Attempted Murder Arrest Following Shooting Incident on Madison Lane in Prunedale
PRUNEDALE, CA — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 28 year old Santiago Martinez-Amaro of Salinas following a shooting incident on the 1100-Block of Madison Lane in Prundale. The arrest occurred on Sunday, February 22, 2026, after deputies responded to reports of a subject brandishing a firearm at approximately 8:12 p.m.
According to department records, the incident began when a resident challenged the driver of a black BMW sedan regarding reckless driving in the neighborhood. The driver, later identified as Martinez-Amaro, reportedly brandished a handgun before leaving the scene. Officials state that the suspect returned approximately five minutes later and discharged approximately three rounds from a firearm toward the individual. The victim avoided injury by taking cover behind a pickup truck, which was struck by the gunfire.
Deputies located the suspect vehicle traveling eastbound on Calle del Adobe shortly after the report. A felony traffic stop was executed in an IHOP parking lot, where Martinez-Amaro and a passenger were detained without further incident. A subsequent search of the BMW yielded a black, unregistered .45 caliber handgun, several spent .45 caliber shell casings within the cabin, and one unspent round on the driver’s seat.
Martinez-Amaro was booked into the County Jail on multiple charges, including attempted murder, criminal threats, and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. He also faces charges for carrying a concealed weapon and driving under the influence of alcohol with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher.
