Charles Lafferty Sentenced to 15 Years in State Prison for Highway Projectile Incidents in Monterey County

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Tuesday, June 29 that the Honorable Mark E. Hood sentenced 54-year-old Charles Kenneth Lafferty to 15 years in state prison following his guilty pleas to 28 counts of assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer. All of these convictions qualify as strikes under California’s Three Strikes law. The incidents involved Lafferty firing projectiles at numerous vehicles driving on Monterey County highways between February 2019 and January 2020. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested him in Nipomo, California, on January 22, 2020, following a comprehensive investigation into more than 70 incidents of vehicles being struck with unknown objects while driving. He became a suspect when the CHP identified his vehicle at the scene of several reported projectile incidents. A detailed digital forensic analysis linked him to more than 50 of the incidents reported to the CHP. Some incidents were reported days or weeks after the fact, and not all drivers were able to provide the exact date, time, and location for when and where their vehicles were damaged. Six people in the affected vehicles suffered cuts and scrapes as a result of being hit with broken glass. A majority of the drivers and passengers were uninjured. No collisions were reported as a result of these incidents. The two counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer involved Lafferty shooting a marble at two CHP officers in a marked patrol vehicle, who were responding to an earlier projectile incident. Neither officer suffered injuries. After Lafferty’s arrest, he admitted to repeatedly shooting marbles at traffic using a slingshot, but he never provided an exact number of times he did so. During his police interview, Lafferty did not disclose a motive for his actions. Police seized a slingshot, a slingshot replacement band, and 55 marbles from Lafferty’s vehicle the day he was arrested. The extensive investigation was conducted by the CHP Coastal Investigative Services Unit and the CHP Monterey Area, with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. District Attorney’s Office Victim Advocate Martamaria Rosado assisted the many victims.

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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