By Khalida Sarwari
Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old victim in Salinas on Thursday night.
At about 10 p.m., officers responded to a report of a possible fight and gunshots heard at a complex in the 300 block of Cross Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers found a man with a large pit bull who was attempting to hide in a carport of the complex, police said. Officers also saw a 38-year-old person who had been shot lying in the back of the carport.
Police said the man with the pit bull was impeding the officers’ effort to get to the victim and was not obeying their commands, so officers used a Taser to subdue him.
As officers were placing handcuffs on the man, the pit bull began to charge at officers, prompting one officer to shoot and instantly kill the dog, according to police.
Officers were then able to enter the carport and get to the victim, who had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police determined that the man with the pit bull was a relative of the victim. After questioning him, detectives ruled him out as a suspect in the murder.
He was released with a citation for resisting a peace officer and public intoxication. Police said the man was so intoxicated that he did not appear to be grasping what was occurring.
The name of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of family.
Witnesses reported seeing two males running south on Cross Avenue after the shooting.
The suspects were described as males in their late teens to early 20s, dressed in black with hoods over their heads.
Detectives have not yet determined the motive for the homicide.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call investigators at (831) 758-7226. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call the Police Department’s anonymous tip line at (831) 775-4222 or the We-Tip line at (800) 78-CRIME. Information can also be sent via text with the code “SPD831” to 847411.
