Gang member arrested in Salinas armed carjacking case

A known gang member was arrested in Salinas for his involvement in an armed carjacking four days ago.

On Friday, Salinas Police served two search warrants on Del Monte Avenue and on Acosta Plaza related to a carjacking on February 19. SPD said 19-year-old Jesus Avalos and two other suspects robbed a victim of their car at gunpoint.

Officers were able to find the suspects car after the robbery and a short police chase ensued ending in a crash.

“The 15-year-old driver fled from the vehicle but was captured by police and a loaded firearm was recovered nearby. A second loaded firearm was located in the suspect vehicle,” said Salinas Police.

The two other people in the car got away. Investigators located additional evidence related to the carjacking and determined Avalos was one of the two suspects who got away that night.

Avalos was booked into the Monterey County Jail for Carjacking, Conspiracy, Resisting Arrests, and Gang Enhancement.

“We are still working to identify the third suspect.”

If you know who the third suspect is call Detective Robert Miller at 831-758-7954.