Man shot in the chin in Salinas Friday night

Salinas Police say an 18-year-old was shot in the chin Friday night near Elkington and Del Monte Avenues.

The shooting happened just after 10p.m. when the teen said he was walking to a friend’s house when he noticed a car parked on Elkington and the suspects in the car approached him and asked if he was in a gang.

Officers say the victim denied gang membership, however, was not successful in convincing the two individuals. That’s when officers say one of them pulled out a handgun and fired at the teen from a few short feet away.

Police say the round struck the victim in the chin as he ran away. The suspects fired more shots but the victim was able to avoid being hit again. The victim was taken to a local hospital by a friend.

The suspects were described as two thin Hispanic males in black hoodies. They were approximately 5’8″ to 5’9″ tall and their vehicle was only described as a dark in appearance.