MEDIA CONTACT: Sophia Rome
EMAIL: sophiar@ci.salinas.ca.us
CONTACT TITLE: Community Relations Mgr / PIO
PHONE: (831) 758-7407
RELEASE DATE: July 7, 2024
Salinas, CA – The victim from Wednesday night’s homicide on N. Pearl Street has been identified as 33-year-old Michael Frank Filomeno Cruz. On July 3rd at approximately 11:05 pm, Salinas Police Department received a ShotSpotter activation of multiple rounds in front of a residence on N. Pearl Street. Multiple callers reported hearing gunshots and a male screaming. They then reported seeing a male on the ground. Officers responded and located the 33-year-old male victim and attempted lifesaving efforts. He was unresponsive and suffering from multiple gun shot wounds. EMS continued lifesaving efforts and transported him to Natividad Medical Center. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
Officers located multiple casings at the scene. Witnesses described the suspect as possibly a Hispanic male, wearing dark clothing last seen running north on N. Pearl Street.
Based on evidence gathered during the investigation, the SWAT team served a search warrant this morning at a residence on N. Pearl Street.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Salinas Police Department at (831) 758-7321. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Tip Line at (831) 775-4222.
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