The joint investigation into the Christmas Eve officer involved shooting continues.Police released further details.
MAN SHOT BY POLICE; ARMED WITH REPLICA FIREARM (UPDATED)
Modesto, CA – The joint investigation into the Christmas Eve officer involved shooting is continuing. The suspect and officer have been identified.
At about 6:17 pm on Thursday, police responded to the 100 block of McHenry Avenue to investigate a suspect who had displayed a firearm to a citizen in an attempt to try to sell the gun. The call indicated that the suspect walked southbound on McHenry after the encounter.
Two officers were dispatched at about 6:20 pm and one of the officers located a man, matching the description provided by the 9-1-1 caller, on the “J” Street side of the Jack in the Box located at the intersection of “J” Street and 17th Street. During the confrontation Officer Kalani Souza, a 5-year law enforcement veteran, fired his duty weapon multiple times striking the suspect.
During the investigation, detectives recovered what appeared to be a pellet or BB pistol from the sidewalk where the confrontation occurred. The appearance of the pistol is strikingly similar to that of a true handgun. Though the involved officer has not been interviewed yet, the investigation has revealed that the officer gave the suspect verbal commands during the encounter.
The suspect has been identified as Michael Salgardo, a 40-year-old Modesto resident. The initial investigation has revealed that Salgardo has an extensive criminal and mental health history. Detectives also believe Salgardo was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage at the time of the incident. Salgardo remains hospitalized at a local hospital. He is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds to the lower body. No criminal charges have been filed at this time; however future charges are possible as the investigation progresses.
Modesto Police detectives, along with personnel from the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, are investigating the incident. The involved officer remains on paid administrative leave. Both are standard procedures in officer involved shooting incidents. The case remains an active and on-going investigation.
For information about this news release, contact police spokesperson Sergeant Brian Findlen at (209) 652-1386.
Address/Location
Modesto Police Department
600 10th St
Modesto, CA 95354
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-572-9500
Brian Findlen
Office of the Chief of Police
[email protected]
209-652-1386