Press Release: MCSO Arrests Subject For Possession of Firearms, Drugs For Sales After Foot Chase Across Highway 101

DATE/TIME: 09/17/24 at 9:30 AM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies Arrest Subject for Possession of Two Firearms and Over 5 Ounces of Controlled Substances for Sales After Traffic Stop and Foot Pursuit across Highway 101-

LOCATION: Highway 101 at Main Street, Salinas

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a subject who led them on a foot chase multiple times across busy Highway 101 after fleeing on foot from a traffic stop. He was found in possession of two firearms, one of which was reported stolen, and over 5 ounces of controlled substances for sales.

On 9/16/24, about 6:30 PM, A Monterey County Sheriff Deputy observed a vehicle enter N/B Highway 101 at John Street and nearly cause a collision. The deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle near Highway 101 and Main Street where he conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as 32-year-old Jose Carlos Garcia of Salinas.

Garcia admitted to deputies on scene that he was in possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. During a search of the vehicle, a bullet was found, and Garcia fled the scene on foot. Garcia ran east across busy Highway 101 as deputies gave chase. He continued north along the highway and then ran west across Highway 101 again where he was taken into custody just south of Laurel Drive.

During a subsequent search of Garcia’s vehicle, Monterey County Sheriff Deputies located two loaded handguns. One of the firearms was confirmed to be reported as stolen. Garcia was confirmed to be a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Also found were multiple types of controlled substances that were packaged for sales and distribution. They included about 2.0 ounces of suspected cocaine, about 3.4 ounces of suspected methamphetamine, and about 4 grams of suspected heroin.

“Our deputies have taken two more guns off the streets of Monterey County and out of the hands of someone that was prohibited from possessing them. These firearms could have easily been used to harm an innocent person. I am grateful that our deputies were not hurt as they chased after this dangerous individual. Our law enforcement professionals continue to face these types of dangers each time they put on the uniform to protect our communities,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto.

Jose Carlos Garcia was ultimately transported to the Monterey County Jail where he was booked for the following felonies and misdemeanors:

PC 29800(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm; HS 11378- Possession for Sales of Methamphetamine; HS 11370.1- Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Loaded Firearm; HS 11351- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell; PC 496(a)-Possession of Stolen Property; HS 11364- Possession of Paraphernalia; PC 25850(a)- Carrying a Loaded firearm; PC 148(a)(1)- Resisting arrest; VC 22107- Unsafe Lane Change. His bail was set at $75,000.