Woman shot in Salinas with a child in car, police say

Salinas police are searching for a suspect after a shooting Friday night in the 1500 block of Cottonwood Dr.

Officers said a 23-year-old man was reportedly shot in the head at about 6:25 p.m. and a 24-year-old woman was found shot in the arm inside a car moments later at Bison Way and Buckhorn Dr.

Investigators said a 5-year-old child was inside the car with the woman, but wasn’t hurt. Both victims were taken to the hospital.

During their investigation, officers learned the male victim was confronted by another man armed with a gun after he left his home Friday night. The victim was shot several times and the woman parked across the street started to drive away when she heard gunshots.

Investigators said the suspect fired several shots at the woman’s car as she drove away to call 911.

Little information is known about the suspect, other than he was Hispanic, with long hair and wearing a baseball cap. Officers said the shooting is considered gang-related.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 831-758-7226 or the we-tip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.