Salinas Man Arrested for Child Abuse

SALINAS—The Salinas Police Department arrested Adrian Amaya, 26, of Salinas on suspicion of child abuse on Sunday morning.

Police were called to the 1000 block of North Sanborn Road for an “in progress” child abuse incident. Upon their arrival police learned that several witnesses in the apartment complex saw Amaya kick his girlfriend’s 4-year-old daughter.

Adrian Amaya

“The kick caused the child to launch 4-feet into the front door of the apartment.” Salinas Police Officer Miguel Cabrera said.  It was also reported by neighbors that there were “slapping” sounds coming from the apartment.

Police made contact with the 4-year-old girl and found obvious signs of injury to the face and neck of the child.  The child’s mother denied any claims or knowledge of the abuse despite being in the same room when her daughter was allegedly abused.

Amaya was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of child abuse.  He does have a prior history of child abuse.  A warrant request was also submitted on the mother who was not identified.

All five of the mother’s children were placed into protective custody with Child Protective Services.  The other children living in the apartment complex on North Sanborn Road ranged in age from seven years old to five months old.

“There were no obvious signs of abuse to the other children living in the same apartment,” Cabrera said.

The case is still under investigation and the Salinas Police is requesting that anyone with information about this incident call The Salinas Police Department at 831-758-7090 or the Violent Tip line at 831-775-4222

Read more:

The Californian: Man Arrested in Abuse of Girl in Salinas

KSBW: Serial Child Abuser Arrested