UPDATED: Marina police officer shoots and kills one person in a traffic stop.

A traffic stop at 4:55pm on Sunday, Jan. 18 in the Marina Heights neighborhood turned fatal when a police officer shot Ronald Tinsley of Seaside, who died at the scene.

The shooting took place in the Marina Heights neighborhood (the area around the Sea Haven housing development) near Bluffs Drive and Marina Heights Drive. Marina police report they recovered a firearm during the incident.

"My prayers and thoughts go to the family," says Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby, who knows Tinsley's family members. "We just want to acknowledge him as a person. His life mattered, no matter how it happened, and those details are to follow."

Details released publicly so far are scarce. The Marina Police Department has placed the one officer involved on administrative leave pending the investigation, as is standard practice. The officer was not injured. 

The Monterey County District Attorney's Office is investigating the shooting. Officials from the DA's Office were not immediately reachable on Monday morning for further information about their investigation.

In an announcement Marina PD stated, "From a human standpoint, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragic incident. We recognize the seriousness of the incident and remain committed to transparency while also protecting the integrity of the investigation."

City leaders followed up with an announcement at 11:20pm on Sunday that they would cancel the Jan. 19 community gathering and celebration scheduled for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19.

"This decision follows a serious incident that occurred today in our community," a statement reads. "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.

"We recognize the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the meaning it holds for Marina. Dr. King’s legacy calls on all of us to lead with compassion, dignity, and unity—especially during difficult moments. While we will not gather as planned, our commitment to honoring that legacy remains unchanged."