Press Releases

Give the Phone a “Break”: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Release Date/Time: 4/5/2021 9:14 AM
Incident:Give the Phone a 'Break”: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Date: Month of April
Location:City of Salinas

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and Salinas Police Department encourages drivers to give the phone a break and focus on the road.

Throughout the month of April, Salinas Police Department will have additional officers on patrol specifically looking for drivers who violate the state's hands-free cell phone law.

'When you are driving, give the phone a rest”, Salinas Police Department, Sgt. Robert Hampson said.  'A driver's number one focus should be on the road. Anything that distracts you from the task of driving, especially a phone, puts yourself and others at risk.”

According to the 2020 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 75% of surveyed drivers listed 'Distracted Driving because of TEXTING” as their biggest safety concern.

'Not driving distracted is a simple, but significant behavior change,” Sgt. Hampson said. 'The goal is to increase compliance with the hands-free cell phone law and keep people safe.”

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or other electronic device while behind the wheel. Drivers under 18 are not allowed to use a phone for any reason, including hands-free.

If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over and park at a safe location. Drivers should silence their phones or put the phone out of reach, such as the glove box or trunk.

Funding for distracted driving enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Update: Homicide Victim Identified

Release Date/Time: 4/1/2021 1:14 PM
Incident:Update: Homicide Victim Identified
Date: Saturday 3/27/2021
Time: 2:00 am
Location: 400 block of Rainier Dr.

Family notifications have been made; the 27 year old victim has been identified as Sergio Linares Manzo. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective John McNeil at (831) 758-7277 or email him at: [email protected] or call 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.

Original Press Release:

Release Date/Time: 3/27/2021 6:01 AM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Saturday, 3/27/2021
Time: 1:59 AM
Location:400 block of Rainier Dr.

On 3/27/21 at approximately 2:00 am Salinas Police Officers responded to 400 block of Rainier Dr. on a ShotSpotter alert of gunshots in the area. While responding to the ShotSpotter they were advised of a victim of a shooting in the area of Linwood Dr. and Rainier Dr. On arrival they located an adult male 27 years of age suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital however he died as a result of his injuries. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time pending notification of family members.

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Homicide

Release Date/Time: 3/27/2021 6:01 AM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Saturday, 3/27/2021
Time: 1:59 AM
Location:

On 3/27/21 at approximately 2:00 am Salinas Police Officers responded to 400 block of Rainier Dr. on a ShotSpotter alert of gunshots in the area. While responding to the ShotSpotter they were advised of a victim of a shooting in the area of Linwood Dr. and Rainier Dr. On arrival they located an adult male 27 years of age suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital however he died as a result of his injuries. The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time pending notification of family members.

At this point we do not have any suspect(s) information. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call Detective John McNeil at 831-758-7277 or email him at [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous you may also call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at 831-758-4222.

Release Authorized by: Commander Arensdorf
Telephone: 831-758-7350

Homicide

Release Date/Time: 3/24/2021 2:33 AM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Tuesday, 3/23/2021
Time: 10:03 PM
Location: 855 E. Laurel Dr.

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

On 3/23/21 at approximately 10:03 pm Salinas Police Officers responded to the area of 855 E. Laurel Dr. on a report of shots heard in the area. On arrival Officers canvassed the area and located an adult male 23 years old suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers and Salinas Fire attempted life saving measures however the victim died as a result of his injuries. The identify of the victim is being withheld at this time pending notification of family members.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective John McNeil at (831)758-7277 or email him at [email protected].  If you wish to remain anonymous you may also call the Salinas Police Department at (831)758-7321 or the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831)758-4222.

 

 

 

 

 

Be Safe and Sober this St. Patrick's Day

Release Date/Time: 3/11/2021 9:09 AM
Incident:Be Safe and Sober this St. Patrick's Day
Date: Wednesday, 3/17/2021
Location:City of Salinas

If you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day, remember to do so responsibly by having a plan to get home safely.

This St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Salinas Police Department will have officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

'If drinking is part of your plans, plan on designating a sober driver and find a safe way home, Salinas Police Department Traffic Sgt. Robert Hampson said. 'Don't make poor choices and allow yourself to mix alcohol or drugs with driving.”

On St. Patrick's Day 2019 in California, seven people were killed, and 116 others were injured in crashes caused by driving under the influence.

Not only does driving under the influence put yourself and others on the road at risk, but it also hurts financially; attorneys' fees, fines, court costs, insurance rate hikes and car repairs can reach $15,000 or more in California.

'It's simple: don't drink and drive,” Sgt. Hampson said. 'Stay at home or find a sober driver to take you home.”

California's public health guidance advises to limit mixing with people you don't live with as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Although many St. Patrick's Day celebrations will be held virtually this year, it's important to designate a sober driver or stay at home for the night.

If you ever see a suspected drunk driver on the road, call 911.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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

Attempted Homicide Arrest

Release Date/Time: 3/17/2021 11:12 AM
Incident:Attempted Homicide Arrest
Date: Tuesday, 3/16/2021
Time: 9:27 AM
Location:1700 Block Donner Circle

On March 16, 2021, at approximately 9:27 am, officers responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Central Avenue Within minutes we received calls of 6 shots heard in the area of the 1700 block of Donner Circle. Officers responded and found the two calls were related. On Central Avenue, a 25-year-old male, was involved in a physical altercation with a third party. At some point, a second male, 18-year-old Kyree Lavell Murphy, became involved in the fight. After the fight ended, the 25-year-old drove to an address in the 1700 block of Donner. Murphy followed the victim ,drove up as the victim walked towards the house and fired approximately 6 rounds at him with a rifle.  Fortunately,  Murphy missed the victim but struck multiple parked vehicles. He then fled the area.

Patrol Officers coordinated with Detectives and the Violence Suppression Task Force (VSTF), who located Murphy at a residence in the 200 block of Chaparral Street.  Murphy left in a vehicle being driven by 42-year-old Kelly Deegan and was stopped by SWAT Officers and taken into custody.  A records check revealed Deegan had a felony warrant for her arrest.  Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded 9mm handgun near Deegan's seat.  SWAT, Detectives, HNT and VSTF then served a search warrant at the Chaparral residence. 

Murphy was booked in Monterey County Jail for attempted murder and firearms charges.  Deegan was booked for the arrest warrant and possession of a firearm.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Alex Zamora at (831) 758-7148 or email him at [email protected] or call 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:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Loud Noise Violation

Release Date/Time: 2/28/2021 11:06 AM
Incident: Lound Noise Violation
Date: Sunday, 2/27/2021
Time: 7:45 AM
Location: 200 block of Rianda Circle

On Saturday 2/27/21, at about 7:45 PM, officers responded to a loud music complaint on Rianda Circle.  This location is about one block from the police building and officers could hear the music from the station parking lot.  When the initial officers arrived, they saw a large concert stage with a live band in the business parking lot. The stage was similar to the stages used for concerts at the Sports Complex. There were approximately 100 people in attendance, some in their vehicles and about half outside their vehicles dancing.  When officers asked for the person responsible for the show, the band manager told the officers they were contracted to play the concert but would not say by who.  The band, 'Los Bandadosos”, is a well-known band from the 80's. Officers learned there was a $20 cover charge at the door and the event was also being live streamed. There was a $10 live-stream charge and there may have been as many as 5,000 people watching. 

Eventually, officers located the event promoter, Hector Campos.  Mr. Campos was very upset at the officers, wanted to know why they were on his property, and demanded they leave.  They advised him of the noise complaint and told him it needed to be turned off or he would be issued a citation.  Mr. Campos demanded the officers leave his property since it was a private event. A police supervisor responded to the scene and, recognizing that in addition to the loud noise violation there were obvious COVID concerns, stressed the event would not be allowed to continue. Mr. Campos was issued a citation for the loud music and directed to shut down the concert. Campos reluctantly signed the citation only after being warned that failure to do so would result in his arrest – he signed and demanded the officers leave. 

The officers remained to ensure Mr. Campos complied. The band continued to play for over 15 minutes after Campos was cited and ordered to shut down the show. Again, there obvious COVID concerns with this gathering, however, officers recognized the need to peacefully disperse the large crowd knowing that many were unhappy about the authorities ending an event they paid money to attend.  

The officers, using considerable restraint and discretion, addressed the noise complaint, shut down the event, and peacefully dispersed the crowd without incident.

There will be additional follow up with City Code Enforcement in the coming days.

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Officer Responding to Emergency Struck by DUI

Release Date/Time: 2/27/2021 12:06 PM
Incident: DUI Collision with Patrol Car
Date: Saturday, 2/27/2021
Time: 12:04 AM
Location: John Street/101 Off-ramp

Officer responding to an emergency call struck by a DUI driver.

Last night at approximately 12:04 AM, an officer was responding Code 3 (lights and siren) to assist officers who were in a struggle with a fighting suspect. The officer was traveling westbound on John St. and was approaching the southbound off-ramp when a DUI driver made an illegal left turn and crashed into the responding police unit. The collision resulted in significant damage to the police vehicle, leaving it with a bent axle and inoperable. The DUI driver did not stop to help the officer and immediately fled the scene. The officer was able to broadcast a description of the driver and suspect vehicle as it fled.

Other officers located the suspect at Kern and East Market Street. The DUI driver, 25-year-old Lyric Renee Slade-Southall, was arrested for DUI, and Felony Hit and Run Resulting in Injury. A DUI investigation was completed and Slade-Southhall was found to be over twice the legal limit. She was booked into County Jail. 

The officer involved in the collision was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and was released. Thankfully, she is doing well.

The DUI driver not only injured an officer but kept that officer and others from being able to respond to the original call. Fortunately, there were plenty of other on-duty officers available to help.

DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7350

Attempted Homicide Update

Release Date/Time: 2/23/2021 9:35 AM
Incident:Attempted Homicide Update
Date: Tuesday, 2/23/2021
Time: 9:35 AM
Location: 2005 N. Main St.

The female victim, who was seated in the vehicle, has been treated and released. The male victim is still hospitalized and remains in critical condition. Fortunately, a 9 year old passenger in the back seat, was not injured.

The male suspect is described as having a medium build wearing dark clothing with black and white tennis shoes. He was last seen running eastbound on Castro St.

This investigation is ongoing, anyone with information is asked to call Detective Garcia at (831)758-7132 or email him at [email protected]. If you would like to remain anonymous call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (831)775-4222.

Original Press Release:

Attempted Homicide

Release Date/Time: 2/20/2021 8:53 AM
Incident: Attempted Homicide
Date: Friday, 2/19/2021
Time: 9:46 PM
Location: 2005 N. Main St.

On Friday, 2/19/21 at 9:46 pm officers responded to the parking lot of Denny's at 2005 N. Main St. on a report of gunshots heard in the area. On arrival they contacted an adult male and an adult female, both 44 years of age suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, with the male in critical condition and the female in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Garcia at (831)758-7132 or email him at [email protected]. If you would like to remain anonymous call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (831)775-4222.

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Attempted Homicide

Release Date/Time: 2/20/2021 8:53 AM
Incident: Attempted Homicide
Date: Friday, 2/19/2021
Time: 9:46 PM
Location: 2005 N. Main St.

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

On Friday, 2/19/21 at 9:46 pm officers responded to the parking lot of Denny's at 2005 N. Main St. on a report of gunshots heard in the area. On arrival they contacted an adult male and an adult female, both 44 years of age suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to a local hospital, with the male in critical condition and the female in stable condition.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Garcia at (831)758-7132 or email him at [email protected]. If you would like to remain anonymous call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (831)775-4222.

 

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Question of the Day

What can I do if there is a loud party in my neighborhood?

If someone is having a loud party in your neighborhood you may call the Police Department for assistance. When deciding whether to call the police you must also decide whether the noise is at a level that your peace is being disturbed. If it is, you next need to decide whether you would be willing to press formal charges in order to get the noise to stop or be turned down to a tolerable level.

Most often, the mere fact that you are willing to press charges will help us to solve the problem so that no actual charges need be pressed. If you...

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