Press Releases

Release Date/Time: 1/18/2012 12:55 AM
Incident: Homicide
Report #: 12-010744
Date: Tuesday, 1/17/2012
Time: 4:44 PM
Location: Market Way and Soledad St.

On January 17, 2012, Salinas Police officers responded to the area of Market Way and Soledad St. on the report of a vehicle/pedestrian accident. When officers arrived they were informed by witnesses that it appeared the victim had been purposely struck by the vehicle, and then as the victim tried to run away, the vehicle chased the victim and intentionally ran the victim over. The damaged suspect vehicle left a trail of fluids that indicated it traveled northbound on Soledad St. and then east on Lake St. Officers were able to follow the trail to the 200 block of Commission St. were they were able to find the vehicle parked. Officers saw a man that matched the suspect's description in one of the businesses on Commission St. The suspect, later identified as Adnan Nijmeddin (age 54), initially refused to come out of the building. After several minutes, Nijmeddin came out and was arrested without further incident.

The victim, a 47 year old male, was transported to a bay area hospital by helicopter with severe injuries. The victim was in surgery when he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 9:30 pm. The victim's name is being withheld until proper notification of his family members can be made.

Witnesses stated there was some sort of argument that preceded the assault with the vehicle. Based on the evidence at the scene and statements from witnesses, it appears Nijmeddin intentionally struck the victim with his vehicle causing the victim's death. Nijmeddin was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked for Murder.

Anyone that witnessed the assault, or the events that preceded it, is asked to contact the Salinas Police Department Investigations Division at (831) 758-7226. If you would like to remain anonymous, you can call the Salinas Police Department Anonymous Tip Line at 831-775-4222, or the We-Tip Line at 1-800-78-CRIME, or text information to the Text Tip Line with the code "SPD831" to "847411".

Release Authorized by: Christopher Lane, Investigations Sergeant
Telephone: (831) 758-7496

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