Release Date/Time: 8/10/2019 4:45 PM
Incident: Homicide/Attempted Homicide Arrest
Date: Thursday 8/1/2019
Time: 10:53 PM
Location: 400 Block of Sonora Way
On August 1, 2019, at approximately 10:50 PM, Salinas Police officers responded to the report of a shooting victim in the 400 block of Sonora Way. When officers arrived, they found 38-year-old, Santos Emilio Barriga, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Barriga was transported to the Trauma Unit at Natividad Medical Center where he was rushed into surgery. After a few hours, the medical staff pronounced Barriga deceased.
The investigation has revealed there was a knock at the front door of Barriga's residence. The victim, Barriga, answered the door and was confronted by the suspect. A verbal argument ensued, and the suspect subsequently pulled out a handgun and began firing, striking Barriga in the back. Residents provided medical aid until officers and medical personnel arrived and transported Barriga to NMC. A juvenile male was also shot at but was not injured. The suspects fled in a dark sedan and were last scene westbound on Chaparral St. toward N. Main St. The investigation is ongoing.
Salinas Police Detectives were able to identify the suspect in this shooting as 27-year-old Jose Escalante Lamas, who was arrested in a nearby city. On 8/10/19, he was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked for multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.
This investigation is on-going, as we continue to collect information and follow-up on leads. If anyone has information regarding this shooting, please contact Detective Ruben Sanchez at (831) 758-7927; or email him at rubens@ci.salinas.ca.us. If you would like to remain anonymous, please call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (831) 775-4222.
Release Authorized by: Sergeant Danny Warner
Telephone: 831-758-7128