🔥TIMBER FIRE 🔥 🚨CONTINUOUS INCIDENT UPDATES ‼️ Get the latest information on fire conditions, evacuations, and road closures. Visit the following link for the latest fire incident and multi-agency social media updates. linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU?utm_s… — 🔥 INCENDIO TIMBER 🔥
🚨 ACTUALIZACIONES CONTINUAS DEL INCIDENTE ‼️ Obtenga la información más reciente sobre las condiciones del incendio, evacuaciones, y cierres de carreteras. Visite el siguiente enlace para consultar la información más reciente sobre el incendio y las actualizaciones en redes sociales de las distintas agencias participantes. linktr.ee/CAL_FIRE_BEU?utm_s… #SheriffTinaNieto #TimberFire #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Jail Has Been Placed on Lockdown - The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has placed the Monterey County Jail on lockdown. Effective immediately, the Monterey County Jail is not accepting any new bookings, all inmate releases have been temporarily suspended, and the facility is closed to all public visitation, with the exception of attorneys visiting their clients. These temporary measures are being implemented out of an abundance of caution to ensure everybody’s safety. Our priority remains maintaining a safe environment for everyone in and around the jail facility. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is sharing this information just released by the @SalinasPD 🚨 WANTED SUSPECT – MAY BE ARMED AND DANGEROUS 🚨 On October 18, a shooting occurred in the 600 block of Fremont Street, leaving a victim fighting for his life. What happened that night has forever impacted a family, and they deserve answers, accountability, and justice. Through their investigation, Salinas Police Detectives have identified 18-year-old Ivan Anaya Melgoza as the suspect. Ivan Mondoza is wanted for attempted murder and gang-related offenses. He is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you know the suspect’s whereabouts or have information that could lead to his arrest, please contact: 📞 Detective Miller: 831-758-7954 📞 Anonymous Tip Line: 831-775-4222

PRESS RELEASE - Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains - Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Detectives are investigating the discovery of human remains in the Salinas Riverbed near King City. The remains were found on Friday October 23rd, 2026. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, investigators have not yet been able to determine the identity or sex of the decedent. A forensic examination has been scheduled in an attempt to determine the circumstances surrounding the death. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 755-5111. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS RELEASE - Sheriff’s Office Seeking Attempted Murder Suspect Following Assault Along Pajaro River Levee - The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an assault that occurred on Monday, October 26, 2026, at approximately 5:30 p.m., along the Pajaro River levee near Gonda Street in the community of Pajaro. According to preliminary information, an adult male victim was assaulted by another male in the Pajaro Riverbed. During the attack, the suspect reportedly struck the victim multiple times in the head and face with a metal pipe, shot him with a BB gun, and attempted to drown him in the river. The victim sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The suspect is described as a Hispanic adult male, approximately 30 to 35 years of age, 5-03 to 5-04, and weighing approximately 130 pounds. He has short, dark-colored hair, possibly in a crew cut. The suspect was reportedly wearing a green shirt and jeans. He was also described as being soaking wet when he fled the area. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the suspect. Anyone who may have seen an individual matching this description in the area around the time of the incident, or who has information regarding the possible identity of the suspect, is encouraged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 755-5111. Members of the public are advised not to approach anyone they believe may be involved in this incident and to call 911 if they observe an immediate threat. This remains an active investigation, and no additional details are available for release at this time. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is aware of photographs and videos circulating on social media depicting what appears to be activity involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Constitution Boulevard in the City of Salinas, in the area behind the Monterey County Jail. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Monterey County Jail were not notified of this activity by federal authorities. It is important to note that federal law enforcement agencies are not required to notify our office when conducting independent enforcement operations within our jurisdiction. At this time, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is unable to verify any specific details regarding the reported activity, including the identity of those involved or the nature and purpose of the activity. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to complying with California law, including the California Values Act (SB 54) and the TRUTH Act, which establish requirements and limitations regarding local law enforcement interactions with federal immigration authorities. Anyone seeking additional information regarding this reported activity is encouraged to contact the appropriate federal agency directly. Espanol: La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey tiene conocimiento de fotografías y videos que circulan en las redes sociales y que muestran lo que aparenta ser actividad de agentes del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de los Estados Unidos (ICE) en Constitution Boulevard, en la ciudad de Salinas, en el área detrás de la Cárcel del Condado de Monterey. La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey y la Cárcel del Condado de Monterey no fueron notificadas de esta actividad por las autoridades federales. Es importante señalar que las agencias federales del orden público no están obligadas a notificar a nuestra oficina cuando realizan operativos independientes dentro de nuestra jurisdicción. Por el momento, la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey no ha podido verificar detalles específicos sobre la actividad reportada, incluyendo la identidad de las personas involucradas, así como la naturaleza y el propósito de dicha actividad. La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey mantiene su compromiso de cumplir con las leyes de California, incluyendo la Ley de Valores de California (SB 54) y la Ley TRUTH, las cuales establecen requisitos y limitaciones relacionados con las interacciones entre las agencias locales del orden público y las autoridades federales de inmigración. Se recomienda a cualquier persona que desee obtener información adicional sobre la actividad reportada que se comunique directamente con la agencia federal correspondiente.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Arturo Salgado and the Sheriff’s Office Drone Program were each recognized with a Certificate of Excellence during the 37th Annual Totally Trauma Conference, held October 19–20, 2026, in Monterey, California. The Bay Area Trauma Education Consortium presented the awards in recognition of their contributions to emergency response and trauma care. Sergeant Steve Nottingham joined Deputy Salgado to receive the certificates. Deputy Salgado’s individual recognition stems from a December 20, 2025, incident involving an adult male experiencing a mental health crisis who sustained multiple life-threatening, self-inflicted injuries. Deputy Salgado, an FAA-certified drone pilot, responded with other deputies and deployed a drone equipped with thermal imaging capabilities. After approximately 45 minutes of searching, Deputy Salgado located the injured man and directed responding deputies to his location. Deputies were then able to reach the man and move him to a waiting ambulance for emergency medical care. Scott Weyland, a hospital nurse practitioner III, credited Deputy Salgado’s quick response, the use of the drone, and the combined efforts of responding deputies with saving the man’s life. “We are extremely proud of Deputy Salgado and the personnel assigned to our Drone Program for receiving this recognition,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina M. Nieto, “Their actions demonstrate the importance of training, teamwork, and dedication when responding to emergencies. I want to thank Deputy Salgado and all the responding deputies whose efforts helped save a life.” #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS RELEASE - Salinas Man Arrested for Attempted Murder Following Stabbing Investigation - On October 16, 2026, just before 3:00 PM. deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and Salinas PD Officers were dispatched to a possible stabbing along the 260 block of San Juan Grade Road in the unincorporated area of Salinas. Deputies located a victim who was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Suspect information was broadcast to local law enforcement agencies including a vehicle description. At about 4:00 PM, a California Highway Patrol Officer spotted the vehicle, and a high-risk traffic stop was conducted at 11 Station Place in Salinas. The suspect was safely taken into custody. There were two children in the vehicle who were unharmed. "This arrest demonstrates the strength of our law enforcement partnerships. I want to thank the California Highway Patrol and Salinas Police Department for their swift response to information provided by our deputies as they continued their investigation. This coordinated effort reflects our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe," said Sheriff Tina M. Nieto. 24-year-old Jossue Salinas Escobar of Salinas will be booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 664-187 PC, Attempted Murder and 273a(a) PC, Child Endangerment. This is an active investigation and no further information is available at this time. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS RELEASE - 38-Year-Old Arizona Man Dies Following Multi-Agency Search and Rescue Efforts at Sand Dollar Beach - On October 13, 2026, just after 1:00 P.M. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, along with fire and ambulance personnel, responded to Sand Dollar Beach, located at 69000 block of Highway 1 along the South Monterey County coastline, for a report of a missing adult scuba diver. A large-scale, multi-agency response was initiated, including personnel from Big Sur Fire, Cambria Ambulance, California State Parks Lifeguards, the U.S. Forest Service, and a U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter. Once first responders arrived on scene, it was learned that the missing person was a swimmer and not a scuba diver. Upon initial search, a lifeguard was deployed in the water near the last point seen, and additional personnel searched the nearby shoreline. The missing adult male was located near the rocky coastline on the south end of Sand Dollar Beach. The male was unresponsive, and life-saving measures were administered. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter hoisted the individual from the rocky coastline and transferred him to awaiting ambulance personnel for further medical care. Despite life-saving efforts, the male did not survive and was pronounced deceased. The decedent has been identified by the Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner as 38-year-old Trevor Valentine of Casa Grande, Arizona. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office extends its condolences to the Valentine family and all those affected by the loss. No further information is available at this time. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Pink Patches for Pink October! 💗🎗️ This October, you may notice a little more pink around Monterey County Sheriff’s Office! In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, our deputies and professional staff are showing their support. You may see deputies wearing our special pink Sheriff’s patches, pink T-shirts under their uniforms, or carrying pink ribbon pins throughout the month. It serves as a reminder of the importance of breast cancer awareness, early detection, research, and the continued effort to find better treatments and a cure. We wear pink in support. We wear pink in remembrance. We wear pink for hope. Cancer has affected the lives of so many people in our community, including our own families, friends, coworkers, and loved ones. Wearing pink is a small but meaningful way for our team to support those currently fighting, to celebrate survivors, and to honor those we have lost. We stand in solidarity with everyone affected by breast cancer and all other forms of cancer. So, when you see a little more pink around Monterey County Sheriff’s Office this month, know there is a special meaning behind it. #SheriffTinaNieto #PinkPatch #MontereySheriff #PinkOctober #BreastCancerAwareness

Winter Storm Advisory - Statement Sheriff Tina Nieto To sign up for alerts, visit AlertMRY.org #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO VIDEO LINK: instagram.com/reel/DeS1zYVJn…

Sheriff's Office Press Release - October 8th,2026 xitter.cf/i/broadcasts/1qxvveaXn…

Timber Fire: Evacuation Updates TIMBER FIRE: The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is lifting Evacuation Warnings for the following zones and returning the status to normal: MRY-D082, MRY-F015-B, MRY-F015-C, and MRY-F023-B. See map: AlertMRY.org/Map More info: AlertMRY.org — Incendio Timber: Actualizaciones de Evacuación INCENDIO TIMBER: La Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey está cancelando las Advertencias de Evacuación para las siguientes zonas y regresando su estatus a normal: MRY-D082, MRY-F015-B, MRY-F015-C y MRY-F023-B. Consulte el mapa: AlertMRY.org/Map Más información: AlertMRY.org #SheriffTinaNieto #TimberFire #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS CONFERENCE - Baby Angelita Investigation - The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office will hold a press conference regarding the recent arrest of Sergio Galvez Perez in Mexico and the efforts coordinated exclusively between the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mexican Authorities to conduct a rescue operation involving his 14-year-old daughter. The circumstances involving both individuals are part of the ongoing investigation into the death of Baby Angelita, who was found deceased on Struve Road in Monterey County on August 1, 2026. Date: Thursday, October 8th, 2026 Time: 2:00 P.M. Scheduled Speakers: • Monterey County Sheriff • Lead MCSO Investigator • FBI Special Agent in Charge The press conference will provide additional information regarding the investigation, the efforts to locate and rescue the 14-year-old, and the arrest of Sergio Galvez Perez. The press conference will be livestreamed on the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Facebook social media platform. facebook.com/MontereyCountyS… #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO #PressConference

PRESS RELEASE - MADCAT Operation Leads to Stolen Vehicle Arrest in Salinas - On October 5, 2026, at approximately 9:30 p.m., members of the Monterey County Multi-Agency Detail Combatting Auto Theft (MADCAT) observed Brady Sabat, 46, of San Jose, driving a stolen vehicle near the 1000 block of Main Street in the City of Salinas. Deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Bureau conducted a traffic stop and took Sabat into custody without incident. Sabat was booked into the Monterey County Jail for possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. The arrest is the latest result of ongoing MADCAT operations focused on identifying and recovering stolen vehicles and holding individuals involved in vehicle theft and related crimes accountable. MADCAT is a multi-agency effort currently staffed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Greenfield Police Department, with assistance from partner agencies including the Salinas Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. The collaboration allows participating agencies to share personnel and resources while conducting proactive vehicle theft investigations throughout Monterey County. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Through the first nine months of this year, MADCAT has recovered 133 stolen vehicles valued at more than $1.5 million and made 26 arrests. These results reflect the outstanding work of those assigned to the team and our partner agencies. Their efforts send a clear message to auto thieves that Monterey County is not the place to steal vehicles.” Recoveries this year have included passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, trailers, and heavy equipment including those associated with our local agriculture industry. Suspects have been booked on charges, including vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, and related offenses. Brady Sabat is currently booked at the Monterey County Jail and is being held on $30,000.00 bail. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

PRESS RELEASE - Sacramento Man Arrested After Loaded Unserialized Firearm Found During Traffic Stop - On October 4, 2026, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on Harkins Road, just west of Abbott Street, in unincorporated Monterey County. The driver was identified as 33-year-old Gerardo Rubio of Sacramento. A six-year-old child was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. A Salinas Police Department narcotics and firearms detection K-9 was called to the scene and alerted deputies to the possible presence of contraband in the vehicle. During a subsequent search, deputies located a loaded black Ruger handgun concealed in a sweater inside a shopping bag in the bed of the pickup truck. The firearm had no serial number, and its magazine contained 10 live .45-caliber rounds. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “This is another example of how collaboration between law enforcement agencies makes our communities safer. We appreciate the assistance of the Salinas Police Department and their K-9 Rex. By working together and sharing resources, we can continue our efforts to get illegal guns off our streets and help keep our communities safe.” Rubio was arrested and booked into Monterey County Jail. The case was forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office with the following recommended charges: PC 25850(a), Carrying a loaded firearm PC 25400(a)(1), Carrying a concealed firearm PC 23920, Possession of a firearm without a serial number PC 273a(a), Child endangerment The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office thanks the Salinas Police Department for its assistance during this investigation. #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA - Ofelia Garcia Ortega, madre de la joven de 14 años en la investigación de Baby Angelita, es arrestada - Detectives de la Oficina del Alguacil del Condado de Monterey arrestaron a Ofelia Garcia Ortega, de 36 años de edad. Los detectives acudieron al Tribunal Superior en Salinas, donde pudieron ejecutar una orden de arresto contra Garcia Ortega que había sido emitida ese mismo día. Los detectives la detuvieron sin incidentes aproximadamente a las 2:45 p.m. del 6 de octubre de 2026. El arresto se deriva de cargos presentados por la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Monterey tras una investigación sobre las circunstancias relacionadas con la muerte de Baby Angelita, quien fue encontrada sin vida el 1 de agosto de 2026 a un costado de una carretera cerca de un campo agrícola en el norte del Condado de Monterey. Según la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito, la investigación también examinó la conducta de Garcia Ortega relacionada con su hija de 14 años. Los investigadores determinaron que Garcia Ortega presuntamente puso a trabajar a su hija en campos agrícolas a los 13 años utilizando documentación falsificada, le permitió conducir sin licencia y permitió que permaneciera completamente fuera de la escuela. Garcia Ortega ha sido acusada de dos cargos graves por violación de la sección 470(b) del Código Penal de California, por exhibir o poseer una tarjeta de identificación falsificada; un cargo menor por violación de la sección 273a(b) del Código Penal, por permitir que una menor sufriera o estuviera en peligro; y un cargo menor por violación de la sección 272 del Código Penal, por contribuir a la delincuencia de una menor. Garcia Ortega será ingresada en la Cárcel del Condado de Monterey. Este caso continúa bajo investigación.

Congratulations to Class SB #189 on graduating from South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Academy! 🚓🎉 Please join Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in welcoming six new deputies! Each Academy class produces exceptional students who have the opportunity to earn four of the highest achievements. A special congratulations to two deputies from Monterey County Sheriff’s Office who excelled in their studies, earning individual recognition awards for their accomplishments. The Dr. Susan Oliviera Leadership Award is named in honor of South Bay’s first executive director, who is and was a leading pioneer in the field of law enforcement education. Dr. Susan Oliviera presented this award to one of our deputies, who is an individual who exemplified outstanding leadership qualities, including integrity, commitment, teamwork, and the highest levels of self-initiative. The Outstanding Practical Achievement Award is awarded for excellence with Academy and POST Physical Training Tests, Scenario Testing, and techniques involving Arrest and Control, Firearms, and Driving. Wishing Class SB #189 continued success as they begin their next chapter in their law enforcement careers! #SheriffTinaNieto #MontereySheriff #MCSO instagram.com/p/DeAuYgqHVJh/…