Release Date/Time: 4/30/2020 3:11 PM
Incident: Shooting/ Attempted Murder/ Robbery - Arrest
Date: Thursday, 4/30/2020
Time: 7:00 AM
Location: 400 Block of Noice Dr. / 1000 Block of East Laurel Drive
On 4/14/20, Officers responded to reports of gunshots at an apartment complex located on the 300 block of Casentini Street. On arrival, they found the front door to an apartment had been kicked open. Officers entered the apartment and found it empty, but they found nine 9 mm spent bullet casings on the patio. The officers searched the area and located the uninjured victims. One of the victims, a 22-year-old man, told officers he and a friend were inside his apartment when he heard a knock at the front door. He looked out the window and saw a man dressed all in black wearing a black mask. He was scared and decided not to open the door. About 30 seconds later he heard someone kicking the door, so he and his friend ran to the patio, jumped the fence, and ran. He then heard multiple gunshots as both victims ran from the area but neither of them where hit.
Patrol officers searching the area for evidence located a nearby security camera. The video showed a possible suspect vehicle, a silver 2017 Dodge Charger entering the apartment complex. Two males, one of which matching the description provided by the victim, could be seen on video running and getting into the vehicle after throwing what appear to be bags into the passenger compartment.
On 4/15/20, detectives conducted follow-up investigation on this case and authored a search warrant for the suspect's residence on the 1700 block of Humboldt Drive. The suspects were placed under surveillance by VSTF and detectives while the search warrant was obtained and while the SWAT team responded with aerial support from the CHP.
The SWAT Team surrounded the residence and peacefully arrested Jose Amezcua (18), and a 16-year-old juvenile. Detectives served the warrant and located a hidden and loaded .40 caliber handgun and a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. Detectives also located additional evidence implicating the suspects in the drug and gang related robbery. Amezcua was booked in County Jail on charges of Attempted Murder, Robbery, Conspiracy, and gang related charges. The 16-year-old juvenile was placed in Juvenile Hall on the same charges.
UPDATE 04/30/20:
Salinas Police Detectives conducted further investigation and identified two additional suspects, 18-year-old Hector Camberos and a 17-year-old male. This morning, 04/30/20, at approximately 7:00 am, Salinas Police Detectives, SWAT and VSTF served search warrants at the residences of both suspects on the 400-block of Noice Drive and the 1000 block of East Laurel Drive. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. During the search, a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun, ammunition and gang paraphernalia was located. Camberos was booked in Monterey County Jail for Attempted Murder, Robbery, Conspiracy and gang related charges. The 17-year-old was booked in Juvenile Hall for the same charges, plus possession of a firearm.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Robert Miller at 758-7954, or email at: robertm@ci.salinas.ca.us
Contact 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.
Release Authorized by:Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7350