Dead end of Kern Street and Holiday Inn parking lot, Salinas | Google Maps
SALINAS — A man was driving down Kern Street in East Salinas when he was cut off by a black Chevy Camaro. The man blew his horn, and the Camaro began to tailgate him.
He then pulled into the reception area of the Holiday Inn, hoping the Camaro would pass on. Instead, it drove to the dead end of Kern Street, spun a donut, and came to a stop.
Then moved on.
When the man tried to leave the area, however, it reappeared and blocked his path. That’s when one occupant exited the vehicle and approached the victim, yelling and throwing gang signs. The victim backed up and drove around him, calling 9-1-1 to report what was going on.
He then drove to the ARCO gas station and waited for police.
It wasn’t long before police arrived and tried to detain the Camaro, but it sped off at a high rate of speed and headed southbound on Kern. The driver then lost control of the vehicle attempting to turn onto Market Street and careened into the Shell Gas Station, striking the center concrete pillar and causing severe damage to the vehicle.
Three occupants then fled on foot.
The driver, 25-year-old Ramon Nunez of Salinas, had to be tased before he could be taken into custody. Two teenage accomplices, 18-year-old Jesus Lopez and an unnamed 17-year-old, were also quickly captured.
One suspect, Ivan Alcala, chose to stay in the car.
Nunez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of felony DUI and gang enhancements, as well as evading arrest.
The remaining suspects were cited pending court appearances.
