Man arrested in 1986 attempted murder out of Salinas expected in court Tuesday

A man arrested in May for an attempted murder and kidnapping that occurred in Salinas nearly 30 years ago is expected in court this morning to set a preliminary hearing.

Watsonville police were dispatched to reports of an attempted burglary in May that led them to Paul Riojas.

Their investigation revealed that Paul Riojas had been living at a Second Street residence under the name Raul Riojas, among other aliases.

Eventually, Watsonville police officers determined Riojas was wanted on a warrant out of Monterey County for kidnapping and trying to kill his girlfriend in 1986.

Police officials believe Riojas was able to acquire a California DMV driver’s license using an assumed name – which was much easier to do back in the 1980s than it is today.

Riojas is being held in Monterey County Jail.