Salinas armed robbery leads to shooting, owner says he’s been robbed before

UPDATE 3:12 p.m.: Salinas police said investigators are looking for a Hispanic male, late 20s, wearing a black hooded jacket, blue jeans, a bandana covering his face and possibly limping. Officers said the suspect robbed Star 1 Gas and Taqueria El Kiosko near Williams Road and East Alisal Street Tuesday morning.

Investigators said the suspect demanded money from the register using a chrome colored handgun from the 33-year-old male taqueria clerk who was preparing food at the time.

When the clerk had trouble getting the register open, officers said the suspect intentionally shot the man. They said the victim was shot once, hitting the victim on the top of his head. The victim is expected to be OK and was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police are also investigating information that a witness may have chased the suspect, possibly hitting him with his truck. As a result, police said the suspect may be hurt.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

UPDATE 11:34 a.m.: Salinas police are still looking for a suspect wanted after an armed robbery resulting in a shooting at Star 1 Gas and Taqueria el Kiosko Tuesday morning near Williams Road and East Alisal Street.

The store owner said he’s been robbed three or four times within the past month and believes Tuesday’s suspect may be the same person.

Police said the victim, who reportedly works one day a week as a clerk for the taco shop, was shot once and is expected to be okay.

UPDATE 10:31 a.m.: School officials at Los Padres Elementary School say a lockdown lasting about 20 minutes has been lifted.

UPDATE 10:00 a.m.: School officials at Los Padres Elementary School in Salinas say students are being placed on lockdown as a precaution due to police activity nearby.

Police are searching for a suspect allegedly involved in a shooting and robbery Tuesday morning.

UPDATE 9:31 a.m.: Salinas police are searching for the suspect allegedly involved in a shooting at Star 1 Gas Tuesday morning. They are currently searching near Salinas Point Apartments near the corner of Williams Road and East Alisal Street.

NewsChannel 5 has learned they are also searching for the suspect near the Salinas Fairways Golf Course.

UPDATE 9:06 a.m.: Salinas firefighters confirm a shooting suspect walked into Star 1 Gas Tuesday morning demanding money from the safe. They said a man working at Taqueria el Kiosko, a taco shop inside the gas station, tried to get the money out but was shot once by the suspect once during the process.

Firefighters said a bullet grazed the victim on the head and he is expected to be okay.

PREVIOUS STORY: Salinas police say they’re investigating a shooting inside Star 1 Gas near the corner of Williams Road and East Alisal Street.

Witnesses report one employee was shot by a suspect who tried to rob him Tuesday morning. They said the bullet grazed the victim and he was taken to the hospital.

Witnesses also said when the suspect tried to run away, a driver allegedly attempted to use their car to stop the person. They said the victim works at the taco shop once a week.

NewsChannel 5 has a crew on-scene.