SALINAS — The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office released a preliminary report Thursday regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Marina on Sunday and resulted in the death of a man following a traffic stop.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, the shooting occurred at approximately 4:56 p.m. in the Marina Heights area. Marina Police Officer Shivdev Dhillon initiated a traffic stop after observing a van without a front license plate and expired registration tags.
Dhillon reportedly recognized the driver, Ronald Tinsley, from prior arrests and ongoing court cases, including a felony domestic violence case and a felon in possession of ammunition case. The District Attorney’s office said court records showed Tinsley was prohibited from contacting the victim from the domestic violence case and from possessing firearms.
During the traffic stop, Dhillon asked Tinsley to exit the vehicle, reportedly due to safety concerns. Prosecutors said Tinsley initially failed to comply and resisted. As Dhillon attempted to turn off the vehicle, Tinsley accelerated, pulling the officer inside the van.
The van traveled approximately 300 feet before striking an embankment and coming to a stop. During the incident, prosecutors said Tinsley repeatedly struck Dhillon in the head while the officer attempted to gain control of the vehicle.
After the van stopped, Dhillon reported that Tinsley grabbed an object wrapped in cloth that was later identified as a revolver. Dhillon and responding Officer Zachary Seivers both said they feared for their lives. At 4:56 p.m., Dhillon and Seivers each fired one round. One round struck Tinsley.
The District Attorney’s Office reported that officers began rendering medical aid, and paramedics arrived shortly after. Tinsley was pronounced dead at the scene.
An autopsy conducted Wednesday determined that Tinsley died from a single gunshot wound that entered his left posterior shoulder and traveled through his aorta. Investigators determined the fatal round was fired from Dhillon’s firearm. The revolver recovered from Tinsley was loaded, operational and unregistered.
A bindle of methamphetamine was found in Tinsley’s pocket. Toxicology results are pending.
The District Attorney’s Office stated the investigation remains ongoing and said no further comment will be made until its conclusion.
