Marina has canceled Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in the wake of a fatal officer-involved-shooting Sunday night.
According to an announcement posted on the Marina Police Department Facebook page, officers conducted a traffic stop in the Marina Heights area near Bluff Drive on Sunday. “During the contact, an officer-involved shooting occurred, and the driver was injured and subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene,” according to the release.
Police said a firearm was seized during the incident and “standard officer-involved shooting protocols were initiated.” The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is conducting the investigation.
“The involved officer(s) were not injured and have been placed on administrative leave,” the release said.
The festivities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day had been scheduled from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the MLK Sculpture Garden by the Marina Library.
“This decision follows a serious incident that occurred (Sunday) in our community,” the city release said. “Out of respect for everyone impacted, and to allow appropriate time and space for the ongoing response, we believe it is in the community’s best interest to pause planned public festivities at this time.”
Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado said in a prepared statement released later in the day, “Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an important day for our residents. Dr. King’s message can guide us during difficult moments to lead with compassion, dignity and unity.
“While we may not be gathering today, we can honor his legacy with our actions and words we choose every day of the year.”
