On March 26, 2016, between 4:30 and 6:00 pm, the photographed female walked up on the porch of a home and stole a package left for the homeowner. The Salinas Police Department is asking the public to help identify the thief. If you recognize her, please contact Detective Byron Gansen at 831-758-7137 or at his email address of byrong@ci.salinas.ca.us. . 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".

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Release Date/Time: 4/5/2016 3:07 AM
Incident: Attempted Robbery and Stabbing
Report #: 16-040222
Date: Tuesday, 4/5/2016
Time: 12:02 AM
Location: Casentini St. and Rico St.

A 23-year-old Salinas man was walking near Rico St. and Casentini St. when he was approached from behind by a male with a knife. The male walked up behind the victim and stabbed him in the back. The suspect demanded money from the victim. The victim punched the male suspect in the face knocking him to the ground. After a brief struggle, the suspect ran away on Rico St. toward Rossi St. The suspect has not yet been identified. The investigation is continuing. The victim suffered a minor stab wound and a cut on his hand.

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: Robert Hampson III
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 4/6/2016 6:05 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Wednesday, 4/6/2016
Time: 11:20 AM
Location: P/L 912 Acosta Plaza

At approximately 1120 hours, we received 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of 912 Acosta Plaza, followed by calls of a victim down. Officers arrived and found Felipe Rocha Sandoval (17) shot multiple times; Sandoval succumbed to his injuries on scene. Although it was in the middle of the day, very few leads or witnesses have come forth thus far. Sandoval is the 10th homicide victim of the year and this case is being investigated as gang related. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929. 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: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7350

Release Date/Time: 4/6/2016 6:04 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Wednesday, 4/6/2016
Time: 11:20 AM
Location: P/L 912 Acosta Plaza

At approximately 1120 hours, we received 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of 912 Acosta Plaza, followed by calls of a victim down. Officers arrived and found Felipe Rocha Sandoval (17) shot multiple times; Sandoval succumbed to his injuries on scene. Although it was in the middle of the day, very few leads or witnesses have come forth thus far. Sandoval is the 10th homicide victim of the year and this case is being investigated as gang related. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929. 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: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7350

Release Date/Time: 4/6/2016 6:02 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Wednesday, 4/6/2016
Time: 11:20 AM
Location: P/L 912 Acosta Plaza

At approximately 1120 hours, we received 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of 912 Acosta Plaza, followed by calls of a victim down. Officers arrived and found Felipe Rocha Sandoval (17) shot multiple times; Sandoval succumbed to his injuries on scene. Although it was in the middle of the day, very few leads or witnesses have come forth thus far. Sandoval is the 10th homicide victim of the year and this case is being investigated as gang related. If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929. 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: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

At approximately 1120 hours, we received 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of 912 Acosta Plaza, followed by calls of a victim down.  Officers arrived and found Felipe Rocha Sandoval (17) shot multiple times; Sandoval succumbed to his injuries on scene.  Although it was in the middle of the day, very few leads or witnesses have come forth thus far.  Sandoval is the 10th homicide victim of the year and this case is being investigated as gang related.  If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929. 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".

At approximately 1120 hours, we received 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area of 912 Acosta Plaza, followed by calls of a victim down.  Officers arrived and found Felipe Rocha Sandoval (17) shot multiple times; Sandoval succumbed to his injuries on scene.  Although it was in the middle of the day, very few leads or witnesses have come forth thus far.  Sandoval is the 10th homicide victim of the year and this case is being investigated as gang related.  If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929. 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: 3/19/2016 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: 4/7/2016 5:42 PM
Incident: Attempted Homicide
Date: Wednesday, 4/6/2016
Time: 9:09 PM
Location: 500 Block of Mae Ave

A 35 year old male was outside near a vehicle when a vehicle pulled up to his location and began firing at the male.  The male was struck several times by the gunfire.  Officers and medical staff arrived and transported the subject to the hospital for treatment.  There are no witnesses and no further information regarding the shooting.

If anyone has information regarding this homicide, they are asked to contact Detective McKinley at (831) 758-7145 or Detective Craig at (831) 758-7929.  If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Polcie Department 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 Authorized by: Brian Johnson
Telephone: (831) 758-7128

Release Date/Time: 4/8/2016 9:59 AM
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Report #: 16-040344
Date: Thursday, 4/7/2016
Time: 1:33 PM
Location: Maryal Drive and E. Bernal Drive

A 38-year-old woman was driving her white Honda minivan w/b in the #1 lane of E. Bernal approaching Maryal at about 30 to 35 mph. A 53-year-old male was riding his bicycle down the hill of Maryal toward Bernal. A witness saw the bicyclist ride through the stop sign without even slowing. He collided with the right/front of the minivan. The man suffered head trauma and a possible broken arm. He was transported to the Natividad Medical Center Trauma Unit and taken in immediately for surgery. The man was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver was properly licensed and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The case is still under investigation.

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

Release Date/Time: 4/8/2016 9:59 AM
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Report #: 16-040344
Date: Thursday, 4/7/2016
Time: 1:33 PM
Location: Maryal Drive and E. Bernal Drive

A 38-year-old woman was driving her white Honda minivan w/b in the #1 lane of E. Bernal approaching Maryal at about 30 to 35 mph. A 53-year-old male was riding his bicycle down the hill of Maryal toward Bernal. A witness saw the bicyclist ride through the stop sign without even slowing. He collided with the right/front of the minivan. The man suffered head trauma and a possible broken arm. He was transported to the Natividad Medical Center Trauma Unit and taken in immediately for surgery. The man was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The driver was properly licensed and did not appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The case is still under investigation.

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

Release Date/Time: 4/11/2016 12:09 AM
Incident: Shooting Victim
Report #: 16 04 0488
Date: Sunday, 4/10/2016
Time: 10:22 PM
Location: Sieber St./ Orchard Ave

A 20-year-old man was walking his bicycle on Sieber Street at Orchard Avenue. Several shots were fired by an unknown suspect striking the victim one time in the torso. The victim was very uncooperative, would not provide any information, and was transported to a local hospital. The man is expected to live. 911 callers reported an HMA in dark clothing, possibly wearing a dark gray Pendleton, and blue jeans, last seen running eastbound.

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: 4/10/2016 3:08 PM
Incident: Criminal threats, Parole Violation
Date: Sunday, 4/10/2016
Time: 3:18 AM
Location: 1400 Blk. Amador Cir.

Officers responded to the 1400 blk. Amador Circle after receiving a 911 call from residents about death threats being made by a suspect identified as Rodney Sablan (37). Investigation revealed that Sablan had made several death threats towards other people in the home and also held down a 66-year-old man preventing him from calling police. Officers who originally investigated the case said there was about a 15-minute delay time between the initial report and when they arrived on scene but it was suspected that Sablan was still in the home.  After officers arrived they hailed for well over an hour and ultimately requested Salinas Police SWAT to conduct a tactical entry. Sablan is a well know norteno gang member with a long criminal history of violence, gun possession and resisting arrest.  Also it was found that Sablan has absconded from parole and was wanted for not reporting to his parole officer for several months. Salinas Police SWAT later arrived ultimately making entry to the residence to find that Sablan was not there and had escaped during the 15 minutes prior to officer arrival.  A county wide BOL was place for Sablan.  Anyone having information on the whereabouts of Sablan are urged to contact the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7250 or the Salinas Police anonymous tip line.

Release Authorized by:  Commander Vincent Maiorana
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 4/11/2016 7:03 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder
Report #: 16 04 0533
Date: Monday, 4/11/2016
Time: 3:18 PM
Location: 1300 Block of Estrella Way

A 16 year-old was shot in front of a home on the 1300 block of Estrella Way this afternoon. A dark colored vehicle, possibly a Honda, pulled up and the occupant fired several shots at the victim striking him multiple times in the torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital and was admitted with serious, but non-life threatening wounds.  

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: 4/14/2016 5:36 PM
Incident: Burglary and Fraud Arrest
Date: Wednesday, 4/13/2016
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: 400 Block E. Market

Salinas Police Detectives and Monterey County Sheriff Deputies were working a burglary, identity theft and credit card fraud case. They were able to identify the suspect as Ramee Ayesh(29). Ayesh was the suspect that led Fresno PD on a pursuit a few weeks prior but was released on bail. He has been identified in several burglaries in the Salinas area including Las Palmas and Creekbridge. Ayesh had been wearing a hard hat and reflective vest pretending to be a PG&E worker on several burglaries.  He was also seen wearing a suit during several burglaries.  Ayesh worked as a car salesman for My Nissan and Salinas Valley Ford for months where he would make copies of customers information and use the information.  He was fired from both dealerships prior to being arrested.  Ayesh was taken into custody and booked in to Monterey County Jail.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Brian Johnson, Investigations
Telephone: (831) 758-7128

Release Date/Time: 4/13/2016 4:31 PM
Incident: 2012 Homicide Arrest
Date: Wednesday, 4/13/2016
Time: 4:28 PM
Location: US Border at San Ysidro Port of Entry

On Sunday, April 10th, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) notified the Salinas Police Department about an arrest they made at the San Ysidro port of entry. Agents detained a person attempting to sneak into the United States using false documents. During a fingerprint check, the male was found to be Francisco Javier Navarro, age 37. Navarro was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested by CBP and held on the warrant.

In early 2013, the Salinas Police Department secured an arrest warrant for Navarro based on the murder that occurred on December 24, 2012 in the 1200 blk of Second Ave. The shooting appears to have been the result of a family dispute between the victim, Salvador Garcia (age 30) and Navarro. During the argument, Navarro pulled out a gun and shot Garcia one time, killing him. Navarro fled the scene and was believed to gone to Mexico. Navarro will be transported to Monterey County in the near future to face the murder charge. Attached is the press release from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office.

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

Release Date/Time: 4/19/2016 10:28 AM
Incident: Attempted Murder - Shooting
Report #: 16-040915
Date: Monday, 4/18/2016
Time: 9:09 PM
Location: 2100 blk of North Main Street

Officers responded to the victim of a shooting and found a 20-year old Hispanic male who was shot twice in the lower extremities. 20 shell casings were located in the street. Videos from nearby buildings are being reviewed. In one surveillance video, a 2004-2007 GMC Denali XL with tinted windows was seen on video and officers are trying to determine if the vehicle is involved. Three suspects fled prior to officers arrival and three different firearms were used. The victim is out of surgery and wounds are non-life threatening. The case is being investigated as gang-related.

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

Release Date/Time: 4/21/2016 2:38 PM
Incident: Search Warrant, Attempt Murder arrest/poss firearms
Date: Tuesday, 4/19/2016
Time: 6:52 PM
Location: 1300 block of Wiren St

Salinas Police Detectives have been working an attempted homicide investigation that occurred in the 1300 block of Wiren St at 2030 hours on 2/25/16.  As a result, detectives were able to identify Joshua Nunez(29) and Gil Vasquez(27) as the shooters and obtained arrest warrants for both subjects. On Tuesday, 4/19, Salinas Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on Vasquez and arrested him on $4,075,000 related to the investigation (charges include attempt murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancements amongst others) .  A search warrant for their residence, also in the 1300 block of Wiren St was obtained in order to seek evidence and locate Nunez,  Based upon the violent nature of the crime and Nunez' criminal history, the Salinas Police SWAT team was activated to assist in the service of the warrant.  As the SWAT team arrived on seen, they spotted David Nunez(42) run out of the residence and throw a rifle over a fence then run back in the house. Another subject, Robert Gabriel(23)  attempted to flee by jumping over the backyard fence,  but saw perimeter units and submitted to arrest.  SWAT set up on the residence and David Nunez along with two females were called from the home and detained. During the service of the search warrant, 2 revolvers, and a lever action rifle were located in the residence. The weapon originally thrown by David Nunez was found to be an unregistered AR-15 style rifle.   Vasquez, Nunez and Gabriel were all booked into county jail; the females were released at the scene.  Joshua Nunez was not located; he is currently wanted on an arrest warrant related to the original case (for charges similar to that of Vasquez).  Nunez' bail amount is set at $3.7 million.  Nunez is described as a HMA (29) 5'6"/165 blk/brn.  He should be considered armed and dangerous; the public should not make any attempt to contact him, however, they are urged to call 911 to report his whereabouts.    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: Stan Cooper, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7350