Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a man suspected of brutally assaulting another man with a metal pipe and a BB gun before attempting to drown him in the Pajaro River on Monday.
According to Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Andrea Rosas, the assault occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Oct. 26 along the Pajaro River levee near Gonda Street in Pajaro.
The victim, an adult man, was in the riverbed when another man attacked him, striking him multiple times in the head and face with a metal pipe, Rosas said.
The suspect also reportedly shot the victim with a BB gun and attempted to drown him in the river.
The victim sustained injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His condition was not immediately available.
The suspect is described as a Latino man between 30 and 35 years old, standing 5 feet, 3 inches to 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds.
He has short, dark hair, possibly in a crew cut, and was last seen wearing a green shirt and jeans. Rosas said the suspect was reportedly soaking wet when he fled the area.
The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who saw someone matching that description near the river around the time of the assault, or who has information about the suspect’s identity, to call 831-755-5111.
Authorities warned the public not to approach anyone believed to be involved in the assault and to call 911 if they observe an immediate threat.
The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details have been released.
