rely on our cell phones more and more in our everyday lives, we seem to be kidding ourselves in thinking that they don't affect our driving,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. 'Crashes are up. The scientific evidence is solid. The dangers are real, and they apply to all of us. We need to silence the distractions.”

The problem of distracted driving is significant, and no surprise to drivers day in and day out. The Department Of Transportation notes that at any given moment, during daylight hours, more than 660,000 vehicles are being driven by someone using a hand-held cellphone. NHTSA will conduct a television campaign in April with the message 'U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” OTS will produce public service announcements and conduct a social media campaign urging drivers to 'Silence the Distraction.”

WHAT IS DISTRACTED DRIVING? Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:

• Texting

• Using a cellphone or smartphone

• Eating and drinking

• Talking to passengers

• Grooming

• Reading, including maps

• Using a navigation system

• Watching a video

• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction. The California Office of Traffic Safety, Police, Sheriff and the CHP reminds everyone that best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the danger it poses.

The Salinas Police Department will also be hiring extra officers on grant funded overtime to supplement the patrol officers already on the street focusing on Distracted Driving. 'We feel it is very important to stress the dangers of distracted driving to the drivers in Salinas,” said Sergeant Gerry Ross. 'Please turn you cell phone off before driving so you won't be tempted to answer.” This overtime enforcement is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

Release Date/Time: 4/2/2016 12:28 AM
Incident: Shooting/ Attempted Murder
Report #: 16 04 0059
Date: Friday, 4/1/2016
Time: 9:29 PM
Location: Partridge Way / Partridge Cir.

A shooting occurred in the area of Partridge Way and Partridge Circle. Four men were shot at while driving in a vehicle by two men on foot. The vehicle the victims were riding in was struck along with a parked vehicle and a nearby home – no one was injured. The suspects were described as Hispanic male adults, approximately 18 years old, one was wearing a gray hoodie, and shorts. The second suspect was described as approximately 18 years old, with a shaved head, wearing a dark shirt, and black shorts.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 4/1/2016 11:44 PM
Incident: Armed Robbery
Report #: 16 03 0060
Date: Friday, 4/1/2016
Time: 10:00 PM
Location: 600 Block of E. Laurel Dr.

Two men robbed a liquor store at gunpoint on the 600 block of E. Laurel Drive. Both suspects were wearing dark clothing and masks, and were armed with handguns. There were customers in the store at the time of the robbery. The store clerk was forced to empty the registers and at one point the suspect struck the clerk.

The suspects fled the business with an undisclosed amount of cash. They were last seen headed toward Natividad Road in an SUV.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 4/2/2016 10:42 PM
Incident: Doorstep Package Delivery Theft.
Report #: 16 04 0094/ 16 04 0057
Date: Saturday, 4/2/2016
Time: 4:13 PM
Location: 600 Block of W. Acacia / Cedros Street/ John St.

Social media and community involvement help in the capture of two suspected thieves.

On 04/01/16, a package was stolen from the front doorstep of a residence located on the 600 block of W. Acacia Street. The homeowner provided officers with some good photographs from surveillance video of the suspect female and her vehicle. The images were placed on the SPD social media with a request for help in identifying the suspect. Within an hour Jennifer Padgett (38), was identified by an AKA by at least two people as the suspect in the photo. While this was going on, an officer observed a truck matching the suspect vehicle description at a gas station on John Street. Padgett was contacted in the vehicle along with parolee Billy Davis (27). A search of the vehicle revealed a small amount of methamphetamine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and property from the Acacia Street theft. Padgett was wearing the same clothes as seen on the surveillance photos, and was clearly the person pictured. While the stop was in progress, a victim and witness from another theft that occurred on Cedros Avenue on Easter, stopped and identified Padgett as the suspect in their case. Another victim from the Cedros Avenue case, who was traveling out of the area, saw the post on social media and also called to identify Padgett as the suspect. Officer Richardson investigated the case and said, 'I was amazed at how fast people responded. Their willingness to be involved was a great help.”

Padgett and Davis were booked in County Jail for theft, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, and drug charges.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

On April 4, 2016, at approximately 9:40 pm, several people called 911 reporting a shooting, with a victim down, in the 800 blk of Garner Ave. When officers arrived they found 16-year-old Jose Luis Valdez, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Medical attention was provided by bystanders and officers until medical personnel arrived. Valdez was taken by ambulance to Natividad Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

The apartment complex located at 850 Garner Ave. was struck several times by gunfire. One of the rounds went through an exterior wall into an occupied apartment. One of the bullets traveled into the apartment, through a couch, a pillow and struck a 12-year-old boy in the hand. The bullet caused a minor wound that was treated by medical personnel at the scene. His wound did not necessitate any further medical attention.

Another bullet struck a water main for the apartment complex causing one apartment to flood, resulting in minor damage. At least one other apartment was struck with the bullets traveling into the interior causing minor damage.

The initial investigation found that Valdez had recently left a residence nearby and was walking to meet a friend or two. For unknown reasons, Valdez was confronted by at least two persons with handguns. They fired several rounds, striking the apartments and killing Valdez as he tried to run to safety from the suspects. It is not known if the suspects fled on foot or in a vehicle.

This homicide is the 9^th homicide this year and is being investigated as gang related. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective Sivertson at (831) 758-7132 or Detective Gibson at (831) 758-7442. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Date/Time: 4/5/2016 4:55 AM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 16-040218
Date: Monday, 4/4/2016
Time: 9:38 PM
Location: F/O 850 Garner Ave.

On April 4, 2016, at approximately 9:40 pm, several people called 911 reporting a shooting, with a victim down, in the 800 blk of Garner Ave. When officers arrived they found 16-year-old Jose Luis Valdez, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Medical attention was provided by bystanders and officers until medical personnel arrived. Valdez was taken by ambulance to Natividad Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.

The apartment complex located at 850 Garner Ave. was struck several times by gunfire. One of the rounds went through an exterior wall into an occupied apartment. One of the bullets traveled into the apartment, through a couch, a pillow and struck a 12-year-old boy in the hand. The bullet caused a minor wound that was treated by medical personnel at the scene. His wound did not necessitate any further medical attention.

Another bullet struck a water main for the apartment complex causing one apartment to flood, resulting in minor damage. At least one other apartment was struck with the bullets traveling into the interior causing minor damage.

The initial investigation found that Valdez had recently left a residence nearby and was walking to meet a friend or two. For unknown reasons, Valdez was confronted by at least two persons with handguns. They fired several rounds, striking the apartments and killing Valdez as he tried to run to safety from the suspects. It is not known if the suspects fled on foot or in a vehicle.

This homicide is the 9th homicide this year and is being investigated as gang related. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective Sivertson at (831) 758-7132 or Detective Gibson at (831) 758-7442. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78 CRIME, or text information to the Text to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Christopher Lane
Telephone: (831) 758-7496