Monterey County Dispatchers Commended for Exceptional Performance During 2 Critical Search-and-Rescue Incidents in 2025

Monterey County, CA — County of Monterey Emergency Communications Department on December 4 proudly recognized the outstanding actions of Dispatchers Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark, whose professionalism and technical expertise directly contributed to the safe recovery of 2 lost hikers in separate incidents this fall.

On October 18, 2025, Veteran Dispatcher Dawn McNeil received a 9-1-1 call from a young woman who became lost while hiking with her dog in San Lorenzo Park in South Monterey County. Disoriented and increasingly panicked after circling dense brush, the caller sought emergency assistance. McNeil remained calm and reassuring, leveraging RapidSOS technology to accurately determine the caller’s location. Over the course of approximately 13 minutes, she provided step-by-step guidance, safely directing the hiker and her dog back to their vehicle.

In a separate incident on November 4, 2025, at approximately 6 pm Dispatcher Donald Clark managed a 9-1-1 call from a young woman lost in Point Lobos State Park after nightfall. Clark immediately accessed RapidSOS to identify her exact position within the park and stayed on the line for 24 minutes, offering detailed, turn-by-turn instructions. His composed and steady guidance enabled the caller to navigate back to her vehicle safely along the highway.

These incidents highlight exemplary composure, operational skill, and the effective use of advanced location technology. McNeil and Clark’s actions reflect the core mission of the 9-1-1 system: providing calm, professional, and life-saving support in moments of urgent need.

Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark are hereby formally commended for their exceptional performance and exemplary application of technology in the service of public safety.

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King City Man Arrested on January 6 for Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping

According to King City Police Department, on December 30, 2024 a 17-year-old minor female victim reported that she had attended a party on the 100 Block of Bedford Circle on December 24, 2024. During the party, the suspect provided her with alcohol. He then pulled the victim into a bedroom, forcibly removed her clothing and had sexual intercourse with her against her will. This case was investigated by the King City Police Department Investigations Unit which resulted in the apprehension and arrest on January 6, 2025 of the suspect identified as 21-year-old Jesus Oseguera Briseno of King City. Briseno was also booked into the Monterey County Jail charged with Rape, Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with a Minor and Kidnapping. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the King City Police Department at (844) 844-3382; Sergeant Josh Partida (831) 385-4848 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME. Your call may remain completely ano...

Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield. The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding. The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada. Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.

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