MEDIA CONTACT: Sophia Rome
EMAIL: sophiar@ci.salinas.ca.us
CONTACT TITLE: Community Relations Mgr / PIO
PHONE: (831) 758-7407
RELEASE DATE: September 12, 2024
Salinas, CA – The information below is being released re the hit and run last night:
Last night, SPD received a call of a person being struck by a vehicle on E. Alisal St. at Eucalyptus St in front of Food Co. The vehicle fled the scene however, was followed by a witness onto Eucalyptus St. The witness eventually lost sight of it on Quilla St. but was able to get the license plate information.
Officers arrived on scene and located the victim unresponsive. Fire and AMR rendering aid to the victim, but he was pronounced deceased.
Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle on N. Sanborn Rd near Elkington St. A traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle, and the driver was identified as Jorge Luis Lopez Saenz (27).
The vehicle had damage to the right front end. Saenz did not appear to be under the influence, however, blood analysis is pending.
Saenz was booked at Monterey County Jail on charges of vehicular manslaughter, unlicensed driving, and hit and run causing death or injury.
This is an ongoing investigation, and we will not be releasing any further information at this time.
