Family members of OIS suspects call for change in Salinas leadership

Salinas families whose loved ones were killed during recent officer-involved shootings, are calling for change from the top down. On Friday, comments came from both sides as the investigation continues into the four recent cases.

Several people related to the victims in three of this year’s officer-involved shootings said they’re calling for two city leaders to step down. They believe the city is withholding information and now they plan to petition for answers. But city leaders who spoke to NewsChannel 5 don’t believe these people represent the feelings of most residents.

Family members of the three suspects who were killed — Carlos Mejia’s brother, Frank Alvarado’s father and Osman Hernandez’s aunt said they’re all standing behind a petition presented by a group called the Alliance for Respect, Dignity and Justice. The petition calls for Police Chief Kelly McMillin and Mayor Joe Gunter to step down.

“For we can get release the names, we can get together and find out exactly you know what’s behind the police department,” said Frank Alvarado, Sr.

The group plans to ask businesses to sign and put a logo in their front window.

“Those who do support the cause, the demands that we have, they will be given the logo. If not, they will not be given the logo and then in return, those who support the demands that we have set forward will be able to shop at those businesses in support of the demands,” said Jose Ibarra with the Alliance.

Gunter these demands could do more harm than good.

“Just because everybody doesn’t do what you want, you’re going to punish them. That kind of takes away the edge of democracy,” Gunter said.

McMillin said investigators are still working through each case. When finished, they will bring the results to the Monterey County District Attorney’s office for review. Meanwhile, city leaders said they plan to continue efforts to repair community relations and they feel they’ve been making progress.

“We know that we need to keep working and we need the work from them as well, cause each time there’s something different that people want. And you hear different things from different groups,” Gunter said.

The group tried to get Y Delicia’s Bakery, the business closest to where Carlos Mejia was killed, to sign the petition and the business owners declined. The Mejia, Alvarado and Hernandez families have each filed lawsuits against the city.