Two arrested on multiple charges amid auto theft investigation in Salinas

by CrimeVoice Admin , March 17, 2021

Photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office

Originally published 3-1-21 via Facebook
by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office:

“Last week, Multi-Agency Detail for Commercial Auto Theft (MADCAT) was following up on an auto theft investigation in the area of Hebert Road and Middlefield Road, Salinas. While in the area, a detective noticed a vehicle driving around the area.

Inside the vehicle was 41-year-old Elaine Rodriguez and 44-year-old Michael Martinez of Salinas. Rodriguez and Martinez are both on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS). Detectives from MADCAT and the Property Crimes Unit began conducting surveillance of Rodriguez and Martinez. During this time, Patrol Deputies were contacted and conducted a traffic stop, based on probable cause, as the vehicle left the area. During a search of the vehicle, Deputies located property from a residence on Hebert Road. Also, Martinez and Rodriguez were both found to be in possession of drugs.

Detectives were able to contact the homeowner where the property was believed to be stolen from and they confirmed their residence had been burglarized. Detectives later met with the victim and returned all the property stolen from the residence.

Rodriguez and Martinez were booked into county jail on charges related to burglary, stolen property, weapons, drugs and violation of PRCS.

MADCAT is a team made up of detectives from the Salinas Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, and the Sheriff’s Office. Together they pool the resources of all the departments to address issues throughout the county.”