SALINAS, Calif - Salinas Police are investigating why a man opened fire at a couple sitting in their car Tuesday morning.
According to Salinas Police, around 12:15 Tuesday morning officers responded to the intersection of Kennedy Street and Van Buren Avenue for reports of shots fired. A witness reported seeing a white pickup truck and a red Ford Mustang leaving the area after hearing gunshots. Officers were unable to locate the vehicles or any evidence of a shooting.
At about 12:35 a.m., a Monterey County Sheriff's Deputy conducted a vehicle check on a white pickup truck parked in the middle of Harrison Road without any lights on. The two occupants, a 22 year-old male and a 20 year-old female, told the deputy they were shot at in the area of Van Buren Avenue. Salinas Police responded and learned both victims had been drinking in the parking lot of The Point of Harden Ranch Apartments when they were approached by a white male suspect, later identified as Michael Manfull, 39, of Salinas.
The victims said Manfull claimed to be a war veteran and pulled out a knife as he spoke to them. The victims became uncomfortable and left to another part of the complex. Manfull followed them and verbal argument ensued. The victims drove around North Salinas in an attempt to get away from Manfull and decided to drop off some of the passengers of their car in the area of Kennedy Street.
As they were leaving the area, a red Ford Mustang drove up to them and they recognized Manfull get out of the driver seat with a handgun. For unknown reasons, Manfull fired two shots at the victim's vehicle, striking the front bumper area once.
Officers say Manfull then called 911 to report the victims were trying to break down his front door. He stated he had a gun and may have fired at the victims before they fled in a white pickup truck. Officers believe Manfull made up the story about the intruders and he was eventually taken into custody without incident.
Detectives got a search warrant for Manfull's residence and retrieved 3 handguns, including the one believed to be used in the assault, 8 rifles/shotguns and dozens of rounds of ammunition. The guns were taken for safe keeping, while Manfull was lodged into county jail for one count of attempted homicide.
This case is not considered gang related.
