CHP Arrests Primary Suspect in Prunedale Projectile Investigation

Salinas, CA…Since February 19, 2019, the California Highway Patrol has investigated 69 incidents of vehicles traveling upon SR-156 and US-101 in the Prunedale area, as well as on SR-156 in San Benito County, being struck by projectiles. In all, five people (4 adults, 1 child) received minor injuries as a result of being struck by glass during these incidents. After an exhaustive and multi-faceted investigation, the CHP has arrested 52-year-old Charles Kenneth Lafferty (DOB 04/21/1967). Mr. Lafferty is currently in custody at the Monterey County Jail on $250,000 bail after being booked by CHP investigators for ten counts of 23110 (b) of California Vehicle Code – Felony Throwing an Object at a Motor Vehicle, ten counts of 245 (a) 1 of the California Penal Code (PC), and one count of 33410 PC – Felony Possession of a Silencer. CHP believes Mr. Lafferty carried out these attacks using a sling shot and glass marbles. And while Mr. Lafferty was in possession of a silencer at the time of his arrest, the CHP does not believe a firearm was used during any of these incidents.

Public safety has always been the CHP’s top priority during this investigation and we are proud to announce to the public about this arrest. We want to thank the public for their patience, as well as the assistance provided by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, as we brought this investigation to a close. Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol, Monterey Area office, at (831) 770-8000. The California Highway Patrol is dedicated to ensuring California is the safest place to live, work, and travel.

*Image courtesy of the Monterey County Jail

**** On behalf of all of us here at Monterey CHP, and the countless investigators who were assigned to this case in one capacity or another, thank you for your patience and support during this investigation. We are confident Mr. Lafferty committed these crimes and that are communities are now safer. We want to especially thank the citizens of Monterey County, and our elected officials, for the tremendous show of support today.

Have a good night California – Captain Kyle Foster