In the early hours of December 16, 2025, deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle in the 32000 block of McCoy Road in Soledad, California. The vehicle was reportedly playing loud music, and there were concerns that the driver might be armed.
Upon arrival, a deputy located the vehicle and encountered an individual carrying a rifle. During this interaction, the deputy fired their service weapon and struck the suspect. The suspect received immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The deputy involved was not injured.
Sheriff Tina Nieto addressed the incident, stating: “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,” she said. “We will continue to cooperate fully while respecting the integrity of the investigation.”
The Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit and Internal Affairs investigators responded to assist with evidence collection and internal review processes. Video evidence related to what occurred has been secured and submitted to the District Attorney’s Office as part of their ongoing investigation.
At this stage in proceedings, no further information has been released due to investigative protocols.
