MONTEREY – A Carmichael man was arrested after allegedly making threats to shoot protesters near the start line of the Monterey Bay Half Marathon.
Monterey police said 53-year-old Sean Klinger called 9-1-1 just after 7 a.m. on Sunday, and said he was trying to sleep, that there were protesters on Del Monte Avenue and that he was going to shoot them. The caller said he was walking down Park Avenue with an AR-style rifle and mentioned the marathon before hanging up.
Dispatchers and officers attempted to call the man back, but he did not answer. At the time, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon had just begun.
Monterey police redirected resources to investigate the threat and locate the caller, while trying to maintain safety along the race route. Investigators soon identified a possible suspect who was not from the Monterey area. Using the department’s Automated License Plate Reader camera system, officers located the suspect’s unoccupied vehicle on Park Avenue at about 7:42 a.m.
By 9 a.m., police detained Klinger at a nearby residence.
Police said Klinger admitted to making the call and threat. A handgun was found at the residence, and Klinger was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats. Police requested a bail enhancement to $250,000.
Investigators later learned that Klinger owned several firearms stored at his home in Carmichael. That evening, Monterey police obtained a Gun Violence Restraining Order and a search warrant for his residence. With assistance from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, officers seized multiple firearms, including three illegal assault rifles.
Klinger faces additional charges in Sacramento County for possession of assault rifles. The case remains under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lt. Ethan Andrews at (831) 646-3822. Anonymous tips can be left at (831) 646-3840.