Driver of Vehicle Sought in Attempted Murder Investigation Succumbs to Injuries Sustained After Shots Fired During Traffic Stop
January 30, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the morning of January 29th, 2025, Monterey 
County Sheriff’s Deputies along with other Monterey County Law Enforcement Agencies were made aware of an attempted murder investigation being conducted by the Salinas Police Department. Information was broadcast to “be on the lookout” for a suspect vehicle and suspect.
Shortly after 1:00 P.M., a California Highway Patrol officer advised he had located the vehicle traveling between Salinas and Castroville on Highway 183. That officer requested additional law enforcement assistance in an effort to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle. Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area to assist.
Officers and deputies attempted to stop the suspect vehicle which, for unknown reasons, went off the road and into an agricultural field on Highway 183 between Espinosa Road and Cooper Road. For unknown reasons, the driver exited the vehicle and approached the officers who opened fire, striking the driver.
Lifesaving efforts were started at the scene. The driver was then transferred to a trauma center by ambulance where they later succumbed to their injuries.
One California Highway Patrol officer sustained a minor injury and was being treated at a local hospital. No other officers or deputies were injured.
The scene was initially handed over to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for investigation. Monterey County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit and Internal Affairs investigators were also on scene to assist.
After learning that the driver had succumbed to their injuries and per protocols pursuant to AB 1506, the California Department of Justice was notified and has taken the lead in investigating this incident.
Any further media inquiries are to be directed to the California Department of Justice Public Information Officer.
Source: Monterey County Sheriff's Office
