Press Release Update: MCSO SWAT Team Arrests Active Shooter Who Killed Over 80 Animals
DATE/TIME: 09/03/24 at 2:30 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Identifies Suspect Who Was Firing Multiple Weapons and Killed Approximately 100 animals in Prunedale-
LOCATION: 16000 block of Avery Lane, Prunedale
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a suspect after he began to randomly fire multiple weapons and killed approximately 80 animals during an approximate 3-hour period.
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.
Various calibers of weapons could be heard being fired in an area that was extremely dark and covered in thick vegetation. This made it difficult for deputies to immediately locate the person or persons responsible for firing the weapons. Assistance was requested from the Monterey County S.W.A.T. team. Drone resources were provided by Seaside Fire Department and Gonzales Police Department. With use of the Drone, and as the sun began to rise, a suspect and what appeared to be a crashed vehicle were observed along the 16000 block of Avery Lane in a vineyard.
Monterey County S.W.A.T. team members approached the suspect in an armored vehicle and began giving commands. They were able to take the suspect into custody without further incident. He was identified as 39-year-old Vicente Joseph Arroyo of Salinas.
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.
Multiple long rifles, shotguns and handguns, including an unlawful assault weapon, were located at the scene along with numerous loaded and empty magazines.
Vicente Joseph Arroyo was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 246.3(a) PC, 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. Bail has been set at $50,000.