Press Releases

Release Date/Time: 7/25/2020 3:53 PM
Incident: Homicide Arrest Update - Conviction
Date: Friday, 7/24/2020
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: El Dorado Park and Klamath Dr.

Release Authorized by: Sergeant Danny Warner
Telephone: 831-758-7128

On June 5, 2018, at approximately 8:00 PM, a homicide occurred in the parking lot of El Dorado Park. On the night of the homicide, detectives contacted witnesses who described a man later identified by investigators as 19-year-old Santos Longoria Fonseca. The witnesses described seeing the suspect running from the park following the shooting with his hand in his pocket as if he was holding a gun. Additional evidence placed Fonseca walking toward the park prior to the shooting. Detectives learned Fonseca was wanted on a felony warrant for an attempted robbery. The investigation led detectives to a residence located on the 1600 block of Siskiyou as a possible location for Fonseca. Detectives, the Violence Suppression Unit (VSU), and law enforcement partners conducted a surveillance operation over the course of the next 24 hours while also gathering additional evidence. Further investigation led to evidence indicating Fonseca was also responsible for the murder of Lorenso Gomez Acosta three days earlier on June 2, 2018.

On June 6, 2018, at approximately 6:30 PM, detectives and VSU officers positively identified Santos Fonseca in a vehicle with two other occupants. VSU conducted a stop on the vehicle and arrested Fonseca for murder and the outstanding felony warrant. Fonseca's girlfriend, Alekzandra Romayor (18), was also arrested, and a third juvenile girl (17), was detained and later released to her mother. A 9mm semi-automatic handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, was located in Romayor's purse. Following Fonseca's arrest, VSU, HSI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, CHP and Salinas Patrol officers served a search warrant on the Siskiyou residence. The search of the Siskiyou residence revealed a Glock semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and other items of evidence.

Santos Fonseca was booked into County Jail for two counts of murder for the June 2, 2018 murder of Lorenso Gomez Acosta on Klamath Drive, the June 5, 2018 murder of Ernesto Garcia Cruz at El Dorado Park, and the outstanding felony attempted robbery warrant. Romayor was booked on one count of murder for the June 5, 2018 murder of Ernesto Garcia Cruz at El Dorado Park, one count of accessory to murder for the June 2, 2018 murder of Lorenso Gomez Acosta on Klamath Drive, and possession of the firearm located during the stop.

In June of 2019, Romayor accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to prison for her involvement in the brutal crimes.

In November of 2019, Fonseca escaped from the Monterey County Jail but was apprehended a couple days later while trying to cross back into the U.S. from Mexico.  On July 24, 2020, after a week-long trial, Fonseca was found guilty of first-degree murder and the escape.  He is scheduled to be sentenced in October. 

We would like to express our gratitude the members of the community who came forward with information leading to the arrest and conviction of these violent criminals. 

Release Date/Time: 7/23/2020 12:25 AM
Incident:  Attempted Murder
Date: Wednesday, 7/22/2020
Time: 8:44 PM
Location:  100 Block of Orchard Avenue

Officers responded to the 100 block of Orchard Avenue regarding a shooting.  Officers were able to contact several witnesses in the area who confirmed that a shooting did occur but a victim was not located.  Several minutes later, a 25 year old male victim arrived at Natividad Medical Center. The male victim sustained a gunshot wound to his lower torso.  His injuries are not life threatening.  This incident is still under investigation and the Salinas Police Department is asking anyone with information to call  831-758-7250. 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.

Authorized by: E. Villegas 
Telephone: (831) 758-7250 

Release Date/Time: 7/5/2020 3:28 AM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Sunday, 7/5/2020
Time: 3:28 AM
Location: 400 Block of Noice Dr.

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. Arensdorf
Telephone: (831)758-7250

On July 4, 2020 at 2200 hours Salins Police Officers responded to the 400 block of Noice Dr. on a report of a victim of a shooting. On arrival they found the 49 year old adult male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and medical personnel administered CPR however the victim died as a result of his injuries. The suspect, described as a hispanic male adult last seen wearing a red shirt and blue jeans was last seen running southbound through the apartment complex.

The Investigations Bureau is asking anyone with information on the shooting to call Detective Justin Hackman at (831) 758-7323 or email him at Justinh.salinas.ca.us. 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.

Release Date/Time: 6/25/2020 8:08 AM
Incident:Fireworks in the City of Salinas
Location: City of Salinas

This Sunday, June 28, 2020, Salinas non-profit organizations will begin sales of 'Safe-n-Sane” fireworks from 18 booths located throughout the city of Salinas. 'For many of our city's non-profit and youth organizations, this is their biggest opportunity of the year to raise funds for their programs” says Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter. 'This year, these groups have been hit hard along with everyone else in the midst of the pandemic and our fingers are crossed that this will give them the much-needed boost they desperately need.”

While 'Safe-n-Sane” fireworks are legal to purchase and use within the city limits between June 28^th and July 5^th, Salinas officials warn that they are on the lookout for those who are purchasing and using illegal fireworks 'Anything that flies into the air or creates loud noise is considered illegal” according to Salinas Fire Battalion Chief and Fire Marshal Samuel Klemek. 'Starting in early June, we start to receive complaints from residents who are fearful for their property, pets, and sanity. We are now receiving 20 to 30 complaints per night”.

The Salinas fire and police departments collaborate to monitor reports and try to focus enforcement where illegal fireworks are being reported. 'We use several enforcement methods such as undercover officers in unmarked patrol units, surveillance video, and other methods to help us find offenders” says Salinas Assistant Police Chief, Roberto Filice. Dangerous and illegal fireworks such as bottle rockets, M-80s, and mortars are prohibited throughout California, and persons found using, or in possession of, dangerous and illegal fireworks are subject to fines ranging from $1,250 to $50,000.

Both Filice and Klemek confirm that multiple citations have already been issued and add that some individuals have received multiple fines because they have been captured on video over several days, lighting illegal fireworks in their neighborhoods. 'Each time you light a fuse, you subject yourself to a fine of $1,250 or more” Klemek says and 'you never know who might be watching or recording you”. Exasperated residents are fed-up with the nightly barrage, unable to sleep or trying to comfort loved ones that are scared to death. The community is stepping up to provide law enforcement officials with good intelligence of where illegal fireworks are being used and stepping up efforts to respond. It is definitely a cat-and-mouse game for them. Adding to the anxiety this year is the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic. Salinas officials warn against hosting large gatherings in homes and neighborhoods that could potentially spread the virus, unnecessarily prompting renewed restrictions on daily life.

To make sure you and your family celebrate safely during the 4^th of July, Salinas officials recommend the following 'Safe-n-Sane” fireworks safety practices:

            Buy and use only 'Safe and Sane” fireworks from a permitted commercial retailer.

            Always read and follow instructions on fireworks packaging.

         Closely supervise children during the use of 'Safe and Sane” fireworks.

         Never use fireworks around dry vegetation or areas likely to catch fire.

         After firework has been used, soak in water before discarding.

        Always keep at a safe distance.

        Always have a garden hose and a bucket of water on hand when using fireworks.

        If a fire escapes your control, call 911 immediately.

Salinas fire and police officials also encourage residents to report the use or sales of illegal fireworks with as much specific information as possible by visiting www.salinasfireworks.com, using the 'Salinas Connect” smartphone application, or call/text (831) 758-7475. Calls are monitored but will not be returned.

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:831 758-7289