Robbery, Hit and Run Arrest as a Result of Instagram Transaction
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Release Date/Time: 1/22/2021 9:55 AM REMINDER: Salinas PD recently established a Safe Sale and Safety Zone in the visitors parking lot in front of the Police Service of Salinas Headquarters at 312 E. Alisal St. The purpose of implementing this resource is to enhance the safety of residents who are meeting each other in person to complete internet sale transactions such as with popular websites like Instagram, Craigslist, eBay to name a few. While most of these types of transactions are completed in a safe and legitimate manner. There have been several instances, like the one mentioned below, we have investigated in the past that have turned criminal and/or violent. The robbery mentioned here is a perfect example as to why you should take advantage of the Safe Sale and Safety Zone to conduct transactions like this. This incident could have gone very bad. Avoid situations like this by using the Safe Zone, tell friends and family of this option when making transactions or exchanges. With our surveillance cameras providing 24 hr. video surveillance, people will have an option to complete their transaction in a safe location in front of the Police Service of Salinas Headquarters 312 E. Alisal St. We encourage residents to use it as often as necessary. Robbery, Hit and Run Arrest as a Result of Instagram Transaction On 1-21-21 at 11:00 am, in the 600 block of Arcadia Way, a 19 year old victim agreed to sell two pairs of Nike Jordan shoes on Instagram. They decided to meet in the area of the school in the 600 block of Arcadia Way. A price was agreed upon (several hundred dollars) and they met at the agreed location. As they were both standing outside their vehicles, the victim handed over the two pairs of Jordan's to the suspect who said he was going to get the money. Suspect walked towards his car and placed the shoes in his car. Suddenly, the suspect got behind the wheel and put his car in drive and started to drive forward. The victim attempted to retrieve his property by reaching into the suspect vehicle. The suspect tried to get away driving forward and striking two parked vehicles then reversed striking two more vehicles. In the process the victim was able to retrieve his shoes from the within vehicle but was struck by the suspect vehicle as it moved back and forth. Victim suffered minor injury. The suspect fled the scene with the victim and several friends entering their vehicle and followed the suspect. They located the suspect in the 1800 block of Pescadero Dr. and detained him for officers who arrived shortly after. The suspect was identified as Leonardo Sotelo (20), he did not have any money with him to pay for the shoes intending to steal the shoes from the beginning. Sotelo was transported to county jail facing robbery, hit and run charges. Release Authorized by:Miguel Cabrera 
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