Salinas Police Department News

Attempted Homicide Arrests

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 7/2/2009 2:40 PM
Incident: Attempted Homicide Arrests
Date: Wednesday, 7/1/2009
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: 700 Block of Calavares Drive (shooting) / Sunrise & Garner (2nd arrest)

PLEASE DISREGARD PREVIOUS NEWS RELEASES. PLEASE USE THIS VERSION FOR YOUR NEWS INFORMATION. THANK YOU!

On June 16, 2009 at approximately 4:30 p.m. an eighteen-year-old Hispanic male was standing in front of his home in the 700 bolck of Calaveras Drive when a Red Jeep Cherokee drove up occupied by at least two males. The victim saw the car, became suspicious, and he ran. Both suspects shot at the victim, one with a handgun and the other with a shotgun. The victim was struck in the back, from the shoulders to the ankles. He was taken to a local hospital with what is described as non life-threatening injuries The case was turned over to the Investigations Division.

On June 17^th a patrol officer conducted a pedestrian check in front of 1000 block of N. Sanborn Road. The officer contacted one male suspect, age 16. The officer observed the juvenile attempt to discard a shaved key under a vehicle. The juvenile was arrested and during the investigation the officer developed information that the juvenile was involved in the attempted murder. The officer and detectives developed information on a possible second suspect and the juvenile was booked into juvenile hall on charges of attempted murder with gang enhancements and possession of burglary tools. The case against the juvenile was filed by the District Attorney's office and he will be tried as adult in Monterey County Superior Court

On July 1^st while in the area of Garner and Sunrise, a Violence Suppression Unit officer observed the second suspect in this case, Edgar Maldonado, age 20, as a passenger in a vehicle. The officer knew that Maldonado was wanted for the attempted homicide that occurred on Calaveras Dr. June 16^th. The officer was able to arrest Maldonado and he was taken into custody without incident. Detectives questioned Maldonado and he was booked into county jail for attempted murder with gang enhancements and an outstanding warrant.

Anyone with information is asked to call Salinas Police Detective Currier at (831) 758-7125. If you would like to remain anonymous you can call the Salinas Police Department 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: Don Cline, Investigations Sergeant
Telephone: 831-758-7128

Narcotic Search Warrant Service

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

At approximately 10:30 AM, members of the Salinas Police Departments Narcotic and Vice Unit, along with the Violence Suppression Unit (SWAT/City Gang Unit), served a search warrant in the 200 block of Soledad St. A search of the residence revealed Marijuana, scales and packaging materials. Henry Rosales, 26, and Denise Bueno, 31, were arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail for possessing marijuana for sales.

Release Authorized:

Dino Bardoni, Commander

831-758-7350

Robbery & Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 7/1/2009 11:25 PM
Incident: Robbery & Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Report #: 09-070043
Date: Wednesday, 7/1/2009
Time: 4:54 PM
Location: Lodge Lane & E. Alisal Street

A 54-year-old female, who was in a wheelchair, and her 30-year-old daughter were walking northbound on Lodge Lane. As the two were walking a Hispanic male adult, approximately 25-years-old, 5-8/medium build with a goatee wearing a black zip up hooded sweatshirt, white tee shirt and blue jeans approached the two females and demanded money while brandishing a pocketknife. The suspect grabbed a hold of the 54-year-old victim's purse and when the victim resisted, the suspect cut the purse strap. The suspect took control of the purse and removed an undisclosed amount of cash. The 30-year-old daughter attempted to intervene and began to wrestle with the suspect. During the tussle, the 30-year-old victim received a single, minor puncture wound to her abdomen. The suspect fled southbound on Lodge lane. The 30-year-old female was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. Her injury does not appear to be life threatening.

Investigation into the matter continues and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7250 or if they wish to remain anonymous they may call the anonymous crime tip-line at (831) 775-4222, We-Tip at 1(800) 78-CRIME, or text information to the Text Tip Line with the code 'SPD831” to '847411.”

Release Authorized by: Trevor Iida, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Attempted Homicide

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 GMT

On July 1, 2009, at approximately 2122 hrs, officers responded to the area of Toro Ave. and Bardin Rd. on the report of two victims of gunshot wounds. When officers arrived they found an 18-year-old male and a 14-year-old male, lying in the driveway of 273 Toro Ave. Both had suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the torso and were transported to Natividad Medical Center for treatment. The 18-year-old had to undergo surgery and his condition is unknown. The 14-year-old was being treated for non-life threatening wounds. The suspect was described as a Hispanic male juvenile with a white shirt, last seen running eastbound on Bardin Rd. from Toro Ave. This shooting is being investigated as gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call Salinas Police Detective Larkin at (831) 758-7127 or Detective Hampson at (831) 758-7145. If you would like to remain anonymous you can call the Salinas Police Department 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.”

Chris Lane, Investigations Sergeant

Salinas Police Department

(831) 758-7496

Gang Member in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property, & Violation of Probation

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 6/30/2009 2:26 PM
Incident: Gang Member in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Stolen Property, & Violation of Probation
Report #: 09-061704
Date: Tuesday, 6/30/2009
Time: 11:20 PM
Location: Rosarita Drive & Madonna Street

Members of the Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force conducted a routine traffic stop on Rico Garcia, age 21, for minor traffic violations. Garcia was found to be on probation and during a search of his car a firearm was located. A further check revealed that the firearm was reported stolen. Garcia, a known gang member, was booked into Monterey County Jail on the above charges.

Release Authorized by: Robert Eggers
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Authorized by: Trevor Iida, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Release Date/Time: 7/1/2009 2:28 AM
Incident: Shooting at an Occupied Vehicle
Report #: 09-061758
Date: Tuesday, 6/30/2009
Time: 7:23 PM
Location: E. Market Street & Carr Avenue

At approximately 7:23 p.m. a 20 year-old male was sitting in his vehicle in the 100 block of Carr Avenue when a dark colored sedan occupied by an unknown number of subjects drove towards him. One of the occupants fired a number of rounds at the victim's vehicle striking the passenger side. The suspect vehicle fled the area in an unknown direction. The 20 year-old victim was not injured and could provide no further information on the suspect vehicle or suspects.

Gang member in possession of firearm

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 6/28/2009 2:23 PM
Incident: Gang member in possession of firearm
Report #: 09061596
Date: Saturday, 6/27/2009
Time: 9:37 PM
Location: Jessie's Bar, Salinas Street

Members of the Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force were conducting a bar check of Jessie's Bar when they contacted Eric Rojas (26) and Raul Carranza Maldonado (25) in the rear parking lot. Maldonado was found to be on probation with gang terms and was arrested for violation of probation. While speaking with Rojas officers located a loaded handgun in his front pants pocket. Both were identfied gang members and were booked into Monterey County jail.

Release Authorized by: Commander Bob Eggers
Telephone: (831) 758-7041

Local Neighborhoods Stand Up to Crime

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Local Neighborhoods Stand Up to Crime

Salinas Community and Police Officers Step Up Neighborhood Watch Efforts

SALINAS, CA – June 25, 2009

Salinas residents are taking back the safety of their neighborhoods—block by block. Already this year, residents have seen a 67% increase in the number of gun-related gang crimes in the city. Working together with the police department, community members are standing up to local crime by organizing Neighborhood Watch teams on their blocks.

'We used to get requests to form new Neighborhood Watch groups once or twice a month,” said Salinas Police Commander Dan Perez. 'Now we're flooded with calls. Just in the month of May we did ten workshops, with more scheduled, that train residents on how to put together a Neighborhood Watch that works for their area. We've also been working with local businesses to start a Business Watch in Old Town Salinas.”

The recent increase in Neighborhood Watch efforts is due both to community demand and proactive police efforts to form new groups in every part of the city. 'Police officers are walking door-to-door to talk with residents about the program and encourage them to become block captains,” said Perez. 'We're getting a great response from the community.”

'The increase in Neighborhood Watch meetings is consistent with Salinas residents continuing to mobilize and take back their city,” said Mayor Dennis Donohue. 'I am pleased to see this trend.”

On Tuesday June 23^rd, over eighty Monterey Park residents responded to neighborhood flyers inviting them to hear Community Service Officer Jenny Bryant describe how they could set up their own Neighborhood Watch program.

'The violence, crime and drug dealing in Salinas is out of control,” said Brian Foucht, Monterey Park resident, who organized the meeting together with Caleb Randall. 'We are working to ensure that our homes, parks and neighborhoods are protected.”

According to Police Chief Louis Fetherolf, community involvement is an essential component to reduce crime that is plaguing Salinas.

'With more than 3,500 gang members and associates on our streets, we need to come together to create a safer Salinas,” said Fetherolf. 'Community members reporting crimes and providing anonymous tips is the single best way to help our police officers catch the perpetrators and reduce criminality throughout the city.”

'Our community realizes it is every citizen's responsibility to do something about gangs,” said Brigid McGrath-Massie, who serves on the Police Community Advisory Committee. 'With all of us working together—police officers, local clergy, schools, non-profits, and everyday citizens—we are finding ways to make an impact.”

Chief Fetherolf has stressed that Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention efforts are just a part of a solution which must include hiring more police officers. In Salinas, there are more than 18 gang members for every one police officer. Fifteen police officer positions are currently unfilled due to lack of funds.

'We need more police officers out there in the community—on local streets and around parks and schools,” said Fetherolf. 'Our residents deserve that level of support to reduce the threat criminals pose to public safety.”

To form a Neighborhood Watch group in your area, please call Salinas Community Service Officer Jenny Bryant at 831-758-7044.

There have been recent cases where alert neighbors have called police and resulted in the apprehension of suspects for prowling and burglary. Get involved in your neighborhoods, call Neighbor Watch coordinator CSO Bryant.

Child Abduction

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

On June 25, 2009, at approximately 4:30am, the Salinas Police Department received a call from the mother of Maria Roldan, age 11. We were advised that Roldan had just left her residence in the company of Joventino Benegas, age 21. Roldan and Benegas are not related but the scope of their relationship is unknown. Benegas was last known driving a green Daewoo with paper plates. Officers actively looked for Roldan and Benegas throughout the morning but where not able to locate them or the vehicle.

An Amber Alert was activated when information was received that Benegas might be enroute to Honduras with Roldan. At approximately 3:30pm, Salinas Police detectives were able to find the vehicle and followed it to a motel on the east side of Salinas. Roldan was found in a room at the motel, uninjured. Benegas was not located.

This investigation is ongoing and Benegas is currently wanted for child abduction. Anyone with information about this case, or the whereabouts of Joventino Benegas, is asked 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, or the We-Tip Line at 1(800) 78-CRIME, or text information to the Text Tip Line with the code 'SPD831” to '847411.”

Chris Lane, Investigations Sergeant

Salinas Police Department

(831) 758-7496

Child Abduction ARREST

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

UPDATE***

On June 25, 2009, at approximately 8:40pm, Joventino Banegas Bueso (AKA: Joventino Benegas), age 21, turned himself in at the Salinas Police Department. He was booked into the Monterey County Jail for Child Abduction.

Burglary

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, at 2:08 pm, in the area of the 100 block of West Laurel drive a resident heard someone inside his residence. When he went to check, he noticed a broken window. There was a person, unknown to him, near the exterior of window and fled upon seeing the resident. Officers were called and detained three individuals nearby. One of the individuals, Jace Esquivel (19), was carrying a laptop. When the laptop was turned on the resident's picture appeared on the screen. Esquivel and the two individuals, a 17 year-old male and a 12 year-old male, were arrested for burglarizing the residence. Esquivel was booked at the Monterey County Jail, the 17 year-old was lodged at Monterey County Juvenile Hall, and the 12 year-old was cited and released to his parents.

If you have any information regarding any crimes, you are encouraged to call the Crime Tip line at 1-800-7CRIME or 831-775-4222. If you want to start a Neighborhood Watch group in your neighborhood, contact Community Service Officer Jenny Bryant at 831-758-7044.

Attempted Theft by False Pretense

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

On Thursday, June 25, 2009 at about 3:00 pm Officers were dispatched to a local bank on the 400 block of Main Street regarding a lotto ticket scam in progress. The teller was contacted by an elderly individual, who said he was there to withdraw $10,000. He explained that two individuals were waiting for him in the parking lot and that he was going to share the proceeds of a winning lotto ticket. The alert teller realized this was a scam and stalled the victim until police arrived. The suspects in the meantime left prior to police arrivnig.

The victim explained he was walking near his home in Gonzales, CA when a female approached him. She explained to him that she had a winning lotto ticket valued at $480,000, but because she was in the country illegally, she could not cash it. While talking to the victim another individual walked by and became involved in their conversation. This person agreed to split the winnings with the victim if they each paid $10,000. The victim agreed and got into a van with them so they could drive him to his bank in Salinas. He was not aware it was a scam until the teller made him aware of it.

The female was described as Hispanic, 55, 5-5, 140, brown shoulder length hair, medium complexion, light colored dress, and male a Hispanic, 45, 5-5, 190, short black hair, and brown eyes. The vehicle was a white Chevy mini van, newer model.

These types are crimes are generally committed by people who work in groups and travel throughout the state. If you have any information regarding this crime, please contact our department at 831-758-7250, Crime Tip line 831-775-4222, or WE TIP at 1-800-7CRIME.

Robbery, Kidnapping, Conspiracy, Violation of Parole and Violation of Probation Arrest

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 6/24/2009 4:58 AM
Incident: Robbery, Kidnapping, Conspiracy, Violation of Parole and Violation of Probation Arrest
Date: Wednesday, 6/24/2009
Time: 11:42 pm
Location: Chinatown area on Soledad St.

Officers were dispatched to a possible robbery in progress on Soledad St. in the Chinatown area. Three males surrounded another male who was standing outside of his vehicle. The three suspects, Scott Reynolds (24), Davian Smith (36) and Joseph Brown (41) were seen going through the victim's pockets and checking inside his car. They also prevented the victim from leaving the area. As units were responding, the victim got into his vehicle and drove off with Reynolds and Brown. A nearby patrol unit was in the area and stopped the vehicle on N. Main and Cassentini. The two suspects were taken into custody. Meanwhile, Smith stayed in the area of the robbery. He was apprehended a short time later by additional officers. The victim said he had gotten lost and ended up in the Chinatown area. He was flagged down by one of the suspects. All three quickly surrounded him and robbed him of his money. Reynolds and Brown forced the victim to take them to the store. Reynolds and Smith were booked for robbery, kidnapping and conspiracy. In addition, Reynolds was on probation and Brown was on parole. Smith was booked for robbery, kidnapping and violation of parole.

Release Authorized by: Sgt. Henry Gomez
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Attempted Homicide

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 6/22/2009 12:42 AM
Incident: Attempted Homicide
Report #: 09-061262
Date: Sunday, 6/21/2009
Time: 9:38 PM
Location: W. Curtis Street & N. 2nd Street

A 14 year-old male was walking eastbound on W. Curtis Street near the intersection of N. Second Street when a red or burgundy compact, possibly a Nissan or Mitsubishi, drove past him heading eastbound. The vehicle stopped and the front right passenger, a Hispanic male in his teens or early 20s with braided hair (no further description), exited the vehicle. The passenger said something to the victim, which he did understand. The passenger then fired a number of shots at the victim. The victim was shot in the chest and right arm. The suspect vehicle was last seen northbound on Rodeo Avenue. The victim was air lifted to a Bay Area hospital where he was listed in stable condition.

Release Authorized by: Trevor Iida, Commander
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Northern California Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 GMT

Members of the Salinas Police Department and the Monterey County Probation Department, along with several law enforcement agencies from Monterey County, will be participating in the 2009 Northern California Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Each year members of the law enforcement community throughout Northern California participate in this fund raising event to benefit those children less fortunate. Also participating in preparation for the run is Jammin 97.9 radio and the Red Lobster Restaurant.

Brittany Neilson, news anchor for KSBW will also participate as a guest runner. All runners will start their run in front of Salinas City Hall at 9:00am and run the following route, which end at the Red Lobster Restaraunt:

From City Hall – South on Lincoln Ave until E. Alisal Street, continue east on E. Alisal Street until Salinas Street, continue south on Salinas Street until E. San Luis Street, continue east on E. San Luis Street until Main Street, continue north on Main Street until E. Gabilan Street, continue east on E. Gabilan Street until Monterey Street, continue north on Monterey Street toward N. Main Street (crossing E. Market Street), continuing north on North Main Street. Run will conclude at parking lot of the Red Lobster Restaurant, located at 1720 North Main Street.

A brief check presentation will follow the run, at which time members of the California Highway Patrol will take the torch and continue the run.

Questions can be directed to Sergeant Jay Malispina at 758-7247.