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Release Date/Time: 6/20/2008 1:05 AM A male, 37, was standing in front of a house in the 1300 blk of Wiren St. A crème colored Lincoln LS drove by being driven by Ezequiel Gonzales, 31. The car slowed and the passenger, Oliver Martinez, 25, opened fire. Several shots were fired from the car. The victim was struck once in the lower torso. Gonzalez drove off. Witnesses called 911 and provided a vehicle description. Officer Diaz was at Skyway and Airport and saw the Lincoln. As Diaz made a u-turn the Lincoln sped off. A 7 mile, 7 minute pursuit ensued. The Lincoln drove onto northbound 101 . The Lincoln took the N. Main off ramp and continued on City streets. At Tyler and Iris Gonzales slowed the car and Martinez jumped out and ran off. Gonzales drove off and for about 2 more miles. At one point Gonzales drove through the Valero station at Main and Laurel narrowly missing patrons there. Gonzales drove southbound on Main and he tried to make the right turn onto Casentini. He lost control and drove onto the dirt easement. The car flew into the air and flipped over before landing in the dry part of the canal. Gonzales got out of the car, leaving a gun behind. He ran off westbound towards the apartments. Several officers gave chase but they were a distance behind due to the canal. The Monterey County Sheriff’s helicopter was overhead and was able to direct officers to Gonzales. He fought with officers but was ultimately taken into custody. Meanwhile back at Tyler and Iris...Martinez was spotted by officers. Martinez was running through yards trying to avoid arrest. Martinez was confronted and arrested. Another handgun was found. The victim was taken via air ambulance to a regional trauma center with moderate, non-life threatening injuries. Gonzales and Martinez were booked for numerous attempted homicide, weapons, and gang charges. The evidence indicates that the crime is gang motivated.
These arrests occurred due to the combined efforts of witnesses on scene who called 911, observant police officers, the Monterey County Sheriff’s helicopter and the California High Patrol. We believe that there are additional witnesses to the shooting as well as crimes committed during the vehicle pursuit. We are asking that anyone with information call the Salinas Police Department Crime Tip Line at 831-775-4222. Remember, If you See Something…Say Something to Law Enforcement. Release Authorized by: Cmdr. Tracy Molfino |
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