Press Release: Deputies Arrest Two After Observing Reckless Vehicle that Led Them on Vehicle Pursuit
DATE/TIME: 12/10/24 at 9:15 AM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Two Arrested After Deputies Observe Vehicle Doing Burnouts Then Leading Them on Vehicle Pursuit
LOCATION: Castroville, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested a 17-year-old juvenile male driver and his adult passenger after they were observed driving recklessly, doing “burnouts”, and then leading them on a vehicle and foot pursuit.
On December 9th, at about 11:30 PM, deputies were in the area of Ocean Mist Parkway in Castroville when they heard the sound of a vehicle’s squealing tires and loud engine. Deputies began searching for the source of the noise and were able to locate and observe a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed doing “donuts/burnouts.”
Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop and the suspect vehicle immediately fled toward Blackie Road then toward Merritt Street. The suspect failed to yield and continued to flee on Highway 183 towards Salinas. The pursuit ended after a successful intervention by deputies at the intersection of Maple and Abbott Streets in Salinas. The driver and passenger immediately fled on foot and were apprehended within minutes after a short foot pursuit. There were no injuries to deputies or suspects.
The owner of the vehicle involved in this pursuit was contacted and was unaware his vehicle had been stolen. The juvenile driver was transported and booked into juvenile hall for violation of VC 10851-Stolen Vehicle, VC 23103-Reckless Driving, VC 23109(c)-Exhibition of Speed, VC 2800.2(a)- Felony evading, PC 148-Resisting Arrest, PC 245(c)-Assault on an Officer. The adult passenger, identified as Francisco Rodriguez, age 18 of Salinas, was transported and booked into to the Monterey County Jail for violation of PC 148-Resisting Arrest.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office wishes to thank the Salinas Police Department for their assistance in apprehending the two suspects in this incident.