SALINAS VALLEY — Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has released additional preliminary facts surrounding the officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday on Highway 101 northbound near Soledad.
At about 5:30 p.m. on June 3, a person armed with a handgun got out of a black Mazda and robbed three pedestrians walking on Lonoak Road in King City. The robber demanded the victims’ phones and wallets, which they surrendered, and he got back in the Mazda.
After walking home about 20 minutes after the robbery, the victims called police, described the Mazda, reported it was last seen heading toward Highway 101, and provided the license plate number.
At 7:15 p.m., a Greenfield officer located the Mazda traveling northbound on Highway 101 near Greenfield. Other units from Greenfield and King City PD joined the pursuit with lights and sirens. The Mazda failed to stop as it traveled between 50 and 72 mph. Near Soledad, the Mazda turned on the right turn signal, moved to the shoulder and slowed down.
Before the Mazda came to a complete stop, Armando Garcia Rodriguez, 36, emerged from the front passenger side and immediately began firing a handgun in the direction of the lead KCPD patrol car immediately behind the Mazda. He fired four rounds, and two officers returned fire. All shots were fired within five seconds, stated the DA’s Office in a news release Tuesday.
Rodriguez turned to run northbound away from patrol cars and fell. He was struck once by gunfire. No other persons were injured. The report of shots fired occurred at 7:24 p.m.
According to the DA’s Office, the driver of the Mazda was a female who reported that she had no idea Rodriguez was going to commit a robbery, and after he did so, he then threatened her with the firearm. He directed her not to stop and said he would shoot her and would shoot police. She was questioned by KCPD and CHP and thereafter released.
Rodriguez was taken to Natividad Medical Center and underwent surgery at 9 p.m. on June 3. He is currently at the hospital. Recovered at the scene was the firearm he used, a .40 caliber semi-automatic ghost handgun.
Two officers fired shots, both from KCPD. One had been a peace officer for about 17 years and the other three months. Their names will be released after interviews conducted by the DA’s Office scheduled on Wednesday.
The DA’s Office is currently reviewing video of the incident.
“At this point the office expects to file robbery and attempted murder of peace officer charges against Rodriguez, although no date is set for filing or arraignment,” stated the DA’s Office. “The timing of charges will depend on Rodriguez’ condition and release from the hospital.”
Because of the pending case against Rodriguez, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni declined to provide further comment about the incident.
“As with all officer involved shootings, the District Attorney will review the use of force by officers to determine whether any officer committed a crime and always makes the reports and findings public,” stated the DA’s Office. “When there is a pending court case (in this case charging Rodriguez), reports become available to the public after conclusion of court proceedings.”
***ORIGINAL STORY***
KING CITY — King City Police Department responded to the area of South First Street, between Lonoak Road and Division Street, for an armed robbery on June 3 at about 6 p.m.
Officers determined the three victims were walking on South First Street when a vehicle pulled up to them. A Hispanic male adult exited the vehicle holding a firearm, and then pointed the gun at the victims and demanded they give him all their personal items.
“After obtaining all of the victim’s property, the suspects fled in the vehicle,” said King City Police in a news release Tuesday. “Through follow-up investigation, officers identified the suspect vehicle and suspects.”
A short time later, officers from the Greenfield Police Department located the suspect vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 101. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but it failed to yield and a pursuit ensued, which was taken over by King City Police.
The suspect vehicle eventually yielded just south of the Front Street exit.
“Upon yielding, the adult Hispanic male exited the vehicle from the passenger side with a firearm in his hand and fired at officers,” police said. “Officers from the King City Police Department returned fire striking the suspect.”
The suspect was transported to an area hospital for treatment and is expected to survive. Police did not identify the man, nor a Hispanic female adult who was a passenger in the vehicle and surrendered to police.
None of the involved officers — whose names were also not released — were injured.
Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is now conducting the investigation, which is protocol for an officer-involved shooting.
“King City Police Department would like to thank the community for their continued support,” police said.
Anyone with additional information regarding the robbery is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at 831-385-4848; Sgt. Joshue Partida at 831-386-5988 or jp******@ki******.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.
