Salinas Police work overtime to address gun violence

A shooting happened Saturday night near Chinatown in Salinas. A stray bullet was found across the street at a car dealership.

Now all hands are on deck for Salinas Police as all patrol units are working overtime. Officers are paying close attention to certain areas in the city. Those places include Chinatown, Acosta Plaza and Hebbron Heights — areas known for gang activity.

“To include stabbings and fights among people in the neighborhood, so we have some focus of attention on some of these neighborhoods,” said Commander Vince Maiorana.

With regard to whether the police department would consider bringing in outside agencies for help like they have done in the past, Commander Maiorana said, “Absolutely, we would consider it, if those resources were available to us and the need were to arise, we absolutely would and we’ve done it before and we would do it again.”

Wednesday 25 year old Paul Morales was killed in front his apartment in North Salinas.

Two days later 43 year old Jose Salazar was shot while walking on the city’s east side.

Then Saturday night 42 year old Dexter Barnett who had a criminal record dating back to the 90’s was shot in the back near Chinatown.

Maiorana says every single detective in the department is working to find a motive for each of the homicides.

“All three seem to be separate, unrelated. we can’t even say whether they are gang related or drug related at this point in time,” said Commander Maiorana.