Salinas residents call for peace after violent weekend

Salinas saw a violent weekend, with five shootings in just four days. Police are busy investigating each of those cases. On Monday, NewsChannel 5 spoke with police and concerned people in the community. It all started Friday night, all five shootings within blocks of each other in North East Salinas. In total seven people were targeted, five hit.

“They all have the appearance to and have the signs to be gang related we have investigators investigating each one of those shootings,” said Commander Vince Maiorana.

As for a connection between all five of the shootings Maiorana said, “There is always that possibility but we’re investigating each one separately and until we can make that determination without a doubt, we’ll go there when it’s time.”

The fifth shooting happened off Acosta Street Sunday night, which was just up the road from a prayer vigil taking place for homicide victims.

“It makes me feel sad, but frustrated. Frustrated but more determined then ever to know that what we’re doing is not in vain,” resident Debbie Aguilar said.

Maiorana said investigators haven’t had much help from the victims or witnesses.

“People need to say something, they need to step up. they need to call and they need to say something about it,” Maiorana said.

Until then, solving these crimes, could prove close to impossible for officers already short staffed.