Release Date/Time: 7/24/2019 12:38 PM
Incident:Elder Abuse Arrrest
Date: Tuesday, 7/23/2019
Time: 12:38 PM
Location:1400 Block Bardin Way
On Friday, July 19, 2019, at approximately 8:40 am, the victim was walking home from church in the area of Williams Rd and Bardin Way when he was attacked. A male adult came out of a residence near the corner of the Williams Rd. and Bardin Way and punched the 89-year-old man in the face, knocking him to the ground. Once on the ground, the suspect continued to punch and kick the victim in the upper torso and head area. The suspect was pulled off the victim, possibly by a family member of the suspect, and they ran off, leaving the victim on the sidewalk. The same family member returned and helped the victim to his residence, where the police were called.
The victim was unable to provide a good description of the suspect because the attack was unprovoked and happened so quickly. The victim was taken to a local hospital by family members where it was found the victim suffered a fractured orbital bone and other bumps and bruises. He was treated at the hospital and released.
The case was turned over to the Salinas Police Department's Investigations Bureau for further follow-up. Detectives were able to identify a few witnesses and obtained video. The suspect was identified as Moses Hernandez, age 23, who lives in the area. Efforts to contact Moses were made difficult due to the lack of cooperation from his family. Patrol officers were given a 'Be on the Lookout” for Moses for his arrest for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (other than a firearm) and Elder Abuse.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at approximately 9:00 pm, a Patrol officer attempted to stop a bicyclist for a vehicle code violation. The 15-year-old refused orders to stop and was chased to the 1400 block of Bardin Way. While officers were attempting to detain the juvenile, Moses Hernandez came out of a nearby house and attempted to interfere with the officers. The officers recognized Moses from the 'Be on the Lookout” and attempted to arrest him. Moses decided to fight with the officers and resist arrest. While this was happening, both of Moses' parents, Luis Hernandez (age 50) and Norma Hernandez (age 53), attempted to intervene and stop the arrest of Moses and the 15-year-old boy. All four individuals were taken into custody with no injuries to officers or the suspects.
Moses was arrested for the Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Battery causing Serious Bodily Injury, Elder Abuse, Resisting Arrest and Probation Violation. Luis and Norma were arrested for Resisting/Interfering with a Police Officer. All three adults were booked at the Monterey County Jail. The juvenile was cited for California Vehicle Code violation and Resisting Arrest. He was released to a relative.
If there is anyone that witnessed the attack on July 19th, the are encouraged to contact Detective Alex Rodriguez at (831) 758-7268 or email at alejandror@ci.salinas.ca.us.
Release Authorized by:MIguel Cabrera
Telephone:831 758-7289