Press Releases

Release Date/Time: 1/9/2020 4:30 PM
Incident: Computer Forensic Vehicle Grant Award
Date: Thursday, 1/9/2020
Time: 4:30 PM
Location: Salinas Police Department

The Salinas Police Department is excited to announce the City of Salinas has been awarded a $200,000 grant subaward to procure a regional mobile computer forensic vehicle as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The Silicon Valley (San Jose PD) ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force Program is a task force organized under the aegis of the National ICAC Task Force. The program is currently composed of 61 regional Task Force agencies and is funded by the United States Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has awarded Internet Crimes Against Children grant funds to the City of San Jose. The City of San Jose has agreed to allocate a grant subaward to the City of Salinas in the amount of $200,000 to procure a regional mobile forensic vehicle as part of the ICAC Task Force. 

ICAC helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This help encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education.

The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet and other technology, the proliferation of child sexual abuse images available electronically, and the heightened online activity by predators seeking unsupervised contact with potential underage victims. Because ICAC members understand that arrests alone cannot resolve the problem of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, the ICAC program is also dedicated to training law enforcement officers and prosecutors, as well as educating parents and youth about the potential dangers of online activity.

The Mobile Forensic Vehicle shall be designed to specifications and has not yet been built. The total purchase price of the vehicle with equipment and installation shall not exceed $200,000.

This grant reflects the continuing commitment of the Salinas Police Department to work with local, state, and federal partners to prevent crime, improve service to crime victims and their families, and our entire community.

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

Release Date/Time: 12/29/2019 11:29 PM
Incident: Officer Involved Shooting
Date: Sunday, 12/29/2019
Time: 11:29 PM
Location: 400 Block North Madeira

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Brian Johnson
Telephone: 831-758-7280

Salinas Police officers responded to the report of a vehicle that drove through Laurel Heights Park and crashed into a residence.  A structure fire immediately followed the car crash.  Officers responded to the crash and structure fire and searched for the driver, who had fled.  Sometime shortly thereafter, the officers located the suspect and an officer involved shooting occurred.  Suspect was shot and eventually transported to a medical facility for treatment and is in critical condition.  No officers were injured. 

The District Attorney's office is conducting the investigation concerning the shooting.  All inquiries should be directed to the District Attorney's Office.

Anyone with information, or questions related to the investigation, is encouraged to call the Monterey County District Attorney's Office at (831) 755-5070.

Release Date/Time: 12/22/2019 1:06 PM
Incident: Attempted Homicide by Stabbing Arrest
Date: Sunday, 12/22/2019
Time: 8:40 AM
Location: E. San Luis St. at Monterey St., Salinas

On December 21, 2019, at approximately 9:40 AM, Salinas Police Officers responded to the 400 block of Lincoln Avenue on a report of a victim of a stabbing. When the officers arrived, they found the 59-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he continues to be listed in critical condition. Witnesses described seeing a male walking from the area wearing a dark colored jacket and blue jeans. He was last seen walking westbound on Clay St. and was believed to be a person of interest in this assault.

Salinas Police Officers and Detectives were able to obtain video surveillance from the crime scene that showed the stabbing and a clear depiction of the suspect's face. From the video, they were able to identify the suspect as 27-year-old Mark Sandoval who was a transient and frequented the services provided by the United Methodist Church. A search for Sandoval was conducted throughout the evening and night. Investigators were also able to coordinate with staff from the church to notify the police department if he were to return.

This morning, staff from the church contacted the Salinas Police Department indicating that Sandoval was back in the area. He was contacted a short distance away and arrested without incident. He was in possession of a stolen loaded handgun as well. He was later booked into Monterey County Jail on numerous charges related to the attempted murder and firearm possession.

This investigation is still ongoing as we continue to collect additional information. If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact Detective Alex Rodriguez at (831) 758-7268; or email him at [email protected]. If you would like to remain anonymous, please contact the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at (831) 775-4222.

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

Release Date/Time: 12/18/2019 5:57 PM
Incident:Promotion and Oath of Office Ceremony
Date: Friday, 12/20/2019
Time: 3:15 PM
Location: 100 Howard St.  PAL Building

The Salinas Police Department is celebrating the promotions of two members and the addition of four new officers.  Sgt. Brian Johnson is being promoted to the rank of Police Commander.  Sgt. Johnson has been a member of the department since December 2004. He is currently assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police as the department's Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Sergeant. Officer Gerardo Magana is being promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant.  Officer Magana has been a department member since December 2003. He is currently serving as one of the department's K9 officers.

In addition, four Police Recruits attending the Monterey Peninsula Police Academy are graduating that day and will be sworn in as new Police Officers. The new officers are Juan A. Castro, Brandon Kuschill, Jacob Ragsac and Austin Scaggs. Management Analyst, Tonya Erickson will also be sworn in.

The ceremony will take place Friday, 12/20/2019 at 3:15 pm. PAL Building 100 Howard St.

The public is invited to attend this ceremony.

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