DA’s Office identifies Seaside Police Officer who shot at man that was firing projectiles
SEASIDE, Calif. (KION-TV)- Seaside Police Chief Nick Borges announced on social media that Seaside Police shot one person in the area of Playa Avenue and Fremont Boulevard.
"I know the officers were contacting this individual," said Seaside Police Commander Justin Pascone. "The individual became hostile and started firing rocks with a slingshot at the officer's heads, and the officers were struck multiple times on the head before they defended themselves and returned fire,"
The Monterey County District Attorney's Office is now leading the investigation.
Multiple officers responded, one officer was struck in the head with a rock.
Just in the past half-hour, the Monterey County District Attorney's Office released the identity of the officer they say fired shots.
Investigators identified him as Braden Palma, who shot four rounds at the suspect.
The suspect has been identified by the District Attorney's Office is 47-year-old Jacinto Cortez-Gerado. Investigators said that at least two bullets hit Gerado in the right thigh and abdomen.
Investigators said that Cortez-Gerado injured Palma and an additional officer identified as Alex Jennings.
Borges said that a man was firing projectiles at two officers before one officer shot the suspect. Borges said that two officers were transported to a local hospital where they suffered significant head injuries.
Some at the scene say firing shots at Cortez-Gerdardo was not necessary.
"What our officers consider a deadly weapon, a slingshot. Is that considered a deadly weapon?" said Michelle Belton from Seaside. "And did the officers try to use another type of force? Did they try to use the Tasers, you know, before a shooting?"
Others say the actions were valid.
"A lot of times, you know, you're in the heat of the moment. You're dealing with an emergency crisis. You don't know if other threats are in the area. You just see what's in front of you. And I have seen personally, that the damage that, a slingshot and a rock can do," said a man in Seaside who was at the scene.
Seaside Police said Fremont and Playa Streets was closed as officers are still investigating the case at this time.
Borges said that the Monterey County District Attorney's Office has been asked to take over this case.
