Salinas homeowner shoots burglary suspect

Salinas police are investigating an early-morning incident in which a homeowner shot a burglary suspect.

Officers responded to the 700 block of Leese Drive just after 4 a.m. and found Ray Espino with a single gunshot wound. A resident sleeping his home was apparently awakened by suspicious noises coming from the front of his property. He saw an unknown person walking across his property and toward his attached garage, police said.

The resident feared for his safety and so he armed himself before going out to the garage to investigate. He was frighted by Espino, who had just entered the garage, and fired a shot, Salinas police said.

Espino, 27, was transported to a Bay Area hospital, where he’s currently in critical condition.

Anyone who may have information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Salinas Police Department Investigations Bureau at 758-7226.