Press Release: Woman Reports Being Tied to a Tree at Gunpoint in Pebble Beach
DATE/TIME: 12/4/24 at 4:00 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Woman Reports Being Tied to a Tree at Gunpoint in Pebble Beach –
LOCATION: Pebble Beach, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
A woman in her 40’s reported she was tied to a tree at gunpoint while walking on a wooded trail located in the wooded area between Haul Road and Highway 68.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area at about 9:30 AM after a reporting party called in to say he had been on a walk and came across a woman who was crying and tied to a tree. A second person was also walking in the area and assisted the male in untying the victim from the tree before calling for help.
The victim reported that about 7:30 AM, she was walking on a trail located in a wooded area between Haul Road and Highway 68. She noticed a suspicious male was following her. As the male got close to her, he pulled out a gun and walked her to a nearby tree where he proceeded to tie her up. The male then left on foot. The victim stated she remained tied to the tree until she was found nearly two hours later. She was not injured, assaulted, or robbed.
The victim described the possible suspect as a Hispanic male adult in his 30’s, wearing a green hat and grey sweater. He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck with a word that begins with the letter “Z.”
An extensive search was conducted for the suspect by Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies, Pebble Beach Security and a CalFire Drone Team. The suspect was not located.
Multiple reports of an active shooter began circulating on social media. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office immediately sent out a message via social media and notified local media that no reports of an active shooter or shots being fired were ever made and that these were simply rumors. Nearby Stevenson School was placed on lockdown by their staff. Pebble Beach Company implemented a shelter in place order at their maintenance yard and nearby Poppy Hills area. Both orders were lifted by Stevenson School and Pebble Beach staff upon confirming with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office that there was no active threat to the community.
The Monterey County Sheriff is continuing its investigation into this incident. Anyone with information related to a possible suspect is asked to call in and speak to deputies by calling 831-755-5111. Additionally, we are asking for information in helping to locate a possible witness who was in the area at the time of this incident. She is described as a female wearing black clothing who was walking a large black dog. If you believe you know who she is or how we can get in touch with her, please contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.