KING CITY — A 17-year-old male riding his bicycle in the 500 block of North Third Street in King City was shot multiple times by a group of four to five assailants on Feb. 28 at about 9:30 p.m.
The suspects approached the victim, displayed handguns and opened fire before fleeing the scene on foot heading north, according to King City Police Department.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the shooting and found the victim conscious and alert. He was provided medical assistance at the scene and subsequently transported to Natividad Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
During the investigation, local residents reported suspicious individuals entering backyards, prompting a response from King City Police, Greenfield Police, Soledad Police and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers utilized a drone for aerial searches, which helped locate and detain 20-year-old Adrian Pineda Juarez of Greenfield, along with three male juveniles. The individuals were found in possession of two firearms that matched the type used in the shooting, police said.
Authorities also contacted a fifth suspect at a residence in King City, who was subsequently arrested. The four male juveniles were booked into the Monterey County Juvenile Detention Center, while Juarez was placed into Monterey County Jail.
Charges against the suspects include homicide, conspiracy and involvement in criminal activities associated with a criminal street gang.
“The King City Police Department would like to thank our allied law enforcement partners for their assistance, which resulted in the apprehension and arrest of the suspects,” police said.
Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact KCPD at 831-385-4848; Sgt. Josh Partida at 831-385-4848 or jp******@ki******.com, or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME that accepts anonymous calls.
