Salinas Police Department News

Attempted Homicide

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/17/2013 8:51 PM
Incident: 664/187
Report #: 13-050808
Date: Friday, 5/17/2013
Time: 4:22 PM
Location: E. Alisal and N. Madeira

The fourteen year old male victim was walking with friends when they were approached by two Hispanic females approximately sixteen to twenty years old. One of the females challenged the group of friends about their gang affiliation. The victim did claim to be a gang member at which point one of the two female suspects stabbed the victim in the neck. The victim and his friends ran to a nearby store where a good samaritan offered a ride to the hospital. While enroute, they were stopped by patrol officers, and the victim eventually made his way to Natividad Medical Center. At the time of this entry, the victim is listed in very unstable condition. Anyone who may have witnessed this assault is encouraged to contact the Salinas Police Department.

Release Authorized by: Jeffery Gibson
Telephone: (831) 758-7128

Nationwide manhunt for 'John Doe' child pornography suspect ends with HSI arrest in northern California, rescue of child

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/16/2013 2:18 PM
Incident: Nationwide manhunt for 'John Doe' child pornography suspect ends with HSI arrest in northern California, rescue of child
Report #: N/A
Date: Thursday, 5/16/2013
Time: 12:35 PM
Location: North Salinas

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Salinas man alleged to be the "John Doe" child predator sought in a nationwide manhunt made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday following his capture Wednesday, a little more than 24 hours after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) issued a public appeal for leads in the case.

David J. Stevens, 58, was taken into custody in Salinas by HSI special agents and investigators with the Salinas Police Department. Authorities also rescued a child victim identified in the case. The arrest and rescue came after a member of the public called in a lead to ICE's tip line. Stevens appeared before a federal magistrate in San Jose, where the case will be prosecuted.

The criminal complaint and arrest warrant for "John Doe" were signed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. At that time, HSI had no information about the identity or whereabouts of John Doe, but he was believed to be located somewhere in the United States. The victim he recorded being sexually abused was believed to be 7 to 9 years old.

"When the HSI special agents investigating this case ran out of leads, we turned to the media and the general public for help," said ICE Director John Morton. "A day later, a tip from the public has led to the capture of an alleged predator and more importantly, the rescue of a child. I applaud our investigators, the media and the brave individual who provided critical information. Without the public's help we would not have solved this case."

"This predator was arrested very quickly after the member of the public came forward to identify him," said Salinas Police Chief Kelly McMillin. "Thanks to a longstanding relationship between the Salinas Police Department and HSI, strengthened by HSI's presence at the Law Enforcement Operations Center in Salinas, both agencies worked together closely to ensure the suspect was captured quickly and vital evidence of his crimes was recovered. The Salinas Police Department is grateful to HSI and all our federal partners for their ongoing commitment to the safety and security of the people of Salinas and Monterey County."

According to the criminal complaint filed by HSI in Washington, D.C., four videos of child pornography with date stamps of April 14 and 27 were first discovered by the Danish National Police on May 3 and referred to U.S. law enforcement for further investigation.

Following Stevens' arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for the defendant's Salinas residence where they seized additional evidence related to the case. Based upon interviews with witnesses, HSI special agents believe there may be additional unidentified child victims and are asking anyone with further information regarding the person in the photographs below, who has now been identified as David John Stevens, of Salinas, to call ICE's tip line - 1-866-347-2423 or the Salinas Police Department's Investigations Division at 1-831-758-7226. The public may also contact the Salinas Police Department anonymously by calling 1-831-775-4222 or by contacting the We-Tip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.

HSI's Victim Identification Program seeks to rescue child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

This investigation is part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.

# ICE #

Media contacts:

ICE Public Affairs: 1-949-360-3096
Salinas Police Department: 1-831-758-7350

Search Warrant / Drugs & Gun

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/16/2013 11:37 PM
Incident: Search Warrant / Drugs & Gun
Report #: 13-050788
Date: Thursday, 5/16/2013
Time: 9:30 PM
Location: 300 block of Riker St.

Members of the Salinas Police Department's Violence Suppression Unit served a search warrant in the 300 block of Riker St after a tip about drug sales. Methamphetamine, drug sales indicia, cash, ammunition and a revolver were located during the search. The revolver had obliterated serial numbers. Anthony Martinez (50) was lodged in the Monterey County Jail for being a felon in possession of a firearm and drug sales charges. A deputy from the Monterey County Sheriff's Department and his drug sniffing K9 also assisted in the search.

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

Fatal Traffic Collision

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/17/2013 12:02 PM
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Report #: 13-050767
Date: Thursday, 5/16/2013
Time: 1:53 PM
Location: South Sanborn Road and Abbott Street

Darrell Whitehouse, 48, was riding his Yamaha V-Star (cruiser style) motorcylce n/b on Abbott Street. Witnesses said he made a right turn to n/b South Sanborn Road at a high rate of speed. A semi was making a left hand turn from s/b Sanborn into the Taylor Farms loading dock parking lot. The semi was already blocking both lanes of traffic. Whitehouse could not stop in time and slid into the semi's third axel wheel. CPR was performed at the scene but Whitehouse died later at the hospital from his injuries.

Release Authorized by: Gerard Ross
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Grand Theft , Sweepstakes Scam

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/15/2013 8:39 AM
Incident: Grand Theft , Sweepstakes Scam
Date: Tuesday, 5/14/2013
Time: 1:14 PM
Location: Salinas

The Salinas Police Department has become aware of yet another scam involving winning over a million dollars and a brand new Mercedes Benz in a bogus sweepstakes the victim never entered. The scam occurs over several phone conversations where the suspect gains the confidence of the victim, who is convinced by the suspect the sweepstakes contest is real. But the victim must pay fees, taxes and processing fees prior to collecting the "prize".

The victim is swindled out of several hundreds of dollars in several transactions over several weeks. The victim is told to purchase money cards/gift cards at a local retailer and to deposit money into them. The victim is contacted by phone and is asked for the code number on the card which enables the suspect to withdraw the funds from an unknown location.

One victim notified police of the scam and did not wish anyone else fall for the scam which targets the elderly.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: (831) 758-7348

Burglary/Shoplift, Threats to Peace Officer, Resisting. Minor in possession of Alcohol Beverage

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/14/2013 10:51 AM
Incident: Burglary/Shoplift, Threats to Peace Officer, Resisting. Minor in Possession of Alcoholic Beverage
Report #: 13-050629
Date: Monday, 5/13/2013
Time: 7:52 PM
Location: 800 East Street

Officers responded to a call of the theft of beer from a grocery store located in the 900 block of E. Alisal St., with witnesses following the fleeing juveniles. Arriving officers were informed by the witnesses where the juveniles had gone, a residence in the 800 block of East St. It was also determined two juveniles had shoplifted two cases of beer from the store and fled on foot.

Officers attempted to contact the occupants of the residence but nobody came to the door, a short time later a homeowner arrived and allowed officers to conduct a check of the residence. As officers made entry, five juveniles fled out the back door and attempted to elude being caught. Officers were able to detain three male and one female juveniles, all intoxicated.

Officers found evidence confirming involvement in the burglary and were able to identify the suspects with cooperation from witnesses. During the investigation the juveniles arrested, 15, 16,17 years of age, were transported to the station. During the processing, the juveniles were uncooperative and made death threats towards officers. The juveniles were found to be on probation with gang affiliation. All three were transported to juvenile hall and charged with the listed crimes.

The female (16) was released to the custody of a parent.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: (831) 758-7250

Armed Robbery

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/13/2013 8:42 AM
Incident: Armed Robbery
Report #: 13-050574
Date: Sunday, 5/12/2013
Time: 8:14 PM
Location: McGowan Dr. & McGowan Circle

Officers responded to an armed robbery at McGowan Dr. at McGowan Cr. The investigation revealed the victim (27) was walking in the area when he was attacked from behind and knocked to the ground. The male suspect then demanded the victim turn over his money. When the victim told the suspect he did not have any cash the suspect became upset, took out a knife and he proceeded to try to stab the victim. The suspect searched the victim's pockets and removed his wallet containing an undisclosed amount of money.

The victim suffered a laceration to his wrist and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Injury was moderate and the victim is expected to recover.

The suspect described as a Hispanic male in his 20's, 5'4", 150 lbs. wearing a white t-shirt and black jeans fled on foot.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Salinas Police Department at 758-7321 or to remain anonymous 775-4222

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: (831) 758-7348

Robbery Arrest

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/11/2013 6:49 PM
Incident: Robbery Arrest
Report #: 13-050519
Date: Saturday, 5/11/2013
Time: 10:48 AM
Location: S. Main St. & Hawthorne St.

A 39 year old woman was walking in the area of S. Main St. and Hawthorne St. when she was grabbed from behind by a male suspect and wrestled to the ground. After grabbing the victim's wallet, Jacob Henry (36) fled on foot. A passing motorist witnessed the robbery and offered to take the victim in her vehicle to follow the suspect. They kept an eye on him until police arrived. Responding officers were directed to the under 100 block of Pine St., where the suspect was last seen running. After a yard to yard search, Henry was located hiding in the garage of a residence in the 800 block of Pajaro St. He was positively identified and arrested. The victim's wallet was recovered nearby. This arrest was made possible by the quick actions of the witness who chose to help.

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

Robbery Arrest

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/11/2013 7:21 PM
Incident: Robbery Arrest
Report #: 13-050528 and 13-050529
Date: Saturday, 5/11/2013
Time: 2:17 PM
Location: E. Alisal St. & Wood St.

An ice cream vendor was pushing his cart in the 500 Block of John St. when he was approached by two Hispanic male juveniles. They simulated handguns and demanded the victim give them all his money. As the victim handed over approximately $5.00, the suspects told him they remembered robbing him two weeks ago near Bardin School. A witness followed the suspects to the area in front of Alisal St. and S. Wood St. where he confronted them. He flagged down a patrol officer driving in the area. The juveniles, ages 15 and 14 were subsequently arrested for the robbery on today's date and the one which occurred on April 28. They were booked into Juvenile Hall.

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

Residential Burglary

Sat, 11 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/13/2013 8:59 AM
Incident: Residential Burglary
Report #: 13-050534 and 13-050535
Date: Saturday, 5/11/2013
Time: 8:09 PM
Location:0-100 Block of Plumas Way

Officers responded to a call of a residential burglary on Plumas Way, residents there told officers they have been victims of two separate burglaries recently and they suspect an estranged relative who was evicted from the residence. The victims reported the incidents to police and the suspect was identified as Jose Ruelas (18).

Sunday evening Ruelas was discovered in the garage of the residence, police were notified and Ruelas was arrested.

Ruelas who admitted to both break-ins was transported to county jail and booked on two counts of burglary.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: (831) 758-7348

Operation Clean Sweep News Conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/10/2013 7:31 AM
Incident: Operation Clean Sweep News Conference
Date: Friday, 5/10/2013
Time: 7:31 AM
Location: Monterey County Sheriff's Office 1414 Natividad Rd

The United States Marshal Service, in conjunction with other Federal. State and Local law enforcement agencies will be conducting a fugitive apprehension operation in Monterey County.

Participating agencies include, United States Marshal Service, DEA, FBI, HSI, Homeland Security, Secret Service, State Parole, Monterey County Probation, CTF, California Highway Patrol, Monterey Sheriff Department, Salinas PD, Marina PD, Soledad PD and Greenfield PD.

The overall goal is to utilize resources from multiple allied agencies to join forces to target and arrest wanted felons in Monterey County.

A press conference providing more details is scheduled to take place today, Friday May, 10th at 2:00 PM at the Monterey County Sheriff's Office located at 1414 Natividad Road in Salinas.

The media is invited to attend.

No further information at this time.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone:758-7348

Operation Clean Sweep News Conference

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/10/2013 8:33 AM
Incident: Operation Clean Sweep News Conference
Date: Friday, 5/10/2013
Time: 8:33 AM
Location: Monterey County Sheriff's Office 1414 Natividad Rd. in Salinas

The United States Marshal Service, in conjunction with other Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies will be conducting a fugitive apprehension operation in Monterey County. Participating agencies include, United States Marshal Service, DEA, FBI, HSI, Homeland Security, Secret service, State Parole, Monterey County Probation, CTF, California Highway Patrol, Monterey County Sheriff Department, Salinas PD, Marina PD, Soledad PD and Greenfield PD.

The overall goal is to utilize resources from multiple allied agencies to join forces to target and arrest wanted felons in Monterey County.

A press conference providing more details on the operation is scheduled to take place today, Friday May 10th at 2:00 PM at the Monterey County Sheriff's Office located at 1414 Natividad Rd. in Salinas

The media is invited to attend.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: 758-7348

Brandishing a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm, Gang Enhancement

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/13/2013 9:16 AM
Incident: Brandishing a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm, Gang Enhancement
Report #: 13-050469
Date: Friday, 5/10/2013
Time: 9:09 AM
Location: Towt St. at Garner Ave.

Officers responded to Towt St.at Garner Ave. to a brandishing of a weapon call. The victim (25) was walking in the area when a passenger in a black Dodge Charger brandished a firearm at the victim. Officers arrived and conducted an area check for the vehicle and a short time later located it in on Del Monte Ave. The vehicle was occupied by four individuals later identified as Jose Benitez (19), Edgar Gutierrez (19) and Tony Barrios and a juvenile (13). A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded firearm and ammunition. All four suspects were arrested.All four are known to have gang affiliation.

The three adults were transported to county jail on weapon charges and gang enhancements the minor went to juvenile hall on similar charges.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: (831) 758-7348

PAL Boots and Bucks Dinner Dance

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/8/2013 1:51 PM
Incident: PAL Boots and Bucks Dinner Dance and Live Auction
Date: Wednesday, 5/8/2013
Time: 1:51 PM
Location: PAL Armory 100 Howard St.

Salinas PAL presents

Boots and Bucks Dinner/Dance and Live Auction

(Salinas, CA) The Salinas Police Activities League announced that they will be hosting the 2^nd Annual Boots and Bucks Dinner/Dance and Live Auction to benefit Salinas PAL and the Armory Project. Salinas PAL has been working on retrofitting the Salinas Armory building to make it the organization's headquarters. This project will allow the organization to fulfill its mission of 'Filling Playgrounds, Not Prisons”. The non-profit provides sports, social-educational, and cultural programs to as many as 2500 children each year. These programs are free to all children ages 5-18. The event will take place on May 11, 2013 at the Armory building at 100 Howard Street from 5:30 pm to Midnight. The night will begin with a wonderful tri-tip dinner and conclude with a live auction and dancing the night away.

The live and silent auction will include several items of signed sports memorabilia, 'fireman for a day”, and a Sergio Romo signed San Francisco Giants World Series baseball! PAL plans to begin new programs at the center upon completion of construction. 'Preserving the past and building the future” is the motto of a building with rich Salinas history which will become the hub of the non-profit. The Salinas PAL Board of Directors, led by Executive Director and Salinas Police Officer Angel Gonzalez is inviting the community to be a part of this wonderful night. Tickets are $30/person and can be purchased from the Executive Director, online at www.salinaspal.brownpapertickets.com/ , or our website. For information, call (831) 970-7874 or visit www.SalinasPAL.org

Authorized By : Officer Miguel Cabrera

American Red Cross Recognizes SPD Officers as Law Enforcement Heroes 2013

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Release Date/Time: 5/8/2013 2:44 PM
Incident: American Red Cross Recognizes Salinas Police Department Officers as Law Enforcement Heroes 2013
Date: Wednesday, 5/8/2013
Time: 2:44 PM
Location: Hyatt in Monterey

Salinas Police Officers Christopher Balaoro, Justin Heckman, Kevin Mead and Alejandro Zamora will be recognized as Law Enforcement Heroes for 2013 by the American Red Cross Monterey Area Chapter at an awards presentation dinner on May 18, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Monterey. The American Red Cross joins with Monterey and San Benito county civic leaders in recognizing those in our communities who have shown courage, dedication and character. In addition to law enforcement, the Red Cross recognizes an Animal Rescue Hero, a Good Samaritan Hero and a Philanthropic Hero.

The Salinas Police Department officers are being recognized for taking immediate action when they found out that a family's vehicle had veered off the road on San Juan Grade Rd. earlier this year in February. Through their actions, they were able to save a mother and her two children from being trapped in the car wreckage, which was approximately 400' down a steep embankment.

Release Authorized by: Officer Miguel Cabrera
Telephone: 758-5321