SALINAS, Calif. -- A suspected robber is dead and another critically wounded after being shot by a good samaritan who intervened during a robbery Thursday.
Salinas Police say the two suspects entered a business on the 1500 block of North Sanborn Road to commit an armed robbery. There were several people inside the business at the time. Police say the suspects demanded money from the patrons and the business owner, while holding the victims at gunpoint.
Police say while this was happening, a good samaritan associated with one of the victims inside the business retrieved a gun from his vehicle and went to help the victims inside the business. That's when, police say, the good samaritan shot both suspects. The suspects fled the business and were eventually driven to a local hospital for treatment.
The first suspect, a 17 year old Hispanic male juvenile, was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at the hospital. His name is not being released until the next of kin can be properly notified.
The second suspect, also a 17 year old Hispanic male juvenile, was in surgery and listed in very critical condition with at least one gunshot wound to the torso.
The Good Samaritan fled the scene for a short time because they were scared but returned to speak with police. The Good Samaritan, along with the victims inside the business at the time of the robbery, were interviewed extensively. Based on the facts of this case, to include video surveillance footage of the incident, no charges are being sought against the Good Samaritan at this time. The case will be referred to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office for their review. The names of the victims, and in this case the Good Samaritan, will not be released.
Anyone with information related to the crime or who may have been a witness is encouraged to contact the Salinas Police Department Investigations Division at (831) 758-7226; or Detective Fors at (831) 758-7124. 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."
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