Release Date/Time: 7/28/2013 1:43 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Sunday, 7/28/2013
Time: 7:55 AM
Location: 719 S. Main St. (Willow Lodge)

Officers responded to the Willow Lodge located at 719 South Main St. in regards to a report of an gunshot heard, explosion and possible fire in one of the rooms.  As Officers arrived on scene with Salinas Fire Department, a check of the property revealed a fire had been set inside a motel room along with evidence of a related small explosion.  Located in the room was a deceased adult female who appeared to have been shot.    The fire inside the motel room was small and was extinguished quickly after the explosion was heard and smoke was seen coming from the room. Salinas Police detectives are investigating the death as a homicide.  The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending family notification.

Anyone who may have witnessed this shooting or with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact the Salinas Police Department Investigations Bureau at (831) 758-7226 or the Salinas Police Department Watch Commander at (831) 758-7250.  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: Commander Vincent Maiorana
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/29/2013 6:28 PM
Incident: Gang member with gun / drug sales
Report #: 13-071546
Date: Monday, 7/29/2013
Time: 3:09 PM
Location: P/L 888 E. Alisal

Members of the Salinas Police Department's Violence Suppression Unit observed a wanted subject, Ramon Mercado (30) in a vehicle.  Mercado is a known gang member with a lengthy and violent arrest history dating back to 1995.  Mercado had a $30,000 felony warrant for his arrest.

While attempting to take Mercado into custody, he put up resistance and officers had to use force to safely take him into custody.  Mercado was in possession of a loaded revolver, gang indicia, ammunition and methamphetamine.  The methamphetamine he possessed was consistent with drug sales.

Mercado was booked into the Monterey County Jail for possession of meth for sales, firearms charges, gang enhancements, resisting arrest, possession of burglary tools and his outstanding warrant.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Gray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/29/2013 1:24 PM
Incident: Attempted Armed Robbery
Report #: 13-071528
Date: Monday, 7/29/2013
Time: 11:03 AM
Location: P/L 1200 block of South Main Street

The victim was working in a parking lot when he was approached by a Hispanic Male Adult in his 20's who demanded his money. The victim walked away but the suspect followed him. They physically fought.  When the victim pushed the suspect backwards, he took one shot at the victim with a pellet gun.  There was no injury to the victim. Suspect last seen getting into a green colored 4 door sedan, last seen northbound on South Main Street.

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

Release Date/Time: 7/29/2013 10:50 AM
Incident: Press Conference/Update
Date: Monday, 7/29/2013
Time: 10:50 AM
Location:  CIty of Salinas Rotunda

A press conference will be held at the City of Salinas Rotunda today (July 29) at 3:00 PM. 

This press conference will provide an update to the Officer Involved Shooting that took place on Friday July 26^th

This conference is for the press only and not open to the public.

See below press release issued on July 27^th regarding the same incident.

At approximately 6:00 PM on Friday evening (July 26),  officers assigned to the Monterey County Joint Gang Task force observed an individual in the area of Kern St. and E. Market St. running down the sidewalk with a handgun.   As the suspect ran westbound on the sidewalk, officers challenged this individual to stop and drop the gun.  The suspect continued to run away from pursuing officers to a parking lot located near the intersection of Ivy St. and E. Market St.  At this location, the suspect confronted pursuing officers by shooting at one officer.  In response to the gunfire directed towards the involved officer in the chase,  officers returned fire striking the suspect several times.  The suspect died at the scene and is a known gang member and parolee who was wanted by state parole.  The involved officers were not injured during the incident.  There was no associated property damage or injuries to uninvolved citizens.

This investigation is being led by Salinas Police Department investigators and the investigation is expected to be ongoing for quite some time.   There will be no further press releases prior to Monday.  The Salinas Police Department urges anyone who may have information related to this case to contact the Salinas Police Department.

All press relations should be directed to Commander Vincent Maiorana at (831) 758-7350.

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

Release Date/Time: 7/29/2013 8:51 PM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 13-071547
Date: Monday, 7/29/2013
Time: 3:49 PM
Location: 200 block of Osage Dr.

A 60-year old man was shot multiple times inside a home on Osage Dr. just before 4:00PM. He was airlifted to a bay area trauma center but did not survive. A semi-auto rifle appears to have been used and the motive has not been established. The victim was a carpenter who was renovating the home but he was not the home owner. The identity of the victim is being witheld pending notification of family. Witnesses saw two Hispanic males running from the scene but detectives are currenly working on obtaining more specific descriptions. Anyone with information is urged to call the Salinas Police Department's Watch Commander at 758-7250 or the anonymous tip line, 775-4222.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/1/2013 3:12 AM
Incident: Attempted Burglary, Attempted Murder Of a Police Officer
Report #: 13-071675
Date: Wednesday, 7/31/2013
Time: 9:44 PM
Location: 300 Block of Kings Street

Officers responded to a call from the Kings Thrift Store about an intruder attempting to enter the business through a rear door. This area of the business is enclosed with a chain link fence. The initial Officer arrived and as he was walking to the corner of the building he shined his light on the enclosed side area. The Officer immeditately heard two shots fired very close to his location. The Officer backed away and called for additional cover officers. The store was evacuated and the employees were contacted outside. They confirmed seeing a suspect to the rear, who then tried to enter a door to the business. Our Officers, with the assistance of MCSO Deputies and CHP Officers, established a perimeter and the area was searched. We were unable to locate any suspects.

We did locate several shell casings and bullet strikes in the area where the suspect(s) fired at the Officer. It was clear based on the Officer's observations and the evidence found, that the suspect fired at the Officer. We were unable to locate any suspects. After finishing the search for possible suspects, we were contacted by an employee of a local business, located four businesses from the thrift store on Kings Street. He stated someone had been in the back of his business. An area check was conducted with negative results.  At this time, we have no suspect information.

Anyone with information related to the crime or who may have been a witness is encouraged to contact the Salinas Poice Department at (831) 758-7250. 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 Authorized by: Eulalio Villegas Jr.
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/1/2013 1:12 AM
Incident: Attempted Murder - Shooting
Report #: 13-071674
Date: Wednesday, 7/31/2013
Time: 8:39 PM
Location: 700-Block of Garner Dr.

A 26 year old male and his friend were standing in the 700-Block area of Garner Ave. when a Hispanic male teen wearing all black clothing approached them. The suspect pulled out a handgun and fired several times at the victim, striking him in the upper torso.  He was flown to a Bay Area hospital for treatment for his injuries, which did not appear life-threatening. The suspect was last seen running westbound towards the ravine adjacent to Garner Ave.  There is no further information at this time.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/1/2013 9:16 PM
Incident: Junior Giants to participate in Anti-Bullying presentation
Date: Thursday, 8/1/2013
Time: 9:16 PM
Location: 940 North Main Street (Sherwood Hall) - Not Open To Public

Release Authorized by: Officer Angel Gonzalez
Telephone: 831-970-7874

SALINAS PAL JUNIOR GIANTS KIDS TO HEAR ANTI-BULLYING MESSAGE

(Salinas, CA – August 1) The Salinas Police Activities League announced that they will be hosting an anti-bullying speaker for the children of their Junior Giants program.  For 20 years, the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and the 2012 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants have sponsored the Junior Giants Baseball program.  Every year, as part of the program, children are rewarded for reading, embracing the 4 Bases of Character Development, and pledging to uphold the anti-violence message of the year.  This year, the anti-violence message is 'Strike out Bullying”. This will not be open to the public.

At the beginning of the season, each child was asked to sign a pledge to 'Strike Out Bullying”.  The children have also been wearing wrist bands stating the same.  Friday August 2^nd at 7pm, Salinas PAL will welcome Heroic Imagination to Salinas' Sherwood Hall to speak to the Junior Giants kids and deliver their message and teachings on how to best deal with Bullying. 

Nearly 500 children are signed up to play this year and are to be in attendance at Sherwood Hall.  'We are extremely thankful of the support we have received from the San Francisco Giants Community Fund.  This is definitely a message that everyone should hear but unfortunately we just don't have the space to invite the entire community.  I am glad that the children in our program are being given this great opportunity and will benefit greatly from hearing this speaker”, said Salinas Police Officer and Executive Director of PAL Angel Gonzalez. 

'Strike Out Bullying”- Sherwood Hall

940 North Main Street

Friday August 2, 2013, 7:00pm

NOT OPEN TO PUBLIC

For information or to donate, call (831) 970-7874 or visit www.SalinasPAL.org.”

About the program: This program is sponsored by the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants through the San Francisco Giants Community Fund and is a free program.  Salinas PAL is an original member of the San Francisco Junior Giants. 

The program has served over 200,000 children throughout Northern California.  Locally it has increased participation every year of its existence.  This year the participation has increased by over 120 boys and girls ages 5-13.  It is through the participation of community members and volunteers that Salinas PAL is able to serve the hundreds of children in this program.  Coaches, team parents, and other volunteers are made up of police officers and community members who see the importance of surrounding children with positive role models and mentors. 

About PAL: The Salinas Police Activities League is a non-profit organization that prides itself on providing FREE programs, events and activities for the youth of Salinas. PAL's primary focus is on social, cultural, recreational, educational, and sports programs, events and activities that will grow with your child. PAL strives to mentor and teach strong character skills such as teamwork, honesty and integrity. Most of the activities expose the Salinas youth to positive experiences that many have never encountered before. Many programs are coached and chaperoned by committed police officers. Officers who believe in the philosophy that to build a better future for Salinas, you have to start with the youth.

Release Date/Time: 8/1/2013 9:16 PM
Incident:
Date: Thursday, 8/1/2013
Time: 9:16 PM
Location:

Release Authorized by:
Telephone:

Release Date/Time: 8/1/2013 8:07 PM
Incident: 664/211, 187 PC
Report #: 13-080033
Date: Thursday, 8/1/2013
Time: 5:11 PM
Location: 102 E. Laurel Dr. 99 Cent Store

Officers were dispatched to the 99 Cent Store where it was reported an employee was being stabbed and the incident was still in progress. Officers arrived on scene as the suspect, Richard Gutierrez (22) ran out the front door. The officer challenged Gutierrez and he was taken into custody. Prior to the homicide, Gutierrez was seen coming and going from the store several times. After he last entered the store, he stood near one of the checkout isles. He then approached the employee who was standing near the front doors. Gutierrez grabbed the employee at which time, a struggle ensued  which resulted in the employee receiving multiple stab wounds. Patrons tried to render aid by throwing canned goods at Gutierrez.  Gutierrez got up and ran from the store. He was met at the door by an incoming officer who took him into custody.  The victim was immediately taken to the hospital where he died of his injuries.

Gutierrez was taken to the Monterey Countay Jail where he was booked for attempted robbery and homicide.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/3/2013 12:45 AM
Incident: City Wide Directed Enforcement
Date: Friday, 8/2/2013
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Salinas

In response to the recent spike in violence in the City of Salinas, the Salinas Police Department (through its partnerships at the Law Enforcement Operations Center) requested assistance from allied agencies to assist in directed enforcement and messaging to individuals who may be likely to participate in ongoing violence.

Based on data and intelligence, a number of various law enforcement techniques were  utilized in order to maximize the efforts effectiveness.

Participating agencies paid their own costs in assisting the Salinas Police Department.  Led by members of the Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force, The Monterey County Narcotics/Violent Crimes Task Force, and the Salinas Police Department's Violence Suppression Unit, Approximately 70 officers from local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies participated.  We are grateful to the following agencies for their assistance and participation:

Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshall's Office, CA State Parole, Monterey County Probation, California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff's Office, Soledad Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, and the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Task Force,

In all, 10 residential Probation/Parole searches were conducted, over 70 traffic stops, and numerous pedestrian checks were conducted in areas known for gang activity or recent acts of violence. While not all names are available at this time, arrested were:

 Germain Jimenez, Misdemeanor warrants

Jose Guadalupe Castro, Felony Warrants

Jesse Martinez, Parole Violation

 Recia Esteban, Felony Warrants

 Jose Alvarado, Narcotics Possession

 Jesus Chiquito, Narcotics Possession

 Miguel Villa, Narcotics Possession

 Ruben Garcia,Narcotics Possession

Perez DeLa Torre, Probation Violation

 Jesus Toparedes, Narcotics Possession

 Angel Perez, Probation Violation

Release Authorized by: Stan Cooper, Task Force Commander

                                         Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force

                                         Monterey County Narcotics/Violent Crimes Task Force

Telephone: (831) 758-7041

Release Date/Time: 8/4/2013 4:56 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder-Shooting
Report #: 13-080140
Date: Sunday, 8/4/2013
Time: 3:56 PM
Location: 44 Natividad Rd

A 25-year old male was drinking with friends in front of his apartment when two suspects approached on foot and fired handguns. The victim was shot multiple times and was airlifted to a bay area trauma center in critical but stable condition. Witnesses said the suspects ran to a waiting white 4-door Honda Accord and fled toward the aparment complex on La Posada. Two different caliber casings were found at the scene. Suspects were described as Hispanic males wearing light colored shirts and dark pants. One suspect had a tattoo on his neck. The case is being investigated as gang related.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/5/2013 2:56 AM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 13-080150
Date: Sunday, 8/4/2013
Time: 10:21 AM
Location: 1126 Parkside Dr.

Officers responded to a shots fired call. Shortly thereafter, the family called to report that their son was the victim of the shooting. Officers arrived and began CPR on the victim, Ruben Francisco (23). Francisco suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members said that Francisco had only been in Salinas for 15 days. They said he had no gang affiliation. People in the area said they heard multiple shots and believed the suspect fled in a dark colored compact.  Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department crime tip line or the We-Tip line.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/5/2013 6:11 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder Arrest
Report #: 13-061061
Date: Monday, 8/5/2013
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: 300 block Hayes St.

On June 22nd in the 1100 block of Parkside St an attempted murder shooting occurred.  During the shooting, an unknown suspect removed a handgun from his waistband and fired several rounds at 2 victims who were standing on a balcony.  The suspect fled on foot and was not located or identified after the shooting.

Salinas Police Officers have recently received additional suspect information.  The investigation led to the identification of a 17 year old gang member.  He was spotted and arrested on today's date near an apartment in the 300 block of Hayes St.  The suspect was booked into Juvenile Hall for attempted murder.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Gray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/5/2013 5:08 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Monday, 8/5/2013
Time: 5:08 PM
Location: 608 Williams Road

At approximately 5:00 pm the Salinas Police Department was notified that the shooting victim that had been in critical condition died from his wounds.  This was the third victim to die and marks the 15th homicide in 2013.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/5/2013 1:45 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Monday, 8/5/2013
Time: 1:45 PM
Location: 608 Williams Rd.  Tacos Choice

On August 5, 2013, officers responded to a multiple victim homicide outside the Tacos Choice restaurant on Williams Road.  During the investigation Giovanni Pacheco (21) was identified as the suspect.  At about 9:00 am, Officers observed a vehicle leaving his residence.  The vehicle was stopped on Del Monte Avenue and Pacheco was taken into custody without incident.  Pacheco was eventually booked for two counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/5/2013 8:48 AM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 13-080154
Date: Monday, 8/5/2013
Time: 1:38 AM
Location: 608 Williams Road

Officers responded to a report of multiple shooting victims at the Taco's Choice, 608 Williams Road. Upon arrival they found  a 22 year-old male victim deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. The also located a 28 year-old male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.  This victim was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries. A 25 year-old male victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition with life threatening injuries.  A 53 year-old female victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital where she remains, recovering from her injuries.  Two 25 year-old male victims and a 24 year-old male victim suffered a signle gunshot would each.  They were all transported to the hospital by either ambulance or private vehicle and treated for non-life threatening injuries. In total there were 7 shooting victims.

The investigation revealed that a fight began inside the restraunt and spilled out into the parking lot.  During the fight a male suspect produced a handgun and began firing into the crowd. This crime is being investigated as gang motivated.  Anybody with information related to this crime is asked to contact the Salinas Police Department at 831-758-7321 or the Tip-Line at 831-775-4222.

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. Dave Shaw
Telephone: (831) 758-7271

Release Date/Time: 8/6/2013 1:16 PM
Incident: Vehicle / Pedestrian Collision
Report #: 13-080221
Date: Tuesday, 8/6/2013
Time: 6:00 AM
Location: 1350 Schilling

Juan Hernandez, 58, parked his tractor trailer rig at the above location facing n/b. He exited the truck and began shouting to a person across the street. Hernandez suddenly began running across the street w/b toward the person with whom he was trying to communicate. He ran directly into the path of an oncoming Toyota Avalon driven s/b by a 47-year-old woman. The Toyota struck Hernandez throwing him up onto the car before he fell to the pavement. Hernandez was transported to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries. He is currently in ICU in critical condition. Motor units responded to investigate the collision. Officers checked the cell phone of the driver of the Toyota and found she was not texting or talking on the phone during or prior to the collision.

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

Release Date/Time: 8/7/2013 7:01 PM
Incident: Attempted Murder Arrest
Report #: 13-061061
Date: Monday, 8/5/2013
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: 300 Block of Hayes St.

On June 22nd, an unknown suspect tried to shoot 2 subjects standing on a balcony with a handgun.  This occurred in the 1100 block or Parkside St.  The suspect fled on foot and was not identified or arrested the night of the shooting.  Salinas Police have since received more information which led to the identification of the suspect.  On August 5th Salinas Police Officers arrested a 17 year old gang member in the 300 block of Hayes St.  He was booked in juvenile hall for attempted murder.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Gray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 8/7/2013 7:14 PM
Incident: Search Warrant / Arrest
Report #: 13-080311
Date: Wednesday, 8/7/2013
Time: 2:22 PM
Location: 1000 block Lupin Dr.

The Salinas Police Violence Suppression Unit served a search warrant in the 1000 block of Lupin Dr.  A quantity of marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine was located that is consistent with drug sales.  An indoor marijuana grow was also found.  Daniel Benitez (23) was arrested and booked for drug sales, felon in possession of ammunition, driving on a suspended driver's license and gang enhancements.  Benitez is a gang member.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Gray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250