Press Releases

Victim Advocate Grant

Release Date/Time: 10/4/2019 5:08 PM
Incident: Vicitm Advocate Grant
Date: Friday, 10/4/2019
Time: 5:08 PM
Location: Salinas Police Department

The Salinas Police Department is excited to announce the City of Salinas has been awarded the U.S. Department of Justice Victim Specialist Program grant. The Office of Justice Programs has approved the Salinas Police Department for funding for a Victim's Advocate position through the Law Enforcement-Based Victim Specialist Program in the amount of $276,000. The money for this award comes from the federal Crime Victims Fund, which is administered by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). It is derived not from tax dollars, but from fines, penalty assessments, and bond forfeitures of convicted federal criminal offenders. The grant was established to secure funds to benefit local crime victims' programs. This grant reflects the continuing commitment of the Salinas Police Department to work with local, state, and federal partners to improve service to crime victims, their families, and our community.

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

Homicide

Release Date/Time: 10/2/2019 3:53 PM
Incident: Homicide
Date: Wednesday, 10/2/2019
Time: 4:55 AM
Location: Motel 6 -1257 De La Torre Blvd

On October 1, 2019, at approximately 4:55 AM, Salinas Police officers responded to the the Motel 6, located at 1257 De La Torre, to a possible gunshot victim. When the officers arrived, they found 29-year-old Armando Medina, laying in the stairwell, not conscious and not breathing. Medical personnel arrived and pronounced Medina deceased.

Medina is a local resident and was a registered guest at the motel. At this time, it is unknown why Mr. Medina was out of his room and what may have occurred in the stairwell. This case is being investigated as a homicide.

Anyone with information is encouraged to 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: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone:(831)758-7350

Hostage Taking at the Police Department

Release Date/Time: 9/25/2019 6:25 PM
Incident:
Date: Wednesday, 9/25/2019
Time: 4:10 PM
Location: Salinas Police Department, 222 Lincoln Ave.

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

A woman was at the Police Department front counter completing some business before exiting via the front doors. Once outside, she was approached and ultimately seized by the suspect, Mariel Capulong (22), who was wielding a large 8-inch meat clever. The suspect wrapped her arm around the victim's neck and led her by force back into the police department lobby. Once in the lobby, Capulong forced her to sit down in a chair and stood over her with the butcher knife raised in a threatening manner.

Staff working the front lobby counter, acted quickly and informed uniformed personnel about what was occurring and the resulting hostage situation.

Several officers entered the lobby and immediately encountered Capulong, Officers directed the suspect to drop the weapon which she refused to do. The officers advanced on the Capulong forcing her attention onto them. An officer utilized a Taser against the suspect which was able to incapacitate her long enough for them to converge and subdue her.

The victim was uninjured as a result of incident. She did not know the suspect.

Capulong received minor injuries and was eventually booked into Monterey County Jail for Kidnapping, False Imprisonment and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Pursuit, Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run Arrest

Release Date/Time: 9/15/2019 10:24 PM
Incident: Pursuit, Stolen Vehicle, Hit and Run Arrest
Date: Sunday, 9/15/2019
Time: 10:24 PM
Location: E. Market St. and N. Hebbron Ave

On Sunday, September 15^th at 5:49 pm Salinas Police Officers attempted a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle on E. Market St. and N. Hebbron Ave. The driver fled and led the Officers on a short pursuit, that was cancelled as the driver crashed through the wooden barricades at N. Pearl St. and E. Alisal St, where the El Grito Festival had recently concluded. The driver continued westbound, dragging his rear bumper, striking a stroller with a child suffering only a minor cut. A second child suffered an injured foot and was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The driver eventually stopped and fled on foot. Numerous concerned citizens chased the suspect, eventually catching up to him, and detaining him until officers arrived on scene and he was taken into custody.

The 15 year- old suspect was lodged in Juvenile Hall on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, felony evading, hit and run causing injury, reckless driving and reckless driving causing injury.

The Salinas Police Department would like to thank all the citizens who assisted in the apprehension of the suspect.

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

9-11 Memorial and Police Inspection Ceremony

Release Date/Time: 9/4/2019 8:40 AM
Incident:9-11 Memorial and Police Inspection Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, 9/11/2019
Time: 6:59 AM
Location:Front of 200 Lincoln Ave.

We Will Never Forget Sept. 11

The Salinas Police Department and the Salinas Fire Department will hold a ceremony to mark the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. The event will honor those who lost their lives that day, as well as those who responded. It will start at 6:59 a.m. in front of City Hall at 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas, with a reception to follow at the nearby Police Activities League Youth Center at 100 Howard St. at 8:00am. The public is invited to attend. Breakfast reception will be provided by the Salinas Police Foundation.

Police Chief Adele Fresé made the following statement about the remembrance: "Each year people across our country, and abroad, gather to remember the tragic events of 9/11 and to honor the memory of the lost lives of fire fighters, police officers, citizens and visitors. "America was rocked, as were nations from around the globe, to learn that a great world power like the United States could be struck such a blow on its own land. As information surfaced about breakdowns in intelligence sharing among law enforcement agencies that might have helped prevent the attacks, we responded to our country's call to create better systems for information sharing, like regional fusion centers, in order to protect our citizens from similar threats in the future.

"In addition, American law enforcement pledged to remain in a state of readiness to protect and defend our communities. Salinas Police Officers took an oath to support and defend our community because we believe in and hold dear freedom, service, peace, and the American way of life for our families and our community. On Sept. 11, Salinas Police and Fire Departments, will gather to remember the attack on our country, the lives lost, and the promise made to Never Forget.

"We invite members of the community and local law enforcement agencies to join us as we demonstrate our state of readiness to protect our city from whatever threatens its people and our peace. We will stand proud, ready, and united."

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

Think Two Steps Ahead: September is Pedestrian Safety Month

Release Date/Time: 9/3/2019 9:14 AM
Incident: Think Two Steps Ahead: September is Pedestrian Safety Month
Date: Month of September
Time:
Location:City of Salinas

Think Two Steps Ahead: September is Pedestrian Safety Month

Salinas Police Department is working with law enforcement agencies across the state to promote safe behaviors that allow drivers and those on foot to get where they need to go safely. September is Pedestrian Safety Month, and California continues to see more and more pedestrians getting injured or killed on roads. In 2016, 867 pedestrians were killed and more than 14,000 injured in California alone. A report released earlier this year by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projected that more than 6,200 pedestrians were killed in the United States last year, the highest number since 1990.

In order to reduce the number of collisions involving pedestrians, Salinas Police Department will have additional officers on patrol throughout the month of September specifically focused on drivers and pedestrians who violate traffic laws that increase the risk of crashes. These violations include speeding, driving or walking distracted and/or impaired, failing to stop for signs and signals, and not yielding to drivers/pedestrians who have the right of way. 'Someone crossing the street should not have to fear for one's life, but they should also be mindful that drivers are going places too,” Salinas Police Department, Public Information Officer, Miguel Cabrera said. 'It goes both ways.”

Despite advancements in vehicle technology that increase the chance of survival for drivers and passengers in crashes, pedestrians face the same amount of risk of getting seriously injured or killed when struck by a vehicle. 'Sooner or later, a driver has to get out of their car and walk, so we are all pedestrians at some point,” Salinas Police Department PIO Miguel Cabrera said. 'Think about how you would want a driver to act when you are walking, and vice versa. Keep that in mind and follow the rules of the road so we can all arrive where we're headed safely, regardless of how we get there.”

Salinas Police Department offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to keep everyone safe:

For Pedestrians

Look left-right-left before crossing the street. Watch for cars turning and obey traffic signals.
Only cross the street in marked crosswalks, preferably crosswalks at stop signs or signals.
Avoid distractions. Stay off the phone while walking.
Make eye contact with drivers. Don't assume drivers can see you.
Be seen. Wear bright clothing during the day and use a flashlight at night.
Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic and as far away from cars as possible.
Do not walk near traffic after drinking or using drugs that affect judgment and coordination.

For Drivers

Follow the speed limit. The higher the speed, the longer it takes to stop.
Never drive distracted or under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Look out for people walking, especially at night and in poorly lit areas.
Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks even if they are not at a stop sign or signal. Prepare to stop when a pedestrian enters a crosswalk.
Avoid blocking the crosswalk when attempting to make a right-hand turn.
Be careful backing up and leaving parking spaces in shopping centers with heavy foot traffic.

Funding for pedestrian safety enforcement 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

CrossFit with a Cop

Release Date/Time: 8/19/2019 12:53 PM
Incident: CrossFit with a Cop
Date: Saturday, 8/24/2019
Time: 9 am to 12 Noon
Location:329 Monterey St. at CrossFit Hyperactive

CrossFIt with a Cop

On August 24, 2019 from 9-11 a.m., the Salinas Police Department will team-up with CrossFit Hyperactive (329 Monterey St.) for a fun-filled recruitment event called "CrossFit with a Cop." Jesse Lopez, CrossFit Hyperactive owner, and his professionally certified staff will be in attendance. The event will provide applicants/attendees an opportunity to learn techniques on how to climb a 6-foot wall, effectively drag a 165 lbs. dummy which are part of the physical agility test for entry level recruits and to simply promote the importance of physical fitness & nutrition.

The Salinas Police Department is looking for applicants who are physically and mentally fit for a career in law enforcement. 'CrossFit With A Cop” gives the community an opportunity to meet their local officers and talk to them about police work. At the same time, participate in a morning of cardiovascular exercises similar to the entry/exit fitness exam required of law enforcement academy candidates.

If you are thinking about entering the rewarding career of law enforcement, this is an opportunity to test your physical abilities needed to pass this portion of the entry level test. Join us and find out if you have what it takes, CrossFit with a Cop on August 24^th. From 9-11am. Wear comfortable/exercise clothing. Hope to see you there!

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Attempted Homicide, Robbery- Updated Date and Time of Occurrence

Release Date/Time: 8/19/2019 9:54 AM
Incident:Attempted Homicide, Robbery
Date: Saturday, 8/17/2019
Time: 11:50 PM
Location:2000 Block Sucre Court

UPDATED: Date and Time of occurrence.

The correct time of occurrence of this incident should be Saturday 8-17-2019 11:50 PM.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE:Release Date/Time: 8/18/2019 4:49 PM

Incident: Attempted Homicide, Robbery
Date: Sunday, 8/17/2019
Time: 11:50 PM
Location: 2000 Block Sucre Ct.

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

Salinas Police Officers responded to a report of a stabbing that occurred on the 2000 block of Sucre Ct. When officers arrived, they located a victim with stab wounds to his face and neck area. A second stabbing victim was also located. One of the victims stated a bald male wearing all black clothes, entered his taxi and demanded a ride. When he refused to give him a ride, the suspect began stabbing him. The suspect then proceeded to rob the victim of personal property. The second victim tried to intervene and was stabbed as well.

The suspect was reported to have fled the area on foot toward N. Main St.

Officers were able to locate several witnesses to the incident who provided additional details and possible location. Officers conducted an extensive area check and found a suspect matching the description in the Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant bathroom. 39-year-old Joshua Guevara was detained and identified as the suspect in this case. Guevara was still in possession of some of the victim's belongings. He was later booked into Monterey County Jail for robbery and attempted murder.

The victims were transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.

This case was brought to a speedy resolution because of the cooperation of the community and their willingness to come forward to assist us with our investigation into this senseless act of violence.

Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7289

Attempted Homicide and Robbery

Release Date/Time: 8/18/2019 4:49 PM
Incident: Attempted Homicide, Robbery
Date: Sunday, 8/17/2019
Time: 11:50 PM
Location: 2000 Block Sucre Ct.

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

The suspect was reported to have fled the area on foot toward N. Main St.

The victims were transported to a local hospital to receive treatment for their injuries.

This case was brought to a speedy resolution because of the cooperation of the community and their willingness to come forward to assist us with our investigation into this senseless act of violence.

Salinas Police Department on LivePD Survey Results

Release Date/Time: 8/15/2019 7:23 AM
Incident: Salinas Police Department on LivePD Survey Results
Date: Thursday, 8/15/2019
Time: 7:23 AM
Location: 222 Lincoln Ave

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Brian Johnson
Telephone: 8317587280

Salinas Police Department continues to explore ways to increase our transparency with the community. We want our residents to have an up close look at what we do and how we work in protection of our community. To this end, the Department conducted a survey asking the public to share its opinion on LivePD in Salinas.

We would like to thank the community for participating in the LivePD survey and showing their support to the Department. We received 4,447 responses and the results were overwhelmingly positive! During our quest to build trust with the community by increased transparency through LivePD, we've seen that cities throughout the country face very similar challenges. Nearly all cities face challenges related to substance abuse and homelessness. Salinas is a wonderful city!

Below are the responses to each of the questions from the survey. You can watch Salinas Police Department on LivePD, Friday and Saturday nights on A&E.