KRKC COUNTRY

  In the early morning hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle driving through a residential area along the 32000 block of McCoy Road in Soledad. The vehicle was reported to be playing loud music, and deputies were advised the driver may be in possession of a firearm. When the first deputy arrived, the deputy located the vehicle and encountered a subject who was armed with a rifle. During this encounter, the deputy discharged their service weapon, striking the suspect. First aid was immediately provided at the scene, and the suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment of their injuries. The deputy was not injured during the incident. “Any time force is used, it is a serious matter. Our focus remains on the safety of the community, the individuals involved, and our deputies. This incident is now under independent review by the District Attorney’s Office,” stated Monterey County Sheriff ...

  The Monterey County Sheriff Coroner’s Office on Tuesday, December 16 released the identity of the woman found dead in the Salinas Riverbed on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The woman has been identified as 32-year-old Monica Yazaret Almanza Romero of Greenfield. The investigation into the cause of death is pending results of a forensic examination.

An in-progress burglary at a local greenhouse facility on Monday morning, December 15 led to the arrest of 8 adults along with 1 juvenile and the recovery of multiple firearms and a large amount of marijuana. The incident happened at about 3:40 AM at a local cannabis greenhouse facility located on Encinal Road outside of Chualar. About 10 subjects were reported to have broken into the facility and were loading marijuana into 4 vehicles. Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with officers from the Salinas Police Department and California Highway Patrol. Within minutes, all vehicles were located in the area of Encinal Road and Old Stage Road. All vehicles failed to yield to law enforcement. 3 of the 4 vehicles were stopped with multiple persons fleeing the vehicles. One vehicle drove into a field and became stuck while another drove into a ditch. A third vehicle was involved in a collision with CHP and the fourth vehicle was able to get away. 8 adults and 1 juvenile were arr...

  Due to the active lawsuit challenging the County of Monterey’s vacation rental/homestay ordinances, (Monterey County Vacation Rental Alliance v. County of Monterey, Monterey County Superior Court Case No. 24CV004922), the County has suspended from enforcement, without prejudice, two provisions being challenged. This pause will stay in place until such time as the court finishes its analysis and makes an official ruling. The two ordinance provisions that the County will not enforce in both the inland and coastal areas are those that: (1) Are claimed to violate the U.S. Constitution’s Dormant Commerce Clause by treating non-resident property owners differently for homestays; and (2) Are claimed to violate the U.S. and California Constitutions’ Equal Protection Clauses by treating corporate or other non-individual entity owners differently from natural person owners for all types of vacation rentals. Individuals or other entities who believe they were affected by these provisions ma...

  The Monterey Couty Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a body which was found in the Salinas Riverbed on Sunday morning, December 14. At about 9:40 AM a reporting party called in to say that they had located a body. The body of a female was found just outside the Greenfield city limits, in the Salinas Riverbed nearest to the intersection of Elm Avenue and Metz Road. This is an active investigation. The identity of the person located is not being released at this time pending a forensic examination to determine the cause of death.

  On Tuesday night, December 9, 2025, at approximately 9:51 p.m., the King City Police Department (KCPD) was dispatched to the 600 block of Meyer Street following a report of an unknown individual who approached a residence carrying what appeared to be an assault rifle. The resident immediately contacted the King City Police Department to report the incident. The suspect was initially described as a youth wearing hood and dark pants. The suspect's face was hidden by a mask at the time of the incident. Thanks to investigative efforts, including review of the city's video surveillance footage and with the help of the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, the department was able to identify and locate the person considered responsible. Subsequently, the suspect was contacted, arrested and detained on unrelated charges. This case has been referred to the Monterey County Prosecutor's Office for review and possible filing of additional criminal charges related to this incident. A...