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.