While some Salinas residents applauded the actions of a man who shot two robbery suspects on Thursday, killing one, community leaders cautioned that the case was unique and the investigation is still unfolding.
“It raises uncomfortable questions,” said Brian Contreras, director of 2nd Chance Family and Youth Services in Salinas. “But you don’t want to be an armchair quarterback.”
Police have identified the slain teen as Jose Antonio Ceja, 17. Around 6:45 p.m., Thursday, police said, Ceja and another 17-year-old boy held up staff and customers of the Saltillo Tortilleria and Mexican Deli at 1590 N. Sanborn Road, demanding money at gunpoint.
Police said a 36-year-old man outside retrieved a handgun from his car, entered, and shot the two youths. His identity has not been disclosed, but police said he is associated with someone who was inside the deli.
The wounded robbers ran out but were soon driven to a local hospital in a private vehicle. Ceja died that night. The surviving teenager, also 17, underwent surgery and was taken by helicopter to a San Francisco Bay Area trauma hospital. READ MORE …
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