Arrests - Multiple Shootings/Attempted Murder

Release Date/Time: 12/31/2020 11:50 AM
Incident: Attempted Murder Arrests
Date: Thursday, 12/31/2020
Time: 11:50 AM
Location: Arrest location: Spence Road/ Tulane Street

On 08/23/20, at 7:30 PM officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation and calls of shots fired in the area of Fremont St. and Carr Avenue. Several bullet casings were located at the scene but no victim. Witnesses described a newer model white Lexus stopping near the intersection of Fremont and Carr Ave and a male shooting at an unknown victim.

Approximately 30 minutes after the initial shooting call, a 20-year-old man arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the head. The victim survived the wound.

Detectives located grainy video near the shooting scene that showed both the suspect and victim vehicle. Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) examined the victim's vehicle and recovered blood swabs and other trace evidence.

In the following months detectives, working closely with Patrol officers and VSTF, conducted an extensive investigation including forensic analysis, uniform enforcement efforts, and undercover operations resulting in the identification of two suspects in the August shooting: Noah Serrano (20), and Leonardo Luna (19). Additionally, during the investigation, detectives developed evidence implicating Serrano and Luna in four additional shooting/attempted murders:

• 10/10/20 – Shooting – Fremont Street/ Carr Ave.

Approximately 4 – 6 rounds fired at an unknown victim.

• 10/18/20 – 5:05 PM – Mae Ave/ Towt St.
  Approximately 9 rounds fired at unknown victim.
   
• 10/18/20 – Shooting – Rider Ave/ Del Monte Ave.
  Approximately 9 rounds fired at victim.
   
• 11/11/20 – Attempted Murder – 1200 block of Bellehaven St.
  Approximately 11 rounds fired. Two adult male victims were shot and survived their injuries.

The investigation led to a residence on Spence Road, south of Salinas, and a home on the 500 block of Tulane Street.

Yesterday morning, 12/30/20, detectives conducted surveillance at the Spence Road and Tulane Street locations. Suspect Noah Serrano was arrested without incident away from the Tulane Street residence.  Shortly thereafter, Leonardo Luna was arrested on a traffic stop by VSTF as he left the Spence Road address. He was in the white Lexus.  Officers searched Luna's vehicle and he was found in possession of a .25 caliber semi-auto handgun. Detectives and VSTF served a follow-up warrant on the Spence Road residence and located various ammunition and gang indicia.

At 3:00 PM, Salinas PD SWAT served a search warrant on the Tulane Street address with the assistance of a CHP K9 officer and CHP helicopter. Detectives located a Glock 9mm semi-auto, a loaded AK47 magazine, and .40 caliber ammunition in the home.

Detectives have evidence Serrano and Luna were hunting for victims they believed were rival gang members.

Serrano and Luna were booked for multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Gang Conspiracy, Gang Enhancement and gun possession.  This investigation is ongoing, and detectives would like to hear from anyone who may have information. If you have information please call Detective Robert Miller at: (831) 758-7954, or email him at: robertm@ci.salinas.ca.us. Or 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.

 

Release Authorized by: Cmdr. John C. Murray
Telephone: (831) 758-7350