Update – The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office says it has carried out a search warrant at Arroyo’s residence and associated buildings. As a result, authorities located five long guns, one shotgun, and a handgun. Among those guns include an un-serialized assault rifle and handgun.

MCSO says 15 guns have been seized in total. The number of rounds of ammunition seized is near or above 2,000  rounds. MCSO detectives obtained a bail enhancement. Now, Arroyo is being held on $1 million bail.

Original – The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 39-year-old Vicente Joseph Arroyo of Salinas. MCSO reports that the suspect was arrested after he allegedly began to randomly fire multiple weapons, killing approximately 80 animals during an approximately three-hour period.

Around 3:25 a.m. on September 3, 2024, MCSO received multiple calls of shots being fired. MCSO deputies responded to the scene and could hear shots being fired in the area. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order.

MCSO says various calibers of weapons were fired in an area that was extremely dark and covered in thick vegetation. The location made it difficult for deputies to find the suspect. SWAT and drone resources were provided and used to find the suspect near a crashed vehicle along the 16000 block of Avery Lane in a vineyard.

SWAT members approached the suspect in an armored vehicle while giving commands. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. MCSO says the suspect has been identified as 39-year-old Vicente Joseph Arroyo.

Authorities allege that Arroyo killed approximately 80 animals, including goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens, and miniature horses. Some of the animals survived but needed to be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries.

Authorities say they recovered multiple long rifles, shotguns, and handguns, as well as an unlawful assault weapon. Arroyo is charged with Willful Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence, Cruelty to Animals, Illegal Possession of Assault Weapons, Vandalism, Criminal Threats, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The suspect is being held at the Monterey County Jail with bail set at $50,000.