Press Release: Search Warrant Served on Home of Suspect Who Killed 81 Animals, Multiple Firearms Seized
DATE/TIME: 09/04/24 at 3:00 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Serve Search Warrant and Seize 7 Additional Weapons At Home of Suspect Who Killed 81 Animals. Bail Raised to $1,000,000.00 -
LOCATION: 16000 block of Avery Lane, Prunedale
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives continued the investigation into the arrest of Vicente Joseph Arroyo who was arrested after he began randomly shooting multiple weapons and killed 81 animals during an approximate 3-hour period. Detectives were able to obtain and serve a search warrant for Arroyo’s residence which resulted in the finding of 7 additional firearms and ammunition.
During the service of a search warrant on Arroyo’s residence and associated buildings, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Detectives located 5 long rifles, 1 shotgun and a handgun. Among the firearms seized were an un-serialized assault rifle and handgun, commonly referred to as “ghost guns.” This brings the total number of firearms seized during this investigation to 15. Additional ammunition in varying calibers was also seized bringing the estimated total of rounds of ammunition to near or above 2000 rounds.
On Tuesday September 3rd at about 3:25 AM, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office began receiving multiple calls of numerous shots being fired. Deputies responded to the scene and upon arrival could hear shots continuing to be fired in the area. A shelter in place order was put into effect for a 5-mile radius while deputies searched for the shooter. Monterey County S.W.A.T. team members eventually located and approached Arroyo in an armored vehicle and began giving commands. They were able to take him into custody without further incident.
Once the scene was secured, it was discovered that Arroyo had killed approximately 80 animals including miniature horses, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks and other types of birds. Some animals had survived but were taken by SPCA to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.
After the service of the search warrant on Arroyo’s residence, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “It is without a doubt that the warrant served by our deputies and detectives, which has resulted in the seizure of these additional weapons, has made our community safer. I am confident that we have prevented another tragedy from happening in the future.”
Vicente Joseph Arroyo was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 246.3(a), Willful Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence; 597(a) PC, Cruelty to Animals; 30605(a) PC, Illegal Possession of Assault Weapon; 594(b)(1) PC, Vandalism and 422(a) PC, Criminal Threats; 29800(a)(1), Felon In Possession of a Firearm. Arroyo’s bail was originally set at $50,000, however, Monterey County Sheriff Detectives were able to obtain a bail enhancement. He is now being held at the Monterey County Jail on $1,000,000.00 bail.