Man threatens to “destroy” Salinas police officer on Facebook

A man threatened to destroy a Salinas police officer for arresting him last fall.

45-year-old Jason Marquez was arrested back in September 2017 for throwing gas at his neighbors face.

Since that arrest, Marquez threatened the officer and challenged him to a fight on Facebook several times.

“The threats became more specific in nature and detectives became involved in the investigation,” said Commander John Murray.

On May 9, Marquez posted that he would destroy the officer even if it cost him his own life. He referenced having a .45, a shovel, and referred to the officer by his SPD personnel number.

On May 15, detectives arrested Marquez for the threats against an officer. Detectives served a search warrant at his parent’s house on the 1700 block of Pescadero Drive. Officers found a .12 gauge shotgun, a .38 caliber handgun, and a Smith & Wesson .38 Special Airlite in his room.

Marquez was booked into the Monterey County Jail on $200,000 bail.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at 831-758-7321.