Release Date/Time: 9/17/2016 1:16 PM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 16-090951
Date: Saturday, 9/17/2016
Time: 7:20 AM
Location: Parking Lot 1 Bridge St.
On September 17, 2016, at approximately 7:20 am, a reporting party called 911 to report finding a male slumped on the ground in the parking lot of 1 Bridge St. The caller did not know who the male was, or if they were just sleeping (which often occurs in this parking lot). When officers arrived, they found a 23-year-old Hispanic male deceased. The victim was found to be shot at least once but it is unknown how long the victim had been there. The victim was in between vehicles and could not be seen from the street.
During the initial investigation, detectives have learned of different people saying they heard 'fireworks” in the area during the night. The times referenced by those that heard anything vary from 2:30 am to 5:00 am this morning. No calls were received at Monterey County Communications (SPD dispatchers) regarding fireworks or gun shots during the evening or early morning hours.
The Investigations Bureau is asking anyone who may have information regarding this shooting or may have seen the suspect fleeing the area, to contact Detective Dave Poulin at (831) 758-7270 or Detective Stephen Craig at (831) 758-7929.
The identity of the victim is being withheld until proper notifications can be made to the family. This is the 31st homicide in Salinas and the 7th in the Chinatown area this year.
The Salinas Police Department would also like to remind the community that we only want your information regarding any crime you have may knowledge. We are aware of the public's reluctance, especially in the Chinatown area, to come forward with information due to fear and will do everything possible to protect your identity. If you do not want to provide your personal information, you do not have to do so. 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: Christopher Lane, Investigations Sergeant
Telephone: (831) 758-7496