GREENFIELD — Greenfield police arrested a Salinas man after investigators determined he was involved in a violent assault that left an 18-year-old Chualar resident with serious head injuries following an underage house party Friday night.
Officers were dispatched at about 10:09 p.m. on Aug. 21 to the 200 block of Bianco Way for a report of a possible gunshot. The investigation later determined a house party advertised on social media, including Snapchat, had taken place in the area, with attendees ranging in age from 15 to 20. Investigators also determined that underage drinking occurred.
Police obtained video showing multiple people repeatedly kicking and stomping an unconscious male in the head and torso while he was lying in the roadway. Investigators believe the victim was also robbed during the assault.
During the initial response, officers contacted Arturo Robles Gonzalez, 18, of Salinas, who was identified as one of the individuals captured in the video. Gonzalez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and robbery.
About 30 minutes after the original call, Soledad police responded to a medical emergency involving an 18-year-old Chualar resident suffering from serious head injuries. Investigators determined he was the victim of the Bianco Way assault. He was taken to a local trauma center for treatment.
Greenfield police said additional people are believed to have participated in the assault and investigators are working to identify them through residential and city camera footage, witness statements and other leads.
“We also know that bystanders recorded the incident on their cellphones. Those videos may provide critical evidence and help investigators identify additional individuals involved,” police said in a news release Saturday.
Police are asking anyone who recorded the assault, events immediately before or after it, or people leaving the area to upload footage through the Greenfield Police Department’s Evidence.com Community Portal at tinyurl.com/5dsawdrb.
“This incident is an important reminder for parents and guardians to know where their children are, who they are with, and what activities they are attending, particularly when parties are organized and shared through social media,” police added.
Investigators are also examining the circumstances surrounding the party, including the involvement of responsible adults and property owners and the underage drinking.
“This remains an active investigation, and additional arrests may follow as officers and detectives identify those responsible,” police said.
Anyone with information about the incident or the identities of those involved is asked to contact the Greenfield Police Department at 831-385-8311.
