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

Salinas Police Contend with 7th Homicide of the Year was last modified: January 14th, 2019 by admin
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Daniel Miranda

Dan Miranda is a Journalist, Photographer and Sports Writer for the San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Monterey area. He can be reached at dmiranda@unitedreporting.com