SALINAS, Calif. — A tragic shooting incident in East Salinas claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy on Friday, leading to a brief lockdown at local high schools as a precautionary measure. Local police responded to the area near 1200 Camarillo Court shortly after 3:30 p.m. following gunfire detected by ShotSpotter technology.
Upon arrival, officers found the teenager suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public, but they did not release details about any possible suspects, as the investigation remains active. This marks the seventh homicide in Salinas this year.
In response to the event, Alisal High School and Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School were both placed on lockdown for a brief period. School officials stated the measures were taken “out of an abundance of caution” due to the incident occurring nearby. The lockdown was initiated at 3:55 p.m. and was lifted shortly thereafter.
Throughout the lockdown, no threat to student safety was reported, and school staff ensured that all students remained secure in their classrooms while law enforcement assessed the situation. In communications with parents, school officials emphasized their commitment to safety, stating that protocols were followed diligently.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Salinas police detective Scott Stutton at 831-758-7143. The local community remains shaken by the violence, prompting calls for increased safety measures and community engagement to prevent further tragedies.