Press Release: MCSO Deputies Assist In Locating Person That Walked Away From Mental Health Facility
DATE/TIME: 3/19/2026 at 3:30 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sherriff Deputies Assist in Locating Subject Who Walked Away From Mental Health Facility
LOCATION: Calle Cebu / E. Rossi Street, Salinass, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office assisted in locating and detaining a subject who walked away from a Salinas Mental Health facility.
On 3/19/26, about 9:45 AM, multiple calls began coming into Monterey County Dispatch of a subject seen in the area of Calle Cebu and Rossi Streets in Salinas. The person was reported to be wearing a Monterey County Jail jumpsuit.
Monterey County Jail staff were immediately notified of a possible jail escape. Jail staff confirmed that all incarcerated persons were present and accounted.
Monterey County Patrol deputies responded to the area where the subject was last seen. Within 7 minutes, deputies were able to locate and detain the subject on East Lake Street.
An investigation determined the subject walked away from a mental health facility and did not escape from the Monterey County Jail. The subject been released from jail custody and transported to a mental health facility at the Natividad Medical Center complex per court order two hours earlier. The subject was not on a mental health hold, and no crime had been committed. The subject was subsequently released at the scene without incident.
Although it turned out to be a misunderstanding, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank everyone that called to report this incident.