Salinas Police Contend with 7th Homicide of the Year
Suspect remains at large
SALINAS — During the summer, one can count on the ambient sounds of clanging playground equipment, bouncing balls on the asphalt, and the laughter of children enjoying their summer vacation. In an East Salinas neighborhood, gunshots also made the list.
Closter Park, Salinas
On Tuesday, July 2, at 2:17 PM, officers from the Salinas Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in Closter Park at 401 Towt Street. Upon arrival, they discovered 18-year-old Miguel Angel Chavez-Zavala unconscious and breathing erratically.
Zavala was immediately transported to Natividad Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
“All indications are that the victim was sitting on the bleachers next to the baseball field when someone approached and [fired several shots],” Salinas Police Officer Jeffery Gibson said. “Witnesses reported seeing numerous people running from the park after the shooting.”
The killer is still at large and a Salinas Police Department investigation is underway. The witnesses reported seeing numerous people running from the park, though no one apparently saw the gunman.
With this latest homicide, the Salinas Police Department Investigation Unit is now dealing with their seventh homicide of the year. The department is asking that anyone with information regarding this case contact the Salinas PD crime tip line at 1-831-775-4222.
Read more:
The Californian: Salinas police: No known gang record for identified homicide victim
KION 46: Police Identify Man Killed at Closter Park in Salinas
Fugitive Watch: Man Shot and Killed at Closter Park in Salinas
KSBW: Homicide in Salinas’ Closter Park; Gunman on the run
